As soon as you’ve found your unique sound and a fanbase hungry for it, you face your first big challenge: Who do you want in your corner as you build your music career? There comes a point in every independent artist's journey when doing everything yourself becomes the core limiting factor for growth . And the right team members (whether artists or business professionals) don't just take tasks off your plate, they bring specialized expertise that elevates your entire operation.
Your “creative DNA” shapes your early priorities and sets the tone for your long-term journey. The team you assemble—or the decision to go solo—will influence:
- Your artistic values and vibe
- Your collaboration priorities and workflow
- Your network’s reach for gigs, collabs, and exposure
Choosing Solo or Squad
Most successful artists (around 70%) team up with one or two key collaborators early on. Think a producer, co-writer, or manager. Going solo isn’t unheard of (about 10% of big names start alone), but the data shows that having a small, trusted crew often gives you an edge.
If you’re crafting singer-songwriter tracks or lo-fi beats, going solo might work, with you as the visionary and hustler. For genres like hip-hop or electronic music, a co-producer or DJ can share the load, bringing technical skills or industry know-how. In pop or indie, you might need a manager to handle bookings and branding. Building a broad team from day one is tough, so some artists start solo and add collaborators as they grow.
Your squad might come from childhood friends (like The Beatles), college bandmates (like Coldplay), or online collabs (like SZA and her producers). Some artists meet co-writers through mutual connections or even siblings (think FINNEAS and Billie Eilish). Most collaborators join before your first big break, 90% lock in before a major deal or viral hit. If you’re hunting for a creative partner, consider:
- Whether one of you has production or technical skills
- The balance of experience, newbie energy vs. industry vets
- Diversity to keep your sound fresh and future-proof
How you split creative control or royalties varies. Equal splits are common, but it depends on contributions and timing.
