Lesson's I've Learned as an Independent Artist...

Being an independent artist is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—things I’ve ever done. There’s no manual, no guaranteed path, and no one waiting to hand you success. You have to build it from the ground up. You become the artist, the businessperson, the marketer, the motivator, and sometimes your own support system all at once.

When I started out, I thought the hardest part would be getting my music heard. But over time, I learned that the real challenge wasn’t the music—it was becoming the person who could carry the dream WITH the music. The version of me who could handle rejection, keep creating through uncertainty, and stay grounded through growth.

Here are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along my journey as an independent artist...

1. No One Will Believe in You Until You Believe in Yourself

In the beginning, I wanted people to see my vision—to tell me I was special, that I had “it.” But I learned quickly that no one can fully believe in your dream until you do. Once I stopped waiting for approval and started walking in confidence, things began to change. I showed up differently. I carried myself like my goals were already real, and people started to respond to that energy. Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance—it’s self-trust. It’s believing that what’s inside of you deserves to be heard, even if no one else understands it yet. I wasn't always making hit songs. In fact, i had to carry a level of delusion when I first started out.

I remember it so clear, my first ever song I wrote called "fly away", i'm not going to say it's BAD, but i'm also not going to say its good either LOL. I went around showing EVERYONE this song and because I believed in myself SO MUCH, it naturally made them want to believe in me as well even THOUGH "Fly Away" was NOT it. To this day, "Fly Away" is tucked away in my cataloug and everytime I listen to it I can remember the little girl in me who was ECSTACTIC when she finished it.

2. Consistency Will Beat Talent Every Time

I’ve met so many talented artists who didn’t make it because they couldn’t stay consistent. I’ve also seen people who weren’t the most naturally gifted find huge success because they showed up every single day.

Consistency is the quiet, unglamorous part of this life. It’s writing when you’re tired, releasing music when you’re unsure how it’ll do, and promoting when no one seems to be paying attention.

Over time, I realized consistency builds momentum—and momentum builds everything else. Even when it feels like nothing’s happening, it is. Every song, every post, every moment of discipline adds up.

This goes for ANYTHING in life. When I was a personal trainer I would tell my clients this all the time as well. Consistency ALWAYS wins the results.

3. The Business Side Is Just as Important as the Art

When I first started making music, I only cared about the creative side. I wanted to write, record, and perform—I didn’t want to think about contracts, royalties, or publishing. But I learned that if I didn’t understand the business, I’d always be at a disadvantage.

Being independent means taking ownership of everything—your art, your brand, your money, and your future. I had to learn about distribution, copyright, and how to collect every royalty I earned. I had to understand how to protect what I built.

At first, it was intimidating. But now, I see it as empowerment. Knowledge is freedom. Once you understand the business, you can move with confidence and make decisions that align with your long-term vision. This goes with ANY creative vision. Most creatives do not like the concept of money because all they want to do is CREATE. This was me, until I learned that nobody would come and save me if I messed anything up. Now i'm constantly learning and reading up on the things I need to as a "boss".

4. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Gold

I learned this the hard way. When you’re creating constantly, performing, networking, and building a brand, your energy can get stretched thin. I used to say yes to everything, thinking more opportunities meant more progress—but not every opportunity aligns with your purpose.

Now, I protect my energy like my career depends on it—because it does.

Fitness and wellness play a huge role in that for me. Moving my body, eating clean, and taking quiet time alone all help me stay focused and balanced. When I feel strong and centered, my creativity flows naturally. Your energy is your most valuable asset. Without it, everything else starts to fall apart. When you learn to align your mind, body, and soul then the rest just feels natural.

5. You Don’t Need Everyone—You Just Need the Right Ones

When my music started reaching new audiences, I wanted everyone to love it. But as time went on, I realized that depth matters more than reach. I don’t need the whole world to like what I do—I just need the right people to feel it.

The ones who play my songs on repeat, who connect with the message, who see themselves in the lyrics—that’s who I create for.

I’m not chasing numbers anymore; I’m building connection. A loyal fanbase that grows with me means more than any viral moment ever could.

6. Success Looks Different for Everyone

It’s easy to get caught up comparing yourself to other artists, especially in a world where everything is on display. You see other people’s highlight reels and start questioning your own timing. But I’ve learned that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey.

For me, success is freedom. It’s being able to create what I want, when I want, without compromising who I am. It’s knowing that my music and my message are impacting people all over the world—on my own terms.

You have to define success for yourself, or the industry will do it for you. Once you know what “making it” means to you, everything else becomes clearer.

7. The Journey Is the Reward

This one is truly my FAVORITE. There’s no final destination in this career. Even when you reach one goal, there’s always another one waiting. I’ve learned to find joy in the process—the late nights in the studio, the self-doubt that turns into breakthroughs, the small wins that lead to big ones. Every season teaches me something. Every mistake pushes me closer to my truth. The journey itself is the masterpiece. Being an independent artist isn’t easy, but it’s powerful. I’ve built something real, something that reflects who I am inside and out. And that’s what makes every challenge worth it.

Final Thoughts...

If you’re chasing your dream, whether in music or anything else, I hope this reminds you that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in what’s inside of you.

This path requires patience, persistence, and passion—but it also gives you freedom, creativity, and purpose.

Your story is your strength. Your sound is your signature. Keep walking your path, even when it’s uncertain. Because the world doesn’t just need more artists—it needs your art, no matter what it is.

If you've read this far I want to remind you how amazing you are. Thank you for being on this journey with me and thank you for believing in me as much as I believe in me. Comment your thoughts below, i'd love to hear from you!

XOXO

-ASKYE