How Independent Artists Shape Careers in the Music Industry

Thinking about pursuing a career in the music industry as an independent artist? What does it mean to be independent in today’s music industry, and how can you navigate a successful path as a self-directed musician? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how independent artists can thrive and build sustainable careers in music, and highlight how WaterBear, a commercial music college, supports them.

At WaterBear, we offer BA (Hons) and master’s degree courses, delivered in Sheffield, Brighton, or Online, equipping independent artists, musicians and aspiring music professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to develop a sustainable career within the modern music industry.

1.Why Independent Artists Are Thriving

• Creative Control for Independent Artists 
• Greater Earnings Potential for Independent Artists
• Flexibility in Your Music Career
• Building Direct Connection with Fans
• More Creative Opportunities for Independent Artists

2. Supporting Independent Artists’ Music Careers

• Bespoke Learning Approach for Developing Music Careers
• Connections for Music Industry Careers
• Entrepreneurial Support for Careers in Music
• Collaboration Opportunities for Independent Artists

3. Building Successful Careers in the Music Industry

Independent artists are redefining what it means to succeed in today’s music industry.

By taking control of their creative process, business decisions, and fan engagement, they’re building careers on their own terms and showing that independence can lead to long-term success.

One of the biggest benefits of being an independent artist is the creative control it allows you to have.  

Unlike signed acts, independent artists have complete authority over all aspects of their music, art style, and production techniques. This means you can fully express yourself and create songs that truly resonate with you and your audience. 

At times, it can be difficult to articulate a specific artistic concept to others, so as a DIY or independent musician, you don’t have to worry about anyone else’s opinion or vision getting in the way. This freedom is one of the main reasons many choose to pursue an independent career in the music industry.

While signing with a record label can provide financial stability and resources, it also means giving up a significant portion of your income and/or the rights to your music. 

When you’re working in independent music, you get to keep all of the revenue generated by your songs, making it easier to fund albums, music videos, and merchandise. For many independent artists, this financial control is a game-changer when building sustainable careers in the music industry. 

The exploration of other supporting revenue streams is also encouraged to self-fund as an independent artist. These could include streaming royalties, sync licensing, selling merchandise, and live performances.

At Waterbear, our Music Industries Team can help you explore these different income streams to support your independent music career.

A career as an independent artist provides far greater flexibility than signing with a record label. You get to work around your own schedule and prioritise what’s important to you.

For many independent artists, this freedom makes it easier to balance their music career with other commitments, such as education, jobs, or family. 

You can also take your music in any direction you want, without needing to adhere to a label’s contractual or creative terms.

This flexibility is one of the key reasons why so many choose to build their own careers in the music industry as independent musicians.

At WaterBear we understand the need for this level of flexibility, which is why all of our course content is available on our Virtual Learning Platform. We also offer online courses to allow for maximum flexibility around your commitments.

With the rise of social media and digital platforms, independent artists can now connect directly with their fans.

You don’t need a record label to market and promote your music. Many independent artists use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to build a following and engage with their audience. 

This direct engagement allows independent artists to create a much more intimate bond with fans, often resulting in a loyal and dedicated community.

For those building their careers in the music industry, access to free promotional tools also means any previously generated revenue can be reinvested into creative projects, merchandise, or live performances.

At WaterBear, social media, marketing and branding are taught across all disciplines to support you with this. Our Music Industries Team are also available to further support in this area.

When you’re an independent artist, you have complete free reign over the collaborative aspects of your music, with the ability to explore and trial different creative avenues.

You can work with other independent artists, producers, and musicians to create something truly unique.

If you decide to experiment with different genres and styles, you don’t need to worry about compromising your image or brand.

As we’ve shown, having an independent career in music offers many benefits in today’s music industry.  

From creative control to greater earnings potential and flexibility, independent artists have the freedom to pursue their passion on their own terms.  

While there are challenges to going independent, the rewards are often worth it.  

For those looking to build careers in the music industry, going independent can open up opportunities for growth, experimentation, and long-term success.

Now that you understand the benefits of an independent career in music, WaterBear can support you in pursuing life as an independent artist and building a successful career in the music industry. Here’s how…

WaterBear offers courses that are ‘student-led’, meaning a personalised learning approach is applied to each individual. This allows students to tailor their education to fit their specific requirements and aspirations. It ensures the focus is on areas of music most relevant to them and their careers in the music industry, whether that’s performance, production, business, or songwriting.

WaterBear tutors work closely with students to identify strengths and areas for development, giving independent artists the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in their music careers.

WaterBear has a wealth of industry connections and special guests, including leading record labels, music publishers, and management companies.

All of our tutors are active contributors to the music industry and bring experience from a range of fields.

Thanks to our Music Industries Team, students gain access to expertise and opportunities that help independent artists and budding music professionals develop successful careers in the music industry.

WaterBear offers internships, work placements, and networking events, ensuring students are supported in building a strong foundation for a prosperous music career.

WaterBear provides entrepreneurial support to help independent artists and music professionals develop the skills they need to succeed and build sustainable careers in the music industry. This includes classes on music business, marketing, social media, and branding, which are taught across all disciplines.

Students also gain access to industry experts who can offer advice on career paths, creative decisions, and financial planning.

WaterBear’s entrepreneurial support further includes opportunities to showcase students’ music and grow their fan bases, giving independent artists and music professionals the tools to thrive in today’s music industry.

WaterBear encourages collaboration between students, not only during college hours but outside of them as well. This can be invaluable for developing an independent career in music, as it fosters innovation and creativity, allowing independent artists to create unique projects they might not otherwise achieve.

By working together on recording sessions, music videos, and gigs, students continuously build practical skills that are directly applicable to their careers in the music industry.

By maintaining creative control and flexibility, exploring greater earnings potential, connecting directly with fans, and embracing more creative opportunities, independent artists can truly shape their own music careers.  

WaterBear – The College of Music equips independent artists with the expertise, knowledge, and opportunities they need to pursue a successful career in music. From personalised learning to industry connections and entrepreneurial support, WaterBear provides everything independent artists need to thrive in today’s music industry. 

If you are interested in finding out about our range of music degree courses at WaterBear, in Brighton, Sheffield or Online, order a prospectus, apply now, or get in touch with us today.