For Artists Figuring It Out

Feeling creatively stuck? In this video, I break down what to do when the ideas stop flowing, without forcing it or burning out. Whether you’re a musician, content creator, or artist of any kind, this episode is all about giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, and stay consistent on your terms.We cover how to spot burnout, refill your creative tank, and keep showing up even when motivation disappears.Bonus resource: “Creative Reset Toolkit” now available on my Patreon, includes a burnout tracker, content checklist, and simple reframing prompts for low-energy days.Join the free tier here: https://www.patreon.com/TomCarnell

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s diving into the sneaky mindset traps that stop independent artists from moving forward, even when they’re doing everything “right.”If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, perfectionism, or constantly comparing yourself to others in the industry… this one’s for you.Here’s what we’re unpacking:→ Why overthinking kills momentum→ How perfectionism hides behind “high standards”→ Why fear of failure makes you chase validation, not growth→ The one mindset shift that changes everythingWhether you’re new to releasing music or years into your journey, this episode will help you get out of your own head and back to building something real.Want the video version or bonus resources? Join the Patreon free tier at patreon.com/TomCarnell

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s recapping this week’s Patreon series all about Release Strategy and calling out the stuff artists get wrong not because they’re lazy, but because the advice they’re following is broken.Here’s what we’re covering:→ Pre-Saves & Pre-Release Build-UpYou’ve been told pre-saves are everything. But most of the time, they just stress you out and don’t move the needle. This bit’s about where your energy should go before a release if you want real excitement not just a few clicks.→ What To Do on Release DaySpoiler: refreshing Spotify for Artists isn’t a marketing plan. This segment’s about how to actually connect with people, what to post, and why the way you show up on the day sets the tone for everything after it.→ Weeks 1–3 Post ReleaseThe biggest mistake artists make? Going quiet after drop day. This section is about how to keep showing up, what kind of content works, and why this 3-week window is more important than any algorithm boost.→ Staying Consistent Beyond Week 3If you’ve ever thought “my song flopped,” this bit’s for you. One release doesn’t define you. Tom breaks down what long-term release momentum looks like, and how to build an era, not just a moment.Each of these segments comes from full videos already posted on the ⁠Patreon⁠ this week. If any of them hit home, dive deeper there.The free tier gets you access to all the daily posts, and the bonus tier includes tools, templates, and exercises to help you take action.

In this episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom sits down with solo artist Matt Hennessy. Go check out his singles ⁠here.⁠They talk about:→ The importance of gigs→ Imposter syndrome→ Networking in the music industryThis one’s packed with honest insights, actionable tips & stories from the industry.💬 Got thoughts on this episode? Drop a comment or tag us online.📲 Full archive + bonus tools on ⁠Patreon⁠🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.

In this short solo episode, Tom talks about the type of burnout that doesn’t come from working too hard but from feeling emotionally disconnected from your own creativity.He shares:→ Why always being in “output mode” will eventually drain you→ How to tell when you’re creating from a place of pressure, not passion→ A simple way to reconnect with your creative spark without stepping away completelyThis one’s for anyone feeling stuck, flat, or numb — and wondering why.💬 Got thoughts on this episode? Drop a comment or tag @twcarnell on socials📲 Full archive + bonus tools on Patreon🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s breaking down the number one reason most independent artists aren’t getting booked, and no, it’s not because you’re not “big enough yet.”Here’s what we’re covering:→ Why waiting to be discovered is killing your momentum→ How most artists think they’re pitching — but actually aren’t→ What promoters are really looking for (and how to give it to them)→ The simplest way to start landing more gigs this weekThis episode was originally posted as part of a full-length video over on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠, where each day we dive deeper into one part of the artist journey. The free tier gives you full access to all weekly videos, and the bonus tier comes with extra tools and checklists to help you actually take action.🎧 Subscribe to catch future episodes📲 Full archive + bonus tools: https://www.patreon.com/TomCarnell💬 Got thoughts? Drop a comment or tag @twcarnell on socials

In this episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom sits down with James from the band Kings & Bears. Go check out their new EP 'Rise Up' here.They talk about:→ Multiple means and avenues to market your music→ What artists should focus on when they have very limited time and resources→ How to provide value to followers to convert them into fansThis one’s packed with honest insights, actionable tips & stories from the industry.💬 Got thoughts on this episode? Drop a comment or tag us online.📲 Full archive + bonus tools on Patreon🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.

This one’s for the artists who feel like their numbers are moving — but nothing else is.We’re breaking down what vanity metrics actually are, why they can be so misleading, and how chasing views, likes and followers can quietly stall your long-term progress.Here’s what we’re covering:What “vanity metrics” actually meansLikes, followers, views — they feel good, but they’re not always real indicators of growth. We unpack why.Why it’s easy to mistake attention for momentumThe algorithm rewards what performs, not what connects. If you’re not seeing replies, conversations or returning listeners, the growth might be surface-level.How to shift your focus to what mattersTom walks through how to start spotting the difference between engagement and traction — and where your energy actually needs to go if you want to build something long-term.One small thing to try this weekThere’s a simple mindset shift that’ll help you value connection over clout, and it might just change how you feel about your progress.Full-length videos drop daily on the ⁠Patreon⁠, free tier available with daily content, and bonus tools for artists who want to go deeper.

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s walking you through the live show game, from getting booked to making a lasting impression on stage.If you’re struggling to land gigs or feel like you’re not making the most of the ones you do play, this is the one to tune into.Here’s what we’re covering:→ Booking GigsThe number one reason most artists aren’t getting gigs? They’re not asking. Tom breaks down why waiting to be discovered doesn’t work and how to pitch yourself in a way that actually gets replies.→ Promoting Your GigsYou’ve got the slot, now you need to fill the room. This bit’s about shaking off the cringe, showing up consistently, and promoting your shows in a way that doesn’t feel desperate or awkward.→ Gig PrepGoing in unprepared is how good sets become forgettable ones. We’re talking gear checks, setlists, tech plans and mental headspace, everything that goes into walking on stage with confidence.→ Gig EtiquetteWant to get booked again? This one matters more than your set. From soundcheck behaviour to post-show thank yous, Tom walks through how to be the kind of artist that venues and promoters want to work with.Each of these segments is pulled from full-length daily videos posted on the ⁠Patreon⁠ this week. If any of these topics hit home, go check them out, the free tier gives you access to every video, and the bonus tier includes tools, templates and resources to help you take action straight away.

In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s tackling one of the most damaging myths in the music industry, that you need to find your genre to stand out.If you’ve ever panicked about not having a “clear sound” or not fitting into one genre, this one’s for you.Here’s what we’re covering:Why genre doesn’t matter as much as personalityWhat fans actually connect toWhy forcing a genre might be holding you backA quick mindset shift to help you show up more authentically onlineInstead of asking “what genre am I?”, ask “how do I make people feel?” That’s your niche. Build your content, your visuals, and your community around that emotional story, not a box someone else created.

In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom breaks down one of the biggest reasons artists aren’t getting booked, and why it’s almost never about talent.If you’ve been sitting around waiting to be discovered, thinking your music should speak for itself… this one’s for you.Here’s what we’re covering:Why promoters aren’t “discovering” new actsThe most common mistake artists make when trying to get gigsWhat actually makes a booker say yesA dead simple message you can send todayOne task to help you finally get the ball rollingThis isn’t about chasing virality or begging for slots. It’s about learning how the live side of the industry actually works, so you can start getting your foot in the door instead of waiting by it.Don't forget you can join the Patreon for free, for daily deep dives into topics like this!

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s shining a light on the middle of the fanbase funnel, the part nobody talks about but nearly every artist is missing.If you’re stuck in the loop of trying to go viral but not gaining fans, this episode is for you.Here’s what we’re covering:→ What Is a Funnel & Why It MattersMost artists focus on the top (TikToks, playlisting, exposure) or the bottom (merch, ticket sales, streaming numbers). But the middle? That’s where the trust is built, and it’s what actually moves people through.→ Why Socials Alone Won’t Save YouIt’s tempting to chase views and follows, but that won’t build a sustainable fanbase. Middle funnel work is slow, unsexy, and real, and that’s why nobody sells it to you.→ The Metrics That Actually MatterA DM reply, a newsletter open, a voice note from a fan. These feel small, but they’re the seeds of loyalty. And they mean more than 1,000 passive views.→ A Simple Funnel Example to StealTom breaks down a basic but powerful example of a working artist funnel, from the first interaction to a paying fan and shows how middle funnel activity makes or breaks the process.This episode is taken from a full-length video on the ⁠Patreon⁠. The free tier has full access to daily content like this, and the bonus tier gives you extra tools, templates and exercises to take it even further. If this episode hits home, come join the community.

This week on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom's breaking down four big things that trip up independent artists, not because they’re hard, but because you’re being told to do them the wrong way.Here’s what we’re covering:→ Reaching Out to Radio & PressMost artists either overthink this or copy/paste the same template that gets ignored every time. Tom talks about what a press release actually is, when you should actually reach out, and how to follow up in a way that builds relationships, not radio silence.→ Why Social Media Isn’t EverythingYou’re told to treat social media like your life depends on it, but it’s just one tool. If it’s draining the joy out of making music, this part’s for you. Tom talks about how to show up without pressure, and what else you can focus on that builds genuine momentum.→ Self Doubt & Imposter SyndromeThat feeling like you’re not doing enough, not good enough, or not as far along as you should be? Yep, it’s part of the process, but it doesn’t have to derail your progress. This segment’s about how to keep showing up, even when your inner critic’s the loudest voice in the room.→ The Importance of Middle of FunnelYou can have viral TikToks and still struggle to sell 20 tickets. This is the bit no one talks about, nurturing your audience and turning casual interest into long-term support. If your fanbase isn’t moving, chances are you’re missing this middle step.Each of these segments comes from full-length videos already posted on the Patreon this week, so if any of them hit home, go dive deeper over there, the free tier has full access to all the daily videos, and the bonus tier comes with extra tools, templates and exercises to help you take action.