We all know the dream: getting paid to do what you love. For some, that’s music. For others, it’s building a brand, pushing a business, or even both. But making it all work? That’s a different game. That’s what hit me as I talked with Carter Fox, a guy who’s found his rhythm not only as a bassist but also as a marketing consultant. Here’s a man who’s managed to make his love for music and marketing feed each other. Talking to him reminded me that success isn’t always about one big break; sometimes, it’s about knowing how to stay in the game, pushing forward even when the checks are small, and the odds are high.
Carter’s story isn’t your typical “I made it big” fairy tale. It’s about how he hustled to make music and marketing work side by side to create something real and sustainable. Here are two big lessons I took from his story—ones I think every creative needs to hear.
Hustle Means More Than Just Hard Work
Carter doesn’t just play music. He lives it—and he knows how to keep the dream alive. Being a musician these days, he explained, is a far cry from just selling records and hoping for the best. It’s about finding every possible way to make it work, even if that means managing other artists, working odd jobs, or starting a side gig. He’s got his hands in everything from playing gigs to branding to consulting, and he says it with pride. Hustling, for him, is just part of the job.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion
- Streaming Isn’t Enough: “Listen, if you’re just counting on streaming to pay the bills, you’re in for a shock,” Carter told me. Streaming money is small change. For musicians, the real cash often comes from live gigs, sync deals (like getting a song in a movie or game), and merch.
- Your Brand is More Than Your Music: Carter treats his brand like a full business. “It’s not just about the music anymore, you’ve got to think about the whole package.” That’s why he’s focused on creating a brand around himself, and why he encourages others to do the same.
- Small Wins Add Up: Carter’s journey isn’t built on one lucky break; it’s a series of little wins. A Spotify placement here, a local gig there. “Those small gigs keep the lights on,” he said, and it all adds up over time.
The takeaway here? Hustling isn’t just about working hard. It’s about working smart. Carter has found his way by constantly pivoting and looking for every little opportunity, even if it doesn’t pay big right away. As he put it, “You’ve got to have a plan. Passion alone won’t cut it.”
The Power of Showing Up, Even When It’s Tough
If you’re someone who hates networking, you’d be surprised to hear that even a seasoned performer like Carter struggles with it. Yes, he’s a musician, and yes, he’s got experience performing in front of crowds, but he’s still got those moments of hesitation before walking into a room full of strangers. And yet, he knows he has to show up. In his words, “You gotta be in the room where it happens.”
Watch Carter Fox’s Live Interview on YouTube by clicking the image or using this link: https://youtu.be/ec2okK38ps4
What I Learned from His Experience
- Push Through the Anxiety: Carter admitted that as he’s gotten older, he’s felt more self-conscious about networking. But he’s learned that showing up is half the battle.
- Don’t Wait to Be Comfortable: “People think performers are always outgoing, but that’s not the case.” Sometimes he’s not in the mood, but he knows he can’t afford to sit back if he wants to make connections.
- Your Story is Your Hook: Carter leans into his background as both a musician and marketer. He’s learned that if you can own your story, you’re already ahead in any networking game.
Carter’s take on networking is simple: show up and don’t worry about being the most impressive guy in the room. For a lot of us, this is a relief. It’s not about “working the room” or charming everyone there. It’s about being yourself and letting the right people find you. And he’s not wrong—some of his biggest connections came from those “awkward moments” where he almost left early.
Reflections from the Interview
Carter’s journey might look different from yours, but the principles are the same. His approach to life is all about adaptability, patience, and knowing when to bet on himself. If you’re an artist, a business owner, or just someone who’s trying to figure things out, his story is a solid reminder that success isn’t always a straight line. It’s more like a zig-zag, a grind, and sometimes just showing up is the biggest win of the day.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away
- Adapt or Fall Behind: The music world has changed with streaming, and Carter has adapted by diversifying. You can’t rely on one thing anymore; you’ve got to be ready to pivot.
- Consistency is Key: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Carter is where he is because he’s been showing up and putting in the work for years.
- Balance Passion with Practicality: Carter loves music, but he knows he has to manage his business side to make it work.
- Get Over Perfection: “If I waited for perfect, I’d still be waiting.” Sometimes good enough is exactly what you need to move forward.
- Keep Building Your Network: Carter’s connections are a big part of his success. And, honestly, he doesn’t do anything fancy—he just shows up and tries to be himself.
Final Thoughts
Chatting with Carter was a reminder that success, especially in creative fields, is about grit and flexibility. It’s not just about what you can create but about how you navigate the challenges, how you build your brand, and how you keep going when things don’t pan out.
So if you’re out there trying to make something happen, don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect opportunity. “You gotta be in the room where it happens.” Don’t let self-doubt or fear hold you back.
CONNECT WITH CARTER FOX:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterfox/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carterman5000/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6asrIoUCBS9LTWl26Bo0fT?si=YiBaxi8hRg-oHeUODVvBYw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carterfoxmusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carterfoxmusic
Carter Fox NBP Podcast: