What I Wish I Knew Before Releasing My First Album

When I started recording my first album this past year, I finally felt like I was making something I was proud of. I wanted the story of the album to be a compilation of songs that made me who I am as an artist, built from songs that mean the most to me through my career so far, as well as putting my original songs out there for the first time. I thought if I created something I genuinely believed in, the rest would somehow follow. I learned there is so much more to that.

Before anyone steps into the studio, there are already decisions and costs involved. You have to find the right producer, the right studio, musicians/producers who understand your vision, potential arrangements, mixing, mastering, photography, artwork, distribution and guidance. You pour months, sometimes years of energy, ideas, emotion and money into creating this body of work. There is so much anticipation surrounding the moment when it finally comes out that release day feels like the finish line.

I’m sorry to say, but It isn’t. It’s only the starting line. Suddenly the questions change.

How do people discover my music? You need publicity.

How do you gain publicity? You need marketing. You need to get yourself out there as much as possible.

You want to get out there as much as possible? You need rehearsals, hire musicians, book gigs.

The cycle never ends.

Then there is the entirely different landscape of what an artist is today. Spotify, Apple Music, playlists, algorithms, social media, short-form content, engagement, followers, streaming numbers and audience growth, and somewhere in between all of that, you’re supposed to remain creative. That has probably been the biggest lesson for me. I’m not naturally someone who wants every part of my life on display. Music has always been the way I communicate. Give me a song and a stage and I will tell you exactly who I am. But I’ve learned that in today’s world, sometimes the music needs an introduction. People want to know the person behind the voice. For someone who would rather let the music speak, that has been an adjustment.

I’ve also learned that talent is important, but talent alone isn’t the business plan. You need the right people around you. You need persistence. You need patience. You need an audience. You need timing. And yes, somewhere along the way, you probably need a little luck too. I’m still learning all of it. There are days when the business side feels overwhelming, but then I get to sing. I hear a song connecting with someone I have never met. I step onto a stage and remember why I started in the first place.

So, what do I wish I knew before releasing my first album? That releasing the music isn’t the end of the work. It’s where everything really begins, and despite everything I now know, I would still choose it, because I love what I do.

Noah Kosta is a 22 year old jazz/pop artist, captivating audiences across Canada with his mesmerizing and unique voice. Fresh off an engaging appearance on “Canada’s Got Talent,” Noah’s musical journey is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for entertaining, solidifying his place as one of the most promising emerging talents in the industry.

Website - noahkosta.com