Timeless Advice from Music Legends That Every Indie Artist Needs to Hear

Alright, let’s be real - breaking into the music industry can feel like trying to get into an exclusive club where the bouncer (aka the algorithm) doesn’t know your name yet. You pour your heart into your songs, post about them everywhere, and… crickets. Or worse, your mom is the only one hyping you up in the comments (love you, Mom ❤).

But here’s the good news: every single artist you look up to has been in that exact spot. Yep, even the biggest names once played to an empty room, got ghosted by labels, and questioned if they were wasting their time. Spoiler alert: they weren’t. And neither are you!

The difference between making it and giving up? Learning from the greats. The legends who’ve been through it all, figured it out, and are now dropping gems of wisdom for artists like you. Lucky for you, we've gathered much advice from music legends in one place - this blog! 

Follow Your Own Path & Stay Original

Davido had a choice. While in America, he could’ve easily blended in, copied what everyone else was doing, and played it safe. Instead, he trusted his instincts, stayed true to his unique sound, and carved his own lane. And look where that got him - global stardom, sold-out arenas, and a legacy that’s still unfolding.

Here’s the lesson: Originality wins. It might take longer, it might feel lonely at times, but the world doesn’t need another copy of what’s already out there. It needs you - your sound, your story, your perspective.

Too many indie artists make the mistake of chasing trends, thinking that’s the shortcut to success. But the reality? Trends fade, originality lasts. The biggest names in music - Davido, Burna Boy, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar - made it because they brought something fresh to the table. They didn’t just fit in; they stood out.

So, take this as your sign: Don’t dilute your art to fit into someone else’s mold. Trust your instincts. Find your own sound. Stay true to what makes you unique. And when you do, success won’t just be possible, it’ll be inevitable.

Next time you’re in the studio, resist the urge to recreate what’s trending. Instead, ask yourself: "What do I want to say? How do I want my music to make people feel?" That’s where your true magic lies.

“It’s just brilliant when you get to prove people wrong” - Raye

“It’s not been the simplest story.” For years, Raye was behind-the-scenes, writing hits for some of the biggest names in music: Beyoncé, Little Mix, Rihanna... But when it came to her own career as a solo artist, the industry kept shutting the door in her face. Stuck in a contract that wouldn’t let her release the music she believed in, she finally had enough. In 2021, she took to social media, raw and frustrated, and called out her label for holding her back. “Dozens of potential hits were sat in folders collecting dust,” she said, tired of waiting for someone to tell her she was “good enough.” It was a bold, risky move, but one that changed everything.

Breaking free wasn’t easy, but Raye bet on herself. She walked away from her record deal and released Escapism, a song the industry had dismissed, on her own. It exploded. TikTok took it viral, and millions of streams later, she had her first number-one hit. From there, she gave the world My 21st Century Blues, a deeply personal, masterpiece that proved she was more than just a hitmaker. And the world finally listened. The album racked up awards, led to sold-out shows, and culminated in a record-breaking night at the Brit Awards, where she took home an unprecedented six trophies. “It’s just brilliant when you get to prove people wrong,” she said, and honestly? We love to see it.

Raye’s story is living proof that if you trust yourself, fight for your vision, and keep going even when the odds are stacked against you, you can win. “Back yourself, no matter what people tell you,” she says - and if her journey teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes, the only approval you need is your own.

Why Your Taste Matters More Than the “Rules” in Music Production

When you're just starting out in music production, it's easy to get caught up in doing things the "right" way. Finneas recalls calling a mastering engineer at just 13 years old, desperately trying to figure out how to make his song louder. Like many beginners, he was focused on technical solutions (limiters, compressors, EQ) but what he really learned was something far more valuable: the difference between technical correctness and personal taste.

In music, everyone has an opinion. Some will say your mix is too loud, your vocals are too compressed, or your bass is too heavy. While understanding technical fundamentals is important, the real question is: do you like how it sounds? If you love it, that’s what matters most. 

That doesn’t mean ignoring feedback entirely. Learn the rules, understand why they exist, and then decide when to break them. Mistakes sometimes lead to new, unexpected sounds that define entire genres. If something resonates with you, trust that instinct.

At the end of the day, music is an art, not a science. Your taste is your greatest asset. Own it, refine it, and let it guide you.

The 10,000-Hour Hustle! Why Writing Bad Songs is the Key to Writing Great Ones

Here’s the truth nobody wants to hear - your first songs will probably suck. Your early gigs? Might be awkward. But guess what? That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. The magic happens when you push through, keep creating, and let the bad songs flow out like turning on an old tap - eventually, the clean water comes.

Ed Sheeran didn’t just dream about success; he lived in the process - writing millions of songs, playing thousands of gigs, sometimes six in one day! That’s what it takes. Not just talent, but relentless work. The more you write, the better you get. The more you perform, the more natural it feels. 

And here’s the kicker: skill alone won’t get you far. The music industry runs on two things - great music and great people. Be the artist everyone wants to work with. Be kind, be professional, and build real relationships. Because at the end of the day, talent gets you noticed, but character keeps you in the game. 

One song. One upload. And suddenly, life changes. 

Surf Mesa was just a college student when he put out ily, not expecting much, but the universe had other plans. By early 2020, he had a record deal, and from there, it was nonstop - festivals, music releases, and standing side by side with the very artists he once idolized.

His lesson: success isn’t about waiting for the right moment, it’s about creating it. Upload the song. Play the small gigs. Get your work out there. Because you never know which track, video, or performance could be the one that changes everything.

And if you take anything from this, let it be this: consistency and originality are a lethal combination. Find what makes you unique, and keep showing up. The industry isn’t looking for copies; it’s looking for artists who bring something fresh and stick with it. Do that, and the universe will take notice.

The Brutal Grind Behind Making It

Want to make it? Then make it happen. Lady Gaga didn’t wait for permission - she picked up her guitar, knocked on doors, and booked herself. She played clubs no one remembers, stepped through messes no one saw, and hauled gear no one helped with. But she remembers, and that’s why she’s still here.

This industry isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about showing up, grinding through the tough gigs, and staying true to who you are. Gaga would rather play a dive bar on her terms than be rich, famous, and miserable doing something fake. That’s the real flex.

So ask yourself - are you waiting for a break, or are you breaking in? The ones who make it aren’t always the most talented. They’re the ones who refuse to quit.

You Can’t Polish a Txxd but You Can Write Better Songs Instead

The core advice from Metallica is: Focus on writing great songs first. No amount of production, visuals, or stage effects can make up for weak music. A flashy show might impress for a moment, but it's the songs that stick with people long after the lights go down.

The message is simple but powerful: Your music should come from the heart. Instead of chasing trends or relying on gimmicks, put your energy into writing something real - something that resonates on its own. If the song is strong, people will carry it with them everywhere, whether they’re driving, working, or going through life’s highs and lows. That’s what truly matters in the end.

Diva Knows. 

Whitney’s dropping pure gold here - study the greats, but don’t copy them. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to watch the best. Learn from their moves, their dedication, their magic—but don’t lose yourself trying to be a carbon copy. Because guess what? There will never be another Aretha, another Barbra, another Whitney. And there will never be another you.

Take what inspires you, make it your own, and let your voice—your true voice—shine. The world doesn’t need another imitation; it needs something fresh, something real. And that something? It’s you. 

D@mn, They Not Like Us

Kendrick’s laying down the truth - it’s not just about the money, the charts, or the hottest trend. It’s about connection. When people hear your music, they should feel something real. They should hear culture, purpose, authenticity. Not just another disposable hit. If all you're chasing is numbers, the second those numbers dip, people will move on. But if you build something deeper? Something that speaks to them? They’ll ride with you for life.

This ain’t about being the best lyricist or storyteller. It’s about energy. The feeling you bring when you step in the booth, when you touch a stage, when your voice hits a speaker. If you believe in your sound, your message, your truth, so will the world. But the second you start chasing trends instead of standing on who you are, the culture won’t stand with you anymore. Because real recognize real, and fake fades fast.

So what’s the move? Stand behind your art. Don’t bend every time the industry shifts. Be a movement, not a moment. Keep building, keep believing, and the world will move with you - not past you.

"Oh, You Thought I Was Gonna Fail? Haha, Look at Me Now!"

Cardi said success is the best clapback  - and she ain’t lying! Nothing feels better than proving the haters wrong. They said you’d never make it? Boom, you on TV. They said your music wouldn’t pop? Oops, it’s charting. They said you wouldn’t be anything? Babe, you counting stacks now. Every win, every milestone, every check with extra zeroes is just another way to say, "Oh, you mad? Stay mad."

And listen, working actually makes you happy. No, really. Not just because of the money (okay, the money helps - let’s be real), but because every time you level up, it hits different. Seeing your progress, feeling yourself grow, knowing you built this? That’s what makes you wake up ready to go harder. Hustling ain’t just about making it - it’s about knowing you belong at the top.

So what’s the move? Keep working, keep stacking, keep flexing on your past self. Let people doubt you - that’s free motivation. Just make sure that every time they open their mouth, you’re already on to the next level, living proof that their opinions don’t pay your bills. 

"Believe. No Matter What."

Michael’s voice was always full of love, hope, and an unshakable belief in greatness. And if there’s one thing he knew, it was this: the world will doubt you before they celebrate you. They laughed at the Wright Brothers before they flew. They mocked Disney before he built an empire. They told Edison he wasn’t smart enough - and then he lit up the world. Do you see the pattern? Every visionary, every legend, every game-changer was doubted first.

So what do you do? Believe anyway. Even when they tease you, doubt you, tell you you're not good enough - believe anyway. Study the greats, learn, experiment, become a scientist in your craft. Push yourself beyond what anyone thinks is possible, even when the world tells you no. Because somewhere deep inside, there’s a seed that was planted just for you. A gift, a calling, something only you can bring to this world.

And if history has taught us anything? It’s that the ones who refuse to stop, who refuse to give in - those are the ones who change everything.

"Don’t Just Please the Crowd - Own the Stage."

David Guetta’s secret? Don’t just rock the crowd, rock it with your own sound. Anyone can play hits, but only you can create something that’s uniquely yours. Be a performer, connect with the energy in the room, and leave your mark.

Want to go global? It’s not enough to play other people’s music. Create your own. That’s what separates the DJ from the true artist. So get to work - craft your sound, own the stage, and make them follow your lead.

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

Bob Marley’s message to every indie artist? Don’t chase possessions, chase your purpose. Music is your freedom, your peace, and your love. When life feels tough, remember, life itself is stronger. Your wisdom is your greatest asset, so listen to that inner voice guiding you forward.

No matter the struggles or how much money you make, your true richness lies in the legacy you create. Your music is more than just sound - it’s your life, your truth, and it will give wings to others. Keep pushing, keep creating, and let your music set you free. The world needs your unique rhythm. Spread your wings! 

Start paving your way to the hall of fame - HERE & NOW!