Overnight hits…
Everyone's chasing the next viral song, hoping for an overnight hit. Reminds me of how everyone was obsessed with making one-hit wonders in the early 2000s. But here’s why cultural icons always win in the long run.
True artists build something bigger than a single hit. They create a sound, a movement, and a deep connection with their audience that stands the test of time.
Sure, making a song that blows up on TikTok can be exciting. But what happens after that trend dies?
This is where real artistry shines.
Artists with longevity: • Have a distinct, recognizable sound • Build a world their fans want to live in • Create music that grows with their audience
Viral moments might get you from 0 to 1 quickly. But then you’re stuck – either keep chasing trends or start building something meaningful. Artists who focus on impact and longevity don’t have that problem.
We’ve seen this play out before. While some viral artists will stick around, those who cultivate a loyal fanbase and a cultural presence will always thrive.
The future isn’t just about getting a million streams overnight (is that even possible organically?) – it’s about making music that people return to for months, years, and hopefully… decades.
But I can’t help but wonder… is the industry in a liquid phase? Are we actually betting on artists who play the long game, or are we just chasing the next viral hit—at the expense of the artist’s frustration and a lost career?
Also, I’m aware not everyone can become a cultural icon. In terms of ingestion, how many people have to admire a single artist to sustain their career, stay engaged, and be excited about their work? And how many people can do that for the same artist? Does an artist become an icon because they give and connect with the public in a way that resonates with them? Or is it simply because the public chooses to give them attention? What comes first? What follows?
What we do know is that as artists, we have to focus on what’s within our control to the best of our ability, consistently. Learn, adapt, iterate, and keep creating. That’s the job of the artist in short terms, isn’t it?
