How to succeed in the music industry is likely a question you have already wondered about. After helping thousands of students achieve their music production dreams, there are 12 key steps I’ve identified that separate successful music producers from those who struggle. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level-up your career, these habits will help you move forward faster and smarter.
1. Find Your FIRE Goal
Your FIRE goal is your ultimate dream in music — the thing that gets you excited to wake up and create. It might involve touring the world, releasing an album, or working as a full-time producer. Be as specific as possible and write it down somewhere visible. This keeps you motivated when challenges arise.
Also, think about why you want it. Passion isn’t just love — it’s love and hate combined. Maybe you love creating music but hate the idea of never giving it a real shot. That emotional mix fuels persistence and drives you to make things happen.
2. Commit Fully
Once you know your dream, commit to it completely. Every successful producer has faced setbacks — lack of money, limited connections, or technical challenges. But when you truly commit, you’ll always find a way around those obstacles.
3. Choose Your Genre
If you love many styles, it’s tempting to experiment endlessly. However, progress occurs more quickly when you focus on a single genre. When I focused on house music, my growth accelerated. Look at your playlists — what genre excites you most? That’s probably where your heart (and best progress) lies.
4. Music First, Marketing Later
Before worrying about social media or branding, focus on making great music. Study top producers and labels in your chosen genre. Analyze what makes their tracks work. Only once your music stands up next to theirs should you start releasing and promoting it.
Tip: It’s fine to have some social media presence, but don’t let it distract you from improving your craft.
5. Set SMART Sub-Goals
If your dream is huge (like touring with David Guetta), break it down into achievable sub-goals. Maybe it’s getting signed to a smaller label or finishing one track each month. These smaller wins keep you motivated and build momentum. Oh, and by the way, there is a reason why those goals are called “SMART” sub-goals; it stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals
6. Focus on Process-Based Goals
Instead of focusing on external outcomes (like getting signed), focus on what you can control — such as producing 10 hours a week or finishing 12 tracks this year. These process goals lead naturally to results while keeping you consistent and confident.
7. Take Regular Action
Schedule your studio time like it’s a job. Even five to ten hours a week can make a massive difference. Consistency compounds over time — it’s better to work regularly than in short, intense bursts.
8. Self-Analyze and Improve
After finishing each track, compare it to professional releases. Identify your weak spots — melody, sound design, mixing, or arrangement — and work to improve them. Organize your samples, learn your DAW shortcuts, and keep your tools tidy so you can create efficiently.
9. Seek Mentorship and Feedback
Effort alone isn’t enough — you need direction. A good mentor or coach can save you years of trial and error. They’ll point out blind spots, keep you accountable, and help you stay motivated when things get tough. Honest feedback is priceless and a key ingredient when you want to succeed in the music industry.
10. Build Your Community
Every opportunity in the music industry comes from people. Connect with other producers, DJs, and promoters in your genre. Offer help, share tracks, and be part of the conversation. You never know which relationship will lead to your next big break.
11. Don’t Take Things Personally
Not everyone will like your music — and that’s okay. Seek constructive feedback from people who understand your genre. Learn to separate criticism of your work from criticism of yourself. That’s how you grow as a professional.
12. Show Up and Never Give Up
This is the ultimate rule. Keep learning, keep improving, and never quit. Every successful artist you admire has one thing in common: persistence. If you don’t stop, you can’t fail.
Bonus Tip: Understand the Industry to be successful in it
If you want to succeed in the music industry and also make money from it, learn how the industry works. Research labels, publishers, and licensing opportunities. The more you understand the business side, the better you can navigate it and seize opportunities.
How to Succeed in the Music Industry – Final Thoughts
Success in the music industry doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about consistent action, smart goal-setting, and a genuine love for the process. Focus on building meaningful connections, staying committed to your vision, and most importantly, improving your production quality.
If you need a little help with that, then check out this article below that leads you to a perfect mix in just five steps:
https://edmtips.com/5-steps-to-a-perfect-mix-every-time/
Want to Take Your Music to the Next Level?
That’s exactly what we help producers with in the EDM Tips Accelerator Program.
It’s our high-level coaching program designed to help producers like you finish professional-quality tracks faster — with personal feedback, expert guidance, and a proven system used by students who are now releasing on top labels and touring the world, accruing hundreds of millions of streams with their music.
