Staying in Tune

Simon Sammut
1 day ago
2 min read

Staying Motivated in the Music Industry

If you’ve spent any time chasing a career, or even a serious hobby, in music, you know the feeling. One day, you’re flying high after nailing a gig or writing something special. Next, you’re wondering if anyone out there is really listening.

Motivation isn’t a constant. It ebbs and flows. And in this industry, you have to learn how to nurture it, sometimes daily.

Why Motivation Wavers

Let’s be honest, the music world isn’t just about talent. It’s about persistence. You’ll face creative slumps, missed opportunities, financial uncertainty, and the creeping self-doubt that social media tends to amplify.

Everyone looks like they’re winning while you’re stuck in place, but trust me, every musician (yes, even the ones with sold-out shows and six-figure streams) has been there. I know I have.

What keeps me going? It always comes back to the music itself. When I lose sight of why I started, I strip it all back to the basics: the groove, the melody, the thrill of discovering something new on the bass. Sometimes, just picking up the instrument with no agenda brings everything back into focus.

5 Practical Ways to Stay Motivated (Especially When It Gets Tough)

Set small, achievable goals.Learn a new lick. Improve your timing. Record a 30-second idea. Progress, even tiny bits, fuels momentum.
Connect with other musicians.A quick jam, feedback exchange, or even a message can reignite your energy. Music was never meant to be made in isolation.
Celebrate the small wins.Don’t wait for the “big break.” A kind word after a gig or finally nailing that tricky phrase. That counts.
Take breaks without guilt.Burnout is real. Sometimes the best move is to step away, reset, and return with fresh ears and a clearer purpose.
Revisit your "why."Go back to the music and artists that lit the fire in the first place. Let that passion remind you of your own.

My Own Journey

There have been moments, especially early on, when I seriously questioned whether it was all worth it. But every album I’ve released, including the latest one, Visions of Transcendence, was shaped in part by those doubts.

Staying the course, even when the path wasn’t clear, made all the difference. Because music is also who I am. That’s what keeps me coming back to the bass and music, day after day.

Let the Music Lead

If you’re struggling to stay motivated right now, know that you’re not alone. The road isn’t always straight, but every step, even the hard ones, becomes part of your story.

Whether you’re gigging every weekend or quietly practising in your room, you are building something real. And when you need a spark, revisit your favourite records.

Keep playing. Keep moving. Keep listening.