The most frustrating part about being an independent musician in 2018 is that you don't just get to be a musician...
Instead, you get to be a player in what I'm going to refer to as "The Game".
To really rock "The Game", you've got to learn how to do many things that have nothing to do with music. In order to lock in a show, you've got to use sales skills. In order to not get steamrolled and taken advantage of, you've got to learn how to write contracts. In order to get your music heard, you've got to learn how to produce and record your own songs. In order to be seen, you've got to learn how to take decent video on your phone. In order to keep your fans coming back, you've got to learn how to reach them. In order to reach out to potential fans, you've got to learn how to reach them. In order to grow your fanbase, you've got to become an expert in marketing strategies -all while pumping out regular content that keeps listeners wanting more. In order to get to the next level, you've got to become an expert in hearing "no" repeatedly -among other demoralizing comments that include but are not limited to: "So you're a musician, what do you REALLY do for like... a job?" all the way through "Wow, you have a job, too? You should be doing this full time!" <--- I've received both questions more than once at the same engagements.
In the end, what's the goal?
The age of rockstars is over -there isn't a lot of money to be made in music anymore solely as an artist.
I'm pushing 25 years of bettering myself as a musician.
My conclusion is that if I'm able to make the world just a little more beautiful by existing in it through my music, then my purpose as a musician has been fulfilled.
That being said, I'm still exhilarated by "The Game". I also know myself well enough that the best I can do to keep up with it all is by continuing to make my own luck (I strive to make myself familiar with many things, but not spend the time to become an expert in most of them).
Musicians, keep making music -freedom will come when you don't feel a financial burden pressing down on you. It wasn't ever meant to be that way. Focus on making the world beautiful with your art. Write the songs to a stranger's soundtrack.