Rejection is Part of the Journey
The music industry can be a tough place, no matter your talent or dedication. Rejection is something every artist faces, whether it’s silence after sharing a song on social media or a “no” from a label or blog. This can be especially frustrating when it seems like people are just watching from the sidelines without engaging, leading to feelings of being overlooked. For black artists, these challenges can be amplified by systemic racism in the industry. Yet, how you handle rejection will shape your future success. The key is to view every setback as an opportunity to grow and push forward.
How to Handle Rejection: Shift Your Mindset
One of the first things to understand about rejection is that it’s not personal. Often, it’s more about timing, audience, or fit rather than a direct reflection of your talent. For black artists, this feeling can be heightened by the biases that exist in the industry. While white artists might receive quicker airplay or attention for their music, black artists often face the stereotype that they should only make certain types of music, like rap or hip-hop. This expectation can be limiting and frustrating for black creators whose musical expression goes beyond these genres.
When you post your music on social media and it doesn’t get the attention you hoped for, it’s easy to feel disheartened. You may feel like people are being voyeuristic—watching your journey but never engaging with your work. But remember, social media is not the only avenue for getting your music heard, and your worth is not determined by algorithms. Instead of focusing solely on online responses, take your music offline and perform live, collaborate, and engage with communities that value what you bring to the table.
Learning from Feedback: Grow Through Constructive Criticism
Rejection can hurt, but it’s also one of the best tools for growth. Especially as a black artist, you might receive feedback that reflects stereotypes or ignorance rather than thoughtful critique. However, when feedback is constructive, it can help you improve your craft and refine your approach. For instance, if a music blog doesn’t feature your song but offers feedback about production quality or song structure, use that as a tool to get better.
One thing to remember is that you’re not alone in facing these barriers. Many successful black artists have faced rejection and bias in their careers. Nina Simone, for example, was initially rejected from a classical music conservatory because of her race, but she went on to become an iconic and influential figure in jazz and soul music. Her story highlights the importance of resilience and determination. She refused to be boxed in by what the industry expected from black artists.
Rising Above Racism in the Industry
Navigating racism in the music industry can be challenging, but there are ways to rise above it. One key is owning your identity and refusing to conform to limiting expectations. Black artists who refuse to be defined by narrow genres have created some of the most groundbreaking music across pop, rock, country, and classical genres.
Take Prince as an example. He broke genre boundaries with his music, which blended rock, funk, pop, and soul, showing that black artists can excel beyond the categories typically associated with them. Janelle Monáe is another artist whose Afrofuturistic style and genre-bending music have redefined what it means to be a black artist in the modern era.
To rise above these challenges, seek out platforms, venues, and collaborators who genuinely value diversity and innovation. Build your network with people who recognize your talent and respect your artistry. While mainstream airplay might take time, there are independent outlets, blogs, and smaller labels that actively support underrepresented artists. Use these avenues to build momentum and grow your fanbase.
Staying Resilient: Success After Rejection
Rejection is not the end of the road—it’s just one part of the journey. Some of the most successful black artists in history faced rejection and racism before breaking through. Consider how Motown artists in the 1960s fought for airplay on mainstream radio, which was often dominated by white artists. But by creating timeless music and refusing to back down, they eventually shaped the sound of an entire generation.
Even today, black artists continue to rise above the industry’s limitations. Beyoncé, for instance, was once told she didn’t have what it took to be a solo artist. Despite that, she’s now one of the most influential musicians in the world. Similarly, Lizzo faced years of rejection and struggled to gain recognition as a plus-sized black woman in the pop industry. She didn’t fit the mold of what mainstream music expected, but by staying true to herself and her vision, she’s become a global star.
Tangible Advice: Take Action Today
Now that we’ve explored how to handle rejection and rise above barriers, here’s some practical advice to help you move forward. Challenge yourself to submit your music to at least three blogs, labels, or playlists this week. Don’t just focus on mainstream outlets—look for platforms that actively support diversity in the music scene. You might face rejection, but each submission is a step toward your goals.
Also, take your music beyond the online world. Perform at local venues, network with other artists, and collaborate with producers who share your vision. Success in the music industry isn’t just about gaining popularity online. True progress happens through live performances, real-world connections, and the persistence to keep going despite obstacles.
Conclusion: Rejection as a Stepping Stone
Rejection is tough, but it’s part of the journey for every artist, especially black artists navigating an industry full of systemic biases. However, by reframing rejection, learning from constructive feedback, and staying resilient, you can use every setback as a stepping stone. Don’t be discouraged by the lack of immediate airplay or support—your music deserves to be heard, and the right opportunities will come if you keep pushing forward. Stay true to your sound, take control of your narrative, and keep knocking on doors until the right one opens. Every “no” brings you closer to your “yes.”
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