In the music industry, there’s a lot of noise about what you should do.

You should write songs that fit the algorithm.

You should craft shows that cater to trends.

You should tailor your work to what people want.

And sure, that advice might get you some attention in the short term. But if you’re not careful, you’ll end up creating music that feels hollow — something that doesn’t even resonate with you anymore.

So here’s a radical idea: play the shows you want to see. Write the songs you want to hear.

Do that, and you’ll not only stay true to yourself, but you’ll also find the audience you were meant to find.

Why Chasing Trends is a Dead-End

Let’s get one thing straight: chasing trends in the music industry is a race you’ll never win.

By the time you figure out what’s trending, write the song, and release it, the world has already moved on to the next thing. You’ll always be a step behind, trying to fit into someone else’s box instead of building your own.

But here’s the real kicker: when you create just to fit in, you lose the thing that makes your music yours.

The artists we admire — the ones who’ve built lasting careers — didn’t chase trends. They made music they believed in, performed shows they wanted to see, and let their audience find them.

The Power of Authenticity in Music

Here’s why this matters:

1. Your Passion is Contagious
   When you’re genuinely excited about the music you’re making and the shows you’re playing, people feel it. Passion is magnetic. If you care deeply about your work, your audience will care, too.

2. You Attract the Right Fans
   When you create music you love, you naturally attract an audience that loves the same things. These aren’t casual listeners — they’re the fans who show up, buy tickets, and stick with you for the long haul.

3. You’ll Avoid Burnout
   Let’s be honest: the music industry is exhausting enough. If you’re creating for someone else’s approval instead of your own, you’ll burn out fast. But when you’re making music that feels true to you, the work becomes energizing instead of draining.

How to Create for Yourself and Find Your Audience

If this sounds great in theory but hard to pull off, here’s how to start:

1. Play the Shows You’d Want to Watch

Picture yourself in the audience. What would blow your mind? A stripped-down acoustic set? A high-energy, sweat-soaked performance? Whatever it is, build your live show around that vision. If you’d be hyped to watch it, your audience will, too.

2. Write Songs That Speak to You

Stop asking, “What will people like?” and start asking, “What do I want to hear?” Whether it’s a lyric, a melody, or an energy, tap into what moves you. If it feels right to you, it’ll resonate with someone else.

3. Ignore the Numbers (For Now)

Streams, likes, and follows are tempting metrics, but they don’t tell the whole story. Focus on creating music and performances that feel authentic, and the numbers will eventually catch up.

4. Find Your Tribe

Not everyone will get what you’re doing, and that’s fine. You don’t need everyone — you need the right people. Connect with communities, venues, and fans who align with your style and vision.

5. Be Patient

Building an authentic audience takes time. You might not sell out your first show or hit a million streams overnight. But when you stay true to yourself, you’ll build something that lasts.

Why Authenticity Wins Every Time

The truth is, the music industry doesn’t need another copy of whatever’s popular right now. It needs you.

Your perspective.
Your sound.
Your energy.

When you play the shows you’d want to see and write the songs you’d want to hear, you create something unique. And while it might not be for everyone, it will be everything to the right people.

In Summary

Forget trying to predict what people want. Forget trying to please everyone.

Instead:
Play the shows you’d kill to be in the audience for.
Write the songs that would stop you in your tracks.

Do that, and the right audience will find you.

It might take time, but when it happens, it’ll feel effortless — because you’ll be connecting with people who love your work for exactly what it is.

And isn’t that why you started this journey in the first place?

Let the music speak for itself. Your tribe is out there, waiting to find you.