Money, Stress and Music: What to Do When It All Feels Like Too Much

Being a musician is a calling. A passion. A lifelong love.

It can also feel completely overwhelming—especially when money is tight.

Whether you're balancing multiple jobs, trying to fund a tour, dealing with medical bills, or simply wondering how to keep the lights on and keep making art… the financial stress can weigh heavy. And in a world that often underpays (or undervalues) musicians, it’s no wonder so many of us end up asking:

How do I keep going when I’m so tired of surviving?

This post is here to remind you: You're not alone, and you're not failing. Let’s talk honestly about money stress and music—and how to keep going even when it feels like too much.

🎵 You Are Not the Problem

Repeat this to yourself:

The system is broken. I am not.

Most musicians today aren't struggling because they're lazy or bad at business. They're struggling because:

• Streaming pays fractions of a cent

• Venues and festivals often underpay or overcharge to play

• Equipment, transportation, and studio time are expensive

• Health insurance is often out of reach

• The industry rewards constant output and perfect branding—not sustainability

If you’re doing your best and it still doesn’t feel like enough, please know: that’s not on you.

💸 Step One: Take Inventory Without Shame

Money is emotional. And it’s easy to avoid looking at it when things feel tight.

But sometimes, clarity is what we need most.

Try sitting down with a journal or spreadsheet (or both!) and ask yourself:

• What are my exact monthly expenses right now?

• What’s my minimum income needed to feel stable?

• What sources of income do I currently have—and are they sustainable?

• What feels like a “money leak” (aka something draining me)?

• What could I shift without shame or judgment?

This isn't about cutting out joy—it’s about protecting your creative life.

🛠 Helpful Tools for Musicians in Money Stress

Grants & Funds

• Musicares

• Sweet Relief Fund

• Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund

• Local arts councils and community foundations often have micro-grants for creators

Income Help & Ideas

• Offer one-on-one music lessons (in-person or remote)

• Sell behind-the-scenes content on Patreon

• Apply for part-time remote admin or creative gigs

• Repurpose old tracks into sample packs, loops, or sync libraries

• Offer session work or songwriting for hire

You don’t have to sell out—you just have to stay afloat.

🧠 Mental Health Matters

Money stress doesn’t just drain your bank account—it drains your energy, creativity, and sense of self-worth. Here’s how to protect your mind and heart in the process:

• Use grounding techniques when you feel panic rising (breathwork, music, or a short walk can help).

• Talk about it with trusted friends or other musicians. You’d be surprised how many are in the same boat.

• Let go of “shoulds.” There is no one right path to being an artist. Your route is valid, even if it looks different.

💛 Create a “Bare-Bones Joy” Budget

What are the smallest, most essential things you need to keep creating?

Maybe it's:

• Your main instrument in working shape

• A journal or laptop

• Coffee and an hour of quiet

• One space a week to jam or record

Let that be your anchor. Everything else can flex. Come back to this list when you feel lost.

✨ You Are Resilient

When it all feels like too much, remember:

• You can pause without quitting.

• You are allowed to change your path.

• You are still a real musician, even when the money isn’t flowing.

You are resilient. And your music, your voice, and your presence in this world still matter—deeply.

Take what you need. Let go of what doesn’t serve. And keep creating with impact.