How to Grow Your Fanbase and Make a Living from Your Music in 2025
Apr 14, 2025If you’re an aspiring recording artist, you’ve probably asked yourself: How do I actually get people to listen to my music — and how can I turn that into a real career?
You’re not alone.
In 2025, the music industry is wide open for independent artists. You don’t need a record deal to succeed - but you do need a strategy. Growing a loyal fanbase and making a living from your music isn’t just about talent. It’s about clarity, consistency, and connection.
In this blog, I’ll take you through the 8 essential steps that every aspiring artist needs to take - based on real-world experience from coaching artists, developing careers, and building music brands from scratch.
Let’s dive in.
- Shift Your Mindset: You’re an Artist and a Brand
To build a music career, you need to think like both a creator and a business.
That means being clear about:
- Who you are as an artist
- What your story is
- Who your ideal audience is
Your brand isn’t fake - it’s simply your truth, consistently told through your music, visuals, and presence.
- Make Music That Reflects Your Identity
Don’t chase trends. Instead, make music that tells your story. The artists who build lasting fanbases are the ones who are authentic, not perfect.
Ask yourself:
- What am I trying to say?
- Who am I saying it to?
- What emotions do I want to create?
Music with purpose builds fans who care.
- Build in Public
Too many artists wait until everything is “ready” before sharing. But fans don’t just want the final product - they want the journey.
Post videos of:
- Writing your next track
- Instrumental or acoustic versions
- Raw takes and rough mixes
Building in public builds trust.
- Be Consistent on Social Media
You don’t need to go viral. You need to show up.
Here’s a simple content rhythm:
- 1 long-form piece per week (YouTube video, blog, live performance)
- 3 - 5 short-form pieces (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)
- Daily engagement (stories, polls, comments)
Consistency beats perfection every time.
- Grow an Email or Text List
Your followers are not your fans until you can reach them directly.
Set up a free download or behind-the-scenes gift to start collecting email addresses.
Then use a simple newsletter to stay connected and offer value - not just promo.
Real connection lives outside the algorithm.
- Perform Often - Anywhere
Live music builds fan loyalty faster than anything else.
- Go live online regularly
- Play small local gigs or open mics
- Create “living room” concert content
- Play in unexpected places - theatres, foyers, even street corners
Every performance is an opportunity to win hearts.
- Start Earning Early
Don’t wait for a label to pay you. You can earn from music now by:
- Selling direct on Bandcamp or Ko-fi
- Offering exclusive content on Patreon or Substack
- Teaching lessons (piano, songwriting, vocals)
- Selling merch
- Booking gigs and private shows
A small, loyal audience can generate real income - if you give them ways to support you.
- Collaborate and Find Support
Surround yourself with people who believe in your music - and know how to help you grow. That might mean working with a coach, collaborating with other artists, or joining a supportive music community.
Success is faster (and more fun) when you’re not doing it alone.
Conclusion
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to becoming a successful artist - but there is a path. And that path is built on clarity, connection, and consistency.
If you focus on being true to yourself, sharing your journey, and staying connected with your growing audience, you can build a career doing what you love.
Whether you’re just starting out or gearing up to release your next single/EP or album release - remember this:
Your music matters.
Your voice matters.
And the world needs what only you can give.
If you want help building your audience, releasing your music, or turning your talent into a full-time career, let’s talk. Book in a FREE 1:1 discovery call with Tryfan Music.
Download The Recording Artist Toolkit for a step-by-step guide to building your fanbase and launching your next release with confidence.
LEARN THE 6 STEPS TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL RECORDING ARTIST
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