The life of a musician often appears exciting from the outside, filled with travel, performances, and creative expression. But beneath the stage lights and applause, a musician’s daily choices can have lasting effects on their career.
Their lifestyle influences everything from health and creativity to financial stability and personal relationships. These choices can support a long-lasting career or quietly create obstacles that grow over time.
Late nights, irregular meals, and unpredictable work schedules are typical in this line of work. While these habits might seem like small trade-offs for pursuing passion, they can affect energy levels and mental well-being.
In this article, we will look at how musicians’ lifestyle choices can impact their careers.
The Choice to Have a Child
Children are wonderful, but artists usually have a demanding schedule. This leaves them with little room for a stable home life, which is one reason many musicians stay child-free during their careers.
Many popular celebrities have not had kids or have adopted them. According to People.com, celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Mary J. Blige, Dolly Parton, and Oprah have chosen not to have kids. While they cited many reasons, the most common was their freedom since they didn’t have any kids.
To avoid unintended pregnancy, some musicians rely on long-term contraceptive options. Among these, Depo Provera injections are a common choice because they offer months of protection with minimal daily maintenance.
Despite the effectiveness, some users report side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and changes in bone density. Moreover, according to TruLaw, the contraceptive has been linked to developing meningiomas. This has led to numerous lawsuits filed by patients who developed brain tumors after long-term use of Depo Provera.
Plaintiffs allege that Pfizer Inc., Depo Provera’s manufacturer, neglected their health to make significant profits. They want the company to take accountability and are seeking compensation for the same. Experts estimate that Depo Provera lawsuit settlements can range between $100,000 and $500,000. However, the exact settlement depends on factors like severity, longevity, medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Are there other reasons musicians delay having children besides schedule conflicts?
Yes, many musicians also cite financial insecurity and personal growth as reasons for postponing parenthood. The music industry can be unstable, and raising a child requires a consistent income. Some artists also want to fully develop their identity and goals before taking on parenting responsibilities.
The Pressure to Keep Performing Through Illness
In most industries, taking a sick day isn’t a big deal. But for musicians, canceling a show can mean losing income and disappointing fans. This pressure often leads performers to push through illness, sometimes at the expense of long-term health. Vocal strain, untreated infections, or even anxiety disorders can grow worse without proper rest and care.
Some musicians develop habits to cope with this pressure, including heavy reliance on caffeine or alcohol to stay awake or relax. These habits might feel manageable in the short term, but can quietly erode health and focus. Eventually, they may interfere with creativity or lead to burnout, forcing a break from music that could’ve been avoided with earlier intervention.
There are many scenarios where artists have canceled concerts as they felt ill. CNN reports that Sting has canceled three US concerts due to illness. Similarly, Zyan Malik canceled a concert in Mexico for the same reason. These instances are highlighted because the shows got canceled. However, there are many scenarios where artists perform despite being sick, and no one notices that.
How can musicians protect their health without sacrificing their careers?
Musicians can protect their health by building routines that prioritize rest and by setting boundaries with management about performance expectations. Using vocal coaches, scheduling downtime, and staying in touch with healthcare professionals can help reduce long-term health risks.
Relationships and Isolation in the Music Industry
While performing on stage connects with audiences, a musician’s life can also be lonely. Long hours in studios or on the road often mean less time with loved ones. This can strain relationships and make maintaining meaningful connections outside the music world harder.
Some artists cope by forming close bonds with bandmates or fellow musicians, but even these relationships can sometimes feel transactional. The cycle of travel, performance, sleep, and repeat makes sustaining a social life that isn’t tied to work challenging. Over time, this isolation can affect mental health and lead to feelings of disconnection or emotional fatigue.
How can musicians maintain strong personal relationships while touring?
Maintaining relationships on the road is possible with effort and planning. Many musicians schedule regular video calls, share travel plans in advance, and include loved ones in their creative process. Small but consistent gestures, like postcards or voice notes, can help strengthen bonds even during long absences.
Financial Habits and Long-Term Planning
Financial management is another area where lifestyle choices matter. As Forbes noted, financial struggles are some of the biggest challenges faced by musicians. Financial stability is elusive for many artists, especially those in their early careers. While streaming platforms have given some hope to artists, they usually offer far fewer returns.
Many musicians live gig to gig without consistent income or benefits. This unpredictability makes saving difficult, especially in the early years. A habit of spending as soon as money comes in can leave musicians unprepared for emergencies.
Some musicians eventually learn to adjust, taking on side work or learning more about budgeting. Others struggle for years before realizing how important financial planning is. Regardless of when the lesson comes, lifestyle plays a significant role in shaping how well a musician can build a sustainable future.
What are some smart ways for musicians to build financial stability?
Musicians can create stability by diversifying income, teaching lessons, licensing music, or offering digital products. Setting up an emergency fund, using accounting tools, and consulting a financial advisor can also help. Building good habits early allows musicians to weather slow seasons without added stress or career setbacks.
Musicians’ daily choices don’t just affect their health or happiness; they shape their entire careers. From decisions about family planning to how they handle stress, every part of their lifestyle contributes to their longevity and success in music. Awareness and intentional decisions can make a big difference over time, even in small areas.
