Photography: Rae Dowling | @raedowling

On a Thursday evening in Nottingham, Youth Music’s NextGen community came together for an inspiring night of real talk, connection, and creativity. Hosted in association with our funded partner, Circle of Light, the “Balance Not Burnout: Making Money While Making Music” panel brought together artists and industry insiders to unpack the realities of building a sustainable music career in 2025.

Hosted by our NextGen Community producer, Talia Andrea, the panel featured dance music artist and Youth Music Award winner, Emily Makis, artist and podcast host, Alfie Hudson-Taylor, and Kobalt sync manager, James Carnell.

After the panel, we were treated to a performance by Youth Music NextGen Fund artist katie., and to top it off, an open mic session showcased the incredible talent in the room - from heartfelt originals to high-energy freestyles, it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of showing up.

Here’s what we learned from the panel...

“Difficult”, “Challenging”, “Strategic”

When asked to sum up what it’s like to be an artist in 2025, the panel didn’t sugarcoat it. Words like “difficult” and “challenging” came up quickly, with panellists pointing to the rising costs of touring, the devaluation of music through streaming, and the pressure to be a one-person business.

“The value of music as a product has been dramatically reduced,” said Alfie Hudson Taylor. “Costs have gone up, but artist fees haven’t.”

James Carnell, Sync Manager from Kobalt Music, added that Brexit has made touring in Europe harder, and that even platforms like Spotify - while great for discovery - don’t always pay fairly.

Diversifying Income: From Busking to Sync

Despite the challenges, the panel shared a range of creative strategies for generating income:

• Busking and physical sales: Alfie shared how he made more money selling homemade CDs on tour than from the gigs themselves - proof that fans still value tangible music.
• DIY touring and club nights: Emily spoke about creating her own events at uni, combining live music with club nights to earn from door fees.
• Doing things for free (strategically): “If you’ve got the energy, do things for free that get you in the right rooms,” Emily advised. “It’s about building a network that pays off later.”

Know Your Rights, Know Your Worth

Both Alfie and Emily stressed the importance of understanding contracts and protecting your rights.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Emily. “Know your worth and don’t rush to sign something just because it feels like your big break.”

They also highlighted the power of owning your music - especially when it comes to sync deals - and the value of writing your own songs.

Sync Licensing: A Hidden Gem

James gave a crash course in sync licensing - placing music in film, TV, ads, and games - and why it’s worth exploring:

• Upfront fees and royalties: Sync can offer a rare lump sum payment, plus ongoing royalties.
• Exposure: A well-placed track can lead to Shazam searches and new fans.
• Top tips: Keep your metadata clean, avoid uncleared samples, and research music supervisors before reaching out.

“If you don’t have the power to say no, people will never pay what it’s worth,” James reminded the room.

Funding is Your Friend

Emily shared how applying for grants helped her fund her music after graduating during the pandemic. From PRS Foundation to Youth Music’s own NextGen Fund, there are opportunities out there - if you know where to look.

“Even getting one grant can fund half a year of your work,” she said.

Burnout and Boundaries

The conversation turned to mental health and the pressure to do it all. The consensus? Know your limits.

“There’s no shame in having a side hustle,” said Alfie. “Focus on why you’re making music in the first place - fun, community, storytelling.”

Emily added that setting boundaries and learning to say no is essential: “Protect your energy. Not every opportunity is the right one.”

The Power of Community

One of the most uplifting takeaways was the importance of local scenes and collaboration.

“Some of the most exciting things I’ve seen recently are artists staying where they’re from and building communities there,” said Alfie. “You don’t have to move to London to make it.”

Whether it’s open mics, DIY gigs, or just connecting with other creatives in your city, community was framed as both a support system and a launchpad.

Ending on a High Note

Despite the tough realities, the panel ended on a hopeful note. Social media, while overwhelming at times, has opened up new paths to discovery. Tools are more accessible. And more than ever, artists are finding ways to take control of their careers.

“Success is personal,” said Talia. “As long as you’re defining it for yourself, you can’t go wrong.”

The evening then opened up for networking, a performance from Youth Music NextGen Fund artist, Katie, and an open mic - because what better way to build community than through connection and creativity?

Massive thanks to our panellists, Youth Music funded partner, Circle of Light, and everyone who came through. If you’re an artist trying to balance your passion with your paycheck, know that you’re not alone - and that there’s a whole community here to support you.

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