This one’s for the artists who feel like their numbers are moving — but nothing else is.

We’re breaking down what vanity metrics actually are, why they can be so misleading, and how chasing views, likes and followers can quietly stall your long-term progress.

Here’s what we’re covering:

What “vanity metrics” actually means

Likes, followers, views — they feel good, but they’re not always real indicators of growth. We unpack why.

Why it’s easy to mistake attention for momentum

The algorithm rewards what performs, not what connects. If you’re not seeing replies, conversations or returning listeners, the growth might be surface-level.

How to shift your focus to what matters

Tom walks through how to start spotting the difference between engagement and traction — and where your energy actually needs to go if you want to build something long-term.

One small thing to try this week

There’s a simple mindset shift that’ll help you value connection over clout, and it might just change how you feel about your progress.

Full-length videos drop daily on the ⁠Patreon⁠, free tier available with daily content, and bonus tools for artists who want to go deeper.

Today on For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s walking you through the live show game, from getting booked to making a lasting impression on stage.

If you’re struggling to land gigs or feel like you’re not making the most of the ones you do play, this is the one to tune into.

Here’s what we’re covering:

→ Booking Gigs

The number one reason most artists aren’t getting gigs? They’re not asking. Tom breaks down why waiting to be discovered doesn’t work and how to pitch yourself in a way that actually gets replies.

→ Promoting Your Gigs

You’ve got the slot, now you need to fill the room. This bit’s about shaking off the cringe, showing up consistently, and promoting your shows in a way that doesn’t feel desperate or awkward.

→ Gig Prep

Going in unprepared is how good sets become forgettable ones. We’re talking gear checks, setlists, tech plans and mental headspace, everything that goes into walking on stage with confidence.

→ Gig Etiquette

Want to get booked again? This one matters more than your set. From soundcheck behaviour to post-show thank yous, Tom walks through how to be the kind of artist that venues and promoters want to work with.

Each of these segments is pulled from full-length daily videos posted on the ⁠Patreon⁠ this week. If any of these topics hit home, go check them out, the free tier gives you access to every video, and the bonus tier includes tools, templates and resources to help you take action straight away.

In this short episode of For Artists Figuring It Out, Tom’s tackling one of the most damaging myths in the music industry, that you need to find your genre to stand out.

If you’ve ever panicked about not having a “clear sound” or not fitting into one genre, this one’s for you.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• Why genre doesn’t matter as much as personality
• What fans actually connect to
• Why forcing a genre might be holding you back
• A quick mindset shift to help you show up more authentically online
• 
  

Instead of asking “what genre am I?”, ask “how do I make people feel?” That’s your niche. Build your content, your visuals, and your community around that emotional story, not a box someone else created.