My friend, let’s tackle a limiting belief today—one that stops many singers in their tracks. That nagging question: Am I legit? You don’t have music on Spotify, iTunes, or any streaming platform yet. You haven’t pumped out a studio-recorded album. Does that mean you’re not legitimate as a performer?
I could just tell you, of course, you’re legit!—but let’s dig deeper.
The Pressure of Releasing Music
Recently, I was booked for a TV appearance to promote my cabaret show. The producers wanted two original songs—one live ballad and one upbeat salsa-pop track. I knew the upbeat song needed a polished backing track, but finding a studio and musicians on short notice proved tricky. Two studios turned me down, saying they didn’t have the right musicians. Another person offered to help for free and ghosted me.
At that point, I had a choice: panic, cancel, or use what I already had—a homegrown demo that wasn’t “perfect” but got the job done. So, I cleaned it up as best as I could and sent it in. Guess what? The producers loved it. They never questioned the quality. They saw my performance, not the imperfections I had obsessed over.
Then, the day before my performance, a foot of snow shut down travel. Instead of performing live in-studio, I had to record my segment at home and send it in. Again, I worried—would this DIY setup meet their standards? Turns out, it absolutely did. Not only did the performance air, but within 30 minutes of the broadcast, the producer invited me back for another appearance—this time, live in the studio.
What if I had let my doubts stop me? What if I had believed my work wasn’t “good enough”? I would have missed out on that opportunity entirely.
What You Have Is Enough—For Now
So, friend, let’s reframe this limiting belief. If you have a simple demo, a well-recorded live performance, or even a raw vocal cut, use it. A stripped-down piano version recorded on GarageBand or your phone can be enough to book a gig, attract an audience, and showcase your artistry.
Need proof? I’ve seen young artists book festival slots using karaoke tracks or piano accompaniments recorded by friends. I’ve seen singers make real money busking at events with just a handful of covers. Audiences don’t care if you have a full studio production—they care about how you make them feel.
The Most Powerful Marketing Tool: Social Media
If you don’t have a professional recording to share, leverage your live performances online. That means:
Posting 15-30 second clips of you singing on social media.
Using Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube as a digital portfolio.
Directing live audiences to your socials so they can relive your performance.
You don’t need fancy equipment—just your phone and your voice. Some of my first restaurant gigs came because someone saw me singing on Instagram. Even today, new bookings come from people who found me online.
Execution Over Perfection
If you’re holding back because you feel like you need a polished, professional recording first, remember this: the most successful artists started scrappy. Google early performances of Taylor Swift, John Legend, or Chappell Roan. You’ll find grainy, low-quality footage—but what stands out is their presence, their execution.
That’s what people remember. Not whether you had a fancy studio mix, but how you connected with them through your music.
Your Next Step
If you’re ready to start performing but feel stuck on the “no music out yet” hurdle, start here:
Use what you have. Record a simple demo if needed.
Maximize social media. Post short, engaging clips of you singing.
Book small gigs. Open mics, busking, festivals—just get out there.
Invest in yourself. Improve your vocals, stage presence, and confidence.
And when you’re ready to invest in recording, know that there are options—local producers, DIY setups, financial plans. People want to help artists thrive.
So, are you legit even if you haven’t released music yet? The answer is a resounding YES. You become a “legit” artist the moment you decide to show up and share your voice. Let that be enough—because it already is.
🎤 Passionate Performer Program members not only train their voices but learn to elevate their artistry in this same way with our Slay The Stage signature course and tools for enhancing their online performances & marketing. Join us HERE! 👉 Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and tell me what’s on your mind! You can always reach out on Instagram or comment below with your challenges that you want us to solve on the show.
I'll be taking a break next week to get ready for my Sugar & Sazón Cabaret! If you live near coastal Virginia you can still get tickets here. Can't make it or want to support from afar? Rock the merch! Shop here. See you in the next episode! ¡Hasta la proxima! Available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube
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