MUSICIANS in 2024 know that the constant hustle of trying to earn money, get gigs and promote yourself on social media can lead to emotional burnout and even a loss of love in music. So how do we get by and beat the blues while managing a sustainable career? In this blog I want to lay out a few ideas for making your life easier and staying with the joy of making music. Here’s six suggestions.

1. Go Out and Watch somebody else play live

Learn to let it go. As a musician myself working in a highly competitve industry for over 25 years it’s my top recommendation. Overwork, lack of sleep, too much alcohol or long car journeys to gigs can lead to emotional fatigue, loss of motivation, artistic stagnation and exhaustion. You can end up physically and mentally unwell if you don’t look after yourself properly while being driven to reach your dreams and ambitious.

So, go to a gig. Preferably a smaller one with musicians you know and rate as people. A musician playing original music and heartfelt lyrics over gimmicks and desperate pushy egotism. Drop the competitive jealousy and give out some love to a fellow performer on the same road as you. Friendship is the best therapy you cna get aside from physical exercise and breathing or meditation. Let go of yourself.

2. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

It’s fabulous partying until 4am sometimes. Wrecking yourself in the process, dancing til dawn. Also, some gigs involve long drives for basically little money. Venues and managers can milk your energy and use you as cheaply as possible at times while trying to persuade you that they are doing you the favour. Pay can work out as much less than minimum wage. Other times venue owners can look after you, respect your music and become a new friend. Within all that, maintaining physical care of yourself is key to sustaining a long, fulfilling career.

  • Sleep well: It’s absolutely essential. Sleep deprivation is one of the leading causes of burnout. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, even when touring or recording late. Lack of sleep is linked to long term illnesses and it effects your mood and judgement.
  • Eat healthy: A balanced diet fuels your body and mind, helps you stay energized. Avoid too much junk food. It’s easy to snack on the wrong foods inbetween sets in a strange city when you haven’t planned. Musicians seem like the kind of people most unlikely to make themselves sandwiches and put an organic apple in a buttie box. You can try. At home eat plenty of fruit and green vegetable as well as meat and fish if you’re not vegetarian. Your whole life can depend on it.
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can reduce stress and improve your mood. Even short workouts or yoga sessions can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Run up a hill, go the gym or local baths, get out on your bike or step out for a long walk. Your body will feel better and so will your mind.

3. Protect Your Creative Energy

Creativity is at the core of every musician’s work, but constantly pushing yourself to create can drain your artistic energy. If you can’t stay natural and genuine with the sentiments in your songs you might consider not writing them until you do feel good. Here’s how to stay inspired:

  • Take creative breaks: Don’t force creativity when you’re feeling drained. Sometimes, stepping away from music for a short period helps recharge your inspiration.
  • Experiment with new genres or instruments: Doing the same thing over and over can lead to artistic stagnation. Shake things up by exploring new sounds, techniques, or collaborations to keep your creativity flowing.
  • Journal or brainstorm: Sometimes, just writing down thoughts or ideas without pressure can relieve the mental block that comes with burnout.

4. Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively

Poor time management can contribute to feeling overwhelmed. Keep a calendar on the wall and make sure you write your gigs in it. When you don’t have a clear plan, tasks pile up, and the pressure mounts. Don’t forget to do your accounts, boring as it might be, and consider a part-time job when money gets tight. Staying organized helps you asvoid getting mixed up or overwhelmed.

  • Create a schedule: Organize your day or week with a realistic schedule that includes time for practice, production, marketing, and rest.
  • Set clear goals: Break your larger goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes everything feel more achievable and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
  • Delegate where possible: If you have a team, manager, or trusted collaborators, delegate tasks. You don’t have to handle everything yourself, whether it’s managing social media or handling bookings.

5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Burnout often stems from isolation, especially for musicians who spend long hours alone in the studio or on the road. Building a support network can make a big difference.

  • Seek mentorship: Connecting with more experienced musicians who understand the industry can provide valuable advice and emotional support.
  • Build a strong support system: Surround yourself with friends, family, or peers who understand the demands of your career and can offer support when needed.
  • Collaborate with others: Collaboration with other artists can be both creatively stimulating and emotionally supportive. Working with others can help you stay motivated and feel less isolated.

6. Recognize the Signs of Burnout Early

One of the best ways to prevent burnout is to catch it early before it escalates. Some early warning signs include:

  • Constant fatigue, even after rest
  • Losing interest in music or creativity
  • Feeling emotionally drained or unmotivated
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability or frustration with tasks that used to bring joy

When you notice these signs, it’s essential to pause and reassess your work-life balance. Take a break or talk to someone you trust to gain perspective on what needs to change.

Conclusion

Burnout is a real risk in the music industry, but it’s not inevitable. By setting boundaries, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, protecting your creativity, and building a supportive environment, you can enjoy a long, fulfilling career without sacrificing your mental and physical health.

Remember, it’s not about constantly grinding—it’s about sustaining your passion and finding joy in the music. Balance is key to staying inspired, healthy, and successful over the long haul.

For further advice check out the Musicians Union or check up the chats on Reddit between working musicians. They’ll say something similar.