For Artists Figuring It Out

For Artists Figuring It Out

For Artists Figuring It Out is your no bullshit guide to the music industry, hosted by artist/tour manager and ex-venue owner Tom Carnell. Each week, we break down the real challenges artists face, from building a loyal fanbase to handling burnout, writing to press, understanding marketing, and navigating this whole thing without losing who you are. Just honest help for artists trying to do this properly, told by someone who actually gets it.

Episodes

July 1, 2025 8 mins

Feeling creatively stuck? In this video, I break down what to do when the ideas stop flowing, without forcing it or burning out.


Whether you’re a musician, content creator, or artist of any kind, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, and stay consistent on your terms.


We cover how to spot burnout, refill your creative tank, and keep showing up even when motivation disappears.


Bonus resour...

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Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s diving into the sneaky mindset traps that stop independent artists from moving forward, even when they’re doing everything “right.”


If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, perfectionism, or constantly comparing yourself to others in the industry… this one’s for you.


Here’s what we’re unpacking:

→ Why overthinking kills momentum

→ How perfectionism hides behind “high standards”

→ Why...

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Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s recapping this week’s Patreon series all about Release Strategy and calling out the stuff artists get wrong not because they’re lazy, but because the advice they’re following is broken.


Here’s what we’re covering:


Pre-Saves & Pre-Release Build-Up

You’ve been told pre-saves are everything. But most of the time, they just stress you out and don’t move the needle. This bit’s about...

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In this episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom sits down with solo artist Matt Hennessy. Go check out his singles ⁠here.⁠


They talk about:

→ The importance of gigs

→ Imposter syndrome

→ Networking in the music industry


This one’s packed with honest insights, actionable tips & stories from the industry.


💬 Got thoughts on this episode? Drop a comment or tag us online.

📲 Full archive + bonus tools on ⁠Patreon⁠

🎧 Subscr...

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In this short solo episode, Tom talks about the type of burnout that doesn’t come from working too hard but from feeling emotionally disconnected from your own creativity.


He shares:

→ Why always being in “output mode” will eventually drain you

→ How to tell when you’re creating from a place of pressure, not passion

→ A simple way to reconnect with your creative spark without stepping away completely


This one’s for anyone feelin...

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Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s breaking down the number one reason most independent artists aren’t getting booked, and no, it’s not because you’re not “big enough yet.”


Here’s what we’re covering:


→ Why waiting to be discovered is killing your momentum

→ How most artists think they’re pitching — but actually aren’t

→ What promoters are really looking for (and how to give it to them)

→ The simplest way to start landi...

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In this episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom sits down with James from the band Kings & Bears. Go check out their new EP 'Rise Up' here.


They talk about:

→ Multiple means and avenues to market your music

→ What artists should focus on when they have very limited time and resources

→ How to provide value to followers to convert them into fans


This one’s packed with honest insights, actionable tips & stories...

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This one’s for the artists who feel like their numbers are moving — but nothing else is.


We’re breaking down what vanity metrics actually are, why they can be so misleading, and how chasing views, likes and followers can quietly stall your long-term progress.


Here’s what we’re covering:


What “vanity metrics” actually means

Likes, followers, views — they feel good, but they’re not always real indicators of growth. We unpack ...

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Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s walking you through the live show game, from getting booked to making a lasting impression on stage.


If you’re struggling to land gigs or feel like you’re not making the most of the ones you do play, this is the one to tune into.


Here’s what we’re covering:


Booking Gigs

The number one reason most artists aren’t getting gigs? They’re not asking. Tom breaks down why waiting to be ...

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In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s tackling one of the most damaging myths in the music industry, that you need to find your genre to stand out.


If you’ve ever panicked about not having a “clear sound” or not fitting into one genre, this one’s for you.


Here’s what we’re covering:


  • Why genre doesn’t matter as much as personality
  • What fans actually connect to
  • Why forcing a genre might be holding you...
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In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom breaks down one of the biggest reasons artists aren’t getting booked, and why it’s almost never about talent.


If you’ve been sitting around waiting to be discovered, thinking your music should speak for itself… this one’s for you.


Here’s what we’re covering:


  • Why promoters aren’t “discovering” new acts
  • The most common mistake artists make when trying to get gigs
  • Wh...
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Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s shining a light on the middle of the fanbase funnel, the part nobody talks about but nearly every artist is missing.


If you’re stuck in the loop of trying to go viral but not gaining fans, this episode is for you.


Here’s what we’re covering:


What Is a Funnel & Why It Matters

Most artists focus on the top (TikToks, playlisting, exposure) or the bottom (merch, ticket sales, st...

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This week on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom's breaking down four big things that trip up independent artists, not because they’re hard, but because you’re being told to do them the wrong way.


Here’s what we’re covering:


→ Reaching Out to Radio & Press

Most artists either overthink this or copy/paste the same template that gets ignored every time. Tom talks about what a press release actually is, when you should actua...

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