Everyone wants to nurture talent to global and mainstream stages. But beyond visibility and success, the real issue is sustainability while waiting for that “big break.” My active years in the music industry have exposed me to a few hard truths.
First, there is no perfect formula for creating a global star. Strategy, branding, marketing, and influence help, especially when people say, “We did it for that artist.” But the truth is what works for one artist will not automatically work for another.
Second, every project demands evolution. Not every release will chart.
Not every investment will return profit.
Even global stars struggle to recreate another global moment. Influence and networks can make success look easy, but before you get there, you must diversify to survive. You must work daily knowing that the song you feel least confident about might become the biggest, while the one you believed in deeply may not. We have seen this happen repeatedly, with artists later saying, “That song was not even my favorite on the album, but it changed my life.” If your releases never reach the top, it does not mean you are not good enough. It often means more time, more patience, and more work.
Third, the industry is volatile. Financial certainty is rare. Even self-funding comes with serious risk.
As an executive who has invested, managed capital, and made hard decisions, I have learned this firsthand. That is why pushing hard is not enough. You must build systems that fund the passion.
Fourth, passion without structure is fragile.
Dreams without sustainability burn out.
In today’s digital music economy, expectations are relentless. Fans, platforms, and performance metrics never rest. The pressure is real, but survival demands strategy, not emotion.
This year, think beyond releases and applause. Create alternative inflows. Explore opportunities within and outside the industry. I do it. I have done it. And I strongly advise you to do the same.
Your reality is between you and yourself, not the image you present online. If you have not accepted this as a creative or an executive, you are still chasing illusions.
Every talent has the potential for a global wave, but not every talent or project will be globally or mainstream consumed. Your moment may come quickly may take time or may never come, but you must fight for it the best way you can.
Your dream is your dream. The world consumes it and moves on quickly based on taste and timing. While you wait for your turn again, create multiple streams of income, within and outside the industry, so you do not burn out and you stay afloat.
While you wait, what is keeping you afloat?
Drtonez