Why artists should focus on what they can control
Internal focus helps artists grow faster than blaming algorithms
If you are not a subscriber of The Fanbase Builder, join the hundreds of artists, creators, and music industry executives who receive it for free.
Let’s dive into today’s topic:
Why artists should focus on what they can control
Understanding how to explain success and failure can be the difference between growth and stagnation.
Why it matters
The music industry often seems unpredictable, with stories of artists discovered by industry A&R’s, accelerating overnight success. Artists may rely more on luck and external validation than on factors within their control.
Attribution theory (Heider, 1958) is a foundational psychological concept that explains how people interpret and explain the causes of events.
Understanding these attribution patterns reveals how much control people believe they have over their outcomes.
When artists understand their attribution style, they might develop a more empowering, output-based approach to regain influence over their careers.
How it works
Attribution theory suggests that people naturally try to make sense of their world by attributing outcomes either to internal factors they can control or to external circumstances beyond their influence. Do they blame or praise themselves, or others?
Internal attribution assigns outcomes to controllable factors like:
Quality of music or content
Preparation and practice
Networking efforts
Marketing strategy
External attribution points to outside influences such as:
Algorithm changes
Playlist curator decisions
Market conditions
Industry politics
For example: When I run a lousy marathon, I can say my fitness was not good enough (internal attribution), or blame the course (external attribution).
Artists who combine internal attribution with a growth mindset may be more resilient and prosperous. They believe their abilities can improve through dedication and hard work, leading to more strategic career decisions and consistent improvement. For example:
When social media engagement drops:
Internal view: "The hook of my video needs improvement."
External view: "The algorithm is against me, I’m shadow banned."
When a new song doesn’t make it to New Music Friday:
Internal view: "I shouldn’t have rushed releasing this song to DSPs."
External view: "Playlists aren't supporting new artists."
When live shows don't sell out:
Internal view: "I need to send the venue marketer better marketing assets."
External view: "The venue isn’t marketing the show."
Yes, but..
While internal attribution often leads to growth, too much self-criticism can be harmful. Artists should recognise that:
Some factors indeed are beyond their control.
Success usually requires both internal excellence and external opportunity.
Balanced attribution helps maintain mental health while driving improvement.
Take action now
Artists can develop a more balanced attribution style by analysing recent setbacks through internal and external lenses, and identifying three aspects of their career they can directly influence.
Your thoughts
Further reading
Attribution Theory (ScienceDirect)
Internal Attribution: 10 Examples and Definition (Helpful Professor)
Heider, F. (1958). The psychology of interpersonal relations.
How artists can regain control over their marketing efforts (The Fanbase Builder)
Why artists shouldn’t skip steps (The Fanbase Builder)
Improve short-form videos with creative strategies (The Fanbase Builder)
Artists shouldn’t rush releasing music to streaming platforms (The Fanbase Builder)
Clever artists make their marketers’ jobs easier (The Fanbase Builder)