The Rise of the “Side Hustle Album”: How Musicians Are Redefining Creative Control and Career Paths
Nearly 70% of professional musicians now supplement their income with non-musical work, a figure that’s quietly reshaping the industry. This isn’t just about survival; it’s fueling a new wave of artistic freedom, exemplified by Meric Long, best known as the frontman and guitarist for The Dodos, who’s releasing his first solo album, Kablooey, this Friday, October 24th, via Polyvinyl. Long’s journey – crafting the album between shifts as an engineer at Tiny Telephone in Oakland – highlights a growing trend: the “side hustle album,” born from necessity and blossoming into a powerful creative force.
From Bandleader to Engineer: The Changing Landscape of Music Creation
For decades, the traditional path for a musician involved relentless touring and hoping for a record deal. Now, artists are increasingly diversifying their skillsets. Long’s experience at Tiny Telephone, the studio founded by John Vanderslice, isn’t unusual. Many musicians are finding fulfillment – and financial stability – in roles like recording engineering, mixing, mastering, and even music education. This isn’t simply a fallback; it’s actively informing their artistic process.
“This album was really meant to be fun and not too purposeful,” Long shared, describing Kablooey as a space to indulge his creative impulses. This sentiment is key. The pressure of replicating a band’s success or adhering to industry expectations can be immense. A “side hustle” allows artists to experiment, take risks, and reconnect with the joy of music-making without the weight of commercial concerns. The album’s tracklist – featuring songs like “Split Decision,” “A Small Act of Defiance,” and “Slowburn” – suggests a playful, exploratory sound.
Beyond Survival: The Creative Benefits of Diversification
The financial independence afforded by a secondary career isn’t the only benefit. Exposure to different facets of the music industry – like Long’s engineering work – provides a broader perspective. It fosters a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of production, potentially leading to more innovative and self-sufficient artistry. This is a shift away from relying solely on labels and producers, empowering musicians to take complete control of their vision.
Long isn’t a newcomer to solo work, having previously released an album under the moniker Fan in 2018, titled Barton’s Den. However, releasing music under his own name signifies a new level of confidence and artistic ownership. This progression – from band member to solo artist with a diversified skillset – is becoming increasingly common.
The Future of Music: A Portfolio Career for Artists
We’re likely to see a continued rise in the “portfolio career” for musicians. The traditional model of relying solely on album sales and touring is unsustainable for many. Instead, artists will increasingly combine income streams – performing, teaching, composing for film/TV, offering production services, and releasing independent projects like Kablooey. This model demands adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, but it also offers greater creative freedom and long-term stability.
This trend also has implications for music education. Institutions may need to adapt their curricula to equip students with a broader range of skills, beyond just performance and composition. Training in audio engineering, music business, and digital marketing will become increasingly valuable.
The Impact on Independent Labels
Independent labels like Polyvinyl, which is releasing Kablooey, are well-positioned to benefit from this shift. They can offer support and distribution for artists who are already self-sufficient and creatively driven, fostering a more collaborative and sustainable ecosystem. Labels will increasingly act as partners, rather than gatekeepers.
The rise of the “side hustle album” isn’t a sign of the music industry’s decline; it’s a sign of its evolution. It’s a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of musicians who are redefining what it means to have a career in music. What are your predictions for the future of musician income streams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
