Metaphorically, the music industry continues to change the locks, leaving the old keys (used by many of the most popular bands from across the decades) for success in the industry outdated and useless. However, by taking a timeless approach to music, long-standing success can be on the cards for artists following the right formula and keeping longevity as a primary goal. Bjorn from ABBA and Guy Garvey have both recently expressed their concern for their current state of the hyper-competitive industry, stipulating that ABBA wouldn’t have thrived if they made their debut in 2021, and Guy Garvey pointed out that if musicians can’t pay the rent, music doesn’t have a future. Yet, there’s still room for optimism and success: 

• Artists need to accept that there is no ‘mainstream’ anymore; chart success does not necessarily lead to being ‘mainstream’. The industry doesn’t favor familiarity like it used to; it jumps on what creates a fan following. 
• Trust in your production team. It is in no producer’s interest to sabotage your record – their name is on it too. One little production tweak can transform a band’s future; just think about Joy Division. 
• Get comfortable with saying no and always play the long game in the industry. That means refusing to play gigs at venues with awful reputations and saying no to rushing to churn out albums that won’t be your best work. Take the time to see where each move in the industry will take you. 
• Make your own luck in the industry and invest in your fans. Music fans spend money on artists (albums/merch/gig tickets) that provide them with value. There is no point in creating the best album in the world unless you’re going to put the effort into getting it in people’s ears – by any means necessary. 
• Pace is the trick; don’t let the fear of being forgotten drive you into rash moves and slapdash releases. It isn’t the end of your career if you take a break from touring or only release new material every few years. 
• Don’t Make Music your only passion; find a balance between personal downtime, family, work, relationships, and your music. That may not sound very rock n roll, but being edgy has never been an artist’s cornerstone – it is always a downfall. 

There is so much to lament with the contemporary music industry, but when we take a step back from it, we can see that success within it should never be a frantic sprint to the top – it is unfeasible to stay there forever with the loss of the traditional mainstream. The tips here outline a healthier, less dangerously obsessive approach that will help artists maintain their success. 

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