How to Set Meaningful Goals as a Musician - Daniel Siegel Loanso

Success in the music industry used to be straightforward: secure a record deal, scale to the top of the charts, and bask in fame while dodging paparazzi. But in today's streaming-dominated, algorithm-driven landscape, those old markers of success have lost their sheen. But there is good news, says Daniel Siegel Loanso. Musicians now have more avenues than ever to define their own journeys—as well as their own versions of success.

Relinquish the Billboard Fantasy

According to Siegel Loanso, the days of measuring success purely by platinum records and sold-out arena tours are long gone. Of course, it's fantastic if that happens, but it's not the sole way to earn a living (or a legacy) in the music industry.

Young singer/songwriters like Jacob Collier and indie bands on Bandcamp have forged loyal, sustainable fanbases without ever cracking the Billboard Hot 100. In a world where niche communities thrive, being the biggest is no longer the only way to win.

Find Your Tribe

Instead of aspiring to please the masses, focus on finding and serving your core audience. These are the fans who will play your tracks, purchase your merch, attend your gigs, and spread the word by telling their friends about you.

But how do you find them? Be authentic in both your music and online presence. You'll naturally attract people who vibe with you when you show up as your true self. And remember, a thousand die-hard fans are worth more than a million passive listeners.

Redefine the Album Release 

Long gone are the days when a band released a 12-track masterpiece album every couple of years. These days, many musicians uncover success by releasing singles regularly or experimenting with different formats like live recordings, remixes, or stripped-down acoustic versions.

Consistently releasing music keeps you top of mind with listeners and the almighty streaming algorithms. And who knows? That throwaway demo you recorded in your basement might be the track that goes viral.

Success Doesn't Have to Be Deafening

Some musicians are in it for the front-page headlines, but others quietly enjoy fulfilling, lucrative careers by licensing their music for film and TV, composing video game soundtracks, or even teaching music online.

Success can be hearing your track in a Hulu trailer, playing intimate gigs with people who care about your craft, or being able to pay rent doing what you love. Don't let someone else's definition of success drown out yours.

The Power of Pollination 

One of the most stimulating things about being a musician today is the endless potential for collaboration. Whether it's teaming up with an obscure beatmaker from Buenos Aires or a violinist from Vienna, technology lets you co-create across genres and continents.

Collaborations not only expand your creative horizons, says Siegel Loanso, but they also introduce you to entirely new audiences. It's a win-win.

Keep Learning

The music landscape reinvents itself faster than David Bowie or Madonna. So stay curious and adaptable. Learn production techniques, plunge into new genres, or even enroll in a marketing class to understand how to promote your music. Knowledge is power—and it keeps your creativity from going stale.

Mental Health Matters

Sadly, pursuing success can often be exhausting and isolating, but it doesn't have to be. Prioritize your mental health and uncover joy in the creative process. Celebrate the small wins, whether mastering a complex chord progression or receiving a thoughtful message from a fan.Remember, music is supposed to heal, not break you down.

Be Your Own Benchmark

Forget comparing yourself to that artist who "made it" overnight (spoiler: they probably didn't). Instead, track your progress against your past self. Are you evolving as a musician? Are you happier and more fulfilled in your creative journey? To Siegel Loanso, those are the true metrics for success.

Final Note

Daniel Siegel Loanso urges musicians to remember that redefining success isn't about lowering standards—it's about shifting your focus to what truly matters. Maybe it's creating a community, producing art that resonates, or simply having the latitude to develop on your own terms.

In the end, success as a musician isn't just about reaching the zenith. It's about loving the climb.