4 Bad Questions Musicians Keep Asking (and What You Should Be Asking Instead)

Kevin McElroy
Editor, Tune Up Magazine

Chances are, you’re wrecking your music career before it even starts because you’re buying into one (or more) of these myths. I know because I get emails daily from musicians asking the wrong questions. Questions that feel good to ask but, in reality, are keeping you from getting anywhere in this business.

If you want to build a career in music—like, for real—you need to stop asking bad questions and start asking the right ones. Here are four of the worst offenders, guaranteed to tank your potential if you keep obsessing over them.

1. How Do I Make Money at This?

The idea that you either become a millionaire rockstar or a broke busker is one of the most toxic myths out there. Some musicians think they need a ‘real job’ while they try to ‘make it’ on the side. Others think they’re doomed to poverty because “that’s just what musicians do.”

Here’s the truth: The music industry is filled with people making a damn good living in the middle ground. Not everyone is on private jets, but that doesn’t mean they’re struggling either. If you’re stuck worrying about how to not starve, you’re already asking the wrong questions.

Instead, start asking yourself how you can create multiple streams of income as a musician. And don’t just think about the obvious stuff—albums and gigs. If you’re serious about making it, start teaching music. It’s a steady income while you work on your career, and trust me, you don’t have to grind away at it full-time to see results.

When you’re not locked into a single paycheck like you would be at a desk job, music becomes a much more stable career than you think. And with the right hustle, clearing six figures isn’t some pie-in-the-sky dream—it’s very possible.

2. Is a Recording Contract Worth It These Days?

This one comes up all the time. Some of you think that if you just get signed, everything will magically fall into place. But here’s the hard truth: No one is going to throw a contract at you just because you can write a decent song. Record labels are businesses, and they don’t gamble. Would you risk $200,000 on a roulette wheel, or would you invest it in something that’s already proving it can make money? Exactly.

Instead of sitting around fantasizing about getting signed, start making yourself an asset worth investing in. This means more than having talent—it means showing labels that you’re already working hard, building an audience, and making moves on your own.

Focus on building a track record that shows you’re not waiting for someone else to make you successful. That’s when the labels start paying attention.

3. How Can I Get More People to Hear My Music?

This is a rookie question. A lot of musicians think that just getting more ears on their music will automatically lead to success. But the number of listeners doesn’t matter if they’re not loyal fans. Stop worrying about casting a wide net and start focusing on building a base of hardcore supporters—people who will actually buy your stuff, go to your shows, and spread the word.

Figure out how to turn casual listeners into true fanatics. Once you’ve got that down, then worry about expanding your reach.

4. What’s the Best Music City to Move To?

The old idea that you have to live in Nashville, LA, or New York to succeed in music is outdated nonsense. With today’s technology, you can launch a career from anywhere. Plenty of successful musicians are living in cities that aren’t even known for their music scenes. It’s not about where you live—it’s about the work you’re putting in.

Instead of wasting time packing your bags for a ‘music city,’ spend that energy building your career right where you are. Your location has zero bearing on your success in today’s industry. The internet is your stage, your audience is global, and your hustle is what counts.

Get Real About Your Goals: Quality Over Quantity

It’s not about how many podcasts or internet radio stations you can get on. Quality matters way more than quantity. You’ve worked hard to create your music, so protect it. That means only associating your art with quality products. It’s okay to say no to a podcaster or radio show if it doesn’t align with your vision. Don’t ghost them or feel guilty about it—you should be flattered by the invite. But this isn’t a guilt trip. If it’s not the right fit, explain what you need out of it. Maybe you can even help them raise their game. And guess what? That can raise your profile too.

Being part of a scene means contributing to it in a real, productive way. Work with the radio hosts, podcasters, photographers, writers, YouTubers—anyone who’s creating content that aligns with your brand. By helping each other level up, you’ll all rise together, and your music will get the quality exposure it deserves.

How to Get Back on Track

Now that you know which questions to ditch, here’s what to do instead:

1. Get clear on your goals. Define where you want to go in the music business.
2. Ask better questions. Stop focusing on myths and start asking yourself how you can create value and build a real fan base.
3. Don’t go it alone. Find a mentor or someone who’s been there before. They’ll help you fast-track your career instead of spinning your wheels.

Tune Up and WTYU are here to give you the real talk you need, whether you’re just starting out or stuck in a rut. We’re not here to coddle; we’re here to help you wake up, shake off the BS, and actually make it in this crazy business. Keep grinding, ask the right questions, and don’t let the myths hold you back.