Your imaginations are vivid: You’re standing on a grand stage, the lights shining down, the crowd erupting in cheers as your name is announced.
You walk up to receive the award. Maybe it’s a Grammy, maybe it’s a local indie accolade. Either way, it’s a recognition of your work, a validation that people see and appreciate what you’ve created. It feels incredible, doesn’t it?
Awards are nice to have. They bring recognition, open doors to new opportunities, and can even be a marketing tool. A “Best New Artist” title or a “Song of the Year” badge can make an audience pause and take notice.
But as an artist, should awards be the ultimate goal? Not necessarily.
1.Awards Are a Popularity Contest, Not a Measure of Talent
Ever noticed how the biggest awards often go to the biggest names, regardless of who actually had the most groundbreaking work? The music industry, like any other entertainment sector, is built on relationships, media exposure, and industry politics.
Many awards shows are heavily influenced by industry insiders, major labels, and voting committees that often favor commercial success over artistic innovation.
Take Bob Marley, for instance. Despite being one of the most influential musicians in history, he never won a Grammy. Meanwhile, artists with just one mainstream hit sometimes walk away with a trophy. Does that mean their music was better than Marley’s? Not at all.
2.Music Is About Impact, Not Just Trophies
Consider the case of Nipsey Hussle. When he was nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammys in 2019, the world was already paying attention to his influence. But his success wasn’t built on awards. It was built on community, ownership, and a body of work that resonated with people far beyond industry recognition.
He lost the Grammy that year, but his music and legacy only grew stronger.
Similarly, legendary artists like Tupac Shakur, Diana Ross and Fela never won Grammys for their solo work, yet their influence is undeniable. If awards defined success, they would be forgotten. But their music continues to inspire generations.
3.Fans Listen to Music, Not Awards
Streaming numbers, sold-out shows, and social media engagement tell a bigger story than any trophy ever could. Russ is an independent artist who built a global fan base without a major label backing him. He didn’t wait for an award to validate his music; he let his audience do that. He owned his masters, controlled his distribution, and proved that consistency and connection with listeners matter more than industry nods.
An award doesn’t guarantee people will keep listening to your music. There are plenty of past award winners whose names are now forgotten, while some underground artists without a single nomination have cult followings and thriving careers.
4.Success Is Majorly in Your Hands, Not the Industry’s
For decades, industry gatekeepers dictated who got the spotlight. But times have changed. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and social media allow independent artists to build sustainable careers without the traditional accolades. Billie Eilish and Chance the Rapper, for instance, found massive success first by connecting with fans online—awards only came later, as a byproduct of their impact.
If your goal is longevity, ownership, and real influence, then focus on building a dedicated fanbase, creating music that speaks to people, and staying consistent.
If an award comes, great! But if it doesn’t, it doesn’t mean your music isn’t great.
5.Your Legacy Is Bigger Than an Award
At the end of the day, awards are just moments. Music is forever. The songs you create, the impact you have, and the fans who connect with your art will always be more valuable than any trophy.
So, make music that matters. The recognition that truly counts doesn’t sit in a glass case—it lives in the hearts of those who listen.
