10 Year Plan to Become an Independent Artist

Years 1-2:

  1. Develop a consistent setlist of cover songs and original material and start performing regularly at open mic nights and local venues in Soulard and surrounding areas. Work on developing a unique sound and brand that sets you apart from other artists in your genre. As your performance quality improves, move toward opening for local bands and booking your own shows directly with bar owners.

  2. Develop connections in the music scene by making friends at open mics and performances. Focus on long term relationships that are mutually beneficial. Bring artists to the shows that you book to help them get exposure.

  3. Focus on creating consistent quality content (original songs and covers) to share on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Collaborate with artists who have social media presences. Encourage all artists to grow social media followings and post collaborations.

  4. Interact with everyone in the audience before and after shows. Introduce yourself and follow them on Social Media.

    1. Social Media Estimates for years 1 and 2:

      1. TikTok: 1-2000 followers

      2. YouTube: 1-500 subscribers

      3. Instagram: 1-2000 followers

      4. Patreon 1 - 500 Subscribers

  5. Begin recording and releasing your music, starting with a single or EP.

  6. Monetize your music by performing at paid gigs.

  7. Explore additional revenue streams, such as merchandise sales, sponsorships, and donations.

Years 3-4:

  1. Invest in better equipment and production to improve the quality of your recordings and live performances.

  2. Collaborate with established producers or songwriters to enhance the quality of your music and share audiences.

  3. Release an EP or small album of original songs independently to streaming platforms.

  4. Use your social media presence to promote the new album and any upcoming shows.

  5. Continue performing regularly and expanding your fanbase by playing at larger venues and festivals in the St. Louis area.

  6. Invest in better merchandise and build a reputation as a provider of quality merchandise.

  7. Continue to grow a social media following and collaborate with others who have established followings.

    1. Social Media Estimates for years 3 and 4

      1. TikTok: 2,000-40,000 followers

      2. YouTube: 500-20,000 subscribers

      3. Instagram: 2,000-40,000 followers

      4. Patreon: 500 - 2,000 subscribers

Years 5-6:

  1. Start touring regionally to build your fanbase and expand your reach beyond St. Louis.

  2. Collaborate with the most talented musicians and producers you can find.

  3. Release a full-length album 

  4. Use touring and festival opportunities to promote the album and gain more fans and exposure.

  5. Continue to promote your music and live performances through social media and other channels, while also building relationships with industry professionals and media outlets.

  6. Begin to explore more advanced monetization strategies such as licensing deals, partnerships with brands, and royalty streams.

  7. Continue to grow a social media following and collaborate with others who have established followings similar in size to your own. Remember to give back and collaborate with smaller artists.

    1. Social Media Estimates for years 5 and 6:

      1. TikTok: 40,000 - 250,000 followers

      2. YouTube: 20,000 - 100,000 subscribers

      3. Instagram: 40,000 - 200,000 followers

      4. Patreon 2000 - 3000 subscribers

Year 7-8:

  1. Begin touring nationally to build a wider fanbase and gain exposure in new markets.

  2. Collaborate with more established artists and producers to expand your reach and create new opportunities.

  3. Work with a publicist or marketing team to develop a more strategic approach to promoting your music and brand.

    1. Social Media Estimates for years 7 and 8:

      1. TikTok: 250,000-500,000 followers

      2. YouTube: 100,000 -250,000  subscribers

      3. Instagram: 200,000 - 500,000 followers

      4. Patreon 3000 - 5,000 subscribers

  4. Explore new revenue streams such as sync licensing, brand partnerships, and additional merchandise sales.

  5. Reinvest in artist collaborations, recording quality, and the development of new talent.

Year 9-10:

  1. Establish yourself as a nationally recognized artist and continue to tour and perform live to build your fanbase and reach new audiences.

  2. Collaborate with other nationally touring artists and producers to create new music and expand your creative horizons.

  3. Explore more advanced monetization strategies such as publishing deals, sponsorships, and endorsements.

  4. Reinvest in your career by continuing to improve the quality of your recordings and live performances, while also investing in new marketing and promotional strategies to grow your brand and fanbase.

    1. Social Media Estimates for years 9 and 10:

      1. TikTok: 500,000-1,000,000 followers

      2. YouTube: 250,000 - 500,000  subscribers

      3. Instagram: 500,000 - 100,0000 followers

      4. Patreon: 5000 - 10,000 Subscribers


Enjoy the fruits of your labor. You now have an established fan base large enough to support you and your fellow artists. You can quit your day job and hire all your friends. Remember to give back as much as you can and continue to reinvest in the local community that supported you along the way. 

To support the Soulard Nation on their journey, click the link below.