How Musicians in the North Are Turning Their Talent into Side Hustles

The North of England has always had a deep-rooted music culture that runs through its veins. From the guitar-driven anthems of Manchester and the soulful sounds of Liverpool to the indie energy of Leeds, the electronic pulse of Sheffield, and the rising rap contributions of Newcastle, the North’s musical heritage is undeniable. Yet in an era when traditional routes to fame have shifted, northern musicians are finding new ways to make their art pay.

Being a musician is incredibly difficult, with lots of competition and saturation in the field. Side hustle ideas have become a lifeline for many artists, allowing them to stay creative while earning an income. With the rise of digital platforms and online communities, the North’s musicians are reinventing what it means to make music in the modern age.

Reinventing What it Means to be A Musician

For decades, the path to success in music followed a predictable route: record a demo, play local gigs, get noticed by a label, and hope for the best. Today, that system has been replaced by a more flexible, do-it-yourself model. Musicians no longer need major label backing to be heard, with the rise of social media playing a vital role in getting their music heard. Instead, they’re carving out their own audiences, one stream and one post at a time.

In cities such as Manchester and Leeds, rehearsal rooms and grassroots venues are thriving alongside digital creativity. Artists use platforms like SoundCloud, Spotify, and TikTok to build followings that extend far beyond their region. Many have turned their music into side hustles, releasing songs independently while maintaining part-time jobs to fund their art.

This shift has created a new kind of musical ecosystem, one built on collaboration and creativity rather than contracts and competition.

Turning Your Passion into Income

For many northern musicians, the goal isn’t instant stardom; it’s sustainability in a difficult economy. Side hustles in music come in many forms, and they often reflect the practical, resourceful spirit the North is known for. Some artists offer music lessons in schools or from home studios, passing on their skills to the next generation. Others produce beats, compose soundtracks for independent films and video games, or branch out their skills combined with music in the form of custom artwork, for example. One of whom is taking off in the latter alongside their music abilities goes by the name of RobRez. He has gone viral and produced a range of different paintings and portrait canvases for the likes of Fredo, Tino Livramento, Sting, and Stevie Wonder.

A songwriter in Newcastle can now collaborate with a rapper in London or a producer in Berlin without leaving their flat.

Live performances remain a vital source of income too. Northern cities have a rich circuit of bars and festivals that provide opportunities for artists to perform. From Liverpool’s grassroots venues to Sheffield’s Tramlines festival, local audiences are often supportive of homegrown acts.

Meanwhile, the internet has opened global doors that the older generation could have only dreamed of. A songwriter in Newcastle can now collaborate with a rapper in London or a producer in Berlin without leaving their flat. This level of access has made it easier for musicians to diversify their income streams. Music might begin as a passion project, but with online distribution and streaming, it can also become a modest but steady side income.

Platforms Providing Opportunities

The digital landscape has played a major role in this shift. Platforms like Patreon and Bandcamp have given independent artists the tools to monetise their fanbases directly. Instead of relying on traditional royalties, musicians can offer subscribers early releases, behind-the-scenes content, or even private live sessions. There are many different avenues for musicians to monetise their skills and content, meaning more people are willing to take the risk in chasing their dreams.

Streaming platforms have also made it easier for musicians to distribute their work globally. While streaming income alone rarely covers expenses, it provides exposure that can lead to new opportunities, from live bookings to brand collaborations.

Social media has further levelled the playing field. Artists who once relied on radio airplay or press coverage can now build audiences through their phones. Short-form video has become particularly powerful, allowing northern musicians to showcase their sound and personality in seconds.

Community and Collaboration

A defining feature of the northern music scene has always been its sense of community. Bands, producers, and performers often support one another rather than compete. Local festivals and independent studios provide spaces where collaboration thrives.

Many artists form collectives to share equipment and resources; this spirit of togetherness not only reduces costs but also helps musicians learn from each other. The exchange of skills, from production techniques to social media strategy, is part of what keeps the northern scene vibrant and resilient.

Challenges Musicians Face in the Modern Economy

Despite these opportunities, making money from music remains challenging. Streaming royalties are low, live performance costs have risen, and competition for attention is fierce. Many musicians juggle multiple roles, performing during the day/night and promoting their work online in between.

However, this adaptability reflects the North’s long-standing resilience. Just as past generations found ways to thrive through change, today’s artists are doing the same. The digital age has disrupted the music industry, but it has also allowed anyone with talent and determination to find an audience.