I’m turning 30 on Friday, and I spent too large of a part of my 20′s doing exactly what you just warned against. Last Friday, I released my very first EP. Thanks for posting this, you just reinforced all my efforts.

Thanks for writing this.

I’m forty eight and started getting into writing and recording my own music about four years ago. I always thought it was a “young mans game” and there’s no way in hell I was going to get anywhere.

This sheds a whole new light on it all.

Thank you Scott…that was really well written….
I have been performing for the past 20 plus years…(53 now)
(I started pro when in my early 30′s) I entered a Big Country Quest in Aussie and was told I was “Too Old” at 34….that was a real putdown….
I still do shows…Solo…Duo and Spot gigs….not as many as I like…
(Some Agents dont like hiring us “oldies”) I gig Nursing Homes thu the week as well..
I still love what I do…and it is my living….

Great article. Idealism can be a virtue, but almost never results in a successful music career. As much as we wish otherwise, it’s a business, with consumers (fans) seeking the benefits (good feelings, etc.) of products (recordings, shows).

So if you’re striving for bigger audiences, you need to embrace this fact and make a concerted effort to market yourself.

Great article, left my 20s behind a couple of years ago but I’m trying now harder than ever.

This is a great article. I work with many artists over 30 who have learned that it is all about the music and the fans and not the glitz and glamour.

I am coming up on 38 here next month but you know what? I am just hitting my stride and my band is just starting to make waves. I have no intention of giving up on my dreams just because of age.

Thx for this great article! This is exactly what I am doing now for the last three years. I have just released my second CD completly DIY. It’s possible, especially if you step back from comparing artist success with ‘being part of the mainstream musinc business’.

I have started a blog on katsyredstar.blogspot.com to give insights into producing CDs DIY. Feel free to join.

Best
Katsy Redstar

Does the definition of “making it” involve standing in front of a crowd? My music is elaborate, and I recorded it all myself. I can play against a backing track, I guess, but if I were the audience I wouldn’t like that.

So is it possible to make it just on the virtues of recorded music?

Its great to be optimistic, but its important to be realistic. Anyone who thinks a 40 year old has as much chance as a 20 year old to get a big break is sadly mistaken.

Amen to this!!

I saw Leonard Cohen last year. One of the best concerts I’ve seen in my life. He’s 75 and playing 3 hour shows.

Thanks for a great article! I didn’t put out my first CD til I was 30, playing gigs & recording while working a full time job in the computer industry. But I was able to quit my day job 5 years ago, and am getting ready to release my 3rd CD. It’s been a great ride! And I’m just getting started. Thanks for the reminder that a few grey hairs never stopped anybody who was truly passionate about what they do.

So glad you wrote this. So many of us artist start to get disillusioned after a certain age but music is for all. No matter what ur age is. Peace.

Facing reality is the biggest challenge. Thinking that at 56 I will be the next big thing in country or American roots music probably isn’t realistic. Knowing that my songs (which can be sampled by googling “Wood Clay and Spirit”) can stand the test of trial by fire is another thing altogether. As a young man, I saw shows by Mississippi Fred McDowell and Muddy Waters when they were so old they could barely move. As a middle age touring musician, I played one of Bo Diddley’s last shows when he was healthy, and probably played Tennessee Ernie Ford’s last performance with him. So, now, I realize I’ll never have the luxury of being an elder statesmen of rock and roll like Eric Clapton or Pete Townsend. But I would be comfortable singing my songs in a circle with any successful living person, and playing an audience of any size. (Just did the first show in many years on a big stage with a big system, a month or so ago). Rather like the movie “Papillon”, I no longer have the drive of Steve McQueen, still trying to escape from the prison colony. I’m more like Dustin Hoffman, with my little house and little garden, perfectly content under the blue sky and sunshine, with no desire to get off the island. Content to work my day job and accept the critical acclaim that comes every once in awhile when I do get a chance to perform in public.

Great article! You’re only too old if you think you are, it’s Rock n Roll so keep acting young and have a good time. If you truly believe in what you are doing you’ll work hard and only good things can happen.

OMG! I was just thinking about this being I am now the over 40 crowd. I am glad to that you posted this as words of encouragment. I may not draw the young whippershappers to my shows, but I do get the baby boomers. Thanks for the post!

How old was Mississippi John Hurt when he “made it?”

I second BT. I also thought that it’s a game of young people but no more.
I don’t care about it anymore, I just want to make and play music.

Good take. As in anything in life, hard work, integrity, honesty, passion and love result in good things. You will be proud of all your accomplishments and have a body of work to be proud of at the end of the day. People will notice. Yeah, getting old sucks and as in any biz folks are drawn to the young….try getting a new job at 55(!). But try telling Doc Watson he’s too old to pick anymore. I think the bigger point is run your music career as a business as well an artistic venture. They are both.

I should clarify my last statement: anyone who thinks a 40 year old has as much chance as a 20 year old at getting signed to an Artist deal is sadly mistaken.

More relevant that the age question is the definition of someone “Making it.”

If your definition of “making it” is being seen lip-syncing to your own over-produced song on a tampon commercial, that’s one thing. I have always celebrated “Making It” as doing what I want when I want while keeping the bills paid. 15 years in: so far, so good.

Rob Michael
Atmos Trio

It’s also important to define what “success” means to you or your group. To my group, it is about writing new material, recording it ourselves, and then reproducing it faithfully live. Always feel that there is more that we can (and will do). This is what keeps up going. Our audience ranges from teen to AARP. If you put your very best into what you do, success is easy.

A miracle of an article – thanks SO much Scott! Not just for the sentiment but very well-written! Best, always, Carrie

I am forty-eight and got back into the busness about six years ago. I am in Christian music and have discovered a surprising amount of age descrimination.

I was prevented from auditioning for Gospel Dream (the equivalent to American Idol) due to a forty year age limit, and have been told by several high level A&R directors that I was too old to be considered as an viable investment. However, I continue to perform and write for an audience of one…

I’m 49 and play guitar, write and record alt-rock/punk/new wave music! The thing about it is that people my age were THERE when all the cool new wave and punk was actually happening, and we’re STILL rocking! Young people do not have a monopoly on it. In fact most music made by young people is a derivative of a derivative! Success? Who cares! Playing live? Don’t give a rat’s heinie! Just do your own thing, for yourself, not fame or “making it”. Believe me, if you are making music, you are making it!!! The Blisscats

I’m a 35-yr-old singer-songwriter, and your article called me out! I get caught up worrying too much about the “too old” factor. I tend to forget that many of my favorite artists are in their 30′s, 40′s, 50′s, 60′s and up. Good music and lyric-writing benefit from a certain depth and wisdom, and we usually don’t find that till we’ve lived a little anyway. Many thanks for such a great article.

Great article and oh so relevant in today’s market. No one is going to make it happen for you, but you. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t market yourselves, no one will see you.

I feel very fortunate to be able to make a full time living playing music that I love live and making CDs exactly the way I want.
Relying on someone in the “biz” to discover you and take care of you after you’ve been “signed” is kind of like playing the lottery once a year and expecting to make it big. Doing things this way makes the term “Music Business” an even bigger oxymoron than “Military Intelligence”.
I am 55 and have found that my age doesn’t effect anything or anybody in my career. I do suppose that were I to want to be in a “boy band” that my not being a boy might be a problem…..but, then again, I’m truely not interested in having my picture on the cover of Tiger Beat…..

I played in bands from the time I was 15 until 27 and quit play because my responsibilities (wife and kids) became greater than my ability to pursue my dream. I also had given in to the fact I was “too old” anyway. I turned 51 this year and realized that music is and has always been a big part of my life’s experience…so I joined a original rock band recently and will be playing my second club gig this month. I gave up because of age…why? Anyway…I still feel 25!

Thanks, Scott.

For all those hesitant wannabees, here’s the news: I started piano when I was 6, got married too early, had 6 kids, finished raising them by myself working as a real estate broker. So little practice or performing until 8 years ago. I am now studying with a Juilliard Masters graduate, playing little gigs in the Bay Area, played Carnegie Hall in 2009 and doing it in 2011. I’m 75. Keep goin’, you guys!

OK. I got you all beat. I’m 63. Should be discovered any minute. That’ll give me a good 20 years of Sex, Drugs and Rock And Roll. Ok, maybe not as much sex. And I’m off all drugs (better to stay alive longer). And my music is not really Rock, but hey…

Never mind.

‘Would you not pay for a great artist who was 65 years old? I would.’

your grammar here makes it sound like you would NOT pay
since you are using ‘not pay’ as a single action/verb
you might want to correct this…

This on of the greatest things that I heard since I started playing and singing. That was 45 years ago. I am a blues singer and guitarist. I have said those very words myself about being to old. But now at 58 years old I have CDs out, in 2009 i did a festival in Spain, in 2009 I found myself in Peterborough, England for 2 concerts, and in May of 2010, I did 13 shows on a mini-tour in the UK. I also held a No. 1 spot on Cashbox with “Crazy About A Mercury” for 2 weeks and I am still on their top 40 list. Been on the chart for 28 weeks. I still have to pinch myself to see if this is real. Seems like in the last 5-6 years things have been opening up for me. I still can’t believe this at this age!!!!! So I guess it is true that It is what the people like.

Sharon (SharBaby) Newport

Great positive article. You’re never too old to enjoy performing, writing and producing music. But most importantly, you’re never too old for others to enjoy your music as well. I will even have a band in the old folks home when they put me out to pasture. Maybe there are no stadiums in your future, but that’s true for 99.9 % of the musicians out there!

I’m 41 and just released my first all original cd in June. My band, Camby Road, is playing at Cadillac Ranch in Nashville on Friday. You are never too old to follow your dreams. Thanks Scott for letting me know I am on the right track. I wasn’t ready in my 20′s, but I am now. Check out our Podcast at http://www.indyintune.com episoide #76.

Ten years ago, I started performing and also wrote my first song at age 50. I just released my third album. We have a good following of “grey-haired groupies”, and we play often. There are a lot of places to play that aren’t on the music scene radar.. The trick is knowing your audience and knowing what venues work for your music *and* fans.

I didn’t expect to be doing this at this part of my life. But it’s been fun (and a lot of hard work!)

Great article. Absolutely true.
I have been making a living since the age of 11 from music.
There have been many great moments and many hard ones, but I enjoy what I do and would do it even if”The big time” never came along.
These are trying times and to be able to feed and house my family through my music income is a great gift.
All of the wishing and dreaming creates frustrations when they don’t come to fruition. But I know that part will never go away either.I have been working for the dream my whole life.
The key is to find a healthy balance of being in control of your destiny and finding the joy and strength in that alone and that comes from hands on work.

Bravo– thanks for posting. As a woman inching her way into the mid-40s, I’m having my most successful year professionally. My age and experience have given me more confidence and awareness about what it is I do, where I fit. I’m more focused than I was in my 30s. Similar to Wendi, I have three variations (solo, duo, and band), which provides flexibility and more opportunities. There is always an audience for good music!

Great Aritcle! and right on the money…

I record and release my own stuff and I’m 44. I have a (semi) active live band and we get audiences of all ages and play with bands half our age. Over the years, I have become “smarter” about writing and performing than I was in my 20s and 30s, and I am a far better musician. If countless folk and classical musicians can play music all their lives, why not rock and roll? Age is in the mind!

Times change. I’m over 40 and I’ve been writing songs, performing and recording on and off for over twenty years, but only really been touring and releasing official records the last few years. Thing is, for an independent left-field artist without a record deal, reaching out wasn’t easy before the spread of the internet. And recording quality material was expensive before software home studios and the growing industry of recording gear in Asia. Depending on whether you have family and other time-consuming commitments or not, you may find there are better career possibilities now if you’re 40-45 than when you were 25.

As you age, the key is changing your expectation about the audience. If you want to play in front of 25,000 screaming teenagers and 20-somethings, then yeah, you need to be in your 20′s. Venues may turn you down as you get older because their clientele is … 20-somethings.

The day I gained peace with my music was the day I realized and accepted that teenagers and 20-somethings are NOT my audience. I embraced who I was (a middle-aged musician) and who I would appeal to (35 – 60 year olds). At that point I relaxed and started to have a lot more fun.

I used to get caught up in the age game, but no longer. At 46, I’m not trying to have the fleeting moment of a “hit” song, which in my opinion, most of what’s on Top 40 radio is shallow and vacuuous at best. I want longevity, to write songs that will be relevant no matter what the decade. I am writing songs that I would have never been able to write in my 20′s and 30′s because I wasn’t experiencing the things that are inspiring me to write the songs I write. I am finally beginning to make the transition from playing at primarily coffeehouses for tips, and small guarantees to performing at listening rooms. I have recently acquired management and am booked into places such as Caffe Lena, The Cellar Stage and Wellsville Creative Arts Center. My list of opening act slots is growing as I have recently opened for Eilen Jewell, and will be opening for Eric Andersen and The Kennedys this November. For 10 years I have been slowly expanding my fan base, as well as the geographic region to touring in 9 states. There’s a market for what you do, no matter how small of a scale it’s on, but most importantly, the need to create and share is ever present.

A lot fakers step to the game expecting miracles instead of an experience, So these usually are the people that say ” Im too old to get it in with my talent – if it hasen’t happend for me by now.” LOOK people! Unless that day comes to where you can’t spit it out on the MIC. Then thats it(at least). We are what makes this what it is, like a specturm from light we play our role to help produce light. And life into entertainment.

http://www.malonerecords.com

I’m almost 50. And I’m still going strong.

One thing that happened to me is that my music changed over the years. I went through phases. When I was young and sexy, I did loud hard rock music. Now that I’m old and grey, I play sitar, and do jazz / world /electronica fusion.

But I’m keeping on! And I’m much more aware of the business side of things than I ever was.

There are even labels that only specialize in ‘baby boomer’ act artists. One is Austeo Records out of Austin, TX.

Thanks for this helping post. You go as far as you want to. In the end, it’s all up to us. I’m pumped. God bless.

This is exactly what I needed now. Things are so depressed, I thought it was my “sign” that I am no longer marketable, I’ve been making these mistakes because I haven’t wanted to “push” people, but I think everyone’s so burdened with finances and stress that they simply forget, I don’t think age has to be a factor. I have been asked my age by promoters and agents as a woman, it still seems to be a big discouragement. I just feel that I could not sing or play as I do now when I was “viable” as an artist 20 years ago. I am much better and age and experience has much to do with it, I am stable and know my strengths and accept my shortcomings as opportunities to improve. I have a realistic confidence and humility that I did not have as a fearless 19 year old! Age discrimination sucks.
Thank you for the lift (non surgical, of course)!

Sure, it’s far better to be positive about everything career-wise, but there is a still tremendous amount of prejudice against older people in Music today.

An old rocker may be perceived as a ridiculous anachronism–a bad joke a la Spinal Tap. Plenty of ads for musicians are from young people who’d rather die than play with anyone over 25. Forming bands isn’t even so much about Music now as just plain being young.

That’s all probably part of the Ageism in our Society, but a lot of it is from a narcissicistic youth who think they already know it all and can’t benefit from others who have loads and loads more experience.

I think there is more chaff now than ever before, more kids who want the immediate gratification of an audience’s attention RIGHT NOW but aren’t willing to patiently learn their craft. So, you get a general decline in the content and craft of their songs. And a lot more outright copying than ever before, which is an easy short-cut.

If you’re going to be good at anything, it will take a lot of time and effort, and face it–some people are simply dreamers and just don’t have the basic aptitude.

Scott,

I think you make a lot of good points about the business side of this, but I wold throw out a plug for a little soul searching when it comes to the person, the artist, inside the nascent rock star regardless of age. I too spent a lot of my twenties working toward rock stardom. I was pretty good at doing the things you’re talking about in this article. And I had a little bit of success. Ultimately, not the kind of success that I was hoping for, but success not to be discounted. I’m proud of it. But then came the time when I did realize that the kind of stardom I sought wasn’t going to happen–and I didn’t really want it any more. But I did want to play music, make records and do it on a high level. It took a few years of soul searching, but eventually I came to a place where I was OK with making music, getting it out there and letting the chips fall, as long as I was doing it and doing it well, within the vision I had for myself as an artist.

And I think that’s where this conversation often falls short: you have to be the artist first, not the commodity. And you have to remain the artist through all those steps or it becomes hollow and pretty meaningless.

Just thought I’d throw in my two cents to reinforce this side of the coin as well.

I think I’ve seen this article before, so it may be a repost, but it should be reposted over and over, maybe once a year.:-) I’m 54. Yup, big dreams dominated my late teens, I wanted fortune, bright lights, and to be famous for-freakin-EVER! Now, I don’t have the energy I once used to, I certainly don’t look like I used to, but I’ve learned how to happy, no matter what my station in life…..AND, I’m not giving up. I’ve just lowered my expectations a little….yes, I said “a little”. Finding people in my area that are serious is ridiculous (Houston), especially my age, but then, I haven’t tried in a few years. I’m pretty self-contained though, even my harmonies are my own voice harmonized with my lead track. Computers do make it so much easier to hold onto that dream, and whatever measure of success I achieve, I intend to enjoy every damn moment of it. I leave you with a quote from Warren Zevon (after he found he was dying from Cancer)…: “Enjoy every sandwich.”

I’d believe you, but you’re too old to trust.

I like the tone of this article, but I do want to acknowledge that ageism is a real phenomenon. As a post-menopausal woman I sometimes feel invisible and not taken seriously, in a way that didn’t happen to me 30 years ago. At 55 I’m still getting used to the challenges that poses, but I certainly don’t feel defeated! I’m considering making a push to market myself to a middle-aged audience, though I don’t want to limit myself.

Yes I though the same thing, said my time was out, but I tried, and pushed a little harder, now I have two Gospel Cd’s out.. (thank God)and about to release a third.. Oct 30th 2010 in London UK ,I am now with an agency,, If I can say (Gospel Frontiers)..London England.. so no matter what age as long as you can wake up each day and know your alive, you can do this….you have to want to…

Thank you indeed. Well to the point. Truth is, we used to joke 25 years ago about doing the “Geezers Rule Tour” someday. Yea, and I’m just about to turn 58,..and I know that I’ve got more to offer now than I ever did before. Now, I’m off to play some dinner music for some folks who adore me, and I just sold 50+ CDs at a Fair this past weekend! Life is Good and thanks for the inspiring words. Think I’ll go play my ass off! Michael O

It seems as though there are 2 music businesses developing: one that *is* a young person’s game, and one that is not. Living in Los Angeles, I can attest to the fact that ageism is very real, and that after a certain point, you really do miss the boat when sailing in *that* world.

Fortunately, the other world awaits for those who make it past a certain age without becoming jaded or cynical. People don’t owe you anything for being talented and working hard. Once you develop to the point where you see that success can be measured by the amount that you give of yourself, you can begin to succeed in this other world.

That was great and so true. Yourself is your most important vehicle. I’m still playing at 52 and have seen it go full circle. I’m seeing my ole friends kids at shows and the question , “your still playing”, quite frankly , I never left. Play On,

Great thoughts, Scott,

When I was younger I used to say, “Well, the Beatles didn’t really make it until they were in their early 20s” and then it was, “Well, REM didn’t really make it until they were in their mid-20s!” as if that provided some sort of relief NOT to have “made it” yet. (You can guess how old I am now, with those as my points of reference!)

Yeah: Figure out how to make it work now, how to build an audience and broaden your (uh, “my”) abilities to communicate who I am and what I do NOW. Not much point in waiting around for someone else to do the work, is there?

Guys, I’m 64 and my partner is 62. We’re working on our second CD and have had over 700 stations playing our music worldwide. Got more dates coming up in September. And let me tell you. WE ROCK !!
So, age has nothing to do with making great music. If your attitude is right, nothing can stop you.
My wife is an actress and model. She’s had agents tell her she’s too old. Only thing is, she’s working more now than when she was younger.
Whatever is you preconception of age, fuggitaboutit……….
John Townsend
http://tolertownsendband.com

I went out to Los Angeles when I was 17 years old and secured a publishing deal when I was 18 … at 22 I had a record deal with my dream label, Elektra Records (a subsidiary of Columbia; The Doors’ label) and have had a good number of publishing deals and record deals ever since.

I’m 59 years old now and … nothing … has changed. Nothing in my heart, anyway.

Life is an adventure … be in it!

Great article!
I am 52 and have performed more than 5000 times. I will perform at least 300xs this year. I sell several 1000 cds every year….find a place that will let u set up and play….even for free…like my last 100 gigs…and build a mailing list and sell cds!!!!! If the music and performance captivate….you will make a good living…..even if you are over 50!

I’m amazed that people worry about being old when they’re in their thirties. I recorded my first CD 6 years ago, and I’m celebrating my 61st birthday on Friday!

I left the music behind at age 24 for various reasons (family) but picked it up again at age 57 and am now 60 still going and looking forward to continuing on with it using the muse: “imagination is the preview of coming attractions.”

So the answer is “No, you’re never too old.”? Wouldn’t it be cool if someone started their “pop star” career in their 40s? Is that impossible? What is it about being older that gives you less value? This is a whole can of worms I’d like to see you expand on.

Forget the home runs…just get on base! Some good solid gigs in front of a good (paying) audience of 200-500 on a regular basis will keep us in what we need. The younger guys in the band would probably like an arena spot and I’d be happy to ride along. There’s more to the biz than filling a stadium. After a few good size royalty checks came in we realized this quick!

I’m 54 and started playing with a band of younger folks ranging from 28-39. One warning though…having run my own business for 18 years they elected me management in addition to bass player. Stay fit and healthy. 50 is the new 30 I say.

i play in a rockin’ band with members at ages ranging from 40 something to sixty something. the writing has never been better, and we are as hungry as teens to get this show out there. we are learning about the new music biz scene and will work it hard. our show is pretty smokin’. one more time…at a time!

Yes, that is a very good article. Studies have shown that adults are the ones who are buying music. Not just for their children but for themselves. The industry has perpetuated this thing about music careers for only the very young. And of course, our whole culture has defaulted to youth worship in general. And I have heard from industry people that part the reason for signing the very young is because they feel that they will be able to make more money over a longer period of time from the career of someone who has more years ahead of them. Problem is the labels hardly stick with an artist long enough anymore to develop and make money from anyone at any age. So this reasoning has proven to be really bad.

But here is some good news. I was signed to Atlantic records back when I was 29 years old. It got my career started. When I was dropped, the industry was simultaneously going into a tail spin and the visible new artists began getting noticeably younger all the time. But now I am 47 years old and after putting out a few more self produced and basically unknown CDs, I have been signed by again by a dream team including record label, management and producer. The head of the label, in a conversation with me, said that he has indication that the industry is finally coming around to the truth about who is really buying records. And is very optimistic about our upcoming release. I’ve never been very good about marketing myself, so for me having a label is a good thing. Its nice to know that there are still people in the music business who put the music first.

I’ll be 65 in November. I’ve been making music since the mid-’60s, unencumbered by fame and fortune. Somehow I’ve managed to tour in 49 states and 45 countries. When people ask, “Are you making a living?”, I smile and reply, “I’m making a life.” Next spring we’ll premiere my new musical, ‘Hue Manatee’s Quest,’ up in New Hampshire (15 years in the making). Am developing another project to honor the life and legacy of folksong innovator Bob Gibson. For the past 8 years the quartet I founded, Work o’ the Weavers, has celebrated America’s pioneering folk quartet in 28 states, Canada & Israel, and we’re still going strong. My wife Madhumita and I just gave 12 performances in 9 days throughout Israel in May. Dylan wrote whoever’s “not busy being born is busy dying.” Believe it. Have a happy birth day!

Good article, I am definitely getting up there in years myself. As for the girl who performed and then left the stage though…maybe that’s all she wanted to do. “Making it” is not the be all and end all for everyone. Some people just want to play.

Well said…

I am 27 years old and feel like I’m ancient. I continuously fight that feeling Scott is describing, despite the fact that I’ve already released two albums, a live DVD, have a third album on the way and am soon to open my own record label. Much like the media create an image of what a “perfect woman” is supposed to be with non- realistic supermodels, the music industry creates pop stars out of children and pretend it’s the norm.
I wish I could stop wasting my life away worrying about the future instead of enjoying the present.

I am doing a job I love, am my own boss, have no-one to answer to and I am writing GREAT music with no-one influencing my artistic decisions except me.

God bless the independent songwriters of the world!

Abi Moore

I use to think “Oh No” time is passing by and now I’m in my 40′s throw in the towel. On the other hand us older musicians have been around the block a few times to know what good music is versus a lot of the empty cookie cutter pop sounds of today! so it’s our duty to either perform or even write music / lyrics for other performing artists. It’s never too late no matter your age, always do what you gotta do to make a dream come true and if you love what you do your journeys end Waite’s for you. I SAY GO FOR IT!!!!!!! I STILL AM

I guess I’m about the oldest “would be performer” on this list, I’ll be 71 in a few weeks. I’m very impressed with this open letter to us musicians.
I always knew that it was in me, but I had to overcome several fears.

My talent isn’t bad, certainly better than some I see on TV.
What is the difference? Really going for it!
I’m a newby at cdbaby, I’ve given myself a better chance now.
Thanks,
Ron Hoag

when you heard a song on the radio and loved it. You couldn’t see the artist but you loved it anyway

Thanks. Your article really resonated with me. I didn’t start seriously writing until I was in my mid-forties. I recorded my first album and performed for the first time when i was fifty. I’ve since gone on to open for Steve Forbert and Graham Parker, who actually offered to produce my next record. I’ll never perform for crowd of 60,000, but my wildest expectations have been exceeded.

It’s very difficult to promote myself and perform frequently because I have a day job and a family to support, but still… there’s no end in sight, because it’s what I love, and that’s its own reward. All of us who do this, whether it’s for ten or
ten thousand people, are luckier than most.

“You’re never too old to rock N roll if you’re too young to die”
Jethro Tull

But seriously. I am not even going to say how old I am, but most of our fans could be my grandkids.
They go crazy when we play and sing along with us too.
We even let them get on stage with us and do backup vocals.
They don’t seem to care how old we are.
Here’s an example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3mdGEXhXiw

However, we had 4X as many hits on our song in Toyota’s Rock The Space than some of the finalist. But we knew at our age they would not touch us in a million years.
We just entered for the exposure.

Thank you for that great insight. THink I’m the ldest one here at 58! I’ll be 18 till I die. I started playing in band at 13. but I was 53 when I was urged to make a CD of my first band. We just happended to use the name Iron Maiden first – Plucked up the courage – phoned IM and thier manager Rod – they were brilliant (I actually thought they woudl tell me to ‘sod off’ – just the opposite. I worked hard on the old studio and cassete tapes – spent my own dosh to have tehm mastered and create them – and are now selling CDs regularly – all over the world on CD baby. I even managed to organise a re-union concert – we have now raied over £7k and givenall the cas to cancer charities. I still play – I still want to ‘make it’ – I will – by keepng on keepng on!Paul.

Thanks. Your article really resonated with me. I didn’t start seriously writing until I was in my mid-forties. I recorded my first album and performed for the first time when i was fifty. I’ve since gone on to open for Steve Forbert and Graham Parker, who actually offered to produce my next record. I’ll never perform for a crowd of 60,000, but my wildest expectations have been exceeded.

It’s very difficult to promote myself and perform frequently because I have a day job and a family to support, but still… there’s no end in sight, because it’s what I love, and that’s its own reward.

All of us who do this, whether it’s for ten or ten thousand people, are luckier than most.

Sorry about the spelling – I am not drunk! Just excited to read the article and tell my story! Sober Paul

I went on the road in the US and UK with a National headliner after age after age 40 as a member of opening act – all who were over 40 AND women – and as a back up singer in the headline act. We have continued to tour on an off for years. We performed our own original tunes and had no problem selling CD’s along side the headline act. We give thanks every day to former Monkee Peter Tork and his band Shoe Suede Blues AND to singer/songwriter James Lee Stanley. These guys are talented and they let us play music with them.

“If you have ever been burdened by being told it is past time to pursue your heart’s desire, then these songs are for you.”
CD’s
Marilyn Ingram: Moth to the Flame
AURA3: For Pete’s Sake
AURA3: Dirty Angels

Just turning 58 and ready to release my 6th CD in the last 10 years. I started playing when I was a teen and set it aside to raise a family. With the kids grown, I jumped back in.

Now I’m in two bands (cover-band playing a couple times a month, and a punk-band as my son describes it) with my own project band on the side. Music keeps me young and I’m having a great time playing live. Yeah, I’m the old-man in the group, but nobody seems to care. We’re too busy making music and getting people on the dance floor.

Will I ever be famous … nope … but I’ll never be too old to make good music.

Thanks. Your article really resonated with me. I didn’t start seriously writing until I was in my mid-forties. I recorded
my first album and performed for the first time when I was fifty. I’ve since gone on to open for Steve Forbert and Graham Parker, who actually offered to produce my next record. I’ll never perform for a crowd of 60,000, but my wildest expectations have been exceeded.

It’s very difficult to promote myself and perform frequently because I have a day job and a family to support, but still… there’s no end in sight, because it’s what I love, and it’s incredibly meaningful, and that’s its own reward.

All of us who do this, whether it’s for ten or ten thousand people, are luckier than most. It may be a tough way to make a living, but it’s a great way to live.

I am eternal. There is no such thing as too old, nor do I have time to be too old. Goals and dreams are as alive as I am, and I intend to live on pursuing and one day obtaining those goals and dreams.

“Now that I’m there I know for sure, I really ain’t got there yet”
Elvis Presley – “Guitar Man”

I just recorded my first CD at age 38 and I enjoyed every second of it. I am even getting a very positive response from alot of people. I love doing it and I kick myself all the time for not doing it sooner. BUT it doesn’t matter because i am doing it now.

In the end I think it all comes down to how you define “making it”. For some its playing a sold out stadium (and who wouldn’t want to do that), for me, I am just glad that I finally figured out what it is I REALLY love to do (and want to do the rest of my life) and connecting with people in the process.

That said, I love the marketing aspect and I am alway trying to educate myself and put myself in the right position to get the biggest bang for my buck. at this point, having an audience big enough to allow me to continue create new music and play gigs to packed rooms (big or small) would be making it.

Bottom line, if you are going to stop making music because you think you are to old, then you must not like doing it in the first place. Being able to write and play music is a gift and we are fortune. There are a lot of people who would love to be able to do what we do.

This article says very little about the role age might play in a musician’s chance of success in the music industry. All you’ve said is “no, you’re not too old, now get out there and work harder.” Sorry, but that’s not very enlightening. The fact is that age does impact an individual’s chances at major success, for a variety of reasons, and anyone who doesn’t think so is just in denial. When I was in my early 30′s, an entertainment lawyer was trying to shop my band to some labels in the UK and told me that he was going to lower the age of every band member by about 5 years. He did that for a reason. Because he knew that labels wanted young bands.

Age in and of itself might not affect a person’s ability to create good music, but it can have an impact on your target demographic (teenagers for the most part aren’t interested in music made by 60-year-olds), on the media outlets that might give you press, and on your own availability to do what it takes to “make it”. Obviously, no matter your age, you can play music and try to build a fanbase, but in my experience, the older you get, the harder it gets. Hence, your chances of success go down.

Really good suggestion! I’m finding that the relationship with the audience is the primary thing and if you don’t tell them about yourself whether it’s talking about your songs or mentioning the cd’s, or other services you do, they don’t get the benefit of the relationship. It’s like a conversation. Also I like to keep in mind that when Alan Lomax went out to record the real music of america, he mostly recorded folks my age and older, like Texas Gladden!

Age brings wisdom, and that’s the best thing it can do to music…

I’ve been writing music from a young age, and even in the music world, there can be “old” enough to do this or that.

The only thing stopping you is yourself— just go for it!!

I agree. Many times when you hear new music, you have no idea who is making it and what their demographics are. Only people working in the “old style” music industry are concerned with age (overly obsessed actually).
I , like probably most of you, go to a lot of shows. I have seen new acts and well established acts alike and one thing that has really stuck out to me over the past ten years is that audiences are really mixed. In the 90′s, it was definitely a young crowd, mosh pits (even for softer bands) and image, but today crowds can literally range from 16 year olds to 60 year olds.

Personally, I know that in my teens and twenties, I became a great guitarist but I never wrote a song worth a crap until I was in my mid thirties, and now, I really feel strongly about my material. I don’t know why it took me so long but why should I not give it a shot?
I think there are also unique advantages to having the extra life experience and still being a “new” artist.
It can be very difficult to keep focused on the now but that truly is wide advice, now more than ever.

Scott, you bring up good points…but leave out the hard truths.

1)You don’t need to make a dollar or play in front of anyone to be a good artist.

2) If “making it” means commercial success, yes, your points are well taken…but let’s be real here. In today’s music world there are only two basic types; the “oldies” like the Stones and all the classic rockers from days gone by and the “latest models”…which is ALL about the package. Under 30, CUTE (be you male or female)and ready to give up everything to tour. oh yeah..and maybe have some talent. But cute rules. Mama Cass today?..Janis Joplin? i think not…When is the last time ANYBODY over 40 (or even 30)burst upon the scene and “made it” commercially? i can’t think of one…

I started my professional music career at age 15 with a recording, managerial and agent contract in Washington DC in 1968, and except for 10 years spent making a living as a visual artist I have been a professional musician ever since. That’s right, that’s 42 years! I am 57 and have loved every minute of it! But I am in a specialty field–I sing for children and families, who don’t CARE how old I am. I intend to keep singing and playing my music until I can’t any longer. As long as I and my audiences keep having fun and love it, there’s no reason to stop. Age is just a number. Besides, making music keeps you young.

Hey Scott? Is that you in the photo. You youngsters in your 30s, 40s and 50s keep on truckin! Check out my song Back Together on my Myspace page. The Remains were on the edge of success in 1966 – opened for the Beatles American Tour. The band broke up amiably after the last tour show in LA. 2008 somebody does a documentary on America’s Lost Band – it catches on at film festivals — and the Remains are back on tour in their mid 60s.

Please go to my page and add me as a friend so I can achieve Scott’s admonition to gain a bigger audience.

Thanks for the article! I’m 38 and will start a famous music school in LA in a month. It means leaving my country, my job, my false sense of security, … I got a huge scholarship for it. Not really sure how everything happened but I know that I’ve work towards it for the last 30 years …

I think the fear of being too old is rooted in a certain amount of realism. In terms of being “discovered”–managed, signed to a label, etc.–it is true that you are of less value to an industry who basically needs young, energetic 20 somethings who have not yet put down roots, who can tour constantly, and who look cute in skinny jeans and do what they’re told. In this model, there’s a certain amount of ageism at work. Pop culture is inevitably youth-oriented.

However, there is no age limit to being an artist, nor to the value of your art. And the good news is, the old rules apply less and less every day. An artist’s ability to her career is in her own hands. In fact, if you are already selling in decent numbers and pulling crowds at good venues, you probably would have attracted the interest of the industry–but then, why would you need label support if you were already doing that well?

Thanks for that article Scott. You read my mind, and i felt the same way and constant have that feeling like time is passing me by. What you wrote was so inspirational and right-on-the-money… and was just what I needed to read.

I started publishing and selling the music of composer Halim El-Dabh when I was 60 and he ws 88.

If I can do it so can you young ones!

Thank you CD Baby!

DEBORAH EL-DABH

Thank you so much for writing this very insightful article. I agree with the whole sentiment…

You know, that’s a fascinating article. I’ve been working at being a professional musician for most of my life, from my teens till now, and I’ll tell you that’s a long time. It wasn’t until I learned to play music and write songs for myself instead of trying to be a rock star that I could enjoy it. I am writing songs, just released a CD, and I am playing gigs with my band. I have done all the things that you say Scott, and been doing them for many years myself (marketing, booking, websites, CDs, promotion, accounting, PR, R and D, networking, etc.) and you know what? It doesn’t matter. I mean, keep doing it but in the end, just play your music. Do the work like Scott says, and whatever happens will happen. As long as you love what you’re doing and doing what you love you are successful. Maybe one day someone or something of consequence will take notice, and that would be great and awesome, but my spirit says to keep singing and writing songs and performing and too bad what everybody else thinks! I mean, I’m not dead yet so I can still do it…and even then I probably will too!

Good statements. I am 62. Back in the 70′s I had a contract with Paul Anka as my producer and co owner of publishing. I also was under contract with United Artists as a singer/songwriter/guitarist, a “big lable contract” in hand with a nice monetary advance and all recording payed for, etc.. (as they USED to do). That fell through for a variety of reasons that seemed beyond my control. I went back to school and attained a good career away from music so I would distance myself from the stereotype “Starving Musician”.

I have kept playing and writing throughout the years and in 2000 and 2008 I released two CDs of my own material, using many of the players I worked with when I was with Paul Anka (Lee Sklar and others). On my second CD, Legendary country music artist, Merle Haggard sings with me on the second song on the CD. I mean, hey, would not THAT make you think some folks would sit up and take notice?

Well, not really.. Oh, yeah, my friends all love it and many others that have heard it, but I don’t promote it. See, I am not too old to play and kick ass and get some of the best players on the planet to work with, but unless you promote it, it really goes nowhere. Well, I don’t need the money from music, but I sure need it in my soul so I still play, record and work with my friends, Merle included. So, it has gone way beyond the dreams even though it goes nowhere.

Which brings me to the point of writing this. No matter what, keep playing and writing. I may be too old to enjoy sleeping in hotel rooms and vans down by the river, but once I slow down a bit in the day job (coming soon), I will do what I can to promote it on-line and plan to do some music festivals (I have done High Sierra Music Fest. 8 times).

Truth is, you are never too old. Go see the old folks play at Preservation Hall in New Orleans.. 90 years old and sweet as anything.

Don’t defeat yourself before you even get into the fight. Let the audiences decide, but help yourself out by bringing them a SHOW to base their decision on!

Thanks for this article. I just recorded my first song from a home studio I made all types of excuses for not using for my own lyrics. The song is called “sometimes ya parents ain’t always right” and it has hints of what this article is saying. If you want to hear it just go to my reverbnation.com/undakova page and become a fan. By the way I am 32. Time to get back to writing music. Peace and love.

What a coincidence, this was the exact topic of the title track of my 2009 release “Young Man’s Game”. When I released the CD, which was my debut, I was 46 years old. Rather than trying to dodge the issue I decided to tackle it head on. In a nutshell, the message of the song is “I know I’m not what you’re looking for, Mr. Dismissive Music Industry Executive, but guess what? I don’t care!” You can hear the complete track for free at my website or on Myspace or on Reverb Nation. Just search “Pride of the Garage”. No matter what your age, keep on rockin’ to the best of your God given ability and when you encounter negativity, either ignore it or use it! Peace

I have been a musician for over forty years. When I was in my twenties I was hoping to “make it”, but I have been at it so long and deeply that I guess I actually did. After all, I’m still at it. It’s not a race…It’s how you manage your life as an artist over the long haul. So hang in there, take the reins, and enjoy your participation in it all!

I have been a musician for over forty years. When I was in my twenties I was hoping to “make it”, but I have been at it so long and deeply that I guess I actually did. After all, I’m still at it. It’s not a race…It’s how you manage your life as an artist over the long haul. So hang in there, take the reins, and enjoy your participation in it all!

“Most musicians I know hold a dream to someday ‘make it’ in the music business. To play in front of huge crowds and live a lifestyle that they can only imagine. ”

Then you need to meet more musicians. Most musicians don’t want this. Most apsiring pop stars might, but most musicians do not.

Going for it at 48! Released my first CD this year, expecting to release a second by the end of the year, refining and strengthening my act and planning my first tour for next year. I certainly bump up against a lot of fears and doubts but, no matter how I’m feeling or thinking, I keep pressing on. Each time I play I see it as an opportunity to grow, become better, and acquire new fans.

Just at my gig last week did I finally get it that people my age and older (I’m 47) are consistently buying my cd’s at shows. I am a female rock musician, but performing solo in singer/ songwriter settings. I am expanding my idea of what “the market” is and al of a sudden I feel the potential all over the place– EXCEPT maybe the elite indie rock scene that I used to gauge my success or popularity by. More people buy my cd’s in OTHER environments than the hipster rooms in NYC — like restaurants, coffee bars, community events and so on. These are the people who will not go to whatever club I think I should be playing at anyway! And I repeat: they BUY cd’s, they grew up placing great value on music and they will pay for it. I also want to add: pay attention to the changing demographics: the world IS getting much older. I now consider the Baby Boomers exactly who I want to cater to- and I repeat– I am not a folk or country singer, I play pop/rock music. If you love what you do– it stands to reason your craft will mature and you will be BETTER anyway with age. Thanks for writing that article! Bibi Farber

Great and timely article. My 13 year old son told me
a few days ago that I was too old to make it. He said I have a great voice and people like me but I was too old tomake it. I began to ponder his concernn he loves me and thought he would save me the heartache of failure. I’m not going to give up and I’m goin to continue to follow my dream. Thank you so much. I’m going to let my son read this article too. By the way, did he call you LOL

Scott, this is truly a great article. To add to what you said, I think people also need to take a look at themselves in the mirror too. I don’t mean if you look too old to quit. That’s not what I’m saying at all. But, I do mean your appearance still may matter depending on what you’re trying to do. For example, if your act involves certain types of clothing or costumes. Dress to fit your act at the age you are as much as possible, even taylor the music or dress a little bit if you need to. Part of taking responsibility for your own musical career is to do something that relates to who you see as your audience. The “music” isn’t all there is in the music business.

Finally! Someone wrote about older musicians!! I, like everyone else, got tired of being told I was too old. So, 4 years ago I began to produce my own concerts. This gives me artistic control, the ability to showcase more than one genre, and perform in venues that are conducive to actually being heard. Is it easy? NO! Do I perform often? NO! but I have learned how to (finally) financially make it worth while to put these events together (not an easy task). I do sometimes get sad that I have to make my own opportunities, (it is tiring!) but I also sleep well knowing I didn’t ride any coattails to get where I am. I am also learning how to produce recordings that don’t have to sell 1,000 copies to recoup production costs. Selling at concerts is the best way to go – always will be. If you are a musician, you must make music. It’s the air you breathe.

Been playing guitar since I was 12 (I’m 59 now) – I had my first radio airplay (in the Smooth Jazz format) when I was about 48. CD Baby and DiscMakers are of huge importance if you’re serious.

I got my first record deal at 38 years old.

At 48 I had sold 800,000 CD’s of a Children’s Worship project I own called “Worship Jamz.” Now, I never would have guessed I’d be doing Children’s worship music… not in a million years. But the success of that project has made it possible for me to keep doing fun “me” music too. I work out of my home, see my kids every day and I get to do fun music projects. Check out my new project co-produced with John Carter Cash here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u_Mm9OzjLw

You just have to keep moving forward. The road might not take you to where you think it’s supposed to go – but if you just stay on the road you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.

I’m no expert, or anything. Just sharing my story and how it works for me. Age is a state of mind.

Bravo!

It is about the experience you give the audience, and if we believe we are too old, too washed out, whatever, that’s what the audience gets. Give, give and give and see what comes back!

And for what it’s worth, Cindy Lauper was 35 when “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” hit the charts.

I just turned 40, and I feel like this is my time to shine. My goal is to be a role model for the hundreds of women out there who haven’t stopped dreaming!!!

well too old is when we stop breathing, as long as we have a breath we can do what ever we want, i dont ever believe in too old, i just believe at a certain age i have to do certain things differently, thanks for the article

I’ve been in bands since my teens had a few records out and a couple CD’s, had a few near misses at the record big deal etc. played some big places on descent bills but never really made it in the biz. Truth is for me it was all about music I had to play then and I can’t stop now. I remember being in more then one band that it was agreed band policy to lie about our ages, the first time I remember we were all around 23-24 years of age and even then felt the pressure of being too old (lol). It was of course the Record Companies that put us in that position. The last time it happened was about 6 years ago, I had a meeting with an A&R guy at a Christian Record Label (I’ve been playing Rock n Gospel Music for the last 10 years) and had recorded a pretty good CD, surely the Christian labels are different I thought they’re just interested in good songs that move people and bring them closer to God right? Wrong! The whole time I was there he kept trying to find out my age I just kept telling him I was over the 30 knowing full well that was too old in his world, I was about 45 then. I’m 52 now and seriously it wasn’t until I turned 50 that I finally felt released from all that pressure. I’ve been out playing clubs and bars this year with my band Salt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pSWeHnfOgI in a sense I’ve returned to where I started, I mostly play originals maybe a cover or two for fun and I’m having a blast, no apologies no compromises and I’m finding people are responding in a whole different way, I guess having fun is infectious.

Thanks just what I needed to hear this week : )

Nice article, but unfortunately my own experience in the “music business” (I’ve been playing in rock bands for over 20 years) is that if you are over 40 and playing in a rock band you’d better look at it as a hobby ‘cos most younger people don’t care about “old man” rock bands and most people in your age group aren’t going to going out to your shows. It may be different with other styles of music, like country, jazz, or blues… but as far as rock music goes it really is a young man’s world. I recently “retired” from rock bands (at the age of 47) and now just do solo acoustic gigs.

This article couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m 53, and spent 30 years of my life holed-up in recording studios writing music for ad agencies and getting zero credit. After burnout set in, I took a quick 5 year hiatus, but I’m back now…doing what I love…playing drums.

Sure, some club owners may not want to hire us old guys, but who cares! We can still record. We can still do shows. And thanks to sites like CD Baby, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, the world is our stage! Rock On!

Two words…Robert Pollard.

I’m 58. Just retired from my day job as a psychologist. Now doing only music. I’m not the slightest bit discouraged. In fact things have just started happening in the last year or so. A couple weeks ago, we opened for the Nitty Gritty Dirt band at the legendary Surf Ballroom and a packed house of over 2,000. The crowd loved us and called us back for an encore. I’m a late bloomer. What can I say? Age means nothing if you are good and people like what they hear.

Well i am 33, with no musical experience or education to boast about, i have theses songs that i think are brilliant and i am going to do everything i can to take where they can be heard,

Don’t Let Go (click on the link if you want to hear a song about not giving up, and holding on with your heart if your hands are tied)

love this piece; it came at a good time, too! thanks for believing in ALL of us, no matter what age!

Top notch article. Make music because you want to. Age is only in the head and not relevant to song creation. Stay creative and rock on, at least that’s how I look at it. I sometimes snicker when I hear people talking about their age and rock and roll, like pick up your guitar or whatever and get on with it. Play away the blues and bad news.

Fantastic article. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts.

Well Done Scott, I agree in most respects, but everyone has a different belief set and there is nothing wrong with doing things your own way. I have been writing songs for 20 years and have about 16 albums recorded. I have played in public at festivals and auditoriums and open mics, but the one piece if advice I would offer is this: do it for yourself! Success is all relative. If you love what you do, then do it or record it or sell it. I finally invested the time and effort into putting some of my CDs on the internet to sell .. iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, MySpace, Folk Alley, OurStage etc. Whenever I play a gig, I bring my CDs and don’t get disappointed if they don’t sell. I check my stats on the above listed digital download sites and even if they don’t sell, I don’t get frustrated. Whenever I write a new song I load it on my MySpace player just to see how many “hits” I get. I give free copies to my loyal fans just to keep them up to date. I guess what I’m saying is this: if you love what your doing, with all your heart and soul, that’s all that really matters, that’s all you need to know. (a line from one of my songs).

Write your songs, record your songs, play them in public and around a campfire at parties. Upload them on websites like MySpace or Archive.org. let the world hear what you have to offer, and don’t expect to become famous. Face it, there are a LOT of talented musicians and songwriters out there. If you don’t throw your hat in the ring, you will never be noticed.

Keep on Pickin’ Jon

At 60 this year I find some of my music friends are having problems with their hands and need to”warm’ them up for a bit first but thy can still play. I’m releasing my 4th CD in october and still having way too much fun doing a single up and down the florida west coast in the wintertime. My wife and I live on our sailboat in the winter and I work in the UP of michigan in the summer. A perfect combination !!
scotty

There are lots of markets and age is not the determining factor for all of them. Age is definitely an asset for some kinds of music as it may not be taken seriously with only a few years under your belt. Following a powerful meditation vision, at age 58 I released a unique, sixty-minute CD called Wavepool, the Deep Relaxation Soundtrack. Wavepool is selling well in the US and internationally and has been on the CDBaby and Digstation bestseller lists. I have several more projects in the pipeline. If you have to think outside the box, make your box bigger! There’s room enough for everyone.

I’ll bet this was a well written article, but I couldn’t read it…I’ve forgotten where I put my coke-bottle glasses again and I can’t get out of my chair! Pass the Geritol.

Pop music sucks because the industry embraces youth culture, advertising and branding. fuck that. I’ll be broke but I will die playing what I feel is worthwhile and keeping the traditional roots of American music preserved. Fuck Disney!

Great little piece that speaks directly to me. I just turned 54. When I was 21 I had to decide between a career in music and something more stable so that I could have a family. I became a physician and have now gotten back to music, releasing my first CD this year (see http://www.docweissband.com ). My blog on WordPress discusses precisely my experiences as an “oldie”.

Bottom line, we’re all responsible for our own successes and failures. I too sometimes lapse into magical thinking (someone’s going to ‘discover’ me…). I have to keep reminding myself of this…if I don’t do what it takes, nobody will and I will have only myself to blame.

What a great article! I have come to expect GREAT things from you and this site!
You are in it for the artist and it shows! I read an article talking about a great artist, he said, “I started playing guitar late in life”, “I was 13!”!HA
WTF? I LIVED my teens and twenties and I don’t know how ANYONE can record songs that matter without living first. Most “rock stars” get famous and at least think they are rich while in that youth stage. No wonder why they die young! WHEN I MAKE it, I will be in my 40′s and hopefully I have learned enough through my life to avoid the pitfalls.

THX AGAIN!
JASONGGABBOTT

Funny, I just wrote this article 2 days ago.

http://aceandres.blogspot.com/2010/08/opportunity-knocks-will-you-hear-itbe.html

The 4 Ts of Success. Timing,Talent,Tenacity and one more…..

Good Pick Me Up! Yes I go through these self doubting issues about if I still have what it takes. Currently working on a new CD right now and I have been going through these phases of if my stuff has appeal. anyways, been doing this stuff for 30 years now and still going so it’s nice to get this boost! Aloha!

Great and inspiring article, Scott. As an author and motivational speaker, I’m on the fringe of the music business, although I got my first start as a bass player when I was 16. It’s interesting to me that now,at 60, I’m still the guy on the stage with the mic:-)

Your point is right on. There’s the music, book, painting, whatever, then there’s the business of it. Without the second part, you won’t be doing the first part very long. Unfortunately, great musicians who’ve ignored the business side are singing in the shower on their way to their job at Starbucks.

Your other point is also key. Never, never never, give up. Willie Nelson struggled in smokey bars for years before hitting it big, as have so many others.

Best of success,
Jim

I have been snubbed by the music business a few times for my age. I will never forget being interviewed for a “Women Who Rock” type article for a large magazine, and I was thinking it was going great! I kept making the reporter laugh, which is always a good sign. Then, she was asking some nuts and bolts things, and she asked my age. I was thirty-two at the time, and when I told her, she said “Oh, I thought you were in college” and HUNG UP ON ME.

I know for a fact that I am a better musician now, at age 38, than I was ten years ago. I certainly write better songs, and am a better performer because I care about my audience more than I used to.

The “music business” is WRONG when they insist on cut-off ages and tell artists to lie about their age. I choose to just ignore them and keep on playing.

Well put! It’s like my favorite writer Voltaire said back in 1759 “We must all tend our gardens”. I am helping promote a Fantastic singer song writer with an absolute great CD and getting “The Word Out” is the whole key to sharing his labor of love (a.k.a his music). Market, Market and remember what got you to this point will not work tommorrow, keep pushing the rock.

I’ve been a professional musician since I was 16 (I’m 52). Never “made it” big, but I made a living by doing all sorts of gigs. I recorded my first CD under my own name in 2000, and have since done three tours of the UK and one of Europe. We now have 4 CDs out (last one was in the running for four Grammy nominations) and we are now working on the 5th.

Still haven’t “made it”. Every booking is a fight. Every day is constant hustling. But one piece of advice I’d like to pass along is:

Tour.

Don’t expect to make money. Plan to break even by merchandising (tee-shirts, CDs, etc.) If you can’t get a reputable agent to set up the tour, do it yourself. But for heaven’s sake, get away from your home area. See the country or the world, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks at first.
There’s just no reason why, in this day and age, you can’t have a CD for sale (or sell those MP3 download cards, but I don’t think they’re as good).

And, don’t worry about your age. Just look as good as you can on stage for the genre you’re playing in. Nobody sees you up close most of the time anyway, so your audience won’t notice those crow’s feet!

That was just what I needed to hear today. Great advice! I’m getting a little long in the tooth myself partner (I just had to say “partner” like that rat in the Fantastic Mr. Fox movie) and I sometimes think it’s too late. It’s never too late to share your talent with others and let them hear your music. Now, for a guy who’s not into touring because he’s raising three crumb crunchers at home it might be the wrong time to go on the road for six months. But there are plenty of places of play close to home if I just look for them. One thing is for sure, I’ll never go anywhere unless I get out there and play.

I am looking for the people who will enjoy what I have to offer as a guitar playing, singing songwriter who doubles on bass and loves to play the drums. I know that I have something unique and valuable to share and even though I’m in my late 40′s and have been at it since I was 13, I’ll never quit trying to reach out and give my music to the world.
This is something that I just have to do.

Hey, I’m 57 (soon to be 58!) and I’m just about to release my 2nd Blues CD! I’ve got some great artists on it playing with me, too! Jack Pearson from The Allman Brothers, Richie Cole (Alto Madness), Linwood Taylor (Joe Louis Walker), James Montgomery (harmonica great) and some local friends. It should be release in about two months (Oct. – Nov. 2010).

I’m havin’ a ball giggin’ and makin’ music!

It ain’t over till the fat lady sings!

Thanks for your words. It’s true — life is what you make it!

Age has been a worry that seems to creep into my psyche as I’m about to make decisions about my career. I agree, I have to go for it. I don’t want to regret not trying and for what? Because someone said I couldn’t. I guess it depends on how I measure success. Thanks for the article

I’ve been performing for over 40 yrs…I started to feel the same way until a sucessful artist/friend gave me this hint of advice; “You may be getting older- but, so is your audience.” He’s right. There’s a whole untapped market out there that “Mainstream” music ignors…go after it!

No one is too old to market their songs but it’s wise to believe in an attainable market according to your age. I’m 40 and I’m not going to try to sound like a singer/songwriter that’s only been breathing air for 24 years. My music should reflect my age and life experience.

Besides, most of my listening audience range from 20 -35 years old and they have no idea I’m 40 because I’m not hung up on it. After so many years you just don’t care anymore what people think and that’s when something magical happens with the songs.

I never talk about or tell anyone my age. It’s irrelevant to how people value me as an artist, other than the fact that the songs I write now I could not have had the depth or experience to write in my twenties. I continue to love the artists who were meaningful to me when I was younger and just get better and better. If people dig the music I hope they could care less what my age is.

I just made my first CD at 55. I’m still attractive, look 40 and I sound like I’m still in my 20′s. I still have my voice and I’m better now than when I was younger. I also wrote a dozen songs which will be on a separate EP. I thought, what the heck? You can’t get any result without a risk! I just put my first two cover singles up on CDBaby and my CD is coming out late Fall. I love lyrical jazz and I know there’s a big audience for it. At this point, it’s the pride that I feel after pouring my heart and soul into this project. No matter what happens, I know I’ll never have regrets for not trying!

Well, I’m 57 and my band, Red Paint, is starting to take off. I’m not too old!!
http://myspace.com/musicisred

This is way more extensive than just how old musicians get. How many engineers, producers, A&R guys, booking folk, and managers have also “gotten too old” for the industry? Okay, so maybe those business-end folk wouldn’t be optimal for new bands, but as more old musicians hang in there, perhaps the old business people can get back in a new (old) game with their “classic” smarts?
Middleage musicians probably make music that middleagers love. Middleage producers no how to produce it accordingly. Maybe middleage biz guys still know how to market it?
As the record industry continues to fragment, it’s logical to have it also fragment along lines of age level. If so, all those old geezers should come back.
As Pete Seeger said, “Rock n Roll never forgets.”

Oops. Bob Seger said that. Whaddaya know? I forgot!!

Indeed! very well written. At 62 I ‘ve just had my last 2 CD’s taken into Music Australia through the National Library and the National Film & Sound Archive. I recorded the first of these in 2006 at age 58. I do not do many live gigs but when I do, The audiences remind me of how they do not care about my age at all. As a matter of fact – I think they see me as an old pro and appreciate the fact that I’m still out there trying.

When you stop worrying about whether you will have a career in music then you just might have one.

Yes, i understand all too well what you are saying. For those of us who have passed the flower of our youth, it is not easy to get motivated; Especially in a youth worshiping world. These are good words and like fine wine, they vintage with age.

Wow, great timing on the article. For what it’s worth here’s the opinion of a 46 yr old musician with a slightly different perspective.

I think alot depends on what “making it” means to you, who your audience is and what your professional image is. You still have to identify and cater to your market no matter what age…and you have to be realistic. If you look like Burl Ives (who? This is an article for us geezers, right??) and you are trying to portray a punk rebel image, well you just look silly and nobody will take you serious. You still have to fit the image associated with a genre (no matter what age). Even guys like Sting and Clapton had to reshape their image as they aged.

Many older musicians (at least in my area) are less interested in “suffering” for their art. Often they feel like they are owed something because of life experience. As such, they are less likely to take advantage of less-than-profitable opportunities to market themselves as performers and go for the “sure thing”. For those of us “mature” musicians who do have aspirations and opportunities to make a career, it is often difficult to find musicians of similar age willing or able to make sacrifices (i.e. travel, etc).

Lastly, face it, the older your demographic, the less likely you are to make it “big”. Older audiences stick with what they know and are less likely to support anything new. Think of all the 40-somethings (my age group) who don’t realize that there have been other bands since Lynyrd Skynyrd, or The Beatles.

I am lucky to have a regional niche in a genre aimed at a specific demographic that will support. I don’t think older musicians can expect to make it in every genre or market.

To those that made it this far in my post, thanks for letting me share my thoughts…

Thanks for writing this Scott! I’m about to turn 40 and since all my friends are now parents with young children, getting them out to a show is virtually impossible these days.

I started getting really depressed about it lately. But you’re right, if I see a performer who is giving me “value” as you say, I don’t care if he/she’s 73 or 12.

So maybe it’s about not being afraid to tap into other audiences besides my immediate peer group. After all, it’s about putting the music out there, for whomever to enjoy.

Thank you Scott! I think all 78 MILLION baby boomers here in the USA would agree with you. Please send them our way!

AVM – Modern Symphonic Rock
(All band members over the age of 40)
http://www.AVMband.com

Join us!

Some very good points. I am 61, started playing drums at 13 yr old, switched to piano/keys in mid 30s…. took extended breaks while I pursued a career in science, but went back to music professionally 16 years ago and love what I do. I have two bands (Maya Soleil and Global Heat) and play in a third. I’m looking forward to playing music at least into my 80′s.

We’re a band where the youngest (myself) is 54 and the oldest is 65 and we’ve all been “doing it” for 30 years each at least. We just released our first CD of originals last year to great critical reviews, but surprisingly, the gigs are still hard to get!! Why??? Our age!!!! Club owners don’t think their clients will be willing to accept a classic rock act that is older in appearance and age than their club demographics but who can still rock the stage. They love the sound but the look is still not “young enough for their crowd” (or so they say!). So all the marketing in the world will not fight ignorance but we continue on….. being the oldest rock group in Florida!!! Come on and see us some time!! Sharee and The Relics!!!

Thank you for this article. I was told I was ‘getting on a bit’ in my late 20s by a charming producer. After a long break I’ve come back into music at the age of 42 and if my age is a problem for someone… it’s their problem! Consumers who truly love their music will not care much about the age of those providing it. IME…

Very good article its very easy to get caught up in that scenario of making it when you’re young it also has alot to do with this current media just focusing on so called musicians under 30.I was starting to feel that way myself at some point i’v been playing a long time ,i’m 51 years old now ,i have to admit that the fire is’nt there like it use to be due to the fact that i’m not doing it for a living as i would like but its right that one has to make the effort to reach a wider audience regarding marketing oneself it takes a very huge effort in terms of promotion getting gigs and setting up tours etc.

I turned 40 this January. I’ve performed, written and recorded music since I was 4. I’ve toured North America, Europe, the Soviet Union.
I had a great time for a while there.
I never “made the mistake” of not promoting, not communicating with the audience, not telling them our name, not mentioning merch (or not having merch).
And to be honest, I stopped caring about “making it” a loooong time again. Like Frank Zappa said, “You want to be a musician? Get a job.”
I think you can keep your feet on the ground and still shoot for the stars.
Most of my favorite musicians are also old if not dead already.
So the age thing doesn’t matter to me one bit.
But I do feel like maybe I spent a little too much time, maybe 10 to 20 years too much, identifying myself as a musician, throwing everything into this, missing out on the rest of life and the world because of this. The same thing religious cultists do. The same thing drug addicts do. The same thing gambling addicts do.
Yeah, hold on to your dreams. But keep things in perspective. And let’s not sell people false hopes and promises or try to tell them they’re selling out or giving up if they finally decide to do something else.
I had a great time.
I’m moving on.

I turned sixty last December. I am still learning how to handle good PR and merchandising. I keep forgetting to have a fan e-mail sign in sheet.
Never stop learning your craft AND the business side of things. There is always room for improvement. Learn from people who are more successful and ask questions you know you need to for your own future.

Personally?

I plan on becoming an over-night success…even if it takes another sixty seven years!…

Ari Dane

I think there is definitely something to being too old. It depends on your genre. No one wants to see 50 yr old punk rockers unless they were relevant back in the heyday. Conversely, a 50 Yr old guy playing country or blues is just fine. I gave up on “the dream” a long time ago. My music doesn’t have mass appeal. I’m 37 and I’m a realist. I just do it for fun now and don’t care if anyone likes it. I like it and that’s all that matters.

WONDERUL article!

I believe that most anyone is never too old to do most anything where the desire and vision are strong enough to do so. I started singing when I was a kid, love musical theatre and songwriting, and have been performing in a band for 6 years now—all kinds of music. I’m pushing 57, an old lady to some and a baby to others, and have learned over the years that the giving of the gift with joy is THE bottom line wherever and whenever I perform.

I’m no kid and I’m back “in the game” 3 years now. I have a CD released on CD baby now, my second since I started back at it in 2007. My band works about once a month here in LA (not often enuff for me but better than nothin). When folks come out to see us or actually listen to the record they’re always impressed. I’ve put in place all that I can (CD, downloads, merch, website, blog, and as many shows as I can get). Getting a fanbase/audience together has been slow and frustrating but music has saved my life again by giving me a reason to keep going.

And, yeah, I ask myself every day if I’ve lost my mind starting all over from scratch yet again (I’ve been in bands and soloed as a singer/songwriter for 40 years now)but playing rockNroll is the breath of life to me, so I forge ahead.
WES DILDINE aka Mister Nervous

I’m 61 years old and I’ve been playing since I was 8. I had my first band at 13. Wanting to “make it” is fine, but I learned a long time ago that you have to play for yourself. That’s got to be enough, and it’s really the only motivation that’ll get you through the dead nights. There will always be less than optimum gigs. Adulation and appreciation are sweet, it’s true, but if you’re not happy playing, if you’re not amusing yourself, no matter what the situation, then it just won’t work in the long run. Keep on rockin’!

Thank you … At 61 I have a continually growing fan base and I’ve never been more positive … some talents take longer to grow but are the more interesting for that.

No matter how old you are……

Taking stock in your own career and using the “harder I work, the luckier I get” work ethos is paramount.

And above EVERYTHING else, it’s all about engaging the audience with GREAT songs and/or a GREAT performance.

That said, I NEVER said to myself as I was listening to K-Rock on the radio: “Wow, what a great song, I wonder how old the artist/band is?”

CL

Yeah, he got the right ideas for future business. I recently had a couple of offers on the table from majors and the age seemed to be a factor. They didn’t seem to care that I had done more work in building my career and had appeared on more media networks than any of their new development acts. These people will never get on these shows unless they have a number one hit! I did it with meer drive.I will never feel too old to sell my music. I just need people like cdbaby to keep it pumping and the fans to continue to support the Independent Musicians. We can all be winners!

Country Artist
John Keaton

I am 52 years old and have performed professionally since I was 14. I feel I am very “hip”. Check out my website, if I ain’t hip I want to know about it!!! I have four cd’s out, two national music awards, I spend 2-4 hours a day doing nothing but promotion. Yes and No, age matters. When you are at my age and level of experience you need to pick your materials, stage presence and venue’s very wisely. I can tell you I’ve had looks of admiration from 20 something year olds (when they come up they usually are kids that were educated musically by their parents) and I’ve had 20 somethings treat me like I am some perverted old man. Sure you can be hip at 50 but look at the persona of ZZ Top, or Reverend Horton Heat. Those persona were well thought out especially for players that are in that age bracket.

One day in the airport, a 20 plus year old sat next to me, he had a Rev. Horton Heat emblem sewn to his pack. I asked him about it, he said “Yeah I saw him a couple year ago. Man he’s gettin’ up there in age, he’s got to have quit by now.” Jim Heath is likely younger than my self!!!!! I wanted to pummel the little bast**d.

You gotta really think this out as you get older. If you are 52, chubby and balding, that 80′s speedo is probably not workin’ for ya, like ya think…

Good to see an article on this issue- I’m 55 this year & have been a semi-pro musician, playing original material, since my mid 20′s. I remember in the mid ’80′s leaving a well-known Sydney venue after a typically late night & the owner saying to me- “great band you’ve got there mate, do yourself a favour & lie about your age.” I was 28- the youngest member of the band was 19- we went on to a major label deal & it ended in tears, as it does.
Later this year i release my sixth album & I feel more in my prime than ever- we do our best with social networking & all the marketing bells & whistles but the band doesn’t tour outside of festivals ‘cos we’ve got kids, small businesses, mortgages & wives we’d like to remain married to- the tyranny of distance in Australia is prohibitive, but we love what we do, we’re good at it & it brings many rewards (only occasionally financial it’s true). Every time I think the music biz (what’s left of it), is hopelessly ageist & get despondent (still not without some ambition!) I look at Willie Nelson- I reckon you just gotta do it in your own Willie way & you can keep on keeping on- besides it’s cheaper than therapy.

Youth = High Energy/Low Wisdom
Age = Lower Energy/More Wisdom
Maturity = Controlled Energy/Sufficient Wisdom

… go figure!

A jazz great once told me – “I can tell how ‘young’ an artist by listening to his/her playing. Maturity is knowing what to leave out” – genius.

Great article!

I didn’t start playing the harp when I was a child–I started playing the harp after I graduated college. I started my own business as a professional musician after I got married. I’ve heard countless people tell me I couldn’t make it.

I make a living at it and I proved them wrong. You can, too. Find your niche and make it real. Age is just a number.

Anne
Author of “The Musician’s Guide to Brides: How to Make Money Playing Weddings”, published by Hal Leonard Books

I’m in my early 60′s — and I find this article so true. I’ve been a pro since ( was 14, and I’m still working as a professional musician, and in fact, I’m busier than ever — and I’m playing and writing better than ever. In fact, since turning 60 2 years ago, I’ve started a career in another aspect of music: composing for film and video. I simply love it. I’ve always been passionate about music and I still am. Oh – and my guitarist husband and I have just started a band. We really don’t care that we’re in our 60′s — and plan to ramp up our duo into a full band — make videos, release CDs and do live performances.

We have a good friend who’s now in his late 80′s — and he’s still concertizing (he’s a classical pianist) and he’s still playing great. Life’s what you make it — and I choose to live it fully and do every day. So can each of us.

And what you say about being smart about marketing oneself is totally valid. Great article. Thanks!

Music has nothing to do with age…and age has nothing to do with music…!
except the music and the vibes will out live the creator and performer for generations to come ,very biblical ,your works will out-live you forever.
Age does not stop creativity but fear will ,in a world where imortality runs
hand in hand with paranoia its buisness,buisness,buisness. so right Frank.

I’ll probably catch hell for this, on a site that primarily attracts aspiring recording artists, BUT:

If your goal is big time monetary success, you’re wasting your time and money creating a cd. Now that absolutely everyone knows how to download (steal) music for free, recorded music has little to no monetary value. The “making it Big” aspect of the music industry is over and gone. On the other hand, if you’re recording your music to serve as support for your live performances, go ahead. Spending your time and money on a cd project is fine as long as you know that it’s basically “a vanity project”; a promotional tool.

When I started to take piano lessons at eleven years old, I was already worried that I was starting too late. After all, Mozart had already written symphonies at my age, and I was just trying to learn basic scales.
When I joined my first band as a singer at eighteen years old, I was sure I was starting too late to ever get anywhere, but still decided to start learning how to play the guitar.
At twenty five years old I moved to New York to seek my fame and fortune. I ran my savings dry after four months and returned home to Minnesota, certain that my final window of opportunity had closed.
I put a band together, and for years we practiced, wrote, and struggled to find gigs. I scraped money together little by little and went into seven different studios over five years to record my first CD.
At thirty two years old, I was clearly over the hill. We released that CD, and it got a tiny bit of airplay locally, then disappeared. The band broke up, but I formed a new one, and at thirty five years old I mortgaged my future by using credit cards to finance the recording and release of a second CD. It made even less of a splash than the first one. I surrendered. For the first time in my life I took a job that would necessarilly take priority over my music “career”.
One night while working at that job, I had the radio tuned to a football game. The game cut to a commercial, and I was shocked to hear my song coming out of the speakers. The radio station began using my songs as bumper music for sporting events! I never saw a dime for it, but it helped me see that my music had some value after all, rather than representing a long, childish phase of my life. I was thirty eight.
At thirty nine years old I lost my job. Within the same week, we found out that my wife was pregnant with our first child. Out of sheer desperation, I formed the dreaded “cover band” in hopes that I could, for the first time, use music to actually make money. As a big fan of Van Morrison, I had always thought that it would be an ecstatic feeling to sing and play his songs backed by a great band with a horn section. I was right.
Last month, our band opened for CHICAGO in front of 15,000 people. We got a standing ovation. The following week, I turned forty eight.

The moral of the story: You are not too old, my friend. Rock on.

Interesting thoughts… I would first say that if you want to play music in front of people, you should do so no matter what your age. (There’s a guy playing around LA, Bill Tapia, who’s over a hundred.) That said, there’s no getting around the fact that as your age increases, your marketability usually decreases. This is partly because the majority people who like to go out on a Saturday night, watch music and stay up late are young people. They’ve got the disposable income, and they don’t have kids or general fatigue keeping them home. And I think there’s a factor that everyone’s aware of, but is not often commented on. The relationship between a performer and audience is a bit like a courtship. The prettiest girl or handsomest guy is going to have the most suitors, and good looks are more common among the young.

Of course, occasionally there’s a resounding exception to this rule, Susan Boyle probably being the most recent one. (She’s a fascinating topic; I’ve written about her in depth here: http://www.acidlogic.com/susan_boyle.htm)

Anyway, I enjoyed your thoughts on the subject.

I’m 46 and proud of. I didn’t know I could til I was 30! I went down to Nashville and was heard by some major record labels. They all thought I was great, had the whole package, but was too old….at 30!! They’ll sign a young, wishwashy, inexperienced bellybuttoned pierced gal, who will 99% of the time is a one hit wonder, and they throw them out on the road, and because of their youth and inexperience can get away with getting them to sign recording contracts that aren’t in the artists best interest, the kids can’t handle all the fame and fortune, and most turn to alcohol or drugs because it wasn’t all they thought it would be. For the more mature artist, most of us are married or in stable relationships, have been around the block, will not settle for record “deal” that isn’t fair to both parties, and has the maturity level to handle the fame & fortune stuff better. Wouldn’t it be in the record labels best interest to have someone with a better long term future factor, than a young one hit wonder who eventually leaves the industry burnt out, disillusioned, and shattered. IMO if you have the look, the personality, the vocals, and stage presence, who cares what age it says on your drivers liscence?! Willie Nelson is how old and still selling out shows…..age is a number folks…dont’ let it stop you from pursuing your dreams. Sarah conceived a baby in her 90′s in the bible, ….when God feels the timing is right, and you are doing right by God, he will make your dreams happen or take you where He wants you to be!

Thanks you SO much for printing this. It’s a problem that plagues me daily. It nice to have a cheering section that isn’t unrealistic.

I really needed to read this. As a professional musician for the past 25 years, it can be amazing and discouraging as well. These thoughts have run through my head weekly, if not daily. THis really puts it into perspective. Thank you for the inspiration!

Well, I started my career when I was 17. That was 32 years, 1 amazing bride and 2 sons ago. Somewhere along the line I got off the bus. Nowa decade later, I’m contemplating chartering a new one! As mom used to say ( usually about girls) “if you can live without it, do so; if you cant, then you’ve found the place where you belong”, or something similar.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Jim

Thanks for encouraging us “old folks”. It really depends on your definition of “making it”. I’ve been playing professionally for over 40 years. Made my living at it. Played in bands, solo, orchestras, radio commercials, filled in for missing band members, and hired for other artists recordings. I still do. Modern technology has enabled me to produce my own recordings for sale (at minimal cost) AND get paid to record other people’s bands. My goal at the outset of my career was to make a living playing music and not have to work a regular job. I think I made it!

Scott’s right on one point. I just saw Herbie Hancock Saturday night in Chicago and he’s still pushing boundaries and making amazing music at age 70. And Les Paul held down a weekly gig in NYC ’til he died last year at age 94! Besides, “making it” is such a relative term. Nobody asks people if they’re “making it” in their pursuit of a career in, say, plumbing or architecture. Define what “making it” in music means to you and don’t let anybody tell you different.

Thank you for your post! This is absolutely true and there is no time like the present. Without self promotion, no one will get to know how amazing and talented you actually are.

The question at the core of this article is not necessarily age, but rather the question of what does “making it” mean to you. If it means playing Wembley Stadium or singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, you’ve got a lot of work to do. If it means filling 60,000 seat venues, again, a lot of work to do. If it means playing to a room full of people screaming your name, it still means a lot of work, however, the work load is probably a lot more realistic and managable. I’m fast approaching 50 and have been making my bread and butter from the music industry for over half my life. As Scott James said: “You have positive things going for you right now”. I came to that realisation some time ago. It allowed me to comfortably adjust (which doesn’t mean rationalize or justify) to the reality that I had made it in the music industry. I was, and still am, making a little bit of money in a lot of places; and I’m doing that every day with what I love: MUSIC.

Great Article!!
I’m still plugging away at 57…lots of great gigs still come my way. I’m working on another CD and in addition I recently started doing workshops in schools….(& what a great audience they are!!!) This past week-end, the club I played was “up dancing” most of the nite to my covers & originals. When Taj Mahal or BB King or Mick Jagger “pack it in” I’ll know what is a good age to stop “plucking on my axe” and doing what I love!!!

I’m 37 but music makes me feel like I’m about 22 and have just ‘reinvented my career’ and became a speech level singing teacher. Love it

This is a question I often ask myself. Parts of the ‘too old,’ adage are true: This is generally not a business that rewards experience over the energy of youth. It’s disheartening to see the club circuit succumb to the same criteria of American Idol. I cannot tour (full-time job, mortgage, family) like I used to, but not sure if I would want to if it even presented itself. So, for you younger/non-tied-down folks, especially those in the 18-34 bracket (the years when my body felt consistently ‘good’, not achy), this is the time to hit the road!

On the other hand, I feel at 46, I sing and play better than ever. And, thanks to CDBaby, I sell the occasional song/album to various parts of the planet, which tells me someone is listening and enjoying, and if that isn’t reason to ‘continue to persevere,’ I don’t know what is.

In a way I’m glad that the BIG thing didn’t happen to me in my early 20′s.
It was going well for me, I was in papers & tv but something was holding me back.
I now know it was me holding myself back & for a good reason.
I wasn’t ready.
I know it now cause I feel ready now, I’m 35 & this past year has been the greatest in terms of songwriting, musicianship & personal growth.
I have a strong feeling now which I never quit felt that I can do it & I’m doing it!
so just like you say, it’s still doesn’t mean I can seat on my bum & wait for someone to help. It is still my responsbility to promote & in fact , have a dialogue with my audience.
So thank you for writing this article, it came just like everything else – at the right time…

It’s never too late! I’m 45 and recorded and released my first cd last year (on CD baby – Adrian Heath). I bust my ass telling people about the launch gig and it was sold out (200 people) and I talked about and showed the cd on stage and sold 45 of them. Most importantly, I’m playing music a lot, writing a lot and loving it. http://adrianheath.com.au
Make it happen!

“Most musicians you know” sound like they need to grow up and live in reality instead of adolescent fantasy. I hate the stardom myth. We end up where we fit usually, if we work at it. Most musicians I know are just trying to make a living…. Many musicians, myself included, make a living by taking themselves off that pedestal and getting to work. Being a bit flexible and saying “yes” to any gig… And above all playing for 2 people or 2000 as if it was their last gig ever… Playing for themselves and the people, not some future goal of rock-stardom or whatever. It is amazing the unusual places people will pay me to make music. Sometimes you gotta play for the room a bit and sometimes the room is a farmer’s market or a party or whatever… It also takes a long time for many people to actually get good at this music thing. Especially in terms of creativity…. At 41 as a 20 year veteran I finally feel like I write a decent song sometimes. So it depends whether you are interested in doing good work or in getting some kind of big-media attention.

“Fame don’t take away the pain, it just pays the bills.” -Fred Eaglesmith

An intruiging article. I must admit I was hoping for more, as at the age of 47 I am firmly of the opinion that I am too old. Right up until a year or two ago I never used to think so, but after having so many doors slammed in my face when those very same doors are open to largely talentless 20 year olds, I have to concede. Self belief can only take you so far. I have a modest but loyal fan base who believe in my music but even they have learned to live with my disappointments. I have invested much of my life – and my money – in my music career, and there has to come a time when you have to wonder if you’re flogging a dead horse… or at least a very old one.

God bless you Terry Walsh, never give up man, I felt that brotha

I read this article with interest and found myself disagreeing with much of it.

“The audience pays money for the value they get from the artist.” Maybe they did once, but in my experience, this no longer necessarily holds true now. Certainly younger audiences don’t really care all that much. They’re part of the iPod-wearing ‘it should be free’ generation.

“Would you not pay for a great artist who was 65 years old?”
I probably would, and you probably would, but the majority of audience my band ends up playing to every week wouldn’t.

“So if people are willing to pay for good music then what’s standing in your way?” Which people? Again our generation have an appreciation that is generally no longer present in the younger audience. They have more of a “take music for granted” attitude. For us older folk music was more of a collectable, but for the kids today it’s more a consumable – and usually a free one at that. It seem if they’re going to pay for good music it better LOOK good as well!

My band plays regularly at bar – a venue who’s average age of the patrons seems to be getting younger. These 20-somethings are not interested in us, for them it’s probably like watching their Dad’s get up and play. And it’s nothing to do with how good or bad we are. We’re good. But we’re older, and not nearly as appealing to this audience as the hot young eye-candy that also plays those evenings. The change in general vibe is substantial. When we’re up we’re mostly background noise, and only the few patrons around our age seemingly take an interest and offer encouraging feedback and applause. But as soon as the young boys get up… or more particularly the hot young blonde the place comes alive, regardless of the dross they may be churning out.

In my experience age absolutely does matter. Ideally you have to choose your audience, but unfortunately we don’t get to select who patronizes the venues we play. We’re wasting our time trying to appeal to the 20-somethings and they are not interested in “value exchange between the audience and the artist” when the artist reminds them of their parents.

But as someone mentioned, we do have an aging population, and there’s still plenty of baby-boomers around, so potentially there is an audience out there for our music, but I rather suspect most of them prefer to be at home these days – in front of the TV, with a cup of hot chocolate.

I certainly agree that you have to take 100% responsibility fro your career. I have and I do make a dollar, but I make it from helping other folks peruse THEIR dreams, not from the pursuit of my own. I record and produce and encourage others. And in fact most music hosting/promoting/distribution websites like this one do just that too… make their dollar from supporting YOUR hopes and dreams. And at the end of the day, they’re the only one’s making any real money.

For me, music is largely for my own enjoyment these days. I released my 10th CD last year – and I think I can now safely say that CD sales are not the way to go in this day and age if you hope to make a dollar from it… some get lucky of course but the odds aren’t great.

“Good things will happen in the real world when you step up to the plate” Feel-good statements like this can’t really be substantiated. We like to read stuff like this because it fuels our hopes… and music websites want to continually fuel this hope that most musicians carry, because when you have hope they have cash flow.

A cynical viewpoint you might say? I don’t think so….

No, you’re never too to make it in the music business: but, it is a long, timely and expensive process to get there. You need tons of energy, motivation, connections, and money to get there, so, the later that you start, the chances for success become minimized. If you are a truely gifted musician with unusual skills, there is always room for you! If you are an average-to-good musician, find some folks to jam with. I started writing my songs and studio producing them in 98-99 when you could copyright a song for $10 and no one had a home recording studio. I don’t have to tell you what things are like today!

Sachel Paige once asked:
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”

One of the best concerts I ever saw was Merle Haggard (my parents took me with them as a birthday present) 8 years ago. He was 65 at the time, and his lead guitarist sat down for the whole show because he seemed much older, but my eyes almost never left that old man with the ancient telecaster.

Thanks for this reminder of what really matters!

Best Regards,

Laurier Tiernan
http://www.youtube.com/LaurierTiernanMusic

Sherz has nailed it. Unless you were famous in your youth and had an audience then it’s nearly impossible to get an audience later on. Folks get married, start families, and stay home watching the big screen. The 20-somethings go out and party, and they don’t want to see dad and mom on stage.

I think there may be a future in old folks homes though. The next generation (my generation) will want rock & roll just as the last generation wanted the type of music they grew up with. So do it if you love it (as we do), but don’t expect much of a monetary reward regardless of how much time you spend networking on myspace, twitter, and facebook; or otherwise actively promoting your woundrous artistic creations.

If you are over 40, and doing it for any reason other than love of the music and the process of making music, you are kidding yourself! Like it or not, the mass media is a culture of youth, and in most towns folks loose interest in live music (except for stuff they are familiar with) by the time they reach their 30s.

Everyone’s journey is unique. The Soul Calls (www.soulcalls.org) came late in this life and I’ve wondered more than once why at this age was I given the assignment to share them with the world. But the answer is always the same: Divine Timing in all.

Two quotes have been mainstays:

Paramahansa Yogananda gave this affirmation about the peaceful balance between doing your best and leaving the rest to God:

“I will reason, I will will, I will act, but guide Thou my reason will and activity to the right thing I should do in everything.”

Shakespeare said: “To thine own self be true and it shall follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false unto any man.”

My truth is that I am blessed by the gift of bestowal and production; the process and journey have been the gifts; the outcome of value is that I have learned to be true to the gift, centered in my “assignment” and surrendered to Divine Timing.

Abiding peace to all,
Saranya
saranya@soulcalls.org

I think that once you get to a certain age, you are no longer willing to kill yourself to have some kind of music career. I just turned 58 and have been playing in bands since I was 13. I have 2 cds out on CDbaby and just recently completed a band effort that I will probably release later this year.After a while, you weigh what you have to go through to play the gig to what the outcome might be and frankly, sometimes it ain’t worth it. I’ll still play for fun or if the situation looks interesting but I’m not willing to fly to New York in the hope that some recording exc will look past the age and see the talent. Thats for the younger people to experience, I remember when I used to go for broke on any opportunity but I’m not like that now.I agree with Sherz.

Never too old, age is just a number to remind you of the thing’s you do has
we go through life.
If you are comfortable enough, and have the abillity to do it, i will sit and
enjoy, becide it always nice to hear good music ware ever you go.

Scott,

Great article! It’s definitely an issue I think about.

I’m now 43, I played my first show when I was 30. It’s taken time but I’m doing pretty well for an indie artist in that I tour and don’t have to do anything but make records and tour to support myself and my family.
But the days of me thinking that I was going to get signed to a major label are far behind me. I do believe that the majors (you know the ones who might actually give you a 4 million dollar advance) are looking for a long term investment and if you happen to be say, 20 or 30 years older than Britney Spears was when they signed her, I think that seems like a serious cap in their investment. I do also believe that there is a mindset in the majors that their demographic is kids and teens so I’m sure when they look at me they wonder, “hm, can I sell this middle aged man to a 12 year old?” lol!

However, the upside of that is that when I accepted that major label success was probably not in the cars for me, I was able to focus on making it happen for myself without anyone’s help and as you said took 100% responsibility for my career. Things have been pretty good ever since. And while I’d love to believe I write great songs and am a good performer, I do believe that the majority of my success has been due to the fact that I’ve kept in contact with the people who came to my shows from the very first one. I had a mailing list back when that meant you MAILED things to people… as in “in the mail!” I kept up with an e-list, a website, myspace, facebook, etc… and I encourage people to keep in touch with me at every single show. It has really paid off.

Thanks for telling it like it is! ; )

Voltaire
http://www.myspace.com/voltairenyc

Thanks.
I’m dangerously close to the big 6, but am recording my best stuff ever. Hard to find places to play? yup. But one of the bands I play in ( not my favorite one ) had an enquiry from an agent. We talked about it and decided it’s not what we want, or are able to do.
Will I ever, or do I want to play huge audiences? Not really. Music is an important part of my life, but there’s a lot more too.

J.J. Cale just turned 70, and his new album rocks in his own inimicable way. Huge encouragement. Atta boy J.J.

darryl

jdminer.com

Closer to the mid-century mark than most ‘struggling musicians’ out there, we also know it does nobody any good when the music industry is slanted to the youth market, promoting youth-ness. Together with this big bias, is the ‘pull strings’ network, i.e. those who are in pulls in whoever they like and ban whoever else from entering professional working life.

When this goes on for all your adult life, you are bound to be angry, down, frustrated, depressed, and likely to give up, bitterly. Recently I heard that the CEO of CD Baby came into town and got together ‘all’ the artists signed on to their website. Well, not all – small timers, old farts, what have you – whoever they do not see as important to keep in real contact with – were not included. Is this typical? Alas, it looks more and more as I go along promoting my work that it is.

So it is not only an age issue that is a problem in this industry. There is just too much working against anyone ‘outside’ and any factor – age, race, gender – oh, you name it – can prove to be the factor that does not get the artist any work, nor the artist’s recordings any sales or attention they deserve.

Is there anything we can do about any of this? I wonder too. Besides keep on keeping on? I wonder…

It is deeply heartbreaking to have your dreams and vision shatter for the sake of ignorance, isn’t it?

This was a really great post! I’m 19 and already I fear that I’m too old! isn’t it crazy!!??

I think it’s hard when you have people like Justin Bieber making it at such a young age!

Stephen
stephencarmichael.com

Scott!

You always seem to say the right things at the right time. I can only believe that with age comes experience, wisdom and talent expressed as an artist has figured out it should be. It’s funny that so much of the ‘youthful’ music actually comes out of the heads of 40 and 50 year olds. My favorite thing is to watch an older writer with just a guitar and great words who has arrived…

You’re so cool….

I’ll definitely mention my name at my gigs…

Liz

A really great read tonight. I am 53 and I have a cross over career of performing for children as well as an adult contemporary vocalist. 15 years of music business with a really great musical partner. (it would be extremely trying for me to work at this business alone). I don’t worry to much about my age. I am more concerned about my health. I have a pretty good voice and can get better but I know now that I can have a long career only if I maintain and/or improve my health as I age. I stopped drinking 3 years ago, haven’t smoked in a number of years, have to watch my diet very carefully as I am a Celiac and have low blood sugar problems and avoid coffee. I am actually getting healthier and feel younger all the time. Lots of stretching is paramount. Talk about working hard at something.
I struggle constantly with the pain of having to do the “business” part of my career. The reality is, musicians need to play, sing, write and you need to constantly try to keep doing what you are supposed to do (perform) or want to do. Don’t let the business or management of your operation slow you down. As soon as you can, get someone to help with that stuff and get out there and play.
Making it for me would be to make enough money so that my wife does not need to work at a second job. I will have hit the jack pot when I can make a living and record 2 to 3 CDs a year. I’m shooting for at least 90 as a working musician and that means over 100 recorded albums. What a ride it will be.
Cheers
Get out there and play.
Andy

I’m in my 50′s and have been writing songs since the age of 15 and performing and recording consistently for about 25 years, in both English and French. I currently have 5 CDs for sale at cdbaby, and am working on a 6th release. I seriously thought I might go to my grave without any kind of recognition, but have nevertheless always put out the highest quality recordings I could manage, on a very limited budget. Miraculously, the French album I released in 2008 was nominated for and subsequently won 2009 Album of the Year in Motif Magazine. That same year I produced an original vampire musical. Ever since all of this happened, the pressure to “make it” is off, and I’ve just been having fun. If no further acclaim every comes my way, I’m more than satisfied because I feel I’ve had my 15 minutes of fame.

I share this story now, hoping to encourage and inspire other people, that if they never stop believing in themselves (and yes, promoting their music every chance they get!), something wonderful like this may happen to them.

Thanks for the article! At 39 I panicked that “someday” was going to pass me by and took responsibility and got back into recording after 10 years away having kids, building a day job career, etc. I take great inspiration that some of the artists that I like and I think appeal to the younger demographic (eg. Death Cab, New Pornographers) are in their mid-30′s to early 40′s. Granted, they have been at it since they were 20. But still, older nonetheless.
I also think if you are making the music that you would like to listen to, then no matter what your age there will be like minded people who will listen. Perhaps your music will mature with you. You don’t have to play punk rock when you’re 60. If Kurt Cobain were alive, I highly doubt he’d still be screaming. The music world has changed in the last 10 years, but for better or for worse, it is way easier to do it all yourself…and why shouldn’t you, no one will ever care as much about your music as you do.

All I can say all those youngsters had a lot of good comments. I play music because I love it. I have a lot of lifetime friends with my music and that is pay enough. I and my brother had a band back in the 40′s and when the Korean wore broke out I was 21 and had to go serve my country. I played some while I was in the service but by the time I got out I was married and had a child. I didn’t play for over 30 years but when I retired I got back into music. Yes you guessed it, I’m 81 years old and going strong. I play country but my passion is western music. I do a lot of yodeling even at my age. I have buried two wives and recently I have remarried and my wife who is 72 years old has learned to play the bass to back me up. So as soon as she gets real comfortable with the bass she will start singing and we’re gonna do a lot of harmonizeing together. Life has just begun again. GOD bless you all. Del

Promote! Publish! Push! Pthbhthb! If i wanted to be in sales, I’d sell something big that people want, like real estate. If there is no demand for your product, all the hard work in the world won’t sell it for money, period. Old people should not attempt youth markets or the club/pub mate & date scene, what it God’s name would be the point? Daytime festivals, weddings, wineries and places that mature people go is a more logical choice to make money playing music. Sure you can’t point out exceptions. But size does matter, and so does age.

Thanks for the article Scott. Judging from the replies you received there are those who have forged onward no matter what and others who have seen it as an eye opener. When I was a teenager we had a great 16 piece Big Band and we rehearsed in a barracks on the school grounds at 7:00 AM four days a week where Boogy Blues and Intermission Riff reigned supreme. In 1973 I migrated to Australia with my four children and became a Permanent Resident ’cause I couldn’t give up my American Citizenship. Wait for it! In 1978 the music scene here wasn’t doing so good so I began putting Jazz groups together on the Gold Coast. 1985 age 48 I became a professional actor and capped that off with my last film “Crocodile Dundee in LA” with Paul Hogan at the age of 67.
Having sold my business I made a come back with Big Bands on the Gold Coast I was 70. I then made my first commercial CD “Duke is Back”. Thanks to local CD sales and the exposure I enjoyed from CD Baby, sales came in from various parts of the planet. This coming September 26th I’ve been asked to perform at a prestigeous “Southport Arts Festival” with my Quintessential Jazz Group Trio. I write this not to show people how great I am but to help empower others with the belief that they can accomplish more. Some refer to me as “Good Ol’ Duke” and a seven year old kid trapped inside a 75 year old body.
This year I’ve been asked to record a Blues CD.Tony Bennett is in his 80′s. Say no more.

Age in Music…What a topic…I play drums (combined 5 piece Kit + electronic Kit) The one thing I can say about age is that at 62…I can finally afford my passions and have the time to pursue them with passion…I’ve raised a family, built a home, started and run several successful business’…and I’ve discovered that success is a state of mind…not how may people love you or how much $ you have(although, as the man said “Richer is definitely better) I and my 9 Friends started a Reggae band almost 20 years ago and we are still building a dedicated following and finding more talent and skills within ourselves than we ever thought we had and so we keep growing..the youngest guy in the band is 48 and oldest 68 and most of us are past 60 and retired…

Impressive & inspirational! Thank you for this article! It’s our hearts that matters! ^_^

Very good article and good comments from people who are really living this life in the underground…i hope everybody get their 5 minutes of fame but here is my 2 cents…I’m a 30 yr old hip hopper…rapper/ producer who went thru a bad situation with a small label when i was younger…i didn’t know anything about the music business but the label agreed that my talent was super..by the grace of God i got out of that situation..guess this is the point where most people say “i quit”, because a lot of the people that were part of my team at the time couldn’t handle the reality of the situation…they thought we had a time limit to get famous, but i tend to look at everything as a learning experience…to make the rest of this story short, i proceeded to use my time interning with labels and industry friends that i bumped into on the way…i sooned realized that it probably wasn’t going to happen on a major label, so i started my own and vowed to do this til my casket drop…and thanks to all the pessimistic individuals who don’t have self motivation, and the ones who said i should be sittin up in sum strait legged slacks and a tie on, workin for someone else, i’m doin it…No, I never expected to be a million seller because i know that real music is not for everybody..but Yes, i did get out and find my own lil market and released my cds…i now have 6 street albums that all sell well in the small area(6 cities) that i release them in..guess the point to this story is that it’s your life and if we want something, we gotta go get it instead of waisting our careers waiting on a major label to pimp the hell out of us anyway…i havent sold a million on a big label, but while my partners were waiting, i was out selling over 10,000 cds myself and haven’t missed a meal yet…KING HANIBULL…”MIS-UNDASTOOD”…COMIN SOON!!!

and if you don’t have enough cd’s at your show.. maybe have some ‘rain checks’ where the person can get a cd postage paid by you.. or pick 1 up for a discount on the small inconvenience, etc… lotsa ideas ; )

Thanks
Neal Visher

I agree with you 100 % I just turned 50 and living in Austin TX.
(The Live Music Capital of the World.) As you can imagine there are a lot of great players here. Yet I manage to work as much as I want.

1. I use an electric sign to advertise my Cds and email book.
2. Also collect emails on my I-phone for group texting.
3. Use facebook and email my schedule from my website weekly.
4. Create brunch shows and early afternoon and evening shows.
Better for the over 40 crowd and it works great.
5. Deeper lyric content on newer originals for older fan base.

kentmayhew.com

Amen to that: Look at Tommy Emmenuel from Australia. Considered the best acoustic guitar player in the world, and in his sixties.
I released my first album on CDBaby at age 50, and I recorded my second at age 59. I’m sixty now and playing any place I can.

Great article although I feel that the argument is a bit oversimplified. The end point is very valid though.
All this talk about touring, gigging is easy to talk about when you drive a car and can get around. Now, how much could you do if you didn’t drive a car?

I returned to singing/songwriting at 44, after 18 years off. I was lucky for awhile. At 44 I was still getting carded for alcohol. I played over 60 paying gigs a year. I released my first CD at 48 to rave reviews, got some radio play, did the tour thing. By the time I turned 50 people weren’t buying CD’s anymore and everyone wanted to know where they could download my songs for free. I couldn’t get a paying gig ’cause all the young, new performers played for free. The older I got, the fewer the gigs…even the free ones!
Of course, the songs I’ve written in my 40′s and 50′s are better than ever. I’m still very proud of my CD and have hundreds more songs to record. Without performance $ or sales, I can’t afford a professional production. I asked a (younger) friend how does one make a living as musician if you don’t get paid for gigs and don’t get paid for your songs? His answer….sell T-Shirts!

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts! Some inspiring stories and great attitudes!

I think there’s two ways to look at it – as though the world owes you something or as though every connection you make is a gift. If you think the world owes you something then you’re probably missing a lot of the little miracles that are going on all around you that are really what life is all about. If you’re grateful for every smiling face and every person you’re able to connect with then you’re never too old to make it, because you’re already making it.

So the next time someone asks your age, tell them proudly. If they have a problem with it then that’s their problem, not yours. You know what’s important and you’ve got more important things to tend to – like giving your gifts to the world – one person at a time.

Thank you for this article!
I’m 63, still doing a couple hundred appearances a year and have no intention of retiring until the day I can’t deliver a quality show.

As to “making it”…
To hell with the bright lights, drugs, and groupies.

It is an honor to simply make a decent living doing something as wonderful as making music and leaving your audiences smiling. All my cars have come with 100,000 miles on them, but they get me to the next gig. I sleep well at night and get up excited to another day of simply going to work as a musician.

This makes me think of Mississippi John Hurt, who recorded a little bit back in the ’20s of his amazing fingerpicking blues and then sank into obscurity. Many years later, in the ’60s, someone went looking for him, and found him on the same farm he’d been on for decades, old as the hills but still able to play that guitar. He spent the last years of his life playing folk festivals for adoring fans.

I’ve refrained from commenting all day but after reading from the first post (when I received this D.I.Y. newsletter) until now I have to say that their are some people commenting who just don’t get it. One person was knocking his audience for being “twenty somethings”. If that crowd is enjoying your music either your doing something wrong or they just aren’t into your type of music. So…..find a crowd that is. Don’t keep playing that “establishment” and blame them for your misfortune. Most others who have commented seem to understand that music is reciprocal and “you get what you put in”. I’ve made, played, toured music for 15 years and counting myself but I do it because I love the art. Simultaneously I understand that the industry is tough but it’s certainly not impossible to be successful. That’s all I have. No insult meant. I just thought I’d be a younger voice among the crowd to say follow your dreams and don’t fall victim of the stumble. Get back up and work smarter not harder but most importantly make music. There’s a lot of people in the world who can’t but will certainly appreciate that you can.

Peace
Jaro

http://www.evolv.us
http://www.facebook.com/evolvnation
http://www.myspace.com/evolv
http://www.reverbnation.com/evolvnation

One of my greatest inspirations did not wind up “making it” until he was 75 years old. His name is Clyde Forseman, he had passed on, but lived a life as an accordion player that played with different bands, toured a little bit, but was very connected to his wife and family. After he retired from his job as a carpenter he started playing with Those Darn Accordions. He travelled the world and ladies threw condoms at him and begged to have his baby. He taught me that you just never know what will happen, and who cares in the end as long as you are enjoying the process and making music.

Great artical, that’s exactly the way I feel about it.I’m part of a duet called TwoChe and we just released our CD on CDbaby. I’m 57 and my partner is 66, but we’re not letting that stop us from going forward with what we both love to do. The CD “Touch” is one of the best brand new old school r&b cd’s one would want to hear. My motto is, “Don’t give-up, don’t ever give-up”.

If something as trivial as age or lack of fame or monetary success can shake your faith in your own music, I would question if you ever had commitment to it in the first place. Music is bigger than you or your dreams and gives you direct access to GOD. So, shaddyup and play yer gueeetar!

It’s alway’s nice to hear things that motivate you at any age. If your a songwriter it’s not alway’s easy to like the music you make.we’re all real judgemental when it comes to the music we write. A friend of mine alway’s say’s if you find a little something you like about what your doing there’s people out here that are going to like it to. you just have to find a way to introduce them to you,and what you have.

I think all musicians,singers,songwriters have to understand that there is no music business as used to be,large financial record contracts etc….once this is accepted which I did about two years ago I was able to assess my situation as a singer songwriter.First I was 50 years old and I needed to create an image to suit my age.I took a look at the various markets and decided to target the blues genre and therefore I had to write music to suit.I created the character Mr H,with stuble growth,whiskey breath etc,set up a good foundation e.g. myspace,website,places where future fans could check me out..I recorded a few songs and released a cd to radio stations,magazines etc.24 months down the line I’ve had much radio play,great magazine reviews and reasonable financial accounts from streaming,downloads,royalties althought not near enough income to make a living.I’m now playing blues and jazz festivals,this weekend i’m at aber jazz in Wales uk,I’m supporting Jerry Donahue on a tour next year and have been lined up to support Slack Alice a successful 70′s blues rock outfit in the uk and europe and this will be in the lyric theatre which will be sold out.I learnt late that the word Arts is short for artificial and this is now everything I portray in my image,but we’re in the entertainment business and the audience does’nt care if your real or false,they just want to escape to somewhere away from the realities of real life.Two words I was quoted when I commenced this project were by an old agent who said just remember Harry PR stands for propaganda and the other word being exploitation.
Age is not important its all about marketing.
Harry

I am a 43 year old RnB/Soul singer, and having come up during the funk era and into the hip-hop era, I think my craft is more relavent now than ever! I grew up in and around LA, so i always felt like someone would just walk up to me on the street and hand me a record deal (never happened obviously). I did everything i thought i needed to do EXCEPT self promote. I have a brother who was living in the UK, and decided to finally give him a visit 3 years ago, while widening my musical ambitions as well. It was the best move i’ve ever made, because it made me have to get out of my comfort zone, and since then i’ve toured Europe with a tribute act, playing to thousands of fans at a time. I went on to do what i’m doing presently, which is, singing lead for the legendary DRIFTERS!! I also play a lot of function gigs i.e. weddings, and corporate gigs with a band called Absolute Funk Band, aswell as doing solo stuff to track through an agent. So I’m a busy YOUNG man, and it was all because i decided to take some initiative in my own success. One more thing I’m in the studio writing and producing my own music and writing for other artists as well. My name is Vince Durrell. One of the groups i write for is called Ghostt, check em out on youtube.

thnx for such an inspiring article

peace! Never say die

great article and toughts!!!
we are artists and time and life make us better-not older?!?!

thanx a lot for inspiration

Great article, love it, thank you!!!

Age is relevant… look at ol’ Susan Boyle…she never dreamed of making it in music and look how well she did a her ‘mature’ age.

If you’re 50 years old you might have a better chance at gaining fans closer to your age than fan 20 or 30 years younger.

Take a look at who is getting record deals these days and what is the average signed age and what is their fan base demographic?

It all depends on one’s goals as a musician and what one defines as “making it”.

Too old to rock and roll but too young to die

Ross Phazor says ROCK ON everybody!!
=)

Thanks for this article!! When I was little, my dream was to grow up and be a famous singer, but I only knew what that was based on what was “out there”. Now, I my dream is still intact, but the fame and fortune look much different to me at 47. I’ve been a wedding singer, bar and club singer, written originals, recorded my own CDs. I’ll keep writing and recording because I love it. I sing because it is like breath to me. I don’t care about “making it” anymore. I make a living through music which is amazing to me and now, there is a research project about to begin with the music program I created for the elderly. Who would’ve thunk it?!! What I do makes a difference; to me because a life without music isn’t a happy one for me and the people who hear me sing feel good. All of those people who have been forgotten have a moment or two of connection through the music and it is truly amazing. We must do what we love… and music is one of my great loves.

Having said that, I need to learn how to market better and remember to bring attention to my CDs and my name. I get so lost in the music and the people that I forget!

Thanks again and I will be singing until there is not breath left in this body…
Bridgette

Born into a musical family was father was a professional guitarist who played with Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. I’m also a second cousin to Carrie Underwood. My dad always had a solid day job where he worked for 34 years. He always played music on the side because there weren’t enough gigs then in Bakersfield and he had a wife & 3 children to support.

I had my debut performing at the high school homecoming dance singing with a band at 14 years. I did what my parents wanted, graduated from college, got married (we are still married) and had two children. I never wanted to pursue my music because I was too shy and did not like performing. In 2006 I wrote my first song, in 2009 I put out my debut album called Out of the Blue which is my own 12 original songs which I perform. The album is dedicated to my father who passed away in 2003. I have been on a journey I never would have expected in a million years. It doesn’t matter about the age, what really matters is that you are doing your music and loving it. If you are able to do that and tune out what everybody else thinks, you are actualizing a dream. Dreams are ageless!

Question? If you were the owner of lets say the Los Angeles Lakers who needed to sign more players for the future of your franchise , who would you sign if these were your choices….
A# 35 year old baller from Venice Beach who dunks on everyone and is at the top of his game as a all around basket ball player..
B# 23 year old baller fresh out of school who dunks on everyone and although is not a %100 at the top of his game yet , is a great all around basket ball player..
Who would you rather invest the next 10 years of your money into? Now I want you to think very carefully about how this question relates to you musicians who are trying to “make it” in the music industry.

Now ask your self what do you really want in life? Why do you love music to begin with and why did you start doing it?

Remember this! Every business is different. In some businesses age does not matter but in others it will. If your trying to establish your career with a wide audience, the biggest target will be that audience that is easy to influence and can relate to you or sees them self through you.
Who buys posters and stickers and even c.d.s anymore?
Young people?
Make music …. But don’t go into business unless you have a chance at being successful in the field you choose to pursue business in.
THATS JUST STUPID……..
AJ Lopez
Band “theAMBULANCE”
Album “removals”

I so needed to read this. I’m 45 and just started performing 3 yrs ago and am trying to keep the desire going. It’s been tough of late but I’m getting a second wind these days and this blog just gave me a stronger gust in my back…
thanks!

You made my day. Your observations have a far more reaching effect on not only aging musicians but for all of us that may feel we’ve “missed the boat” on whatever our imagination and passions have fueled our minds but somehow never were actually accomplished. Mostly the fear of rejection or insecurity guides our actual actions, the action of doing nothing. Not acting on one’s dreams is a choice and articles like yours give people like us the inspiration that just might give us the strength and courage to begin each day doing something that guides us in the direction of taking hold and to nurture the opportunites that surely await us if only we open our eyes and move forward, in other words, making the choice to being the best person we can possibly be and feeling the exciliratin in accomplishing whatever it is that brings us joy.
Great observations Scott, thank you!

Anyone who says “you are too old to be performing/playing music in a band” needs to be directed to the Rolling Stones website. They are practically ancient, yet still make millions.

I am 45 and didn’t start gaining music credibility until I was 40, but then it really took off and now I actually see a great career within my reach.

I see young bands who laugh at the older bands, yet the older bands have more loyal fans….why, because they are passionate about their music, and simply don’t want to get on stage to get girls or get drunk….well, not all of us LOL…..we are doing it for the love of performing, and that is what will take us farther than the carbon copy bands popping up everywhere.

Take a look at the bands from the 80s and 90s. They are hitting the stage once again in full force, especially in the Industrial/New Wave genres……so you can’t say you are too old to be doing this..

…go for it, be confident in your music, be unique and just smile when people say you are too old to be doing this….because you know better than that…

hi there
thank you so, so much for writin´this now i HAVE to know, WHAT was this amazing rock band you saw whos members were all in their 80s? i wanna see it! I hear tell Dica Nulan gave a pretty astounding show in Boston in the late 90s(she was one of arnold schoenberg´s most dedicated students, wrote books abotu him and all, but from I hear showed up in Boston to do a crazy art rock show, hurray!). All ages and stages of life have musics to offer us. . . . .anyhow, thanks agaiN!

I’ve been making a living as a guitarist, singer and artist for years but it wasn’t until I honestly came to terms with the things written in the above article, that I really started to enjoy being a musician. I was constantly living in a dream and fluctuating from crazy positive that I was going to get “discovered” to downright depressed and on the verge of giving up (I quit a few times actually.)

It’s hard to do, but forget about fame, forget about fortune and build a CAREER! You may get discovered and shot to fame, but it’s almost certain you won’t. That doesn’t mean you can’t live an extremely fruitful life as a
musician and bring joy to many with your music. Start close to home and then spread out slowly.. there’s a whole lot of potential fans in your town.. you don’t have to live in New York, L.A., London or wherever.

A fan wrote to me the other day saying her mother had cancer and she was having operations. This lady (the fan) said she listens to a song from my album called Spring Song everyday to cheer her up. I don’t need millions of dollars or gigs in Wembley for that to make me feel on top of the world.

FAntastic article..

Its all up and downs in this biz…, and you are only as good as your last show… sometimes i feel there is no doubt i’m gonna hit the illusive “big time”… other times i wonder why i bother..

I am coming up to 30 and have worried i’m getting past it in the next couple of years..

bvut you are right… its all about offering your audinece something as an entertainer and offering the escapism and enjoyment people want from their music..

I know i can do that wherever i go… i’ve just gotta keep hold of every single person who shows an interest and try to make it grow..

thank you for this article..

i will play forever coz its a ll i know … there is plenty of time to make it happen and to get some kind of fanbase..

hopefully enough of one to see me through my life through my love of music..

hopefully enough of one to headline the pyramid stage at glasto!!! but i aint expecting everything…

jsut keep building on what you’;ve got people… success happens in the present, i like that..

i often say success is a journey not a destination… enjoy all the gifts along the road..

Hey Scott,

I totally agree! I’m 45 and the old music career just gets better and better every year. With age comes experience. I’m playing better than ever before and more relaxed. Each gig becomes more exciting than the last as I continue to grow as an artist. I’m looking forward to each year to see were it takes me!

Best, John Gilliat

John Gilliat – http://www.johngilliat.com
Ottmar with a Twist, Passionate and Fiery Rumba Flamenco Guitar

Wow, this is an issue very close to my heart! I’m 54 now, and after 30 years I find myself playing with the same guys I played with in my early 20′s. In the late ’70s / early ’80s, we definitely felt rushed to “make it” before we were too old. Now we are driven by something entirely different: we absolutely love playing music together, and just want to do it more and more! Slowly but surely this is affecting the people who come to see us, and we are now growing audiences in NY, NJ, VA, NC and SC. In Fredericksburg VA, we regularly have 100-150 people show up specifically for us, and they cover all ages from early 20′s through 50′s. (And we actually get paid!) We’re huge fans ourselves of ’80s new wave rock, and are blown away to see young adults dancing and singing along to the “classic alternative” tunes we cover, and to get requests for our original songs which to many of them sound like ’80s songs that they never heard before. We’ve never been happier doing what we love most.

What I want to say about the age thing is, it’s all about preconceptions and how people are programmed to think and behave. Defy these things, because they are just habits that need to be broken. We’re proud of our age, but we don’t tend to talk about it because a) it immediately makes people think differently about you, and b) the music, the energy and the connection with people are all that matter. Don’t clutter your head with ideas about how the world “really is”, because if you feed into these ideas then that’s how the world really will be for you. Better to remind yourself that anything can happen if you’re ready and open to it, because it can. Occasionally you may run into close-minded people who can’t see past the fact that you’re not in your 20′s, but so what? They’re not for you, so move on and focus on your real audience — it’s out there!

wow, all very good comments on “making it” in the music business! after reading some of them, I have come to the conclusion that being a successful musician means different things to everyone. one size does not fit all…I do agree that knowing “who your market is”, is a must, otherwise you are in for a lot of disappointment, but the age thing doesn’t have to matter when your market is older also. you just have to find the right avenues to reach them. the internet has made the world flat and we are all on the playing field at once. seems like there is no “sure fire way” to “make it” in the music biz, but if you learn all you can about marketing, I think you have a better chance at selling more product.

it is a totally positive gesture to create music – hopefully original, possibly covers – because some things need to be said and felt. The joy of performing is either a big hug or a disconcerted shrug. After almost forty years of pluggin’ away at the local music biz, I am both excited & content with my ability to discover a glimmer of inspiration for new songs. Though I still practice irregularly and occasionally do gigs @ coffeehouses or other social events which are geared to a wider age group, I am insistent about living in the moment. Aspirations are modest so success is limited but meaningful. When I speak with younger talents, I approach them with the idea of ability & desire and craft & development. It is a shame the current state of the music biz has changed so drastically from my youth, but it is the idea to adapt and accept the present that allows me to get beyond the aging issue. My wife & I still go out to hear newer acts in a roomful of “kids” and often the music is stimulating, challenging, or resourceful, and sometimes it just doesn’t resonate at all. There’s so many genres of music available and sometimes it just takes time to discover its voice. Our values for fine entertainment haven’t changed, just like the many products that hold no personal interest. The dream goes on forever if you want it. As Mark Twain said: “Age is an issue of mind over matter – if you don’t mind, it don’t matter!” So true.

sadly this is not all together true.

i am 56 and have a betetr than average resume. i have been the lead guitarist for some “big names” and some not so big that look good on a resume. i have for extended periods of my life made a very good living playing guitar.

yet, i have been told in no uncertain terms that i am “too old” for good paying gigs that i am completely qualified for and would have gotten 10 years ago.

am i giving up? not after playing professionally for over 45 years, but the truth is no amount of merchandizing is going to change the very real prejudice the industry has against older performers.

Hi Everyone,

I feel better reading all these comments – I’m not the only one who gets discouraged! I have had a day job for 11 years at the folk musicians union Local 1000 and it has been hard at times being a helper on the sidelines for those who do their music full-time. But Now that I am 40, I see things with more perspective.

I am glad that I sleep in my own bed every night, next to my partner. I am glad that I don’t have to pressure my creativity with survival issues because my money comes from my day job. Because I am not living on the road and spending 60 hours per week booking myself, I can focus on attracting (well, that part’s done) and keeping a wonderful mate, and being there for our relationship. We own our house and can make our mortgage payments. We have two little kids now, and I am home every night with them.

So many of my union members are struggling in one way or another: money, health insurance, self-booking, competing against others for the few good gigs… It’s such hard work, and those with the most energy and especially the workaholics are the ones who build stable careers. I have never been a workaholic, and my energy in my 20′s had to be triaged to healing from childhood sexual abuse.

I still feel sorry for myself sometimes: “If I hadn’t had to spend my 20′s in therapy, my career would be somehwere by now…” But if I hadn’t done my healing work, I’d not only be a mess, but I wouldn’t have written songs that help others heal. If I hadn’t written those songs to get them off my chest, I might not have discovered being funny. Now, my entire career is built on those two types of songs. I realized that my niche was valuable. And the older I get, the more I have wisdom to put into songs. And it’s so meaningful when a listener tells me how my songs help with overcoming trauma.

Now, I plan to combine my music with training as a therapist, and offer workshops and sing and speak as a lecturer. I’ve done this combo already, but I think with a MSW degree, I’ll get more gigs. They won’t be sexy rock-star gigs, but I don’t need those anymore. Although, I am actually sexier now at 40 than I was in my 20′s, so I could totally rock the stage better than ever. Maybe I’ll rock some stages one of these days. For now, I am playing my instruments (violin & guitar), deepening my craft, writing kids’ songs (occasionally), jamming with my pre-schooler, and learning new genres of music on my violin. It makes me so happy to sing and play (on violin) jazz, blues and bossa nova! I never thought I’d enjoy cover tunes so much. It brings me great joy. So the music is alive and well in my life, even though it is a tiny percentage of my schedule.

I think keeping my passions around me gives me balance. I believe that balance is the key to happiness. I have to keep my hobbies going or I feel rotten. Music is not a hobby; I call myself a semi-professional musician, but it only pays for itself, it doesn’t pay the bills. But I find that the more I sew, swim, jog, sail, paddle, paint, look at art, draw, etc., the more sane and happy I feel.

Given the extraordinary power of American Idol to stock the airwaves and award shows with their winners & finalists, precisely how many of them are over the age of 28 (and as far as AI is concerned anyone close to that old better be a fabulously flamboyant celebrity seeking hound)? In fact, in recognition of the need to capture the real talent pool in American the producers have actually lowered the age from 16 to 15.

And when it comes to the music gods in conference rooms who have niched marketed and study grouped the death out of this business is there ever actually a concern for musical talent regardless of age? Name me one act, again over the age of 28, that these people actually pony up the money to produce and promote (Susan Boyle may come to mind but, that was a special wet dream for the makeover people)? Anyone you see on the charts or on the boards and does not fit the industry’s ideal that musical talent is the sole prerogative of youth then they are doing it entirely on their own dime. And in this golden age “pay-to-play” music business we’re talking endless streams of money because that is the only “talent” they’re looking for from old people. They call it taking a stake in your career. Frankly the only “new” old rock stars I’ve seen come to town and backed by the business are movie stars doing 360 deals so they can promote their celebrity golf tournament and their latest movie.

The truth is age does matter because of simple economics. Youth have limited avenues to spend their money and the mythical lure of highly niched marketed “music” is practically the only place they can exert their buying power. But once these youth reach the age of having to work in careers, buy homes and having children their money quite naturally flows in a entirely different financial steam. And I would suggest that the only time the music business can get these wandering old people to come back to the stadium is when some band(s) from their youth is pried out of retirement for a reunion tour.

So I would agree with you: given relative doses of desire, technical and musical proficiency between someone who is 15 and someone who has been playing for 60 years there is no doubt the latter would be a better musical and entertainment value. But that doesn’t even vaguely mean they “can make it” and hang out with Justin and Miley. Quite honestly I believe the Beatles would have a helluva time of making it into this business if they just started out at even the ripe old age of 28.

But, say your name and sell merch is not an answer, that comes under the heading of duh!.

The world needs older …. everything! (wisdom, discretion, patience, experience, etc). The older we are, (theoretically) the more we have acquired to share! This applies to our music. Older musicians are just older people who have MORE to share. Regarding “success” … only a few “musicians” make it BIG or become FAMOUS. But, that also applies to “athletes”, “chefs”, “writers”, etc. Big isn’t always better (sometimes:) Musicians change people in the moment. That is powerful stuff.

So – just keep changing the world. I am a Children’s Musician. With simple musical presentations, I affect both kids and their parents. Keep it simple; keep it honest; change the world. Trish Miller

Some smart agents and producers should get on with these casting calls: ‘American Yodeling -Yet-Idols’, ‘Dancing with the Old-Stars’, ‘PROVE You Can Still Dance’, America’s Got Gallant Talent and how about the ‘Feeble Follies’. I think I would audition for all of the above.

Thank you for posting – needed to hear this. Upon my 27th birthday last year, I took a break from my main passion, music. I felt that since I hadn’t gotten to the point of living off of music income by then, then I needed to face reality and give up, or re-evaluate my goals.

After a year’s hiatus and finding peace in not feeling that constant, desperate frustration with my music career not being more substantial despite having a successful marketing career/chops, I feel like I can now take a stab at music differently. I’m only skimming the surface (haven’t dove back in fully yet), but I feel a new confidence and artistic/strategic approach that I lacked when I was so afraid of failing.

LCD Soundsystem was created when the lead singer was 30. And look at Lucinda William’s or Zazie’s careers.

Pop artists definitely need to be young when they start. However, as you mentioned in your article… that’s not the only road to take, and isn’t necessarily the most fruitful.

If you’re goal is to play “pop” music or any of the varieties of “rock”, specially live, then age is a factor. On the other hand, if you’re goal is to make music without boundaries then age shouldn’t matter at all.

Case in point: Josef Zawinul.

Created some of the most progressive and adventurous music of the past 50 years and did it right up until the day he died; well into his 70s.

My advice if you want to have a long career in music: stay clear of POP and you’ll be OK.

Great advice, Thanks. I’m 53 years young,started performing Full Time 3 years ago after I retired from my Day Time Job. I’m not getting rich but I’m now having a blast doing what I Love.

Musicians are musicians at any age. Musicians will always value quality. I am very grateful to be part of an unusual musical community in the Blue Mountains NSW Australia. I have just turned 49 and I still feel 16, although I feel 18 when I go to the local pub. A friend of the band talked to a bunch of young blokes in their 20′s after we had played our first set. They were openly honest and were not expecting the world when they saw us, however… after our set of original music, they were honestly blown away. I think Dave our drummer is in his mid 50′s and they were completely turned around from their original ageist attitude. So, at the end of the day…. just do it !! At what age do you stop creating ? I really needed to read these articles tonight, thank you everyone. Yours truly (Not completely) Reluctant Steve and his friends

I’m 40. I played my first live gig – ever – in a heavy metal cover band at age 37. I played my first gig of my original metal songs with me original band three months ago. I guess I’ve played about forty gigs between the two bands over the past three years. They’ve been small shows but it’s still a blast!! The audience is usually in the age range of 30-45. I could care less about the twenty-something crowd although there still are quite a few younger people in the crowd. I play solely for the love of the music. And women in their 30s and 40s are still hot! On the flip side, when I am in the audience I have a hard time taking bands under 30 seriously so IT GOES BOTH WAYS!!!!!

Too old to make “it” (wealth, celebrity, excess)? Sure. Too old to make music or find an audience? of course not!

I am 40 years old and have been playing with a band of 20-somethings for 2 years now. It’s my 12th or 13th band (I lost count) and the best I’ve ever played in. The bandleader can sing, play AND write his ass off. Nobody in the band cares that I’m 12 or 13 years older than the next-oldest member, though it is a bottomless well of good-natured jokes.

I understand the emphasis on youth in popular music. Every generation is entitled to music they can call their own, that belongs to them (which is why I feel so sorry for this generation!). Ideas, styles, genres have to be re-explored and replenished, and only the young have a vested interest in that… why would older musicians innovate when the sounds of their own heady youths played such a huge role in defining their own identities? And true talent is more exciting even when it’s awkward and raw than mediocre talent that’s more developed and assured.

But all great music has an audience. The quality of the connection with the audience, not the quantity of that audience, is still what counts.
That’s way I am rather disappointed to hear so many people here blathering on about “making it.” I guess most people in our age group grew up in the golden age of popular music, when money and fame fell like rain. Now that the golden age has closed, I would think more people my age would have realized that those days were the exception, not the rule. I also hope they realize that the lure of all that money, fame and personal indulgence may have in fact overshadowed our real mission as artists: to write and play in a way that touches the soul.

I’m glad the “golden age” is over. Sure, tons of great music was made, but now musicians (present and future) face a real gut check: is this really what I want to do with my life? Only those artists who need to make music to live, who would become the walking dead if they stopped performing or writing, will still make music. And that’s just how it should be, I think. There will always be an audience for such artists, regardless of age.

Music is talent related, not age related. The best musical talent I have ever seen is also older, more seasoned talent. Just yesterday I was given a CD while on the film set of Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. The music was written and recorded by my new friend Alan Gray. He is a superior talent in his “golden years”.

If your goal is to get rich and famous, you’re making music for the wrong reasons – in fact, music isn’t even your focus. This is why so many young artists who get quick fame also disappear from the radar rapidly.

Your music is not only your passion, it is also your craft and your life-work. Your ‘job’ is to create music that people want to hear. Yes, you have to ‘find’ your audience as well, but if you aren’t delivering anything any good, then you better well like what you’re doing because that’s all your gonna get.

Finally, even if you are amazing, talented, and have great songs, there’s no guarantee of financial or public success…. but if you don’t put it out there and let people know you exist…. then why do you make music again?

To be a performer perhaps there is more pressure to make it, but not as a composer. The best composers get better as they age. When we talk of value in music, lets not forget that some composers don’t make music to have value to others only to themselves and the community that understands their art. I point you the Milton Babbit’s youtube video “Who cares if you listen”

Don’t forget the millions of baby-boomers who are about to enter their golden years! Who knows this group and their musical tastes better than those of us over 40? I’ve been playing jazz on my concert grand harp for years and have recently switched to playing all rock classics all the time for my boomer audiences. Everyone loves Led Zepellin, Neil Young, old Aerosmith, King Crimson, Todd Rundgren, Stones, James Taylor, etc. I sprinkle my originals in there, too, and find myself with alot of work. The biggest surprise has been the number of under 25s who know this music and go out of their way to come talk to me about it. Playing it on the harp is an added bonus for my listeners. I guess my thought is this: if you play music people love and it tugs at their heartstrings or memories or makes any connection at all with them, it really doesn’t matter how old you are.

I like the article, yet I wonder if the underlying message is to be on purpose rather than outcome. I would have love to play music as a primary source of income, but the stark reality would be a life of economic uncertainty compared to the great day job I have now. Yet playing music with the perfect combination of musicians, venue and audience brings about an indescribable sense of serenity and personal fulfillment. The “in the moment” feeling is what musical expression is all about. I let go of “making it” long ago and in my late 40′s, I’m a much better musician than I ever was in my 20′s. It is my belief that those of us with musical aptitudes need to have a healthy outlet for them. For those who want to make it their primary source of income, it is possible, but it requires a great deal of hard work and perseverance. I personally believe that present day mainstream modern music is nowhere near the greatness of the mid 20th century, yet there are lots of great older musicians out there who do a great job preserving the mid 20th century greatness of American Music.

age baby is just a number..get out there no matter what age you are and do your thing..share who you are..experience in life comes out in the music..picasso was once asked..how long did it take you to paint that painting..he replied “75 years” and leonardo da vinci lasts words were;” Io sono un bambino dell’arte.” meaning I am just a child of art…what we haven’t done is so much larger than what we have done..so no time to waste my friends..if you feel like going on stage at 88 years old go and do it..life is a stage and don’t you forget it..love to all that risk no matter what there age is..Mark PInkus

Just turned sixty in January. Here in my neighborhood, Hell’s kitchen, I am known as the Hell’s Kitchen Rock n Roll Legend. That’s because my performances contain the energy and abandon inherent in Rock. I can’t help it. The music is in me.
One other thing I really dig is that a bunch of my fans are twenty somethings; including my son who just turned twenty-eight.

The very day I graduated from UCSC in 1981 I flew to Amsterdam with 2 friends to play music in the streets. I was playing hammer dulcimer. We played to survive, had lots of fun, lots of fights, lots of adventures. The following year in Basel, Switzerland, a stranger in the street offered to record us in his farmhouse outside of town. He gave us a few cassettes when it was done and I thought, hey,…let’s throw a few of these babies out on the street when we play and see if anybody buys them: Our incomes quintupled instantly! When cds first came out in 1985, we were the first street act to make them. Then we were REALLY making money,…driving nice vans, buying houseboats in Amsterdam, summers playing in Copenhagen, Oslo, Florence, then wintering in Spain and Thailand, la-di-da…really living the dream. Between ’85 and ’97, I figure I sold over 250,000 cds on the street…all self-manufactured with NO middle men. Eventually, I hung it up and now own/run a prehistory museum on the Dingle Peninsula on the west coast of Ireland. I still play for visitors, sell my cds here (I busk in my own house,… how cool is that?!)and do the occasional concert. I never ever for one minute placed any stock in the conventional “music business”, but took it to the street and flapped my funky-ass flag in the breeze to see if anyone would salute. Many of my best friends still do it fulltime in Europe and make a decent living at it, though cd sales are a lot tougher than they used to be. Some of these dudes are in their 70′s.
In my own experience, the point is (points are):
1) Look hard for a nice, less obvious, perhaps overlooked niche to exploit that suits your fantasy.
2) Like the song from ‘Gypsy’ says, “You Gotta Have a Gimmick”, not some cheesey one, but something truly different and worthy…some new angle….and for godsake…be feckin’ great at it!
3)Always struggle to keep learning/creating new material or you will get bored and/or spin out.
4) Be self-sufficient…don’t rely on those who don’t rely on you.
5) Learn from failure, it’s the great teacher, and failures along the way are inevitable
6) Sometimes playing music for a living can wear you down until you don’t even enjoy it,…then it’s time to give it a rest. Play again when you’re ready, do it because you love it, and find some other source of income. Harris

I already commented but another thought popped into my mind. The age thing is actually more of a barrier in the commercial music industry than it is with the actual audience. To teens, over 21 is ancient, to the 20s ancient starts at 35, to those over 30 age is basically not a factor. That being said, young people do not really even reflect on what age really is. I took my 14-year-old niece to see Whitesnake last year and she developed a crush on David Coverdale – who was 58 years old! She had him as a screensaver on her computer.

Age is a factor to the major labels but they are dying anyway and have to cross promote their ‘stars’ in movies, TV, and other areas. So the ‘stars’ are no longer just musicians they are multifaceted marketing products. If that’s the life your after, it goes way beyond music, which would not be of interest to me even if I were still 22.

I’ve always figured it’s best to embrace what you fear so that it no longer scares you. G Goran Liddy was scared of roaches when he was sent to prison after being convicted for his part in Water Gate, so instead of living in fear he overcame it by the eating the roaches in his cell.

Not as dramatic, I was bummed that I was too old to get on “American Idol” so instead of pretending that I’m still a young kid, I put together an American Idol Audition Parody song and video called “Too Old For Idol” and released it on the same night as the begining of the 2010 sesson. The local Fox News Chanel picked up the story and ran with it, and I got more milage out of that than most of the contestant that were “young enough” to audition for the show.
20,000 youtube hits later, I’m still getting airplay from it. see it at http://www.michaelriser.com or search you tube or google Michael Riser.
“It’s never too late”

Musicians have long expected some magic dude from the major label to come and make their dreams come true with the big label contract. Now, the major labels don’t really have much over the little guy (TuneCore is now the largest record company, with over 50% of artists selling music through the major music consumption channels represented through TuneCore) except marketing contacts and money. And if you sell, the majors will pick you up because of that. The new rule in the music game, YOU must bring the fans.

What is Pop music anyway, it’s what is popular … that’s all. But popular with whom. Ages are now a demographic. An artist may sell 1M copies and reach the top of the Adult Rock chart, and sell 0 copies to folks in the 12-25 year old age bracket. They STEAL their music anyway! So who cares what is popular to a 14 year old. The record labels didn’t sign Ke$ha for her deep thought provoking lyrics or musical abilities (Auto-tune … hello), it’s because they could turn her into a spectacle and sell a few records but sell Billions in merchandise.

So does age matter? The question is “To whom does age matter?” I guess if you want to sell T-shirts of you in a T-shirt and posters and Pepsi then yes, but if you want to sell music than age probably doesn’t matter as much as one would think. There are a lot of people out there of ALL ages that will buy a good song because they like it and it’s priced reasonably. Find out who listens to the music you play, and then sell it to them. Fans come in all ages, sizes, shapes and colors. If you a dictating who your fans will be without considering what music they like your career will be short lived.

It’s a brave new world … embrace it!

Hi my name is Texas Joe Valles…I read this article and I loved it ..! I am already in my mid 40′s…never been married ..no kids…but seems Ill have a new girlfriend soon ha ha ! I have a radio show..7 years running ! .in South Texas..Psych Rock 101 on KMBH 88.9 FM Harlingen Texas..(sorry not on the internet for now..).and 2 bands Valles Flying Machine..and Valles Spaceship…I hate the fact im looking older…but im not afraid of growing older because i am growing wiser.,.I have finished alot of goals…graduated from college with honours in 2007 from University of Texas…and the older I get the more haRDCORE i AM ABOUT MY LOVE OF MUSIC namely rock and roll..I love psych rock..jambands..prog rock ..classic rock..folk..Americana…jazz rock…Canturbury..Krautrock…and everyday I hear about a cool new band or a coll old band from yesteryear…its great…I am about to get over my ruff period..and have been doing shows and getting good responce to my music…and it is hard living in South Texas for many reasons…but here is where God Placed me …and this will be my starting point I have learned alot about the music industry thanks to Diskmakers AND OTHER COOL MUSIC SITES..and I do believe you have to promote yourself alot..and never stop…but do take a rest if music is what you love…Im about to put out 3 cd’s by the end of the year..and Diskmakers makes it a wonderful and fun experience to work for..I wish the internet and all this info was available to me back in the mid 1980′s when I decided to go “pro” but screw it ..ill make up for lost time now…even if your looking old…if you feel young and driven in your heart about music you gotta keep going…a big hello to all out there and wish you the best
sincerely
texas joe valles
leader of the
Valles Flying Machine

Leonard Cohen, Depeche Mode.

Age ain’t nothing but a number!

The days of the major label savior are so over. You have to do it yourself.

I began singing at two and wrote my first song at eight. I’m now forty-four and still get the same thrill out of composing, recording, and performing music. Music has really kept me very young and strong. When I perform I think people worry I’m going to faint from exhaustion because I can go 4 hours straight solo doing high energy. It’s just a passion that you are born with that is contagious to your audience no matter how old you are. I’m completing my debut album and going on tour. Keep on Rockin’!!!

If Susan Boyle can suddenly get a career at 47, anything is possible. She’s not 20, and doesn’t have a very typical image, but she became an overnight success. There’s a bit of the novelty factor, for sure, and the author of the article is right. Waiting to get “discovered is not the right way to approach it, but the media environment is changing every day. The backlash against empty, corporate pop, where image is elevated beyond its place, is growing. Not sure an 80 year old is going to get signed to a record deal, but if you’re able to put on a good show, and have material people want to listen to, then I believe success is very possible. The youth obsessed culture we live in is a relatively new phenomenon also. Things can change very quickly.

Rock Until You DROP!
Really if you love to do it…than do it!
http://myspace.com/misskristin
Watch It’s A Love In, Baby! the NEW single from Miss Kristin

Sadly age does seem to matter in this day and (no pun intended) age. At least in terms of touring and performing live or more specifically finding venues and promoters who will work with an artist in his or her 50′s. I don’t think it is age per se as much as the desire for fast returns on whatever the investment may be. I manage a singer named Rick Elias and we go through all sorts of hassles trying to get gigs. Yet once we have him on stage the audience loves the show. To the extent that a young artist can exist on lower financial gains and often is unencumbered by life’s “stuff” they often do have an advantage. But to my mind it is an artist and a song and a performance that counts. Some people like Justin Beiber and some people like Neil Young. Personally, I’ll take the latter.

i say make music until you’re dead; it’s a language of communication that reflects the age that you are in the moment of making it so i look at it like, embrace your age and the music that comes with it, after all we can’t do anything about the time passing, and what is success anyways, that’s a personal thing for everyone. music is expression and as long as we’re alive and have the means to create, it makes the world a better place to have music in it.

I’m gonna be 50 next month. I paid my way through college singing and playing my guitar. Never became famous but always found a way to make a few bucks out music. Even when I began a career in advertisng I kept playing in bars, restaurants, and anywhere I got called (serious…cockfights (I am from Puerto Rico), funerals, wedding rehearsals, supermarket alleys, baby showers). I quit advertising and have been making a living with music for the last 20 years. Not rich, not famous….but many friends, countless stories, many loves, and many good tears… and one or two trips a year without debt, a comfy house, a car that runs well… and, above all, I can still go anywhere safely and have a few beers and play pool and be myself. For me…that is making it BIG Time.

I agree and disagree…we have to decide between musicians and popular “artists”. Musicians can be of any age, as long as they can deliver….
Popular “artists”??? well, if you are a pretty young girl, or a pretty young boy and some S.C thinks he can make a fortune selling your at best dubious “talents” on the X-Factory, great…
The music world is FULL of these “artists” making loadza cash because they sell their bodies…most can’t even really sing. But they sure look good. And it’s all about the look. Has nothing to do with music in my opinion…

Real, working musicians? I think age does not matter, if fact, it can even improve your music.
These young things with nothing real to offer? They are all forgotten in a few years…
Career? Stay true to the music and the sentiments of the first post here, and least we will stay real and be able to look at ourselves in the mirror….

On the other hand, we all now compete for our live gigs with the guy or girl with a bunch of CDs or a laptop…the DJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (ok, some can actually USE ableton (amazingly great software btw…)…

long life music!

Thank you for this post because I was having a hard time with the “5-0″ thing. I just turned 50 and was beginning to wind down my career in my mind. I recently did an industry event gig and was approached by a world class producer to do a new record. There is new energy created when we work “in the present”. When we can let go of our aging self image and eliminate any negative self talk, we can choose to replace it with an attitude of blessing others with our own unique talent. Our wisdom and experience can be the platform for creating the best music of our lives. You don’t find success at the end of the road, the success is always found throughout the journey.

Ask Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings if they are too old. The may be too old for the majors who only want the Gagas and The Beibers, But they are making MILLIONS on tour after being turned down for ten years by ALL the majors. You’re only restricted by what you allow yourself to be restricted by. Start your own label,make your own videos,and get yourself on Itunes. If you’re good,the public will FIND you.

One thing I learned over the past couple years is if you are an older musician jazzed by the idea of creating your first CD, don’t sink a lot of money into getting 500 or 1000 replicated physical CDs produced UNLESS you have documented PRIOR existing demand for them (i.e. LOTS of people explicitly begging you for a physical CD). It is hard for established local acts to sell 1000 CDs, let alone recording amateurs (let’s be honest). If you’re alright with giving them away as a promotional tool fine but don’t expect to make your money back on them. Amateurs doing their first CD should do a MAXIMUM short run order of 100 physical CDs (duplication NOT replication). Probably even cap it at 50 and order more as you run out. I’ve made more off digital sales on CD Baby than I have through sales of physical CDs and wish I would have used the money I put into physical CDs elsewhere. Having a fancy replicated CD with six page full color booklet does NOT make much difference. A burned CD with a two sided piece of cover art (color or not) in a slim jewel case is really all you need. I’ve met people who got airplay with a plain burned CD-R with the name of the band written on it using a black Sharpie. Other merch (t-shirts, mugs, keychains) is a better investment than physical CDs in my limited experience.

You are never too old to “make it” as long as you believe you can. Sure, as you get older some of the age barriers start to show up. Most of these are from people who are insecure in their position, including other musicians and club owners.

I am 53 and played my first paying gig at age 13. In between I have toured, quit, raised a family and now playing again. I was very concerned about being “too old to make it” when I got serious about playing professionally 5 years ago. It didn’t help that on more than one occasion I was told I was too old for the band. Lately I have found a groove with a few bands where age is never a concern – it is your skill as a musician and your personality. Yes, we do draw a diverse crowd – precisely because we put on a great show!

One of the bands I am with is a reunion of sorts. Guys that played around Chicago in the 70′s getting together to make some fresh, original music. What a difference 30 years makes! The ability to speak musically has grown in each of us, as has our confidence in ourselves. No need to hide behind a massive ego. Add to that our life experiences of working “in the real world” that make us much more savvy in promoting and generally having our act together.

Bottom line – being older is a lot more fun!!

As a blues player, the older I get, the more authentic and the more marketable I become. In my field, there really is such a thing as being too young and too pretty!

I am 53 in October and I have just released my second album on cdbaby – show me a younger band with a sound hotter than I got. The next album after this (I have almost finished my writing) is sure to be even hotter – so true, its value exchange. If people like how you sound and will pay for you to make records and do live shows – then you got what it takes in music or anything else you are into – thing is there is now this old school crap I hear like some kid invented music. Well my first album was made at about the age of 23 (I was signed on to a label then too) – but my sound now is like a zillion times better – cos I am so much wiser. Big Up for the author. Peace and love to everyone else.

Comical paraphrase of the old Tim Sweeney workshop which had far more valuable insight into how to market yourself in any genre at any age

Like Jethro Tull sang – “Your never to old for rock and roll but your to young to die”. I’m a singer songwriter who is working on promoting myself but it is hard to do. There are many talented musicians and most of them are copy cats and imitators, I do play some cover songs but feel it is much more of a challenge to write and create my own songs. I have been influenced by so many different styles of music from the Blues to Zydeco and can’t stand to listen to the radio much anymore because the stations only play what is selling or was popular and I guess that is great for those bands and artists whose music is selling or popular. There are not many CD’s being produced these days that you can say the whole CD is good and with the internet and single downloads who wants to purchase a CD these days that only has a couple of good songs. There is so much good music to discover and most of the people only know what they hear on the radio. I enjoy freeform jamming myself and have been fortunate that I have some friends that I jam and record with on a weekly basis. We don’t practice what we are going to do but just do it and sometimes the results are fantastic. Like Ringo Starr sang – “Got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues, And you know it don’t come easy” – thats the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth ! If your not performing, creating or playing music because you enjoy it then why do it ? If you can make money performing, creating or playing your own music then thats the ultimate goal. I’m 50 years young and still believe in dreams and have many more songs that I’ve written that I would like to record. If anyones interested check Itunes, in the upper right hand corner is a search bar, type in Lamar A. Mason and check out my CD called WITHIN, 14 original songs created with a little help from some good friends. Keep playing that rock and roll or whatever music suits you, don’t give up on your dreams and have a good time !

Lets all stop and think about Vincent Van Gogh, who sold one painting in his whole life, to his brother Theo, no less. Gee, if my sister buys a cd from me, then i guess I,m in the same sales bracket as Vincent.
What ever happened to Art for Art’s sake.
Are we making art to make money, or to make art?
When we write and record, or preform out, isnt it because we are hooked?.
I would play for free, and sometimes I still can’t get booked.
I think most artists or muisicians forget about leaving a legacy of their art. I dont care about what i make when Im dead…but I do care about someone hearing my music once Im dead….
I want my grandchildren to say,,,heres a mp3 of grandpa experimenting with feedback when he was 52 years old….or….heres 40 tunes that grandpa wrote and recorded after 40 yearsolde….I want to inspire my children and their children to create art for art sake first, and worry about the almighty dollar second….No one can listen to money when youre dead….only music….and the same goes for writing, art, and poetry,,,,,ART FOR ARTS SAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Us old guys can outplay the youing guys for a number of reasons,,,
1…were baby boomers,,,we were raised to think young,,,not to get old
2…the music from our generation is feeding the kids of this generation…why?
because music today is at an all time low when it comes to originality
rap and hip hop…is almost on the level of a retard in special ed….they cant even think of an original chorus….so they steal old hits and fill in a bunch of garbage lyrics about drinkin champagne and killing people…all in a monotone voice that would put Paul Robeson to sleep…..
There isnt one band out there today that people can say…i know ill be seeing them in 30 years….
The internet didnt kill music….todays youth is killing music with its dummy down lyrics…and totally crap rythym sections….can anyone see britney spears performing in 30 years…or the black eyed peas,,,,now theres some dummy down music for u….nothing original at all is coming out of music….
its the old musicians,,,,both broke and rich that carry the torch of inspiration for the younger crowds…all of them who listen to zeppelinn. black sabbath, the ramones, stones, beatles, hendrix, etc
Forget the money…LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY, all of u young puppies….cause us old guys are blowin u away…….

At 60 and after a wonderful career singing professionally for almost 40 years, I’m finally almost finished recording my first CD. I recently started a blog and posted this last week. http://carynrae.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/bikinied-me-in-a-skate-dance-video/. “You gotta be bold” was the advice from a friend and why not? If you’ve got a healthy passion in music or anything, live it large! NOW is the best time!

I can really relate to this. Thanks. I will use what I have and be true to myself, the music and the listener.
I love what often happens to older musicians…the experience and relationship comes through in a single note.

I just want to say that I am managing a new artist that had written songs for years and always wanted someone famous to sing her songs. About 1 1/2 years ago, through the collaboration of her producer and myself, we convinced her she needed to sing her own songs. She is in her late 40′s and absolutely beautiful!! Fast forward to today and she has a cd out and we have worked our butts off to promote her. She is living the dream so many only dream of and it is fantastic!!! Look up Dee Dee Fisher cd: That Ain’t Right.

Been performing professionally since I was 9 years old, 55 now….Never even thought about being “too old” until I read this article! Why worry? If you truly love what you do, and are still able to do it, (no matter what it is) what does age have to do with it? The older I get, the better I get, and the less competition I have!

I’m a few days away from my 53rd birthday. I started my solo career at 48, after 30 years of being in bands, and thought then to myself “What am I doing? No one cares about an old guy like me!”.

I couldn’t be happier with my musical life. I continue to compose and record every year; I’m not making a living at it but my music sells through iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, etc. I hear from folks all over the world how they like my music and what it has meant to them – I would NEVER trade this for “fame & fortune”!

Yes, I wholeheartedly believe in Art for Art’s sake. I do music because I am compelled to do so…really, I can’t help it. My motive is for the music to be what it is intended to be for the listener. Every note has an intended purpose and I strive to find those notes for the sake of the listeners. Composing new songs is not about what I’m going to get out of it.

I think the “music industry” – that alone ought to be an oxymoron – has done all the polluting of thought in that a musician’s worth is found in his/her ability to become famous. We’re finding out in today’s world that music worthy of hearing comes from many sources, musicians at all levels of monetary means. I for one am glad to see the somewhat demise of the “music industry”, and hope it will fully collapse. Why? Because I think this is helping a lot of fellow musicians see that their gift remains more pure and relevant to listeners when not whore’d out to a record company.

Music for music’s, and the listeners, sake!

Michael

It seems we have concensus – while the “industry” may be looking for youth, the audiences just want to be entertained, and we all get better at that the longer we work at it. I’m sure there are many artists that “hit it big” (whatever that means) past retirement age simply because they hit the right combination of their art and hard work with some luck.

I gave up trying to make it in music in 1975 (see http://www.martianentropyband.com for some real laughs) and got back into it, playing coffee houses, in my late 40′s. Since then it has just gotten better and better, and while I haven’t committed to playing a schedule of gigs (yet) I am having a blast writing new tunes, doing my solo act (www.mandolinmaniac.com, http://www.youtube.com/themandolinmaniac, http://www.myspace.com/themandolinmaniac), and playing with three mostly non-gigging bands (working towards recording with 1 of them that plays original material, though).

Now I’m pushing 60 and I LIVE for my youtube hits as well as the parties, jam sessions, open mic nights, etc. where I play. I don’t see anything ahead but getting better, writing better songs, and having more and more fun. I am playing and singing better than ever, but more importantly I’m enjoying the heck out of it. Anybody want to jam? I play everything from Bach to punk rock and free jazz. My motto is “Why mess around? (Even when I mess around … I don’t mess around!)”

Inspired by this article and the posts, I just posted this: http://carynrae.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/age-ain’t-nothin’-but-a-number/ so thanks to everyone. Now that I’m continuing to reflect, when I moved to Florida 8 years ago after 30 great gigging years in California, I couldn’t get a gig, and I know it was ageism. So I focused on other creative outlets and now I love where I am as an artist because of the “detour.” Will I “make it?” I feel like I’ve made it because the journey’s been so cool. Will I reach millions & not just thousands? At 60? Maybe.

I’m so happy that this info was posted about age.Its funny but it seems that every time I start to think that may be its time to give up or that I’m getting to OLD.Something like this will pop up and remind me that I should keep going.If you google my name you’ll see I have music all over the place.My compilation Cd RITZ and my download only Cd ADDITIONAL PARKING is on cdbaby.And one of my LPs Looking Thru Bobby’s Diary by Jimmi Reitzler just sold for $79.00 on ebay (I don’t get that for them but people are paying that in the collector Area).I also have new songs ready to record.Its just great to see that I’m not the only one that has this worry thing about age…OK so I guess its time to get out and play.Thankz for boosting my Confidence.Jimmi

Fred & Toody Cole.

And that’s all I have to say about that.

I played my first gig at age 47. By chance it happened to be at a well established venue and there was a large crowd. They came to see a Zeppelin cover band and we were the openers. I write Rock songs and we only do original material so we didn’t even have cover songs but one; Dear Prudence done in a heavier fashion than the original. To get to the point,…..When we finished our last song the crowd went nuts and demanded an encore! I thought I was dreaming because I had told the band that we needed to have a song for an encore as a joke. We all laughed and went back to practicing not knowing what was coming. I had never seen an opening band do an encore much less our own. This was a moment that I will take with me forever and never, I mean never did I think this would have happened at any time, much less at 47.

I am not a musician, but I work very closely with a good friend of mine who is a very talented singer/songwriter – booking gigs, babysitting the band, handling all the business stuff that artists generally are not good at. Most of my friends since childhood have been artists of some sort, actors, musicians, film makers, writers, etc – that’s just my vibe I guess. I am in my almost mid 40s now. My singer friend is in his late 30s and has been singing and performing since he was a child. He still hasn’t “made it” yet.

I agree with many of the posters that “making it” is a matter of perception. Is it defined by being signed to a major label, by having a #1 song on Billboard, by winning a Grammy? Each person’s success is defined differently. And depending on how you define your personal success, age can sometimes become a factor. I have watched my friend grow musically throughout the years – he is singing and writing better than ever, although he can’t jump around on stage like he use to, and his body is changing. As that has happened, the focus has to change from being sexy to being substantial, and the audience has changed as well.

The problem is, with labels, they want a long term relationship, an artist that potenially has room to make them money for years to come. The window of opportunity begins to close with each passing year. What makes money has nothing to do with quality music, it has to do with popularity, hype, and sex – period. The biggest consumers of music are the younger generation, and that is who they sell to. It is unfortunate that the other measures of success – the #1 song, the Grammy, etc, are all directly tied to what the labels are selling as well – it is all a popularity contest.

The posters on here I am sure are all very talented musicians and artists, but they are content being “local” musicians, who play a gig, and create art and have fun but don’t expect anything else from it. And that is great – if that is how you define your success. My friend wants to be signed, wants to win a Grammy, not because he wants the money, and fame but because making music is his life, he has nothing else to fall back on, and he wants to have something for the future, but also, in his eyes it would be his way of feeling like what he is doing really is heard and appreciated. But, honestly, it takes a lot of work and a lot of money and brings little rewards. And to someone who doesn’t have anything else, money is as big of a factor as age. He has several independently made CD’s, a website, facebook – all that stuff, and we are always pushing the music to radio stations, doing live shows and whatever else we can to be heard. He has had quite a bit of local success and a good local fan base.

When he was younger, in his late teens/20′s, he passed up several great opportunities to be signed by major labels, do songs for movies, etc because at that time he felt he wasn’t ready, and hadn’t developed as an artist enough to take it to that level. He didn’t want to have to world hear crappy work. Now he is ready and it may be too late.

The point being – several people have told him that he “isn’t 22 anymore” and that they would rather work with people who are younger but less talented. But he keeps plugging away, every day, calling radio stations and producers. Yet the common theme is that he “is no spring chicken”. He does not do Pop music, or rock and roll either for that matter.

So, it’s nice to believe that art knows no age, and truly it doesn’t, and only experience can truly evolve art. But that is not what people buy. So, to those who are content with their beautiful art – I salute you and wish you many years of happiness. But to those who want to share that art with the world, get in quick or you will be overlooked.

I have allways enjoyed performing my music and I can not see a time when I will hang up my boots and stop. If I have people coming to gigs and enjoying what my band and I play then its an extreem pleasure for all concerned.
Age does not matter if the music is good.
Experience and quality does matter.
I still get nervous and its a great adrenalin rush that keeps me feeling 21 all over again at every gig.

Success is where you are right now…live in the moment, be excited about your body of work, how much you’ve learned and grown
tomorrow may never happen so be happy and keep doing what you love to do
that alone is success in itself

It’s all relative. When I was 19 and just turned drinking age my 4 piece rock band took a night off and went down to a local night club that had bands. I remember being really impressed by this guitar player.. but then someone said ‘ya but he’s 24′… He was like ‘over the hill’ back then. But as another blogger upstream already mentioned it’s hard to take most musicians under 30 seriously. I’m now 48… and I’m one of those that never took a second to look up and ask ‘is it right’ to keep rockin’ when I’m pushin’ 50?. For the last 10 years I’ve been enjoying a renewed excitement of being in a band again… Hey man, the kids are now much older. And we don’t just go ‘play somewhere’… we’re maniacs. We jump, scream, talk to the audience, get to bed at 4am and then feel crappy next morning. And it feels great. There’s no business plan here.. we just love rockin out. We all know were pushing the envelope but we can’t help it!… it’s something we have to do. And now we’ve invested the last year in making a album… ya, we feel a bit apprehensive but it doesn’t matter.. we feel we have to do it cause we love it. Infact we find it’s easier now to do something like this because at this age.. were all in our 40′s.. we all ‘know who we are’… sort of… and that’s a scarry thought too because maybe we ‘are’ getting too old then? Ha! But the saving grace is that none of us still know ‘yet’ what we want to do when we grow up! And somehow that just rocks. Great blog!

I recently ran into CDbaby artist Ellie Leighton in a store in Scottsdale. She is 92 and going strong.

Successful entertainers’ popularity has never really hinged upon age. If you’re a Baby Boomer you’re sure to agree that Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Jack Benny, Maurice Chavalier, Zsa Zsa Gabor or Willie Nelson, etc. were not deterred by their advancing age. Most perfected their schtick “thanks” to age.
Our vocal group was formed in the early 60′s but disbanded, primarily due the Vietnam War. Post 911 was a major contributor to our reforming, and we continue to grow, learn and strive toward “perfecting” our sound. Call it second childhood, call it denial, or even vanity if you wish. To us it’s simply fun@work!

“Making it” is a personal perspective. As a band of three 55-year-olds, are we out gigging every night? No. (We do have day jobs that pay the bills.) But all artists can find their niche. Their niche might not be live performance; it might be music licensing. Those licensing guys don’t care (or know) how old or young you are. Maybe their niche is French accordion lullabies – somebody might browse over to CD Baby and do a search for French accordion lullabies. “Making it” is in the eye of the beholder. At my age, I don’t have any illusions of becoming a music idol. But I can still make music and somebody, somewhere, might like it. That, to me, is success.

http://www.reverbnation.com/redriver
http://theriverrunsnorth.blogspot.com/

“Age is a matter of mind, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter..”

Colie Brice

If you’re doing it for the love of the music, don’t let anything stop you!
I have a song about this whole feeling:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_LdkBBMgP4

When I read about the woman who did not mention her own name, merchandise, etc I thought “cool”. Finally someone who lives the art and is not a traveling salesman. The question is how good was the show, tunes, etc. 90% or more will not make it, just swallow the truth and live your art if its what you believe!

I’m going to be 62 this year . I come from New Zealand and am currently playing in Poland . I have 13 gigs this month . I love what I do and , probably because I am not an American , I don’t simply relate success to dollars and cents. It’s not all about playing to the biggest crowd or having the biggest ring or the biggest fan base . IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT WHATS IN YOUR POCKET . IT’S ABOUT WHATS IN YOUR HEART. I’m not too old . Neither are you . I play to some great audiences in some wonderful places and meet people I would never meet in venues I would never get to if all I thought about was merchandising and mailing lists .
Miles got it right … just swallow the truth and live your art if it’s what you believe .
Check out my website . You’ll see what I mean . I’m not trying to sell you anything .
I’m a devout musician and I believe in freedom . If music be the food of life , play on .

I am 62. I play bass. I am still gigging. Have I ever played in front of 100,000 people? Nope. Do I still want to? OH YES!!!

If you can pay your bills,send your kids to a good school,have a nice place to live and keep your family happy & together playing music..YOU HAVE MADE IT…

I fully agree with this. I love seeing people who are older still doing what they love and coming out with fresh, solid tracks. I have and will continue to support talented musicians playing in a variety of genres, whether they are 13 year olds or 93 year olds. I love my music and I love creating my music and I hope that 30 years from now, people won’t think I’m “too old” to perform or create something magical for the masses. Nobody what your situation in life, you can rock on!!!!!

Akua Hinds
http://www.AkuaHinds.com
http://www.CDBaby.com/cd/akuahinds

i agree with mike there. i think it’s amazing when people just live their art and put aside all the ridiculous constant salesmanship. i agree with the point of the article, in that you have to take control of it yourself and do with it what you will, but i don’t like getting pitches all the time. yawn.

don’t sell me a used car. make something wonderful.

46 and planning to release our first album, Episodes, in near future. I have a successful career in business, 5 kids, a wonderful wife. Success is what we want it to be.

JDFI!!

I know musicians that are still in this profession in their 80s. It’s what appeals to your audience and fans that matters.
Aloha nui, Halemanu

There are any amount of letters on here telling folks to follow their dreams, so I’m just gonna play devils advocate here for the sake of debate. I have released 14 albums mostly on my own steam, and am a full time DIY professional. I also have a large family, who I battle to care for. We like there to be one truth about a matter, things are not that simple. Many successful musicians who achieved their aims were also selfish shits who caused endless damage to their nearest and dearest. Dreams can also do that, folks. I saw a fifty-something recently doing a London industry poser gig, playing for nothing to no-one, but boy did he believe in his universal right to make it…he’d had a taste twenty years ago. He had a wife and daughter back home in America. I just thought… dude, it’s time you went home to your family and figured out what you’re going to do to provide for them. And get yourself a nice couple of local gigs. That would be making it….or it should be if that concept wasn’t defined by the X factor celebrity bullshit these days. Dreams are great..but in the immortal words of Depeche Mode, get the balance right.

It’s always inspiring to hear from mature musicians and their spin on the music business. I’ve been performing for a couple of decades. A late bloomer having raised my children first. I got started gigging at forty and I haven’t stopped. Paid my dues in the bars & lounges for a few years and found a niche recreating Patsy Cline in a concert style presentation. I’ve been performing as Patsy for over fifteen years and my audiences and theaters just keep getting bigger & bigger. I’ve let my singer/songwriter performances slide over the years to accommodate my busy schedule as Patsy. However, I’m showcasing at the Arts Midwest Conference this year as myself. I hadn’t written a new song in ten years. I saw Neil Young perform recently and was so inspired I went home and wrote a new song in fifteen minutes that I just love. As soon as I get it copyrighted I’ll put it up on CD Baby. It’s called “Holding Together”. Which is something that we all are trying to do these days. I’m excited to be a part of such a wonderful creative industry that allows us to express ourselves as individuals. Nothing can stand in our way if we just believe in ourselves and show up each day. Don’t be afraid to wave your own banner! As Scott says, “Good things will happen in the real world when you step up to the plate, and believe me it will feel even better than when they happen in your imagination, no matter how old you are.”

Many music wisdom in old age.

I like the article and reading the comments. I think success is liking yourself. If you like yourself, and like your music, enjoy! I been in music all my life but just started to Wright songs in July of 07. So now I’m trying to “make it”, I’m thinking the trick is to enjoy the journey. I’m 56 and plan to play and sing until they take away my guitar. I retired from my paying job last year and that’s why I wrote a song called, “If I got the time, I ain’t got the money, If I got the money, I ain’t got the time”. Aside from playing in a rock (wedding and bar) band when I was a kid, being on stage is all new for me and I dig it! Mark Boucher

“Good things will happen in the real world when you step up to the plate, and believe me it will feel even better than when they happen in your imagination, no matter how old you are.”

I take this phrase as a truly positive inspiration, I don’t expect to “make it” in the sense of becoming famous, but I do hope to be able to SHARE more of my music… I have kept it inside the refrigerator for too long… when is it too old? while I’m still alive, it’s a good time!

Now I shall continue to take some active steps, constantly, in order to share with the world that which lives within my heart.

If I may say so I think the whole idea of ‘old’, ageing is a myth,,,
There is absolutely no relationship between the number of times a body
goes around the sun and the decline of the body,,,,
So what we really ask, when we talk about continuing to play music
as the number of revolutions [around the sun] increases, is the Mind/Body
strong enough to face the challenges, that are always new, and going on right now?
The main thing is to be free of the limitations of the past:
Of course chronic foolishness in the form of wrong food, wrong thought,
wrong drink, and foolish belief, can and has become what most people call ‘old age’. Why not say “I am forever young”?
Lots of Love
Stay Well
Trevor.

All these comments are great….love it. As a clinical psychologist for 30 years turn musician, I’m off to a late start.
However, its never over until the fat lady chokes on her sandwich. In American culture there is an unspoken idea that when U reach a certain age, U should somehow go and sit down, shut up, and claim your space….well that may be ok for some, but for those who intend to stay in the game, and continue our life journey at full speed, then staying creative is what we need. I find my self being lazy about promoting my music, but I’m always busy creating it. Its what I do.
And yes, dreams of fame can create pain….and yes, chasing dreams without the means, can have U splitting at the seams. But if that your calling you, either go along, or be dragged by the unseen forces….so enjoy your music, and if you gain some fans that’s even better.

I used to be terribly hung up about my age and I was in the late 20s then! All the images in the media show young good looking people, bands whose average age is maybe 25. Do not let this stop you making music because you should be doing it for the right reasons: you love it and feel a need to do it. You do have to be realistic and realise that the McCartneys and Elton Johns of this world are in a tiny percentage of all active musicians. Follow the feeling, do your best to promote yourself, be true to yourself in your music and you will gradually build an audience. And they do not give a damn if you are 21 or 91 – it is the music that counts. I am 51 and my band Basczax have just released our first album. It is called ‘This Machine Rocks’ and can be found on amazon, itunes and cdbaby. Yes I am shamelessly promoting us – why not?! Give it a listen please!

OLD PEOPLE ROCK!

Raja Ram has just turned 70…he is the most in demand musician in his genre on the planet…..

I am 46 and started marketing my music 5 years ago. It took me this long to have something worth while to say; just finished an angry music video, feels good to vent!…check it out if you’d like; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22QFF2aDqAc

Seize the day all!

This is what older artists, 52yo create for the sake of music , not money folks.

http://www.soundclick.com/util/getplayer.m3u?id=8277146&q=hi

Enjoy!

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED EVERY COMMENT. BEING AMERICAN, WE ALL STRUGGLE AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER WITH THE AGE THING. I AM FULLY PURSUADED THAT EACH MUSICIAN WHO POSTED A COMMENT ON THIS TOPIC IS NO DOUBT A REAL MUSICIAN AND NOT JUST BOOBS, LIGHTS, AND LIPGLOSS( LET THIS APPLY TO WHOMEVER!)

Interesting. And it’s a conversation I am always in. I did not start to take my music “seriously” until I was reaching ‘boomer’ status. Singing was what I always wanted to do, but I didn’t do it. I worked in business for most all my life; dabbled a little bit in cabaret in New York while I was in my 30s and decided “I wasn’t good enough, talented enough, enough enough” to make it; so I didn’t do it at all. then, when I was in my 40s, I realized I had to have music in my life so I did small things- open mics, jam sessions, studying voice & jazz, etc. Again, not seriously – just to keep it alive in my body. When I turned 55, I made a different commitment – “what would happen if I just took it one step at a time; one foot in front of the other? what would happen if I just filled the next level?” And guess what, by the end of the next 7 year cycle, I had reviews of my work in the LA Times, the Jazz Times, won a Bistro/BMI Award for my last recording. Now, I am not famous; I don’t make money on this journey (although I am finally not losing money at it right now), and I am still doing one step at a time. I will probably never play to a huge house as much as I would love that. I will probably never be famous either. But, I am 64 and proud of my accomplishments in this industry. Accomplishments and successes that I never really thought I could have. THE ANSWER THEN? Keep doing it. Will I get great? I don’t know. I will get better at it though.

I’m 28 and already feeling kinda old but then I realised loads of good rock bands (and I don’t mean the likes of fall out boy) didn’t make it till their early 30′s. So screw it, just keep believing and good things will come!

I truely believe it’s all about how much you love your craft! I stopped wanting to “make it” years ago! But I can not for the life of me shake the love of the craft. I love to make beats and I like writing lyrics but I’ve been so blessed in my life trying to “make it” is totally null and void! If you love it do it!! My question to my step son one day was “hey if a mechanic told you a good price and good warranty would you turn his service down because he was 65?? Or would you let him do his thing? We agreed that we would let him do his thing. Well that’s the way I feel about the entertainment biz! I don’t care how old you are 25 to 75, if you can still get your wobble on, HANDLE YA BUSINESS!!!

I think this depends on what you consider “making it”.
There are many jazz and instrumental musicians who are every age, doesn’t matter.
Unfortunately the BIG sellers are generally younger artist BUT there’s always the exception.

http://www.richardashe.net/
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RichardAshe

I think Tommy Emmanuel answered this question in an interview where he said he couldn’t worry about the timing of his success. There’s no age where you go, Oh, I’m too old now to play guitar.

Great comments! If you are in it solely for the money and prestige, get out. Music is about passion and getting what’s in your soul out to and connecting with an audience. It’s about sense of accomplishment in doing your best and making people feel good and smile with your gift of talent. Take care of your loved ones and don’t forsake it all for a golden ring that might not be what you expected. There is a difference between being known by everyone and being loved by the ones you know.

I just saw Jackson Browne at age 62 and David Lindley at age 66 and they had everybody up on their feet clapping for more. On the other hand, they had “made it” when they were much younger. Having worked with Michael Jackson a little bit, I can safely say that age is really a matter of heart and mind. I signed my first label deal at 24 and when I went back to my old label 15 years later (EMI/Virgin/Narada) the question was not whether I was too old (I wasn’t) or if they still liked my music (they did) but whether or not I would tour (I wouldn’t much anymore because of having kids, a family, and a settled life.) To that extent, I think age can certainly influence how much we are willing to do to get our music out there to a wider live audience. Now with the internet, I think if I (at 51) can keep up with the newer marketing arenas, like Facebook, Twitter, iTunes and YouTube, I at least have a CHANCE of selling close to what I sold when I was traveling and touring as a younger man. CD Baby is a GREAT resource in that regard. THANK YOU!

Hey guys,
I’m 48 and living in Sydney, Australia.
It’s great reading all your inspirational words and listening to what you’re creating.
I heard a wise saying once that went like this ‘You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing’. This is true also for passion and dreams and feeling that you are doing something that you love that may bring enjoyment, meaning, and inspiration to others. Having passion, and dreams, and excitement about the future keeps you young.
Keep doing what you’re doing and remember how other peoples’ songs have inspired and shaped you as a person through your life.
You, as an older person have many stories, experiences, and adventures that you can share, and also wisdom that you have developed through facing adversity and surviving it.
I have met many wonderful and creative people through my passion for songwriting and some of them have become dear friends.
If your life is all that you truely want it to be then you are definitely successful in my eyes.

If you would like to hear some of my songs go to:
http://www.myspace.com/artmachinemusic

KEEP WRITING AND ENJOYING THE ADVENTURE !!!

Leonard Cohen released his first album at age 34. I saw him in concert last year; at the age of 74 he gave one of the most intense performances I’ve ever seen. He was energetic and even ran out to perform one of the encores. Age does not prevent one from making great art, and can even work to one’s advantage.

I’m 55 years old .. been a pro muso for 30 years .. I’m a better guitar player and singer now than at any time in my life .. the song writing has slowed down but my ability to relate to and work with an audience has never been better.
Sure I’m not a pin-up, well not any more people come to see and hear me for my material and my playing.

Apart from my solo stuff, I work with a very well known singer here in the Czech Republic .. she gives me credit publicly at festivals for everything I contribute to her act .. almost half of the material in her current set is written or co-written by me and YES people do shout my name at festival and it STILL fires me up

I cannot imagine or envision a time when I will not play and perform .. the trick at this stage is to stay fit, sane and healthy. Don’t smoke, drink a little .. buy a bike and cycle.

Possibly the biggest thrill for me still, is people young enough to be my kids coming up to me after a show telling me how much they love the songs and my performance .. as Hamish noted it helps to keep me young ..

Who knows what tomorrow brings .. live life today .. there is no end destination .. only a fantastic journey !!

please feel free to visit me :-

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamie-Marshall/139961256187
http://www.jamiemarshall.com/index.html

You know, there ARE a few ways to gain commercial mass success in music, even if you’re past your 20′s… For starters, become the next Blue Man Group, who knows how old they are under that make-up?? They release albums, have videos on TV, and tour–playing to HUGE audiences. Or what about the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (you know, that band that does the orchestral rock Christmas songs)?? They are not young, but they put out popular albums, have songs on the radio, have videos on TV, and tour–playing to huge crowds too. Same for an act like Roni Benise… Huge sold out shows, TV specials, big tours… and he got famous at around 40. Ever hear of Susan Boyle? Not young. How old are the guys in GWAR or Slipknot (or any mask-wearing band)?? Who knows?! Who cares?! I’ve personally moved over into writing music for video games, but if I wanted to go back to pursuing huge commercial music success (past my 20s), there ARE still some avenues available towards that end. You just need to think “outside the box” a bit.

wow, I really needed to read that speech…you are absolutely right! An artist should stop waiting to be discovered.we should take 100% responsibility of your our career…This has motivated me in so many different ways…I’m so blessed to be an independent artist…

This article is just what I needed to keep on following my dream. I was in my teens and twenties working on trying to become a singer. And yes I wanted to be famous. It didn’t happen as we hoped though we recorded an album and got to hear ourselves on the radio–once. We gigged for a while. But eventually we broke up. Then I tried Off-Broadway for a while hoping to become a “star” that way, and I had an accident where I hurt my leg and my vocal chords. Even though I couldn’t speak for a while (never mind sing) and walk with a slight limp, sometimes, I kept writing songs. But, I gave up pursuing my dream, got married (this was a great choice!) and tried to become a mom (it didn’t happened) and got a full-time job. Last year, I was so inspired by some women who started living their dreams at an older age, Sharon Jones, Susan Boyle, Alice Tan Ridley and a lady who never stopped Teena Marie. At age 46, I’m taking online music classes, writing music, getting in shape for whatever happens, planning to record her first cd, planning to put up a website, I’m even thinking of making a music video as well as performing live. I’m taking it one step at a time. I’m going to spell success my way, not the music industy’s way. I’m so proud to call myself an indie artist.

I loved these posts, and I agree with so many of you. I am a grandmother and proud of it, still writing songs and playing out. Too old ? No way, we are never too old to share the music within us. It is my passion. Sure it would be nice to have a hit song, but I am content and blessed to have this gift of music. I love singing and as long as the good Lord keeps my voice strong I will continue. I currently have a Christian music ministry. I do concerts and I am a music artist advocate for Compassion International and speak on their behalf.

I’m too busy making music . That’s what “making it” is to me . Otherwise it gets to be too much about the right industy political moves and that tends to take away from the focus on the music .

What I’m doing is all about the music . The music itself is the reward . Once you get into the popularity issue , I think the game is lost , because it becomes a game. It was initially an art , then it becomes a popularity contest . Maybe that sounds unpragmatic , but for me it became the basis of how I ignited my creativity after being in the business for many years . Classic artists are sometimes tired by this time , but I feel that I’m just getting started again , but with decades of experience . This is essentially my feeling abut the subject , and I encourage others to be ther own artists instead of “horses in a manager’s stable” .

Cheers !

There’s never been a better time to be creating, recording, selling, and performing music. All of a sudden you can get enough gear cheaply enough to record, mix, and even master (if you have to) and even manufacture your stuff at home, sell it on Cd Baby, have a web site, Market, book a tour, just about anything you can think of by YOURSELF! If all of this alone isn’t enough to inspire me to get off my but and get it out there, then nothing will. A few short years ago it would have been impossible to do much of anything without some large wad of cash behind you, or a pile of credit cards, or a pile of Major and Independent Labels. I’m EXCITED to be creating music at age 61; I’ve never sang, written, played guitar or simply performed better than I do now. I don’t know if Tony Bennett is still out there but he was just a few short years ago and at the age of 80-plus was sounding so good it was criminal. The Earth spins, and then it spins around the Sun and the laws of thermodynamics and gravity are out there; what’s inside, praise Jesus, just keeps getting better every day; until the day that I simply can’t do it any more, you’ll have to pry my D-18 from my stiff, dead fingers.

Finances was always the main reason holding me back from putting out my own music but that opportunity wasn’t easy to accomplish back then as it finally is right now.

I don’t care if I may be in the middle age category. This is about a longtime dream I finally get to see happen…my songs being available for people around the world to hear and enjoy. I’m psyched up about that! That’s why I post my own music videos on youtube. Go check me out under Fuzzy Soul Tiger & say “HI”!

Age is a state of mind, I agree if the music is good and the public will pay to hear and see the artist, it does not matter

Surely agree with Dave here so here are some views and experiences offered.
A few years back the band then were high in the charts, no.1 etc..Apparently we had made it, whatever that “IT” was. Myself felt NO different to any other night where we had a good response from the crowd, even tho’ larger crowds attended. The previous band showed up on some gigs and were glad that we had made “IT”. Yet with this previous band we had as good a nights as with the “made it” band.
So then and now for me “making it” is a state of mind rather than the hype created about the “making it”. Oh yes, how could it be forgotten, MUSIC was what there was to be made.
This “it” varies though from fame, money, attracting the other gender, puplicity/paparatsies[excuse spelling]etc..Is making “IT” for an singer/musician etc.. different to a business man, priest, footballer?. mmm

Writing my memoirs covering my military service in Vietnam, Desert Storm, all the significant veterans related events I have helped organize or perform in, the “stories behind the songs and,my musical career all started because of some of the responses from various websites and the people who strongly urged me to do it. I’m up to 183 single spaced 12 point font pages and about half way through that process.
I have my own website, one audiophile quality CD available and when I gig there’s a tasteful merch table with an e-mail sign up roster on it. Its been a passion of mine for four decades and keeps me young. Another 13 song compilation of my material is in the works for 2011. Significant events seem to unfold because of a previous one. Remain open to the possibilities. Use the internet, select WHERE and how you want to perform in public. Be aware of the power of a simple three paragraph press release when you’re doing a fund raiser or benefit concert that answers the five W’s.
Having fun with an audience and sharing your passion is enough for me. “Success” is a subjective term. I have met and performed with some famous musicians over the years. The toll of making it has been so destructive for some of them that they are no longer around. THINK ABOUT THAT !

[...] Mentioned in this episode: CD Baby DIY Article : Are You Too Old To Make it? [...]

[...] by SiteOwner on Oct.05, 2010, under Latest News & Blogs Are You Too Old to Make It? [...]

as long as you can do it your never to old…

Our dad blind johnny is our rhythm guitarist and songwriter and he is 61 and wherever we play he has the most fans!!!

What’s age got to do, got to with it?
What’s age but a random set of numbers?
The music never dies. The ears may grow rusty, but the song remains constant. Leave the worrying to others; let’s live our art.

Am I too old to live? Don’t think so…

Doing what you love keeps you alive, and young.

It does depend upon how you define success. Even the rich and famous define failure as “this isn’t fun anymore.”

And the more you put into something, chances are, the more you’ll get out of it. I can play guitar alone in my room and feel alive, relaxed, energized, healed… hell, it’s just great fun. I always want to get better, keep doing it, and why can’t my band do the same, as long as we’re all willing to play together and play for people?…

My band The Stonesouls had their 20th anniversary show in 2009, re-released our two records from 1990-1991 to all of the major digital sites and have set our sights on recording a new record soon. We played a sports bar cover show last month just for fun and mostly to people we did not know. Nobody could believe that we were all almost 40 and had not even rehearsed for the gig. We have all gotten so much better as musicians over the years.

Too old? …. I was thinking time had passed me by… when encouraged to publish piano music had been writing over 40 decades and always thought “Someday it would be nice………..” I was 64!…. I released my first CD when 67 years old, my second when 68 years old…and am working on my 3rd!…My CDs have been bought by people from 7 countries in 4 decades … and yes, it is hard to believe, but so wonderful….Why did I wait?????? Just do it!!!!!

As we age wisdom should permeate every aspect of our lives. So considering that my writing and listening of music has not only satisfied me it has educated me and made me richer and wiser. And not only myself but my children also. They think it’s some of the best music they have ever heard. That alone is enough to let me know that good music can be written by any age group. The young are standing on the musical shoulders of oldtimers and if we neglect that foundation the House of Music will fall. Thank you Rollingstones, Temptations, Diana Ross, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, James Taylor, Carol King and so many other legendary artists. For we can only learn from and remember music of past. For that is our present (time) and our present (gift). We can’t remember future music it has not been written.

Its nice reading all of the encouraging posts, mostly talking about how what really matters is that you still get that warm and fuzzy feeling when you play, and keep your music new and vital. That may be true, but for me it is not enough. No one is asking Jay-Z to keep his day job and only play to his laptop.

I’m also really into some very current modern bands, and I go and see them when I can. Its always interesting, to use a neutral word for it, to see how the decades-younger audience relates to me. I’ve had a range of experiences by now… I like to think that the generality is that the posers dismiss you, but the other true-believer fans recognize you for what you have in common with them.

I expect that the most likely audience for my own music is the audience that likes what I like. So I worry how they would relate to me, should I ever get it together enough to make a serious effort.

I’m guessing there are other older-but-modern musicians reading this. Any thoughts or experiences on this?

The all-age audiences (small clubs and coffee houses around Vancouver, Canada) I continue to play to, are always very enthused about my music, and my performance. I guess that means that at 50 y.o. I can still ‘make it’. I am getting good recent feedback from the music press too!

However, the energy required to ‘keep on keeping on’ is sometimes in short supply. Columns and support groups such as this are vital to help keep the flame burning. It’s funny that when I started, indie and alternative were just starting to get their legs. Now, with technology, maybe the traditional walls to gaining exposure for our music are crumbling down, hopefully to never be erected again.

If you think you’re too old then you probably are. That’s not meant to be some hokey-cokey new age thing about “thinking young”: if “making it” means getting signed to a large label as a rock/pop band and you’re thinking “I’m 27 next month, who wants to sign us now we’re over 24?” then you are too old and will most likely fail. If, on the other hand, you’re 36 and “making it” means booking a tour with your band and you have a plan to do it, then you’ll probably succeed. Age usually only comes into it if someone wants it to be an issue. Otherwise, it is all about the energy that Drew mentioned. Keep on keepin’ on for as long as you get a kick out of it!

My wife and I had a manager from 1979-1984 who was thoroughly unmusical but gave us one good piece of advice: you’ve got to be in it for the long haul and plan to succeed. If you don’t decide that music is going to be your life’s calling, come hell or high water, you’ll find some reasonable-sounding excuse to give it up.
We’ve managed to survive because we’ve been open-minded about finding audiences and venue where our musical talents are appreciated. Music became our full-time source of income when we got the brilliant (in retrospect) insight that we’re better off bringing our music to places where there is already an audience, rather than having to scare up an audience every time we play out.
The sacrifices we’ve had to make and the lack of financial security are more than compensated by the fact that my guitar is my day job. And will be until I drop dead (literally) onstage.
Anyone can visit our website to see the types of gigs we do (around 200 a year) in the NYC area. This is how we chose to define “making it.”

I have played for old folks homes, middle-agers, high school audiences, and even grade school kids. I get a positive response from all of them. It’s about the music.
Music gives the soul a lift.

Age is number not a definition of who one is. I’ve been writing songs for 40 years and still continue to do so. I just finished a Cont. Christian song with a current Grammy winning music writer. I’m not an artist, so nobody really knows how old I am anyway when they’ve never seen me. Got no reason to retire.

If you are young and feeling old… you are old, visa versa if you are old and feeling young. I am in my 50′s, I ran a 100 meter race with some guys in their 20′s and 30′s, and won! We are what we think and feel. A person with a positive mind will always shine regardless of age… it’s all about how we think…how we use our minds.
All I need to live my dreams, is health and life. When I am dead, then I will be too old.

I finally decided to do something serious with my music besides just playing for family. I’m 39, but I don’t usually feel it, and I like to think I don’t look it either. I think it’s never too late ’til you’re dead, so I’m just going for it.

Hey!
What the hell has age got to do with anything? At seventy years old, do I want or need to get on a bus and travel all over hell and half Georgia so people can hear what I’ve got to say? Not in what’s left of this lifetime. I’m retired for a reason, I’ve already made it!
In this economy it’s not really easy for any body. Due to the vagaries of life, really obtuse children and the fact that I only have one live brain cell left, I take a lot of joy from creating poetry and songs, of questionable taste and content. I chose the “create” terminology because I don’t “read” music, consequently I don’t “write” it either. Should someone listen to something of mine and is willing to pay $.99 to download it, I say great! Should someone hear something I’ve created and wants to do it themselves. I’ll license it gladly. If not I won’t starve. I just love doing it and it would be really great if someone else appreciated it.
Have I paid my dues? I say yeah! ‘Cause I write what I’ve lived and enjoyed and mostly felt about it all. “Three chords and the truth”! Ain’t that what Willy said? Write, play. sing what you know and feel. Honestly! And if only one other person gets something from that, you’ve made it!

Usually the people that are saying you are “too old” are people that are way behind you as far as the success of music goes………You have to consider who is saying it! It’s usually a very jealous person that is way younger than you that absolutely has a very poor attitude or some that has alot of talent and is just a poor sport about everything.

You kinda gotta feel sorry for those type of folks because they usually have no friends or only one friend that really doesn’t want to be there friend.

That’s also the same folks that are saying it because of insecurity also………Play until you die!

I am an almost 50 year old white guy throat singer with a cheap harmonium, a few crystal and Tibetan singing bowls and a conch shell.

Would you believe I am carving out steady work and getting invitations to play new venues in new territories? From Colorado to British Columbia, and my New Year’s Eve gig is in Costa Rica!

Never underestimate the healing power of sound and music when it comes from your heart.

It is very gratifying to see that I am fulfilling a need – a lot of people are yearning to feel connected in a real way.

And I even get paid for it – people pay on average $20 to come to my “show”.

I love my job!

You are only as old or young as you think. I am a 25 year old trapped in a 57 year old body. I still love the hard rock from the 60′s and 70′s and the stuff I hear today. I love blues, jazz and everything I loved when I was young.
Good music will never die. I believe if the music was good then it will still be good today and on into tomorrow. If the music was crap then it remains crap today.
I have been recording for years but never planned to make a CD. Well here is my first CD. I hope some people will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed working with my friends making it.
Young? I believe music makes me young and keeps me at peace with myself.
Play on.
Dan

I am 31 years young, and by the bitter youth obsessed standards of the entertainment industry, just about “over the hill”. But I dont care about the music industry, I care about making music and on my own terms. So if you go by mainstream recording companies, yes the age limit is staggeringly low and frightening. But in your own market, age means nothing. If you have the skills, patience, and talent and drive, you can “make it”. But you always have to keep redefining what “making it” is. I believe for me at least “making it” means getting paid for what I do, selling records, and having a small , but loyal fan base and making 99% of my income from my music. That is making it to me. Not being on the radio, having to get a “recording contract”, or being on CMT.

Guess it is not so much age as, every year there is another crop of new kids
wanting to play guitar and be in a band.
Just like the old factory days, after 30 years, it is time to make room
for our kids.

I too felt old at 21 even after signing with Casablanca and doing a
major motion picture with them.
Now that I am old, so are my piers. Their tasted have evolved
along with mine. So I still have an audience. I take from the old school,
and the new, just as they do.

Cheers

my brother and i have been playing country music in clubs along the east coast since 1969. 2010 we laid it down to once a month. what a ride!in my home town(rochester N.Y.)when i walk into a country club my friends still treat me as a seleb what a thrill!!!!

Age is just a number that remind you of the things you do as you go through
life,if you are happy doing it then age is not a factor.

[...] DIY Musician – Are You Too Old To Make it? [...]

I started following my musical heart at the ripe age of 40 when my youngest of three sons turned 5. Before I knew it I was a finalist in a major songwriter’s competition (Rocky Mountain Folk’s Festival). I went on to place again several more times and also at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I guess my message to all of those “wondering…” is “follow your heart”. It’s about the music and the message. If your in it for money and fame…good luck. My partner and I play several gigs a month about 75% original and 25& covers. Our audiences love this blend and they buy our music and come back for more. When you get stuck in “I’m too old” that is where you will stay. I choose to dwell in the world of possibilities. Your eyes can grow dim…or they can sparkle, it’s your choice. Shine on!

[...] DIY Musician – Are You Too Old To Make it? [...]

Age is relative, time is relative, everything is relative. When I was 20 I thought I was done. What a fool I was. People get sucked into the fictitious things they see on tv and compare their lives to it. Sad.

Mance Lipscomb was “discovered” and released his first album at the age of 65, at which time he began touring around the various blues and folk festivals of the late 1960s.
The way I see it, we’re artists and true artists express themselves through their art on many different levels. Picasso didn’t retire when he was 30, why should we?

In my opinion as a musician for 29 years you are never really too old to “make it”. However you stand a lot better chance if you start early.I have been signed & toured until my daughter was born, never got rich but I had fun & made some money. Now We (the motherhive syndicate) play progressive, groove rock & do regional show because we are now in our early 40s’. Still have a lot of fun. Some night we play to 3000 others 30. So the way to measure success is “are you happy & having fun”? love, das otter.

I really have never understood waht age has to do with music or any other artform,

When I was a teenager, I grew up listening (along with my friends) to Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf amongst others…. they were all dead by the time I had discovered them.

Papa John Creach with Jefferson Starship.. did anyone say he was too old? NO… he just added his sound, and what a sound it was.

Age is a number… but music is a feeling

It really depends on how you define “making it”. Music is like everything else in life: you should do your best, enjoy what you do and just be yourself and you’ll be surprised at the results. Even if you just create some change in the little world around you (even just five fans), then hey that’s not so bad is it? Who really cares if you do this at 20, 30, 50 or 80? It’s more than a lot of other people achieve in their life.

Hi to comment on age I just did my first realease at 64 years old charlie Seabrooks Last Chance 4 Me been my lifelong dream so I say go for it at any age don”t wish you had tried at less put forth A effort wheather you make it or not.Thanks

Charlie

If making it means getting signed up, lots of money and front covers of magazines, then yes you probably are too old by the time you’re 25. If you are lucky enough to “make it” then enjoy while it lasts…

On the other hand if you’re able to support yourself doing work that you love and have the time and space to develop as an artist, you’re never too old.

Hey everybody, I am in a similar boat with many of you.. I am 45 this Summer and it seems my ear has gotten better, and my voice is finally cooperating. So
I guess I should go for it even if I have to use lead sheets for remembering cover songs? The music is whats important right? It’s not like I’m playing a big concert on a stage with a band yet and maybe by then I wont need the safety net and will have figured out my sets from the 60 cover songs that now have me spinning.. My album (it’s about time…)is hopefully coming out soon and maybe it will be enough to finally just accomplish that! If it is well recieved maybe I can do a follow up.. I have plenty of material and maybe by then I can acquire other members to a real ‘band’! Fear of failure, being embarassed for lack of memorizing lyrics, or missing a chord hear and there shouldn’t deter me right?

All good comments. I am 45.
I had a great band, playing gigs in Hollywood, made a record, but the wheels moved too slowly for us to keep it together. The guys got hit by the recession and all left town one at a time. I am now moving forward with solo stuff, strange improv rock and traditional bluegrass and alt. country stuff as well. i guess what I wanted to comment on was what Richard Pitt said. I do hope your album is well received, but if it isn’t, make another anyway. I ‘m not saying don’t learn from your “mistakes”, I’m just saying don’t wait for others to “get your material”. I’d be wary of hinging future recording projects on how older ones are received. We do what we do because we have to-or something. Thanks for the support all!

Making it is not everything. The most important thing is to enjoy making/writing/recording music. My attitude is keep going as long as you enjoy the passion. If other commits become priority then you can do them and come back later in life. Its better to try to make it and than not to have tried at all. Some people keep on trying and never make it and other do make it. All I can say is good luck.

Look we are living in an era where anything’s possibly. With social media we’re all living our own reality TV show 24/7. We’re all “winning” as the great Charlie Sheen would say

Age is a matter of mind, if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter. Do your thing!

Colie

I turned 68 today! Still playing steady, still traveling…5 years ago I decided to write some songs, glad I did cause that’s a whole nother career. I started playing full-time when I was 21 (Old enough to get in the bars) No job in the world can keep your interest that long and it’s never too late!

I started my present band when three years ago whn I was 47. The singer I write for is only 33 and helps me keep my energy up. We recorded a 12 song CD our first year, and had some success and did a record in Nashville last year. Because of that, we actually received an artist invitation to appear at the Country Music Association Fanfest last summer and got to eat in the green room and see famous acts like Kelly Pickler, the Judds, Rascal Flatts, and many others as fellow artists. It was the biggestthrill of my musical career. You’re never too old to make great music…just let it happen. Bee Thomas- Wells Hollow

Love these comments! I am 43 and have wanted to record a demo since I was 21 but something always stopped me. I have bad stage fright but would like to sell my songs to other artists to record. I think I will definitely finish my demo now and be happy I finally did it!!! I love music and will enjoy it till I’m 80 or whenever I croak-lol. I’ve always regretted not doing something with my music and after reading these comments it has motivated me to persevere and do it!! Good Luck to all!!

[...] DIY Musician – Are You Too Old To Make it? [...]

Now that’s something you don’t see every day!

Age gets in the way for bigots, but I know of a great way around that. Lie about your age.

AGE IS A STATE OF MIND….I’ve been making music for over fortyfive years as a pro. I’ve been signed to three different majors, and i’ve owned and operated my own label for over twenty years.
If you believe that your writing great songs, and giving your best show everytime you walk out on stage
it will happen. Remember you got into this in the first place becuz of the music not the money.
peace & love
Mr. Jimmy
Ariana Records

I think you hit the nail on the head Jimmy.

Right on David!

What insights for those of us who have been doing something all our lives because we “have to.”
Writing can satisfy for you alone and also for others. We have to decide when and how to share it.
Thanks for those insights. J.

The older you get, the better you know what you want, the more realistic you become and the less you care about the glamour and the gossip. You improve as a musician, know more about songwriting, learn to tell a story and don’t see the need anymore to follow the latest trends.

About 12 years ago I was completely blown away when I listened to an album of Johnny Dowd. It had a completely unique sound, blending folk, country, hard rock and experimental music. It was one of the most original albums I heard that year and though I didn’t know this Dowd guy, it was evident that it could not have been made by a snotty young punk in his early 20s.

And so it turned it out to be, because a little later I read that Dowd had made his debut album a year earlier at the ripe age of 53….

I was 33 at the time and stopped worrying about age right away.