5 Mistakes I Made Starting My Music Career
When I first stepped into the world of music, I thought passion and talent would be enough. I was fueled by big dreams and late-night rehearsals, but no one warned me about the invisible roadblocks that would show up—most of them created by me. I’ve learned that the beginning of any creative career is rarely graceful. There are doubts, missteps, and lessons that sometimes arrive too late. So I wanted to share five of the biggest mistakes I made when starting my music career—because maybe they’ll help you move a little faster, or with a little more self-compassion, on your own path. Here are the five things I wish someone had told me sooner.
Lucianna
5/8/20241 min read
Music, Positivity, Storytelling
Mistakes I Made Starting My Music Career
1. Waiting for “perfect” before putting myself out there
I used to believe I had to have everything perfectly polished before I could share my voice. The right look, the right sound, the right moment. But perfection is an illusion—and waiting for it only delayed the growth I needed to become who I am. The truth is: your evolution lives in the doing, not the waiting.
2. Underestimating the power of networking
For a long time, I thought talent alone would open the doors. But the music world is relational. It’s energy, it’s connection, it’s showing up and being seen. Some of my biggest opportunities came not from auditions, but from a conversation, a shared moment, a trusted introduction. I had to learn that community is currency.
3. Not charging enough (or at all!) in the beginning
At first, I was just grateful to be asked. I didn’t want to seem “difficult” or “too much” by discussing money. But the more I gave without value in return, the more I felt depleted—and resentful. Honoring your craft means honoring your worth. It took me time, but now I understand: asking for what you deserve is not arrogance. It’s alignment.
4. Letting imposter syndrome stop me from singing certain gigs
I’d turn down opportunities because I didn’t think I was “ready” or “good enough.” I told myself I’d embarrass myself. I’d ruin it. But really, it was fear whispering lies. I wish I had shown up anyway—shaky voice, butterflies, and all. Confidence doesn’t arrive before the leap. It arrives because you leaped.
5. Comparing myself to everyone else instead of owning my sound
In a world full of highlight reels, I constantly questioned whether I was enough. Whether my voice was “special” enough. But the moment I stopped trying to fit into someone else’s lane and leaned into my story, my sound, my essence—everything shifted. Your uniqueness isn’t your weakness. It’s your superpower.