Kenny Feinstein on How to Make a Living as a Musician in 2026

Is being a talented musician enough to make a living in today's music industry?  Kenny Feinstein joins OurSpace with Matt Vettese to talk about his new book More Than Talent and what independent musicians actually need to do to build successful, sustainable careers in 2026. After more than 25 years working in music, Kenny has learned a few things about finding fans, marketing your songs, and making money as an artist. And he isn't afraid to challenge the way musicians have traditionally approached their careers. We talk about why he believes musicians need to embrace becoming content creators, how to promote music on TikTok and Instagram without feeling cringe, why the first second of a video matters, and how to turn social media views into genuine fans who actually want to support your music. Kenny also gets into the business side of being an artist, including where to invest your first $1,000, building multiple income streams, when hiring a publicist might be a waste of money, and how independent musicians can use targeted advertising to sell concert tickets. We also dig into some bigger questions: Do artists really need to tour to make a living? Why do TikTok-famous musicians sometimes struggle to earn respect? Is it too late to pursue a music career in your 30s, 40s, or beyond? And why do so many talented musicians eventually give up? Plus, Kenny shares some advice about remembering why you started making music in the first place, his experiences building a career through grassroots promotion, and a few underrated artists you should check out. Whether you're an independent musician, a band trying to grow, or just someone who loves music and wants to understand the business behind it, this conversation is packed with interesting perspectives. More Than Talent by Kenny Feinstein is available now. Learn more: worksmartermusicmarketing.com OurSpace with Matt Vettese is now powered by elderemo.com — shop emo and pop punk apparel for yourself, your kids, and even your pets. Use code OURSPACE for 15% off your next order. https://elderemo.com/OURSPACE.