Artists and songwriters today have more opportunities than ever before to produce and distribute their music. However, financial instability, limited resources and legal uncertainties make the path more difficult. Creating sustainable sources of income remains a key challenge. At the same time, market saturation and the increasing number of releases are making competition tougher than ever. The complexity of contracts, royalties and copyright issues harbours risks without legal assistance. Global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have also impacted the live music sector, resulting in a loss of important income from performances. Partners such as labels, publishers, managers and platforms play a key role in supporting artists and songwriters. To be successful in this challenging environment, resilience, adaptability and strategic planning are essential.