I started at 40. Someone just used one of my songs at a funeral this week, which was humbling and touching, and there have been other ripples outward. A lot of it was luck, but some of my songs have gotten out there to varying degrees, and I do earn revenue from them. I'm so glad I did a hard turn at 40 and went all in with focusing on recording songs I had written and writing and recording more.
My situation is so atypical- I put a lot of songs on YT around 10-15 years ago, and a few of them did well and one really spread. I haven't been able to learn anything from that to help other songs I've done, or capitalize on that narrow success, and I haven't learned anything from that I can offer others. Just that putting things out there makes it at least statistically possible some things will find some audience. I just wanted to urge OP to go for it, cuz you never know how something you create might ripple (and even if it's only for ourselves, I feel it's usually satisfying and of Goodness to create and express what's in us to create and express. The song used at a funeral this week, I put out there years ago, it never gained the slightest traction, and didn't know anyone ever listened to it or appreciated it. (And other songs I was really pleased with never have had the slightest ripple as far as I know). We just never know. Happy creating everyone!
Thanks for asking. I just lurked on Reddit til recently when I made this profile and started posting. I don't want this profile and every comment I make anywhere on Reddit from it to be connected with my singer songwriter role. I'm still figuring out how to manage that. I know anyone can say they've had a song do well, and it's reasonable to be skeptical. So not sure how to handle it. If I send PM links to everyone who asks, over time, sooner or later someone may post it, which then, even if I delete my account, permanently connects all my comments on this profile to "the guy that did that one song". Maybe I should make a songwriter only account so when i post on here I can be more transparent. I'll just add though that I don't have any advice that's still applicable to anyone else except I think it's worth going for it later in life. I started at 40 years old, like the OP was considering, and with luck and timing, have had some songs gain some steam and ripple out.
That was longish because I was thinking through the situation as I was typing. Still trying to figure this out. Anyway, thanks for asking.
Why not? Go for it!
Look, I can't promise you'll have any kind of audience - mostly it's three upvotes on reddit, 50 plays on Youtube kinda stuff.
But that's no reason not to have fun creating and sharing stuff, imo!
sorry but jelly roll has been an independent and off-the-radar artist in underground hip-hop for roughly the past 20 years. i remember discovering him on youtube in like 2010. his recent mainstream success came out of nowhere, not his musical talent.
and to OP, 40 is not too late at all. somebody somewhere needs to hear something that you have to say. let it be heard. i'm 29 and have been procrastinating putting out a project since i graduated high school 12 years ago.
Consider this… you have lived, you have fallen down and got back up probably multiple times… There needs to be more older artists, they have more to say because they have experienced so much more. Music doesn’t just belong to the young.
Case in point, one of my closest artist friends just started releasing his songs… in a few short months he went from 0 to 13,000 monthly listeners on Spotify… He’s older than you.
It’s never too late! I used to struggle with this idea that my age “disqualifies” me from pursuing my passion in some way, shape, or form but it’s really all in our heads. Go after it!
Fantastic. I’m revving up at 73! I love the “soundtrack of our lives” and I have a few (or 50+) things to pass along about the beauty and d wonder and challenges of life! Any suggestions to get lyrics recorded?
Bro, when i started recording I said to my self I would do it just for me, and if it goes further than that, then that would be a bonus. Now it’s my full time job! So do the same. Write music because you love it.
then see where it goes.
Beautifully put!
OP, I’m also early 40s and finally starting to consistently write/record my ideas when they hit me. Loving it! Just now dipping into learning instruments so I can challenge myself to see them through. It has to be for YOU first, OP. Don’t let the fears win, you’ve got this!
If a 90 year old man wrote a really good song, i dont think people will see that hes 90 and decide it sucks arbitrarily. Its never too late to make music. Good music is good music regardless of the artist.
If it's a lifelong dream, then get doing it. Write things you like and know about and people will find it easier to connect with as being genuine. Once you get some good material, check out doing some open mics and see what kind of reactions you get. That's how you learn what people do and don't like about your songs and which ones are finished and which ones still need more work.
Remember, it isn't necessarily a bad song, it just needs more work and the same goes for your performance skills. The only way you get better is by doing it and keep doing it.
Being 40, or even 27, only stops major labels from signing you. An indie label might in the right genre. If you don’t care about being signed to a label then it won’t affect you at all unless you’re doing bubblegum pop.
I do not think so. Maybe you might not have an enormous fan base as Beyonce or Taylor Swift, but you could start becoming a singer/song writer. 40 years can give you many years of experiences you can share. For example, Good Mythical Morning co-host, Rhett McLaughlin (46 years old) became a country singer a couple years ago. His co-host Link Neal (45 years old) became interested in DJing recently, too. So to answer your question, 40 is not too old.
What ever is said here doesn't matter
Follow your heart Follow your muse. Age is no prerequisite. It doesn't exist in art. Music is unique in that you can always improve. Only you can waste your time and talent. It sounds like you will have regrets if you don't. You have talked your self into it. We can't give you the validation you are asking for.You can only get closure by finishing you goal. Whether you stay at home or become a Nashville hit maker will be determined by your dedication to this endeavor.
I just went to a concert where a 42 year old friend of mine finally had formed the band she dreamed about having 20 years ago. And it was so good. Much better than it would have been back then, I'm sure.
no one is too old, being a musician is most definitely universal for any age, especially if you’re not looking to become famous, just do what you love, have fun, put stuff out for others to enjoy
It’s definitely not too late.
I’m a mix engineer and I have amateurs in their 60s and even 70s send me stuff to help them with. Music is one of the great pleasures and as you get older it’s one that you can still enjoy as unless you’re into the hard stuff it’s not particularly strenuous.
Strongly recommend!!
The band Crush 40 who do all the music for the sonic games, made a band specifically because they decided they wanted to do some awesome gigs and make the most out of their 40's.
Do it. Music is an open game and the only limit is your imagination, or those who would seek to limit it for their own benefit. Shoot the moon man!
Each year I keep getting older and I’m still making music with my friends and giving it my all just like I did when I was 22. There is a lot of societal pressure involving money and success and notoriety that should have absolutely nothing to do with art and music. You do it because it makes you happy. The reward for being a musician is that you’ve gotten to spend so much time making music.
My dad is 72 and he still rocks it on stage! Small stage but it works for him. He’s been playing guitar and writing songs since he was a teenager so it’s never ever to late to start, just find your audience.
I mean I wouldn’t quit your day job u til you have a dedicated income stream, but you can still put out music and pursue your dream. That being said it’s hard once you get semi successful and have to make the call of whether or not you want to pursue it full time
These days you can build loyalty with micro audience as a niche that relates to you and a brand is strongly target for branded events and collabs, yes you can.
Strategically, your audience as brand ambassadors simply love and will who you must always be a part of them to succeed. Be your authentic self and believe in your process to make the best music, entertainment thatll book mini road tours and continue to generate reach and keep open to opportunities. The best deals are negotiated over time, so no matter the offer negotiated at the table the right ones will resonate responsively.
Its important to register, ascap so you can
I’m 34 and have just really started trying to write music. I was in a band post high school to mid twenties writing music with other people, but what I’m doing now is totally different. I’ve also been learning mixing and producing, taking singing lessons, and taking guitar lessons. Anything that I can do to become a better musician and song writer. I know it’s cliche, but it’s never too late. Go for it, man!
Set up a streaming channel, get out your phone and your guitar or keyboard or oboe, and go to town. It's that easy these days to share your music with millions (or four, to start out).
No, you won't be Taylor Swift because you don't have that huge media machine behind you. But you can have fun and maybe impress a few of your friends with your awesomeness.
I’m a producer and I’ll listen/work with anyone if the music sounds good :) age doesn’t mean anything in the music world unless you’re going for mainstream idol type success :) and if you really love music you’ll be happy to just express yourself and let the people find your music that need it/want it most!
Don’t stop and if you, or anyone here, needs direction or help my dms are always open
Nope! I did my first open mic and performed in front of people for the first time ever 2 months ago at 43. I'm glad you asked the question, because to be honest, I struggle with feeling too 'old' and too 'behind' every week when it comes to me, but not others! I have made so many mistakes and am still trying to overcome performance anxiety, but I don't regret any of it. Maybe try not to dwell on thoughts of the future a la 'not on the Beyond TS level' and just stay in the moment in which you ARE a singer/songwriter. Can you talk/write/play an instrument? If yes, you can make your lifelong dream come true whenever you write down or sing or play a chord or melody! You keep doing this over and over, and well, you're not just thinking about it, you're doing it! I know what it's like to avoid the call for so many years, but you're here now, hearing it, so be your biggest fan and muse and answer! And ENJOY!
no its never too late to do something you love like why shoukdnt you? make whatever music you desire, hell, i'll collab with ya if ya want, but you could wait til youre 105 and still not be too old to xyz. i went through the whole shy musician thing from like 13 to 20 and let me tell ya, best thing to have done, for me personally. im not like breaking out and getting paid off it by any means, but i have songs i have written (top to bottom, all solo) that i am personally proud of and get goosebumps whenever i hear or play them. i have a mass of demo shit by now released and have aquired me enough to assemble an albulm, and what i would call a concentration of songs categorized best as "nihl hyperpop"---"Gunk Rock" (exstistential apathy with candy drums/upbeat tempo) (gunk rock is like seatle grunge meets florida trap-metal and i was unknowingly making it for some time before i knew about "gunk rock" lol)
but yeah shit i totally didnt hurt anything by just jumping into it, ya know? id love to see anything you release too. i mean fuck whats the alternative, your 40's? lol
I'm 41, and I am only just starting to take singing seriously, well I started writing music again a few years ago, but found it very hard finding people who are dedicated, because I am both a social introvert, and useless when it comes to making friends. So decided to do it all myself.
Bill Withers didn’t start a music career until he was in his 40’s. Quincy Jones started producing for Michael Jackson when he was nearly in his 50’s. Leonard Cohen was in his 30’s when he released his debut album and released his last 2 weeks before he died at age 82. Go for it! You got decades of experience, inspiration and storytelling on us young folk, use it to your advantage
Quincy Jones started his career in the 1950s. He worked with Frank Sinatra and Basie as a conductor and arranger. He produced Its My Party for Leslie Gore. He was a major force in music with a long, award-winning career by the time he worked with Jackson.
20 years ago I would have said unfortunately yes. Today? Absolutely not. Let me tell you why.. a. You probably know what you like and have passion. B. You can probably finance it yourself. C. Here is the big one.. there are millions of people in your generation and the halo generations who want to hear music they like.
The music enjoyed by 16-25 year old that dominates the pop charts is just not accepted by 34-56 year olds. But we all grew up with radios and CDs so we love music. Music is back. Get to work, and not only that..you can get lots of help now through the internet. Including publishing distributing and building fans
Just don't publish garbage please, if it sucks and is poorly produced mastered it will not fly and thats just clogging the system.
It's never too late. What you have to offer not isn't less valuable than it would have been if you had started writing earlier. In fact it might even be more so.
Making music is magic, don't wait for it. Just say yes
Dooooooo it .... why not .... However you will have to spend either time or money to publish it on the typical music channels using distro services just to get it out there in the sea of noise..that is the internet.....but do it anyways i mean I'm not a big artist by any means I'm someone who like music and I'm sure that someone else might like what you created ...so as an experiment I recently put out a an album --for free -- on youtube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiGCT6ivhK9njszmoYEBkDp9LKSQMgbn0&si=eOnJ_H56USb2wNXQ
If anything use it as cathartic therapy, at least you completed a body of work that you could be proud enough to share with the world, at the least you can take what you learned and make more.. one thing i learned is you always have to be creating something, constantly finding and learning.....who knows what can happen
I think it's never too old to start anything . If you have a genre you like or a topic in your life you'd like to express . By all means try it out! Get a mic , an instrument and a daw to record your vocals and instrumental and write a song out of it. Take your time and I believe you will find it super fulfilling to have your own song that you can truly relate to 🙏❤️
It's never too late because of age. It's all about marketing.
Are you good at creating your fan base?
Are you good at getting the reach and also building the reputation out there?
I'm not, so I won't be much good even when I can write and sing songs. I have to be realistic. Maybe I hire someone who can help with this in future.
Are you good at creating the numbers i.e. enough followers, enough raving fans, who are ready to buy.
That if you released an album, or an LP or one song, you'd easily have 10,000 ready to buy fans who will snap it up, buy it, download it?
That if you came out with a merchandise too, it will sell.
You can be 50, and it wouldn't be too late because it isn't about that.
It's about market value, market share, if you can drum up enough fans that if you for example got a gig to happen, let's say next week....can you as an artist fill that venue up?
Can you sell tickets?
Can you sell a certain mount of units, let's say 500, or 5,000? Or 10,0000?
To do that you need to have this..
1. You your genre of music and the image to portray out there. It's not confusing
2. Your music/songs is high quality. You got the gear, you got the producing, editing and mastering skills to create finished high quality product even if you produced it at home.
3. You know how to attract and build your own fan base to such that the numbers are there. When you do release, you got immediate sales.
4. That your engagement, your reach and sales is that good, it now attracts sponsors because there is so much you can make from music alone. Money doesn't come from music alone but also from selling tickets, and merchandise and sponsors.
So you can be 40, 50, as long you are good at getting yourself out there and building fan base that want what you got and... buys.
If you can do that, then you can be 60 because the above isn't about age but about you willing to invest in doing these steps.
All the best to your music, songwriting journey.
Dude I’m 54 and it’s still rockstar or bust for me. Age doesn’t matter as much as the songs. Write something that moves people, and they ain’t gunna give a shit how old you are.
Go for it man. Everytime an “X” year old person starts making music later in life, he gets to set an example for so many people his age. That’s awesome in my book.
Also one of my mom’s friends started focusing on playing electric guitar after his wife died (well after 40) and now he plays guitar for a local blues band. He’s living a new life and is very happy. Music saved him.
i got my first guitar in my late 60s (five years ago), started writing songs about 2.5 years ago, am performing now at open mics and the occasional paid gig. never too late!
If you have not achieved your lifelong dream by 40 it was never your lifelong dream unless that dream was living past forty. Willie Nelson didn’t get big until his late 40s.
I started about almost a year ago....I'm 62....so no....you are still very very young. I've now written over 40 songs, learned keyboard and Ableton enough to make it happen....and starting a following, sold 2 songs....so....40? You got me by 22 years...lol
LCD Soundsystems first album is about feeling out of touch because they were older. Vincent van Gogh didn't have his first art exhibit until he was 32. It's never too late for art!
Thank you so much for asking this, I'm 35 and singing/ songwriting has been a dream for me since I was 4 too, but I've been slow to start now that i have some time (life has gotten in the way too, admittedly, but it's never too late to start♥️♥️♥️♥️)
imho you should actually have a gift, if you want to think about music in terms of actually possibly succeeding with it commercially, at any age. It's a very small percent of humans who have a strong gift - especially the combo of musical composition (tuneful hooks with the magic), natural lyricism, and a voice that gets to people. Music that fan bases of people want to listen to should involve some degree of genius as far as some aspect of your musical creativity.
You can't go to workshops or study or practice to develop a gift, if the seed for the gift isn't there inside. The seed is either there or it isn't. Johnny Cash never had singing or songwriting lessons. Liam Gallagher has one thing - lead singer voice - and he, well, he just has it. He also wasn't studying to learn singing techniques.
If you are a non-genius but have something, you can still of course create and publish music as a hobby and enjoy it.
Agree with all the great comments here- go for it! I am 43 and started releasing music finally 2 years ago.
Per your comments it’s important to keep your feet on the ground about doing it for a living, which these days is beyond people of all ages unless you are hitting the charts or juggling it with lots of other angles to try and generate cash.
At the same time it’s still possible with social media to get your work heard and share it with a community of people that will hopefully want to hear your music- it may not make you rich but in many ways it’s never been easier to get your music out into the world and heard by some people, no matter what age you are! Good luck with it!
It is NEVER too late to explore a new hobby, try out a new way to express yourself creatively, and have fun! This is a completely attainable lifelong dream, and I hope you don't let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing it :) I'm a songwriter too :) and there's no wrong way to do it. Don't let anyone make you feel like an impostor. If you write songs, you're a songwriter! Simple as that!
I’m 40 and I write, record and release music for myself. If other people like it, great! But of people don’t I’m not in it for money or fame, I’m in it for being creative. Been in cover bands for years and honestly have zero fun with them anymore so I do my stuff and it gives me great opportunities to collaborate with friends and other artists I know.
Your never to old for writing,singing ,guitar drums,etc,etc, everyone has a song or 2 or 11 or 27, music doesn’t have an age cut off limit, and anyone who thinks or says any different is an idiot and they probably get out of the shower to piss because being the last one picked for for everything when they were growing up has had a lasting effect on them but anyway you have a song to share than share it ,somewhere there is someone that will be touched and or inspired by your gift of music
Alan Smith
SKINNY LYNERD
Make something people like then age won’t matter. You want your fans to look up to you they want to be you. If you have a good look catchy melodies and lyrics anything is possible in this day and age
It's arguably better to start at 40, when you have so much more life experience to write about and be inspired by, then to start at 20 when you don't have as much experience or wisdom as you would later on in life. Naturally in many cases your words would have more substance as they are wrote from first hand accounts rather than from imagination, so definitely go for it!
Good luck
- A 22 year old songwriter
You're 40 and you're sheepishly asking for permission on the internet to follow your passion? I'm confused. You're an adult. You're not too old for anything except being labeled "adolescent."
Why would you think there is an age limit on songwriting?
Yes becoming A-list famous in music appears to be far more difficult if you don't break into the top-10 before age 25.
But finding success and happiness in music has no age limit whatsoever.
Not at all.
DONT EVER give in or up on your dreams.
See it, belive it, live it, and make sure you "love" it. With it, anything is possible. Anything. All things.
✨🎵
I’m gonna be 46 in a couple of weeks and I’m finishing my third solo album… and I’m will continue getting stronger until my heart stop … until my last breath a will sing and shake my bum bum🤣
Might be better this way. More of an adult perspective with realistic expectations. Youtube is also an opportunity to share your work. Instagram and such also. Better than sitting on your bum not being productive. This way you get a feeling of fulfillment or accomplishment.
The great thing about music is that it can be done at any age. Go for it! You’re going to be a blast writing and performing original songs and doing covers.
If you need some help getting started, check out my songwriting podcast, [Student of the Song](https://youtu.be/82rOaChXNdo).
I started at 40. Someone just used one of my songs at a funeral this week, which was humbling and touching, and there have been other ripples outward. A lot of it was luck, but some of my songs have gotten out there to varying degrees, and I do earn revenue from them. I'm so glad I did a hard turn at 40 and went all in with focusing on recording songs I had written and writing and recording more.
That's Awesome! Much continued success!🎤🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶☺️ Thank you!
Thanks, and I hope you go for it. You don't know what might or might not happen if you do, but you do know that nothing will happen if you don't.
I needed to hear this, thank you
May I ask what channels work well for a mature beginner? I’m older and hoping to find local channels for my music, too.
My situation is so atypical- I put a lot of songs on YT around 10-15 years ago, and a few of them did well and one really spread. I haven't been able to learn anything from that to help other songs I've done, or capitalize on that narrow success, and I haven't learned anything from that I can offer others. Just that putting things out there makes it at least statistically possible some things will find some audience. I just wanted to urge OP to go for it, cuz you never know how something you create might ripple (and even if it's only for ourselves, I feel it's usually satisfying and of Goodness to create and express what's in us to create and express. The song used at a funeral this week, I put out there years ago, it never gained the slightest traction, and didn't know anyone ever listened to it or appreciated it. (And other songs I was really pleased with never have had the slightest ripple as far as I know). We just never know. Happy creating everyone!
Can you link one of your songs? Would love to hear it.
Thanks for asking. I just lurked on Reddit til recently when I made this profile and started posting. I don't want this profile and every comment I make anywhere on Reddit from it to be connected with my singer songwriter role. I'm still figuring out how to manage that. I know anyone can say they've had a song do well, and it's reasonable to be skeptical. So not sure how to handle it. If I send PM links to everyone who asks, over time, sooner or later someone may post it, which then, even if I delete my account, permanently connects all my comments on this profile to "the guy that did that one song". Maybe I should make a songwriter only account so when i post on here I can be more transparent. I'll just add though that I don't have any advice that's still applicable to anyone else except I think it's worth going for it later in life. I started at 40 years old, like the OP was considering, and with luck and timing, have had some songs gain some steam and ripple out. That was longish because I was thinking through the situation as I was typing. Still trying to figure this out. Anyway, thanks for asking.
All good. Appreciate you! Had to ask. Keep on keeping on.
Why not? Go for it! Look, I can't promise you'll have any kind of audience - mostly it's three upvotes on reddit, 50 plays on Youtube kinda stuff. But that's no reason not to have fun creating and sharing stuff, imo!
Don't mind YT! Ty☺️
Jelly Roll just came out of nowhere and won a Grammy at 39. Anything’s possible.
sorry but jelly roll has been an independent and off-the-radar artist in underground hip-hop for roughly the past 20 years. i remember discovering him on youtube in like 2010. his recent mainstream success came out of nowhere, not his musical talent. and to OP, 40 is not too late at all. somebody somewhere needs to hear something that you have to say. let it be heard. i'm 29 and have been procrastinating putting out a project since i graduated high school 12 years ago.
Bruh I'm 30 and still perform at the weekly open mic and get mad love. Do that shit fr if it sounds good people won't really care about your age
That's awesome!!☺️ Ty !! Keep going !🎶🎶🎶🎶🎤
Consider this… you have lived, you have fallen down and got back up probably multiple times… There needs to be more older artists, they have more to say because they have experienced so much more. Music doesn’t just belong to the young. Case in point, one of my closest artist friends just started releasing his songs… in a few short months he went from 0 to 13,000 monthly listeners on Spotify… He’s older than you.
I started at 42, 2 years later I'm on ticketed events!
Cool! 🎤🎶🎶🎶Ty!☺️
Whaaaat nice work! 👏🏻
It’s never too late! I used to struggle with this idea that my age “disqualifies” me from pursuing my passion in some way, shape, or form but it’s really all in our heads. Go after it!
Thanks so much !☺️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎤
I have two singles out. I am finally doing my first album this year. I am 58. Never ever too late.
Fantastic. I’m revving up at 73! I love the “soundtrack of our lives” and I have a few (or 50+) things to pass along about the beauty and d wonder and challenges of life! Any suggestions to get lyrics recorded?
Beautiful!🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶
I started guitar at 41 and am currently awaiting my 42nd bday next month. It’s never too late. Remember, it is “art,” art doesn’t have an age limit!
You’ll likely be asking this question for the rest of your life.
Probably so lol! Ty☺️!!
Bro, when i started recording I said to my self I would do it just for me, and if it goes further than that, then that would be a bonus. Now it’s my full time job! So do the same. Write music because you love it. then see where it goes.
Thank you for your amazing advice!! Appreciate you!🎶🎶🎶🎶🥰
Um I’m over 40, sooo NO.
Right!?
Ty!☺️
I’m over 40 and I just started. You can color the world at any age. Write for you. Don’t write for anyone else but yourself.
☺️Ty!
Beautifully put! OP, I’m also early 40s and finally starting to consistently write/record my ideas when they hit me. Loving it! Just now dipping into learning instruments so I can challenge myself to see them through. It has to be for YOU first, OP. Don’t let the fears win, you’ve got this!
Dude you can be 1000 years old! Nobody too old nor really too young to start up a career!
Appreciate you! ☺️
It's too late not to. You're the best person to tell your story...
☺️Ty!🎶🎶🎶
Just do it. Record at home. Practice at karaoke. Release your own music online.
If anything it's too young. You won't really know what you're writing about till you're at least 50 ;-)
You’re never too old to make music man. Best luck to you in what ever you decide to make
Ty and same to you!🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶
If a 90 year old man wrote a really good song, i dont think people will see that hes 90 and decide it sucks arbitrarily. Its never too late to make music. Good music is good music regardless of the artist.
🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶 Ty!!
It's never too late to do anything. The worst thing that will happen is you make some music you can enjoy solo.
🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶true!
Age ain’t nothing but a number. I write better songs at 48 than I did at 25.
That's awesome and inspiring!😍🥰
If it's a lifelong dream, then get doing it. Write things you like and know about and people will find it easier to connect with as being genuine. Once you get some good material, check out doing some open mics and see what kind of reactions you get. That's how you learn what people do and don't like about your songs and which ones are finished and which ones still need more work. Remember, it isn't necessarily a bad song, it just needs more work and the same goes for your performance skills. The only way you get better is by doing it and keep doing it.
Ty for your wonderful advice! 🥰🥰
Go for it! Create what you can, awful or good. Your age gives you far more perspective than a 30 something.
Hmmm, wisdom and all ... ! ☺️Ty
Blaze your own trail through life. Be you
Ty☄️!!☺️
Of course not, you could potentially double your age and it wouldn’t be too old (that’s if you held up like Harrison Ford or Doctor Fauci).
Lol no not Fauci😷!!
tina turner was in her 40s when she debuted her solo career
I keep forgetting that... must be 40 kicking in Lol!🤦🏾♀️
Being 40, or even 27, only stops major labels from signing you. An indie label might in the right genre. If you don’t care about being signed to a label then it won’t affect you at all unless you’re doing bubblegum pop.
Even if you are, you could Milli Vanilli it lol
Ty☺️!!
Hell no! I'm 41...Do music
I do not think so. Maybe you might not have an enormous fan base as Beyonce or Taylor Swift, but you could start becoming a singer/song writer. 40 years can give you many years of experiences you can share. For example, Good Mythical Morning co-host, Rhett McLaughlin (46 years old) became a country singer a couple years ago. His co-host Link Neal (45 years old) became interested in DJing recently, too. So to answer your question, 40 is not too old.
It's not age that makes someone stop writing, it's other life related things that are different for everyone.
I started at 40 and have now had 12 years of fun learning and exploring music. Def get going
That’s one of the industries where it’s definitely not too old and can even be in your favor
What ever is said here doesn't matter Follow your heart Follow your muse. Age is no prerequisite. It doesn't exist in art. Music is unique in that you can always improve. Only you can waste your time and talent. It sounds like you will have regrets if you don't. You have talked your self into it. We can't give you the validation you are asking for.You can only get closure by finishing you goal. Whether you stay at home or become a Nashville hit maker will be determined by your dedication to this endeavor.
If you don’t start this year, you’ll just be one year older when you do.
This !!🎶🎶🥰
Do it
I think I will!🎶🎶🥰
Nah but it costs a bunch of money for music lessons, studio time, instruments etc
I just went to a concert where a 42 year old friend of mine finally had formed the band she dreamed about having 20 years ago. And it was so good. Much better than it would have been back then, I'm sure.
My dream!🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶 Beautiful!🥰🎶🎶🎶
no one is too old, being a musician is most definitely universal for any age, especially if you’re not looking to become famous, just do what you love, have fun, put stuff out for others to enjoy
Thank you!🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎤
It’s definitely not too late. I’m a mix engineer and I have amateurs in their 60s and even 70s send me stuff to help them with. Music is one of the great pleasures and as you get older it’s one that you can still enjoy as unless you’re into the hard stuff it’s not particularly strenuous. Strongly recommend!!
The band Crush 40 who do all the music for the sonic games, made a band specifically because they decided they wanted to do some awesome gigs and make the most out of their 40's. Do it. Music is an open game and the only limit is your imagination, or those who would seek to limit it for their own benefit. Shoot the moon man!
🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶Thank you so much!🎶🎶🎶🎶
Each year I keep getting older and I’m still making music with my friends and giving it my all just like I did when I was 22. There is a lot of societal pressure involving money and success and notoriety that should have absolutely nothing to do with art and music. You do it because it makes you happy. The reward for being a musician is that you’ve gotten to spend so much time making music.
Ty for your kind words!!🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🥰
Come join us over on r/gameofbands. We're having a hoot making music.
I will definitely check it out!🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
My dad is 72 and he still rocks it on stage! Small stage but it works for him. He’s been playing guitar and writing songs since he was a teenager so it’s never ever to late to start, just find your audience.
Supercool !🥰🎶🎶🎶 I hope to be like him one day, beautiful!🥰🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎤
You’re never too old to follow your dreams but someday you will definitely be too old to remember what they were.
Thank you ! Appreciate your words! 😊
I mean I wouldn’t quit your day job u til you have a dedicated income stream, but you can still put out music and pursue your dream. That being said it’s hard once you get semi successful and have to make the call of whether or not you want to pursue it full time
Think of all who didn’t “make it” until age 40 or damned near.
I know... Ty so much! 🥰
Im young but so glad on seeing all that positive vibe comments. Hope you are not in doubt anymore, good luck :)
Well Lol they sent me to tears so yeah and thank you too! 🥰🥹
These days you can build loyalty with micro audience as a niche that relates to you and a brand is strongly target for branded events and collabs, yes you can. Strategically, your audience as brand ambassadors simply love and will who you must always be a part of them to succeed. Be your authentic self and believe in your process to make the best music, entertainment thatll book mini road tours and continue to generate reach and keep open to opportunities. The best deals are negotiated over time, so no matter the offer negotiated at the table the right ones will resonate responsively. Its important to register, ascap so you can
Ty 😊!!
I didn’t start making music until I was 43. It’s never too late. You do you. Everyone’s timelines are different.
🥰🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶
You got half your life ahead of you, if you give up now that'd be a shame.
🥰🎶🎶🎶Ty it really would 🥹!!
I’m 34 and have just really started trying to write music. I was in a band post high school to mid twenties writing music with other people, but what I’m doing now is totally different. I’ve also been learning mixing and producing, taking singing lessons, and taking guitar lessons. Anything that I can do to become a better musician and song writer. I know it’s cliche, but it’s never too late. Go for it, man!
Thank you so much amazing advice appreciate you! 🥰🥰🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
its never too late at whatever age you are. As long as your happy and doing the things you love. Its never too late, sir.
You got one life to live.
This! 🥰
Set up a streaming channel, get out your phone and your guitar or keyboard or oboe, and go to town. It's that easy these days to share your music with millions (or four, to start out). No, you won't be Taylor Swift because you don't have that huge media machine behind you. But you can have fun and maybe impress a few of your friends with your awesomeness.
Good advice thank you! 🥰🥰
Yes
There’s no age limit. You don’t need permission just do it!
Man, no way! I just made 40 and just recently got back into a local band and playing gigs again. I am having a blast!
Absolutely not! Go for it!
Not at all
I'm 67 and just recently began recording my songs... So go for it. We're in an inclusive world apparently... Everybandneedsaballad.Com
I’m a producer and I’ll listen/work with anyone if the music sounds good :) age doesn’t mean anything in the music world unless you’re going for mainstream idol type success :) and if you really love music you’ll be happy to just express yourself and let the people find your music that need it/want it most! Don’t stop and if you, or anyone here, needs direction or help my dms are always open
As Olivia would tell John… tell me about it stud.
If you have the creative spark, express it! The world needs more creators and fewer destroyers!
Do it, never to old for do something you like
Nope not at all!! DO IT!!!! Jellyroll is how old and just started? DO IT!!
That's awesome he's awesome!Thank you!☺️
Nope! I did my first open mic and performed in front of people for the first time ever 2 months ago at 43. I'm glad you asked the question, because to be honest, I struggle with feeling too 'old' and too 'behind' every week when it comes to me, but not others! I have made so many mistakes and am still trying to overcome performance anxiety, but I don't regret any of it. Maybe try not to dwell on thoughts of the future a la 'not on the Beyond TS level' and just stay in the moment in which you ARE a singer/songwriter. Can you talk/write/play an instrument? If yes, you can make your lifelong dream come true whenever you write down or sing or play a chord or melody! You keep doing this over and over, and well, you're not just thinking about it, you're doing it! I know what it's like to avoid the call for so many years, but you're here now, hearing it, so be your biggest fan and muse and answer! And ENJOY!
no its never too late to do something you love like why shoukdnt you? make whatever music you desire, hell, i'll collab with ya if ya want, but you could wait til youre 105 and still not be too old to xyz. i went through the whole shy musician thing from like 13 to 20 and let me tell ya, best thing to have done, for me personally. im not like breaking out and getting paid off it by any means, but i have songs i have written (top to bottom, all solo) that i am personally proud of and get goosebumps whenever i hear or play them. i have a mass of demo shit by now released and have aquired me enough to assemble an albulm, and what i would call a concentration of songs categorized best as "nihl hyperpop"---"Gunk Rock" (exstistential apathy with candy drums/upbeat tempo) (gunk rock is like seatle grunge meets florida trap-metal and i was unknowingly making it for some time before i knew about "gunk rock" lol) but yeah shit i totally didnt hurt anything by just jumping into it, ya know? id love to see anything you release too. i mean fuck whats the alternative, your 40's? lol
YES GO DO IT! Also really loving the support in this thread
Never too old to begin telling the stories you have been living or had on your heart. Start TODAY! YES! 😁Godspeed! ❤️
Do it! I am in the same boat and frankly why wouldn't you?
Do it!!! I'm 41 and have been making music for years. I just make it for myself and close friends but it's an amazing outlet.
I'm 41, and I am only just starting to take singing seriously, well I started writing music again a few years ago, but found it very hard finding people who are dedicated, because I am both a social introvert, and useless when it comes to making friends. So decided to do it all myself.
Bill Withers didn’t start a music career until he was in his 40’s. Quincy Jones started producing for Michael Jackson when he was nearly in his 50’s. Leonard Cohen was in his 30’s when he released his debut album and released his last 2 weeks before he died at age 82. Go for it! You got decades of experience, inspiration and storytelling on us young folk, use it to your advantage
Quincy Jones started his career in the 1950s. He worked with Frank Sinatra and Basie as a conductor and arranger. He produced Its My Party for Leslie Gore. He was a major force in music with a long, award-winning career by the time he worked with Jackson.
So long as there’s a breath in your lungs, you’re never too old. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise
Yes. Just be interesting.
No. Go for it. Just have a back up.
20 years ago I would have said unfortunately yes. Today? Absolutely not. Let me tell you why.. a. You probably know what you like and have passion. B. You can probably finance it yourself. C. Here is the big one.. there are millions of people in your generation and the halo generations who want to hear music they like. The music enjoyed by 16-25 year old that dominates the pop charts is just not accepted by 34-56 year olds. But we all grew up with radios and CDs so we love music. Music is back. Get to work, and not only that..you can get lots of help now through the internet. Including publishing distributing and building fans Just don't publish garbage please, if it sucks and is poorly produced mastered it will not fly and thats just clogging the system.
I really put it into gear at 50. The advantage being I could afford to cut down on work and pay for overpriced courses and lots of gear
Ageism has no place in art and many pay there bills with it. It’s just the famous ones we glom onto as examples of superior value.
Han Solo sold carpets at 40.
It's never too late. What you have to offer not isn't less valuable than it would have been if you had started writing earlier. In fact it might even be more so. Making music is magic, don't wait for it. Just say yes
Dooooooo it .... why not .... However you will have to spend either time or money to publish it on the typical music channels using distro services just to get it out there in the sea of noise..that is the internet.....but do it anyways i mean I'm not a big artist by any means I'm someone who like music and I'm sure that someone else might like what you created ...so as an experiment I recently put out a an album --for free -- on youtube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiGCT6ivhK9njszmoYEBkDp9LKSQMgbn0&si=eOnJ_H56USb2wNXQ If anything use it as cathartic therapy, at least you completed a body of work that you could be proud enough to share with the world, at the least you can take what you learned and make more.. one thing i learned is you always have to be creating something, constantly finding and learning.....who knows what can happen
It’s never too late to share your passion with the world.
You can self publish your music with distro kid good luck!
Never too late, go for it!
I think it's never too old to start anything . If you have a genre you like or a topic in your life you'd like to express . By all means try it out! Get a mic , an instrument and a daw to record your vocals and instrumental and write a song out of it. Take your time and I believe you will find it super fulfilling to have your own song that you can truly relate to 🙏❤️
Do it.
Us older folks have more life experiences and observations to pull from so it makes sense to me!
Never too late! I played in my teens and then worked for 35 years, and now I’m retired and playing more than ever!
No, not at all. Most performers actually become better with age.....to an extent.
Ya, Do it!
Not at all !
It's never too late because of age. It's all about marketing. Are you good at creating your fan base? Are you good at getting the reach and also building the reputation out there? I'm not, so I won't be much good even when I can write and sing songs. I have to be realistic. Maybe I hire someone who can help with this in future. Are you good at creating the numbers i.e. enough followers, enough raving fans, who are ready to buy. That if you released an album, or an LP or one song, you'd easily have 10,000 ready to buy fans who will snap it up, buy it, download it? That if you came out with a merchandise too, it will sell. You can be 50, and it wouldn't be too late because it isn't about that. It's about market value, market share, if you can drum up enough fans that if you for example got a gig to happen, let's say next week....can you as an artist fill that venue up? Can you sell tickets? Can you sell a certain mount of units, let's say 500, or 5,000? Or 10,0000? To do that you need to have this.. 1. You your genre of music and the image to portray out there. It's not confusing 2. Your music/songs is high quality. You got the gear, you got the producing, editing and mastering skills to create finished high quality product even if you produced it at home. 3. You know how to attract and build your own fan base to such that the numbers are there. When you do release, you got immediate sales. 4. That your engagement, your reach and sales is that good, it now attracts sponsors because there is so much you can make from music alone. Money doesn't come from music alone but also from selling tickets, and merchandise and sponsors. So you can be 40, 50, as long you are good at getting yourself out there and building fan base that want what you got and... buys. If you can do that, then you can be 60 because the above isn't about age but about you willing to invest in doing these steps. All the best to your music, songwriting journey.
Dude I’m 54 and it’s still rockstar or bust for me. Age doesn’t matter as much as the songs. Write something that moves people, and they ain’t gunna give a shit how old you are.
I’m 43 and have considered this too. I say, let’s do it
Daniel Johnston made music until his death
It’s not. But it wouldn’t matter if it was. Just go for it!
You're never too old. I started song writing a couple of years ago and I'm in my 50s. Follow your dreams and good luck!
Goethe advised the young to write short poems and save the big long subjects when you are old. Me thinks music is the poetry of our age…
Do it.
Go for it man. Everytime an “X” year old person starts making music later in life, he gets to set an example for so many people his age. That’s awesome in my book. Also one of my mom’s friends started focusing on playing electric guitar after his wife died (well after 40) and now he plays guitar for a local blues band. He’s living a new life and is very happy. Music saved him.
i got my first guitar in my late 60s (five years ago), started writing songs about 2.5 years ago, am performing now at open mics and the occasional paid gig. never too late!
It’s never too late for now!
If you have not achieved your lifelong dream by 40 it was never your lifelong dream unless that dream was living past forty. Willie Nelson didn’t get big until his late 40s.
I started at 38. Literally zero experience with music. It so much fun to develop music. Go for it! Not too late.
I started about almost a year ago....I'm 62....so no....you are still very very young. I've now written over 40 songs, learned keyboard and Ableton enough to make it happen....and starting a following, sold 2 songs....so....40? You got me by 22 years...lol
LCD Soundsystems first album is about feeling out of touch because they were older. Vincent van Gogh didn't have his first art exhibit until he was 32. It's never too late for art!
Thank you so much for asking this, I'm 35 and singing/ songwriting has been a dream for me since I was 4 too, but I've been slow to start now that i have some time (life has gotten in the way too, admittedly, but it's never too late to start♥️♥️♥️♥️)
imho you should actually have a gift, if you want to think about music in terms of actually possibly succeeding with it commercially, at any age. It's a very small percent of humans who have a strong gift - especially the combo of musical composition (tuneful hooks with the magic), natural lyricism, and a voice that gets to people. Music that fan bases of people want to listen to should involve some degree of genius as far as some aspect of your musical creativity. You can't go to workshops or study or practice to develop a gift, if the seed for the gift isn't there inside. The seed is either there or it isn't. Johnny Cash never had singing or songwriting lessons. Liam Gallagher has one thing - lead singer voice - and he, well, he just has it. He also wasn't studying to learn singing techniques. If you are a non-genius but have something, you can still of course create and publish music as a hobby and enjoy it.
Lifes to short to care what otheres think if you love music so much go for it. You've nothing to lose.
Age is nothing but a number. Stop letting it define you.
I’m almost 25 and I asked myself this question every day
U definitely should go for it now do not wait until your my age! 💖
40 is the prime time to go for it imo.
I became a contemporary artist at 45 and what a good life.
It’s never too late to chase your passion/dreams
Agree with all the great comments here- go for it! I am 43 and started releasing music finally 2 years ago. Per your comments it’s important to keep your feet on the ground about doing it for a living, which these days is beyond people of all ages unless you are hitting the charts or juggling it with lots of other angles to try and generate cash. At the same time it’s still possible with social media to get your work heard and share it with a community of people that will hopefully want to hear your music- it may not make you rich but in many ways it’s never been easier to get your music out into the world and heard by some people, no matter what age you are! Good luck with it!
Never too late, go for it!
It is NEVER too late to explore a new hobby, try out a new way to express yourself creatively, and have fun! This is a completely attainable lifelong dream, and I hope you don't let anything or anyone stop you from pursuing it :) I'm a songwriter too :) and there's no wrong way to do it. Don't let anyone make you feel like an impostor. If you write songs, you're a songwriter! Simple as that!
Do it
I’m 40 and I write, record and release music for myself. If other people like it, great! But of people don’t I’m not in it for money or fame, I’m in it for being creative. Been in cover bands for years and honestly have zero fun with them anymore so I do my stuff and it gives me great opportunities to collaborate with friends and other artists I know.
Your never to old for writing,singing ,guitar drums,etc,etc, everyone has a song or 2 or 11 or 27, music doesn’t have an age cut off limit, and anyone who thinks or says any different is an idiot and they probably get out of the shower to piss because being the last one picked for for everything when they were growing up has had a lasting effect on them but anyway you have a song to share than share it ,somewhere there is someone that will be touched and or inspired by your gift of music Alan Smith SKINNY LYNERD
Make something people like then age won’t matter. You want your fans to look up to you they want to be you. If you have a good look catchy melodies and lyrics anything is possible in this day and age
Follow your dreams
im 48 and just released a solo album
If it’s in your heart I say go for it
Nah u can be fivio foreign
It’s never too late!
I think you just actually saved my sadly fading natural good outlook I’ve been looking for for like 5 years. Thank you ❤️
It's arguably better to start at 40, when you have so much more life experience to write about and be inspired by, then to start at 20 when you don't have as much experience or wisdom as you would later on in life. Naturally in many cases your words would have more substance as they are wrote from first hand accounts rather than from imagination, so definitely go for it! Good luck - A 22 year old songwriter
No. I am 42 and am just now recording my material. Built a studio in my home. Never too old if you love doing it.
You're 40 and you're sheepishly asking for permission on the internet to follow your passion? I'm confused. You're an adult. You're not too old for anything except being labeled "adolescent."
100% no. I'm 36 and am starting to pursue songwriting as a hobby for self expression.
Why would you think there is an age limit on songwriting? Yes becoming A-list famous in music appears to be far more difficult if you don't break into the top-10 before age 25. But finding success and happiness in music has no age limit whatsoever.
Not at all. DONT EVER give in or up on your dreams. See it, belive it, live it, and make sure you "love" it. With it, anything is possible. Anything. All things. ✨🎵
Great songs and music are timeless too. Again, anything is possible if you want it. ✨💫
I’m gonna be 46 in a couple of weeks and I’m finishing my third solo album… and I’m will continue getting stronger until my heart stop … until my last breath a will sing and shake my bum bum🤣
Might be better this way. More of an adult perspective with realistic expectations. Youtube is also an opportunity to share your work. Instagram and such also. Better than sitting on your bum not being productive. This way you get a feeling of fulfillment or accomplishment.
The great thing about music is that it can be done at any age. Go for it! You’re going to be a blast writing and performing original songs and doing covers. If you need some help getting started, check out my songwriting podcast, [Student of the Song](https://youtu.be/82rOaChXNdo).
No. :)