How to stand out in an oversaturated music industry

Author

Collarts

Reading Time

3 minutes

Music has always been part of what makes us human, evolving alongside our cultures and shaping how we express ourselves. Genres rise and fall, tastes shift, and technology continues to redefine how we create and consume music. It’s an ever-changing industry, full of challenges and opportunities for the next generation of creatives.

According to IBISWorld, the Australian music industry generated over $994 million in revenue in 2023. That’s a massive playground of potential for anyone passionate about music creation, performance, and production.
What does the music industry look like in 2025?

Collarts Music Production Program Coordinator David Jacob sees the industry in a state of transformation. New technologies are reshaping how music is conceptualised, produced, and shared.

Machine-learning tools are now capable of creating functional music for things like advertisements or background playlists, which once provided steady work for producers. Add to this the influx of new creators empowered by accessible production tools, and you’ve got a competitive landscape that requires adaptability and originality to thrive.

So how do you stand out in an industry this crowded? By mastering the skills, technology and versatility needed to move with its changes—and that’s exactly what we focus on at Collarts.
How to make your mark

David highlights the key skills and strategies every music producer needs to shine in 2025:

  • Stay ahead of technology: Embrace advancements and learn how to adapt to new tools and techniques.

  • Bring your music to life: Develop the ability to conceptualise and execute live performances.

  • Diversify your income streams: Build a “portfolio career” with multiple roles, from studio work to live gigs and beyond.

  • Be versatile: Work confidently across different areas of music production, from sound design to engineering.

  • Find your sound: Cultivate a unique style while mastering the tools of the trade.

Why Collarts?

Our Music Production course is where creativity meets practicality. With an Ableton-certified curriculum and access to cutting-edge tools and facilities, students are equipped to step into any studio, gig or creative space with confidence. But our focus isn’t just on the tech; it’s on understanding the concepts that drive it. That means you’ll know how things work, so you can handle any piece of gear or software you encounter in the future.

“When we teach synthesis, it’s not about mastering one specific synthesiser,” David explains. “It’s about understanding how synthesis works across different platforms, so students can adapt to anything they’ll use in the industry.

Networking is also a major part of what makes Collarts unique. From international scholarships and field trips to DJing opportunities at Collarts events, we help you build connections that count. Our cross-discipline approach lets you collaborate with students in performance, entertainment management and audio production, giving you hands-on experience in teamwork—a key skill for the real world.

Your future starts here

Whether you want to produce, compose, DJ, or create soundscapes for film and TV, we’re here to help you find your voice, hone your craft and build a sustainable career.

Explore our course and carve your unique path in this dynamic industry.