The Singin’ Guru – An Xperience Column – by Jeff and Crystal Moore.
Dear Singin’ Guru,
I’m busting my hump singing at bars for next to nothing. I absolutely love making my music, but how do I become an artist when it’s so hard to make a living as a musician?
Broke as a Joke
Dear Broke,
Ah, the recurring and often repeated, question: how do you become an artist when the world seems to have the financial equivalent of T-Rex arms when it comes to supporting musicians? Becoming an artist doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your day job nor does it require you to chase a Spotify chart. Here’s the thing: being an artist doesn’t have to equal making a living off your music. Art is about expression, not necessarily profession. But if you’re aiming to do both—create and pay your bills—then let’s unpack what that journey looks like.
The Fame Trap: What They Don’t Tell You
Let’s talk about fame. While it’s tempting to picture yourself headlining Coachella or playing to packed arenas, fame has its own trap. Do you think Jimmy Buffett really wanted to play “Margaritaville” for the 10,000th time? Or that Def Leppard is thrilled to crank out “Rock of Ages” on yet another reunion tour instead of playing something fresh? Probably not.
Rob Halford of Judas Priest could decide to tackle opera, but do you think fans screaming for “Painkiller” would stay quiet for an aria? Doubtful. Fame locks you into what fans expect. As an artist, you’ll need to decide if you want your work to define you—or if you’re okay with being defined by what your fans latch onto.
Here’s seven things you can do to balance art and making a living:
- Stick to What You Love: Don’t chase trends. If you’re into experimental jazz but TikTok says K-pop is in, stick to jazz. Chasing trends is like trying to catch smoke—it disappears before you can grab it. As jazz legend Miles Davis said, “Do not fear mistakes. There are none.” Create what feels right to you.
- Master Your Craft: Whether it’s metal, folk, or EDM, you need solid technique. A lot of musicians get stuck at “good enough,” but in competitive fields, mastery is what sets you apart. Yo-Yo Ma once noted, “Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” Hone your technique so you can take those creative risks.
- Embrace Creativity in Your Genre: Be unique within the space you love. Listeners may not always notice your technical prowess, but they’ll remember a song that stands out. Push boundaries, but don’t forget to stay true to your core sound.
- Grow Your Fans Organically: One fan at a time. Be kind, be grateful, and connect. If 10 people are listening to your music, treat them like they’re the most important people in the world—because they are. David Bowie put it beautifully: “Don’t play to the gallery… if you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area.” Be authentic, and fans will come.
- Know That Not Everyone Will Follow You: Switching genres? Some fans will come along; others won’t. That’s okay. You’re evolving as an artist, and your fans are evolving, too. Focus on the ones who stick around and welcome new ones who appreciate your latest journey.
- Separate Passion from Profession: Ask yourself: is music your calling or career—or both? If it’s a passion, you don’t need to monetize every note. If it’s a profession, get ready for some hustle. The two paths overlap but aren’t the same.
- Get Business Savvy: Marketing your music isn’t selling out; it’s ensuring that your art reaches ears. The saddest song is the one no one hears. Treat your music career like a small business—learn about branding, distribution, and revenue streams. Remember what Taylor Swift said: “In this industry, you have to adapt or perish.” Marketing and networking are part of the gig.
- Art, Heart, and the Balancing Act: Yes, becoming an artist is hard work. Balancing your creativity with the realities of the music business can feel overwhelming, but the rewards are worth it. As musicians, we’re here to add light to the world—and let’s be honest, the world could use all the light it can get.
So, here’s my advice: follow your art, listen to your heart, and learn the business ropes as you go. Whether you’re performing at open mics, uploading tracks to SoundCloud, or headlining a show, you’re doing something beautiful: you’re creating music. And the world needs that. Keep going, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride. After all, as the legendary Prince said, “A strong spirit transcends rules.”
Dear Singin’ Guru,
The winters here are so dry, half the time I feel like a shrunken head which really affects my voice. How do I sing through winter dryness, allergies, and illnesses without giving up when I feel this way?
Dried Up in the 518
Dear Dried Up,
Don’t you love winter? The season of dry air, relentless allergies, and those dreaded colds that keep knocking at your door. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Should I just pack it in and stop singing until spring?” the answer is a resounding NO!
Now, before you go all Elsa and let it go, let me offer some guidance – and just to cover myself: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, so always consult your physician before following any advice here. But as a voice coach who’s practically seen it all, I can confidently say that with the right approach, winter doesn’t have to silence your voice. From my perspective, singing through illness isn’t always a bad idea.
Here’s a fun thought experiment: when you injure your leg, do doctors tell you to stay in bed indefinitely? Nope. They patch you up, then send you off to physical therapy where you move that leg as soon as it’s safe. The same logic applies to your voice.
If you’re dealing with a cold or mild respiratory symptoms, gentle vocal exercises can improve your condition. Singing increases oxygen uptake, improves circulation, and helps your vocal apparatus stay limber. However, if you’re experiencing serious symptoms—like pneumonia, a severe cough, or strep throat—sit this one out and consult your doctor.
Lip trills and straw exercises are your best friends when you’re feeling off. They allow you to exercise your vocal folds gently and with less pressure, which helps prevent strain. Search these up on YouTube for demonstrations. Warm up by doing these exercises, too. Research backs this up: semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (like straw phonation) reduce tension and improve vocal fold closure, even for those with vocal fatigue.
Singers must learn to listen to their bodies. If you feel pain, discomfort, or start coughing uncontrollably, stop immediately. But if you notice you’re feeling better after a warm-up, that’s a good sign! Try adding a simple exercise to your routine. Build up gradually, and before you know it, you’ll be back to belting those high notes.
Being hydrated can also help you combat your voice’s mortal enemy of dry, cold air. Keep a humidifier running in your practice space and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Tea and honey are fine if you like them, but water is your vocal cords’ true BFF. And steer clear of alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.
If you decide to sit out every time you get the sniffles, you could lose 2–3 weeks of practice, multiple times a year. That adds up! Instead, focus on safe vocal exercises to maintain your strength and technique. Even light practice will keep your voice in shape and shorten your recovery time.
Yours Truly,
The Singin’ Guru