What separates major successful artists from the rest? It’s not just about talent. it’s their mindset and actions. In this article, we explore the distinctive habits and choices that make those artists what they are. Let’s get right into it.

What Major Successful Artists Do

1. They Invest in Themselves

Major artists recognize the paramount importance of self-investment. They allocate time, effort, and resources to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and nurture personal growth. Whether it’s taking music lessons, production courses, or refining their songwriting abilities, they are obsessed with improvement. This commitment to self-betterment serves as the cornerstone of their artistry and career progression, setting them apart on their journey to success.

2. They Work Hard and Consistently

Major artists are no strangers to hard work and consistency. They understand that talent alone isn’t enough. Day in and day out, they dedicate themselves to their craft. Producing, composing, mixing, training, and perfecting their live performances. This relentless work ethic, coupled with a consistent commitment to their artistic goals, forms an unstoppable force toward success. They do not wait for inspiration. Rather, they create it by consistently showing up and moving the needle forward.

3. They Collaborate

Major successful artists recognize the extraordinary power of synergy as they actively seek opportunities to collaborate with fellow musicians, songwriters, producers, and industry experts. These collaborations not only bring creativity into their work but also open doors to new audiences, ideas, and perspectives. This network of valuable connections helps them shoot their career to new heights. Collaboration, for them, is a cornerstone of growth and success.

4. They Genuinely Love Making Music

Major successful artists share a common thread: an authentic, undying love for creating music. It’s not just a job. it’s what they love to do. They find endless joy in the process of producing, composing, and performing. They lose themselves in it for hours, sometimes forgetting to eat or do basic daily tasks. It’s this love for making music that sets them apart on their journey to success.

5. They Connect With Their Fans

Major artists connect with their fans regularly through their music of course, but also through interaction. Their music consistently touches their fans emotionally, and they keep delivering music that resonates. They also take the time to connect with their fans on social media. They talk to them, ask them questions, mention them by name, strike up a conversation, and meet them in live shows. This personal connection creates unwavering loyalty, ensuring that their careers stand the test of time.

6. They Have A Distinct Brand And Message

Major artists have a unique identity that sets them apart. They’re like a well-defined book with a clear title. Their music is more than just songs. it’s a reflection of who they are and what they believe in.

For instance, Billie Eilish’s brand is all about embracing individuality and embracing your quirks. She’s not just a singer. she’s a symbol of self-acceptance. Or take Beyoncé. she’s not just a performer. she’s a powerhouse of empowerment for women.

When artists have a strong, relatable message like this, it resonates with fans on a personal level. It’s like finding a friend who shares your values. This connection goes beyond the music and turns listeners into devoted advocates of their artistic journey. Having a well-defined brand and message is their guiding star on the path to success.

7. They Get Featured On Playlists Regularly

Major artists understand the importance of being in the right place at the right time, and that place is often on playlists. By securing spots on popular playlists on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, they ensure that their music reaches a wider audience. It is a direct result of building relationships with curators and consistently releasing great music that fits the vibe of these playlists.

To get featured on playlists, artists usually utilize two approaches:

1. Pitching to Spotify Editorial Playlists: This involves directly reaching out to Spotify’s editorial team, which curates playlists. Artists submit their music and pitch their tracks through Spotify for Artists to get considered for these highly sought-after placements.
2. Using a Service to Find User-Curated Playlists: Services like Teder.io help artists discover Spotify playlists that fit their style and genre including the playlist owner’s contact info and other important info. By contacting these playlist curators and pitching their songs, artists can secure placements on playlists with dedicated followers.

Getting featured on playlists regularly is like having your music played on the world’s biggest stages. It not only boosts streams and sales but also elevates an artist’s visibility and credibility. Playlist placement can be a major game-changer, so don’t miss out on this one.

8. They Evolve And Adapt

Major artists in today’s music industry are masters of evolution. For example, look at how Beyoncé seamlessly moved from Destiny’s Child to becoming a global icon in her solo career. Another one is Kendrick Lamar, who evolved from the underground rap scene to redefine mainstream hip-hop with his thought-provoking lyrics and experimental sounds.

These artists are not content with the status quo, they are always pushing boundaries. Take Billie Eilish, who brought a fresh, genre-blurring approach to pop music with hits like “Bad Guy.” Or consider how Justin Bieber transitioned from a teen heartthrob to a more mature artist with albums like “Purpose.”

They aren’t just following trends. they’re setting them. Major artists understand that music is dynamic and always evolving. They stay at the forefront by incorporating new sounds, collaborating with new talents, and addressing important cultural and social issues in their music. This dedication to growth and adaptation is what keeps their careers vibrant and relevant in our ever-changing music industry.

What Major Successful Artists Don’t Do

1. They Don’t Compare Themselves To Other Artists

Major artists today simply don’t waste time comparing themselves to others. In the era of social media overload and constant comparison, these artists can be a reminder for us that each journey is one of a kind. They’ve learned that looking over your shoulder doesn’t help you move forward. Instead, they celebrate their individuality and embrace what sets them apart. They know that true creativity thrives when it’s free from comparison.

2. They Don’t Make Excuses

Major artists don’t waste time making excuses. Instead of blaming circumstances or external factors, they take ownership of their actions. Imagine you’re a musician facing the challenge of balancing a day job and your passion for music. It’s easy to make excuses like “I don’t have enough time” or “I’m not as talented as others.”

Now, think about how major artists would handle this situation. They wouldn’t make excuses. they would make music. They would use those precious free hours to hone their craft, produce, mix, write songs, or collaborate. In doing so, they transform obstacles into stepping stones toward their dreams.

By adopting this mindset of a DOER instead of an EXCUSER, you too can navigate the hurdles on your path to success. Instead of blaming circumstances, take charge of your actions and make every moment count. You will find that determination and dedication can turn your aspirations into reality.

3. They Don’t Let Others Define Them Or Their Success

Major artists understand that in an industry filled with opinions and judgments, staying true to your vision is of the utmost importance. As an artist, you might encounter people who doubt your choices or try to fit you into some mold. But the big artists show us that true success comes from defining your own path. They don’t let critics, trends, or industry standards dictate their creative choices.

4. They Don’t Wait For Inspiration

Major artists don’t wait around for inspiration to strike. Instead, they make it happen through consistent effort and dedication.

Waiting for that lightning bolt of inspiration can be like staring at a locked door, hoping it magically opens. But the big artists? they don’t sit around waiting. they roll up their sleeves and get to work.

They understand that showing up consistently, even for a short while each day, is far more effective than waiting for the muse to arrive. They know that if you sit down to write, play, or produce every day, even when you don’t feel inspired, eventually that spark will catch fire. By consistently making music and showing up, they ensure that inspiration is always close at hand.

5. They Never Stop Learning

Major artists are always hungry for knowledge. They are not content with clinging to outdated methods. They always adapt and learn the latest trends and technologies. They attend classes, learn new production techniques, always improving on every level. Why? Because they know that the moment they stop learning is the moment they become stagnant. It’s in their DNA to embrace change, to push boundaries, and to cultivate their artistry continually. 

By staying curious, they keep their creative flames burning, and they ensure that their music remains not just relevant but ahead of the curve. So remember, never stop learning. Your journey will always be an adventure, and your music will thank you for it.