Clarify Your Mission: How to Craft a Purposeful Vision for your Music Career

Clarify Your Mission: How to Craft a Purposeful Vision for your Music Career

Posted by Peter White on

A 2019 study by Record Union, a digital distribution platform, found that 73% of independent musicians have experienced stress, anxiety and/or depression in relation to their work. This stress can occur for a number of reasons, but one of them undoubtedly is the challenge of getting your voice heard.

In music, finding your voice is daunting enough, but getting your music heard in this vast musical ecosystem? Oh brother. With so much noise, it's crucial for musicians to at least have a clear vision and mission that sets them apart. Today we'll discuss the importance of clarifying that mission as a musician, and I'll provide you with practical steps to help you define your own musical vision, so you can continue your journey with faith and greater peace of mind. Additionally, we'll take a look at Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" concept, and show how it can be incorporated into your process of building your Mission (vision).

Why Clarify Your Mission?

  1. Stand Out in a Crowded Market

     

    Imagine a crowded marketplace where every vendor is selling similar products. To get noticed, you need a unique selling proposition (USP). Your mission serves as your USP in the music industry. It's what sets you apart and makes your music compelling to potential fans and collaborators. If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything. You need a mission, even if you keep it just to yourself. This will serve as the beacon of light on your journey, always allowing you to return to the harbor.

  1. Stay Focused and Inspired

    A well-defined mission gives you a sense of purpose and direction. It helps you stay focused on your goals and motivated to overcome obstacles. When you have a clear vision, you're less likely to get distracted by trends or peer pressure, enabling you to create music that truly resonates with listeners.

  1. Attract the Right Audience

    When you're clear about your mission, you will naturally attract an audience that resonates with your message and your style of approach. This can lead to a loyal fan base who not only appreciates your music but also identifies with your values and vision.

So what are the steps to clarify your vision?

  1. Reflect on Your Why

    Simon Sinek wrote a book in 2009 called "Start with Why." In it, Sinek's core argument is that the most successful individuals and organizations are those that start by clearly understanding the reason why they do what they do. According to Sinek, every organization knows what they do, some know how they do it, but very few know why they do it. The "why" isn't about making money—that's just a result. The "why" is about the organization's purpose, cause, or belief. It's why the organization exists. Many great things happen when we understand our why. 

      First, understanding our "Why" provides clarity of purpose. It helps us understand our goals beyond the superficial level of just completing tasks or achieving short-term objectives. Additionally, Decisions can be made more effectively when they are aligned with the "Why." It acts as a filter through which to run decisions, ensuring that actions are consistent with core values and purpose. And perhaps most importantly, A strong "Why" provides a reason to persevere through challenges. When we face obstacles or failures, the "Why" gives us a reason to keep going.

     

    There are so many more reasons why knowing your "why" is critical, but I want to proceed with my explanation for how this concept can help you. We'll expand on the many benefits of the "why" at a later date.

  2.  In the spirit of Sinek's notion, start by asking yourself why you make music. I know it sounds so simple, but really think about it. Was there a moment in your life that you can isolate as the one that told you, "I really MUST do this." What emotions or messages do you want to convey through your music? What drives you to get up in the morning and create music?

    It may help to do some free-flow writing. Jot down your thoughts and be as specific as possible. It may take some time, but I promise you will get to a "why" that makes sense after a bit of writing.

  3. Define Your Musical Identity

    Consider your musical style, genre, and the unique elements that make your music stand out. What makes your sound distinct? How do you want to be perceived as an artist? This will help you shape your musical identity. 

  4. Identify Your Target Audience

    Who are your ideal listeners? What demographics, interests, and values do they have? Understanding your audience helps you tailor your music and marketing efforts to reach the right people.

  5. Set Clear Goals

    Outline your short-term and long-term goals. What do you want to achieve with your music in the next year, five years, or even a decade? Having specific goals will give your mission a sense of purpose and urgency. I have a fantastic custom Google Sheet which I have used to map out all of my goals. It's an absolute game-changer for your organization, and I highly recommend it--not just because it took me months to complete, but because I have gotten actual results with it! With the Sheet you can map out all of your goals using the 12 week year formula pioneered by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington (more on that on another day!). 

  6. Craft Your Mission Statement

    Use all the insights you've gathered to create a concise and compelling mission statement. This statement should encapsulate your "why," musical identity, target audience, and goals. It should be a clear and inspiring declaration of your purpose as a musician. Don't worry too much about it sounding "smart" or "elegant." What's most important is that it means something to you. Also, it can speak more broadly to your ethos in the world. For example, my mission statement is: 

    "With diligence, preparation, and courage, we can achieve more than we ever believed possible."

  7. Revisit and Refine

    Your mission may evolve over time as you grow as an artist and your experiences shape your music. It's important to periodically revisit and refine your mission statement to ensure it remains aligned with your vision. Make a plan to check back in with your mission statement every six months or so.

Conclusion

In the modern music economy, knowing your "why" is vital, and a clear mission is your guiding light. The mission sets the tone for your musical journey and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Remember that your mission is unique to you, so take the time to clarify it and let it shine through in your music. When your mission is clear, your path becomes clearer, and your music becomes more meaningful to both you and your listeners. So, begin today by defining your mission. You will always have this wonderful reference point, and from there, you will be able to go out and bring to fruition all of your goals--in alignment with your vision--and create an impact in the music industry!

 -Astara

 

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