When you say you want to be a professional electronic music artist, take a second to consider what you’re truly asking for. You’re not just looking for a job—you’re aiming to make a living by doing what you love. That kind of life is rare and extraordinary, aligning you with a small percentage of people who have managed to turn passion into a viable career. Meanwhile, all over the world, people are struggling just to get by, focusing on essentials like food and shelter. Recognizing this isn't meant to make you feel guilty; rather, it’s a reminder of how fortunate you are to even have this choice.

But let’s be clear: becoming a professional electronic music artist is one of the toughest paths you can choose. It’s not a journey for the faint-hearted. It demands resilience, commitment, and an unbreakable mindset. If this were easy, everyone would be doing it. While many try to break into the industry, only a few succeed. Why? Because those who make it possess a mindset that allows them to keep pushing forward despite all the setbacks, doubts, and obstacles that inevitably come.

 

The Importance of a Bulletproof Mindset

Having a resilient, focused mindset is more critical than the gear you own or even the hours you put in. Gear is important, sure, but a strong mind will keep you going when that new synth loses its novelty or when your latest track isn’t well received. A bulletproof mindset isn’t about feeling positive all the time; it’s about maintaining a clear vision of your goals and committing to them, even when the road gets rough. It’s about knowing deep down, “I’m going to do this, no matter what.”

In moments of doubt or exhaustion, that mindset becomes the foundation you lean on. Without it, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up. But with it, you’ll find the strength to keep moving forward, no matter what comes your way.

 

Knowing vs. Doing: Turning Knowledge Into Action

We all know the fundamentals of achieving goals: work hard, be consistent, keep learning. But knowing what to do and actually doing it are two different things. Take fitness, for example. Almost everyone understands the basics of building a healthy lifestyle, but not everyone applies that knowledge. The same is true in music: you might understand what it takes to succeed, but putting it into practice consistently is where real progress happens.

The journey to becoming a successful artist is as much about discipline as it is about creativity. Success comes from consistently taking the actions that lead to growth, even when they’re uncomfortable or tedious. The difference between those who dream and those who achieve is simple: action.

 

Leaning Into Discomfort and Pushing Through

To succeed, you have to embrace discomfort. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, in the places that challenge and push you. This can mean anything from spending hours perfecting a track that isn’t quite there, to performing in front of people when you’re not feeling your best, or even reaching out to people in the industry when rejection feels inevitable. But know this: if you can withstand these moments and keep going, you’ll be on a path that few dare to walk.

Even as we share these insights, we’re stepping into discomfort ourselves—because sharing the hard truths about this journey might be difficult to hear. But it’s this shared challenge, this commitment to growth, that unites artists who make it in this industry.

 

Staying Grounded in Your Purpose

At the end of the day, your purpose is your anchor. Staying clear on why you started and who you want to be as an artist will help you weather the highs and lows. Success is a moving target in the music world; some days, you’ll feel like you’re on top of it, and other days, you might feel like quitting altogether. But by remembering your purpose, you can navigate the waves with confidence. Grounded by that clarity, you can say, “This is what I’m here to do, and I’m going to see it through.”

So, if you’re ready, dive in with everything you have. Pursuing a career in electronic music isn’t for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the journey, the rewards can be life-changing.