Are you feeling stuck in your music career and looking to become more proactive? If so, it’s important to stop setting unattainable goals and start setting trackable, actionable, and achievable ones. The past two years have been particularly challenging for musicians and industry professionals, especially those in the touring sector, leaving many feeling uncertain about their careers.
This is especially true for emerging artists, who may feel frustrated and question their path in music. The Nigerian music industry has seen many talented artists come to the forefront, but with the ever-changing dynamics of the industry, it’s easy to lose your creative spark. In this post, we’ll be sharing the top 15 ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria, helping you stay motivated and passionate about your craft.
If you’re doubting your music career or need an extra hit of motivation, take a look at these ideas to reignite your passion and overcome creative ruts. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, these strategies can help you progress and succeed in this unconventional industry.
As a digital entertainment platform with a focus on promoting African music and podcasts, Naijatastic is the perfect platform to share the top fifteen ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria. Naijatastic’s support for the Afro music movement and commitment to helping artists grow their audience makes us an invaluable resource for those looking to take their music career to the next level.
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Here are ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria:
1. Stay true to your passion
When it comes to avoiding feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria, it’s crucial to remain authentic and true to your values, rather than compromising them for the sake of fame or fortune. Given the challenges that come with navigating the music industry, it’s all too easy to get swept up in current trends and lose sight of your genuine self.
As a Nigerian musician, your music should represent your cultural roots and unique identity. By staying committed to your passion and staying true to yourself, you can ensure that your music will endure and remain relevant over time.
2. You need to find your why
Discovering ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria can be achieved by identifying your ‘why’. This refers to a bigger reason for pursuing your passion beyond personal gains.
It could be a desire to inspire others, to be an example of possibilities for minorities and communities with limited representation, or to enjoy the lifestyle of a musician. Your ‘why’ can provide a source of motivation when times are tough, connect you with your audience, and guide your personal values as an artist.
It can influence your lyrics, branding, goal setting, and team selection. While it may not always be necessary to share your ‘why’ publicly, it serves as a foundation for your music career and offers a sense of purpose beyond yourself. If you are feeling stuck, revisiting your ‘why’ can help reignite your passion and drive.
3. Focus on what you can control
There are several ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria, especially when external factors seem to put a halt to your plans. For many musicians worldwide, recent events have caused touring plans to be put on hold, which can be emotionally draining, particularly for those who rely on live performances for exposure and career growth.
However, focusing on career moves that are within your control can help you push through these challenging times. One effective approach is to concentrate on activities such as writing, recording, and planning for a total rebranding during periods of downtime.
Setting goals and establishing timelines for the release of singles and EPs can help create a sense of progress, even when live performances are not possible. Additionally, learning new skills that can help you in the long run can be a great way to keep moving forward during challenging times.
4. Find passions and hobbies outside of music
Discovering ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria can be challenging, especially when your passion for music is deeply rooted in your DNA. However, it’s crucial to realize that your identity and lifestyle don’t have to be exclusively linked to music. Pursuing a musical path can be demanding, consuming much of your time and resources, making it difficult to consider other options.
One of the most significant mistakes that musicians make is associating their whole being with music. But during moments of burnout or uncertainty about your music career, taking a break is okay. You can also explore other hobbies and interests to ground yourself in day-to-day activities.
Engaging in physical activities such as sports, exercise, or cooking, learning a new language or skills, or embracing spirituality through yoga or meditation can be helpful. All these pursuits will help you escape from your thoughts, focus on your body, or develop other areas of your life, allowing you to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria.
5. Surround yourself with like-minded people
Discovering ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria can be challenging, but building relationships and networking are crucial. Your surroundings play a significant role in shaping your mindset and ultimately, your success.
If you aspire to build a career in music, it is essential to surround yourself with motivated and like-minded individuals who share similar objectives. Being part of a supportive community of individuals with the same goals can be inspiring, and it can help make achieving your milestones more attainable. If you don’t have a network of like-minded people around you, you can find them in various ways.
Joining Facebook Groups or music industry courses with a community aspect can be a great way to connect and support others on a similar journey. Additionally, attending live events and networking with industry professionals in your area can also help you meet new people and expand your connections.
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6. Network and collaborate
When it comes to finding ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria, collaboration is a key factor that can’t be overlooked. Building a network of industry professionals who can help you grow your career is crucial.
To do so, attending music events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other artists, producers, and managers can be incredibly beneficial. Collaborating with other artists can also provide you with new perspectives, skills, and exposure. Working with established artists can even open up new opportunities and help you expand your fan base.
By pooling your resources and talents, you can create something unique and exciting that can take your career to new heights. Therefore, building relationships and collaborating with other music industry professionals is an essential way to keep moving forward and avoid getting stuck in your music career.
7. Invest in Your Music Education
Finding ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria is crucial, and investing in your music education can be a significant step towards achieving your goals. By taking music classes, attending workshops and seminars, and enrolling in online courses, you can stay ahead of the competition and improve your skills.
Learning new skills and techniques can help you create unique and innovative music that sets you apart from others in the industry. It can also help you stay relevant and adaptable to changes in the music industry. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the complexities of the music industry and succeed in your career. Therefore, investing in your music education is a valuable way to stay motivated and keep growing as a musician.
8. Assess what you really want
Discovering ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria can be challenging, but having a clear direction of what you want to achieve is crucial. It’s not uncommon to feel dispirited at work when we don’t have a sense of accomplishment. Similarly, if our goals are shifting, and we haven’t recognized that or taken further steps to attain them, we may feel stuck.
One effective way to avoid this feeling is to take a moment to think about your career’s true purpose and what you want to achieve. Dream big and be specific, rather than just saying, “I want to make music full time.”
Once you have a clear goal in mind, take a few steps back and consider a few small goals that are achievable within the coming months. By realigning yourself with your goals, you’ll be able to see better progress in your profession. This approach will help you avoid feeling stuck and give you a sense of purpose and direction.
9. Map out what you need to get there
When it comes to envisioning your music career, simply listing “full-time music” as your ultimate goal is not enough. It is crucial to set achievable one, three, and six-month goals that will help you identify and work towards your larger purpose.
For instance, you can start by connecting with five bands in your area as your one-month objective. Then, your three-month goal could be to book a local show with a relatively well-known band in your city to gain more live show experience and get in front of more fans.
As you continue to build your connections and fanbase, your six-month goal might be to book a weekend or week-long tour in your state. By taking these steps, you’ll be making tangible progress towards your ultimate goal of making music full-time. It’s essential to celebrate your successes along the way, so you can see the results and the progress you’ve made.
10. Create a brand identity
If you want to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria, it’s crucial to establish a strong brand identity that sets you apart from other artists in the industry. To achieve this, you should focus on creating a unique brand identity that aligns with your music style and resonates with your audience.
One effective way to do this is by investing in quality branding, which includes designing a compelling logo, developing an engaging website, and maintaining an active social media presence. By crafting a distinctive image and sound that distinguishes you from other musicians, you can build a dedicated fan base and establish a successful music career.
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11. Embrace technology
There are various ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria. One effective approach is to stay abreast of the latest trends and tools in the industry, particularly with regards to technology.
Utilizing social media platforms can be a great way to promote your music, engage with your fans, and establish your brand. Additionally, it’s crucial to leverage digital distribution platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music to expand your reach and get your music out to a wider audience.
To achieve success in the Nigerian music scene, consider using Naijatastic, a platform that provides different plans and features to help you build a strong fan base and establish a successful music career.
12. Change up your routine
There are various ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria. Often, we fall into monotonous routines that can sap our creativity and motivation. Have you ever noticed that your best ideas come to you when you’re relaxed, such as when you’re in the shower, about to sleep, or on vacation?
This is because your brain is free to find new inspiration and ideas without the distractions of a busy schedule. To break out of this rut, consider making simple changes to your daily routine. For instance, try working from a coffee shop instead of your home or modifying your desk space. Doing something different on the weekend, even if it’s not music-related, can also help reinvigorate your creativity.
Although it may be difficult at first, try to switch up your routine periodically. Adapting to new environments and situations can require constant effort, but it is also a fun way to keep your creativity flowing. By exploring different ways of doing things, you can avoid feeling stuck and discover new opportunities for growth and inspiration in your music career.
13. Do something new with your music
In Nigeria’s music industry, there are various ways to prevent feeling stuck in your career. One effective approach is to venture into new things, just as experiencing something for the first time keeps you motivated and active.
You can achieve this by either altering your music style if it no longer excites you or fails to connect with your audience, or by changing the supporting elements. Consider your music career as a sandbox, where you can explore and experiment with diverse ideas instead of constructing the same thing repeatedly. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun.
14. Stay current with industry trends
In Nigeria’s music industry, keeping up with the latest trends and changes is one of the ways to avoid feeling stuck in your music career. It is crucial to follow industry blogs and publications, attend music conferences and events, and maintain connections with industry professionals. Staying up-to-date with the latest developments can assist you in identifying new prospects, staying current, and producing music that resonates with your audience.
15. Stay open to change
To avoid feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria, it’s crucial to be adaptable since change is constant in the music industry and our lives. The ability to pivot and recognize when something isn’t working is essential. It’s normal for our goals to change over time, and we must adapt to these changes.
For instance, ten years ago, you may have desired to tour full-time, but now you have a family you don’t want to leave behind. Thus, you have to adjust your music career goals to suit your current lifestyle. It doesn’t imply that you can’t pursue music full-time; rather, you have to adapt and work around your new schedule.
Besides, it’s critical to learn to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Be receptive to new ideas, flexible, and willing to try new things. Learning to adapt can help you navigate the industry’s ups and downs and remain focused on achieving your goals.
Take a look at the ways on how to build momentum and overcome self doubt as a Nigerian musician, as well as the most amazing tips on how to build a strong music fanbase in Nigeria!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the challenges faced by musicians in Nigeria?
The Nigerian music industry has faced challenges in the past few years, particularly in the touring sector, due to the recent happenings. Emerging artists may also feel uncertain about their career path and lose their creative spark.
What can musicians do to avoid feeling stuck in their career in Nigeria?
Musicians can avoid feeling stuck by setting trackable, actionable, and achievable goals. They can also try new things, collaborate with other artists, and utilize resources like Naijatastic to grow their audience.
Are these strategies applicable to all musicians?
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, these strategies can help musicians progress and succeed in the Nigerian music industry.
Can emerging artists benefit from these strategies?
Yes, emerging artists can benefit from these strategies, as they may feel frustrated and question their path in music. Implementing these strategies can help them stay motivated and passionate about their craft.
How important is it to set achievable goals in the music industry?
Setting achievable goals is crucial in the music industry because it helps musicians stay focused and motivated. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout, while achievable goals can help musicians see progress and stay on track.
What are some examples of actionable goals in the music industry?
Some examples of actionable goals in the music industry include releasing a new single, collaborating with another artist, booking a certain number of shows, or growing your social media following by a specific amount.
How can collaborating with other artists help musicians avoid feeling stuck in their career?
Collaborating with other artists can help musicians avoid feeling stuck by bringing new ideas and perspectives to their work. It can also lead to exposure to new audiences and potentially new career opportunities.
How can Naijatastic help musicians grow their audience?
Naijatastic can help musicians grow their audience by promoting their music and podcasts to its user base, which includes music lovers and industry professionals. Naijatastic also provides valuable resources and tools to help musicians market and promote their work effectively.
What is the Afro music movement, and how is Naijatastic involved in it?
The Afro music movement is a global trend that focuses on promoting and celebrating African music. Naijatastic is involved in the movement by promoting African music and podcasts to a global audience, and providing a platform for African artists to showcase their work.
You’d certainly love to read the most interesting reasons why Nigerian music excel more in global market!
Key Takeaways
Stop setting unattainable goals and start setting trackable, actionable, and achievable ones.
Try new things and collaborate with other artists to stay motivated and inspired.
Utilize resources like Naijatastic to grow your audience and promote your music.
Take things one step at a time and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
Stay persistent and adapt to the ever-changing music industry to succeed as a musician.
Collaborating with other artists can bring new ideas and perspectives to your work, and potentially lead to new career opportunities.
Naijatastic is an invaluable resource for African musicians, providing promotion, resources, and tools to help them succeed in the music industry.
The Afro music movement is a global trend focused on promoting and celebrating African music, and Naijatastic is involved in promoting African music to a global audience.
Check out the ways on how to create a brand around your music that resonates with your audience.
Final Thoughts
Feeling stuck in your music career in Nigeria can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. By implementing the top 15 ways to avoid feeling stuck, you can regain your creativity and motivation, ultimately helping you achieve your goals.
Remember to take things one step at a time, set achievable goals, and utilize the resources available to you, such as Naijatastic. With persistence, hard work, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing industry, you can succeed as a musician in Nigeria. So, don’t give up on your dreams and keep pushing forward.