I Saw Taylor Swift Play in 2009. Here’s What It Taught Me About Success in Music.
In 2009, I watched a 19-year-old singer-songwriter perform to a few hundred people at V Festival in Essex. Most of the crowd barely seemed interested but today, she’s one of the biggest recording artists of all time. So what happened?
I don’t remember much about that festival. I may have been a little intoxicated 😉 But I do remember this young country singer playing early in the day. A few hundred people at the front were paying attention, but most were sitting around chatting and drinking.
That singer went on to:
- Win Album of the Year at the Grammys four times. More than any other artist in history.
- Gross over $2 billion on a single tour.
- Become one of the biggest recording artists of all time.
Yep, it was Taylor Swift.
What’s the secret to success in music?
Why has Taylor Swift become a global megastar when so many other artists on those stages in 2009 have disappeared?
Of course, there are all sorts of factors involved in achieving that level of success. Talent, great songs, opportunity, a brilliant team and no small amount of luck. But I think two things have played a particularly important role in her career:
CONSISTENCY + RESILIENCE
She’s been writing, recording and releasing music for two decades. Album after album, constantly developing her sound and growing as an artist. And she’s had plenty of setbacks along the way.
Record labels passed on her early in her career. She’s faced no shortage of criticism from the press and other (idiotic) artists. When she found herself without ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums, she didn’t simply accept it. She started re-recording them, releasing four hugely successful Taylor’s Version albums, before eventually buying back her original masters in 2025.
Now that’s determination.
What can independent artists learn from this?
I’m not suggesting that simply working hard will make you the next Taylor Swift. There are too many other factors at play. But in my experience as a songwriter and music producer, the artists who make progress are often the ones who keep showing up.
They write another song. Finish another recording. Release another track. Learn from what worked and what didn’t. And when things don’t go to plan, they find a way to keep going.
Success in music rarely happens overnight. It’s usually the result of years of hard work and perseverance.
There are no shortcuts, but there are two things within your control:
- Be consistent. Every song you write, every recording you finish and every release you put out is an opportunity to get better at your craft.
- Be resilient. When things feel impossible or the doubt creeps in, keep going. One disappointing release or rejection doesn’t define your career.
Being talented and writing great songs certainly doesn’t hurt either. But talent alone won’t get your music out into the world.
Be consistent over time and maybe one day you’ll be the artist people say they saw before anyone knew your name.
In the meantime, what’s one thing you’re going to finish this week?
Keep Making Music,
Jim
I’m Jim Hustwit, a music producer and songwriter helping independent artists develop their sound and create records they’re proud to release.
If you’d like a hand taking your music to the next level, find out about working with me.