Navigating the Challenges of Growing an Independent Music Empire: Insights from MondoHardy

Breaking into the music industry as an independent artist comes with unique challenges and demands. MondoHardy, an emerging musician carving out his own lane, shares his journey of building an independent empire, the obstacles he’s encountered along the way, and the mindset it takes to stay the course. His experiences offer valuable insight for other aspiring artists determined to leave their own mark on the music world. “In my music journey, I’ve faced the challenges of growing an independent empire,” MondoHardy says. “The time, effort, and contributors play a key role in an artist’s journey.” For him, one of the biggest hurdles is assembling the right team. “Finding your team and group of people you mesh well with can be hard,” he admits. “People will break up and things won’t be clear most of the time, but that’s what comes with being a visionary. Despite the inevitable setbacks, MondoHardy takes a proactive approach to adversity. “The way I overcome situations is by bettering my preparation,” he shares—highlighting the importance of readiness and adaptability in an unpredictable industry.

When it comes to working on new music, MondoHardy keeps things grounded and personal. “A typical day for me when I’m working on a new project is that I have a setup of my own,” he explains. “I use Logic Pro X as my recording software.” With hundreds of beats sent to him regularly, the selection process is both intuitive and emotional. “I listen for one that really plays with my brain. Melodies speak to me, the frequency chooses my cadence, and my words warp around the song,” he says. “That’s how I think about my work and the ways I come up with my projects. Nothing more, nothing less. His workflow depends heavily on his mental state. “I might write today, or punch-in freestyle a song tomorrow. It’s all about how I’m feeling mentally,” he shares. While spontaneity plays a role in his recording style, structure is key when it comes to finalizing music. “The hook is always key—a good hook makes the whole song.” When it comes to putting together full-length projects, MondoHardy doesn’t rush the process. “When I work on albums, that process can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months,” he says. “I come up with the idea of the whole project and execute the songs’ tracklist.”

Even as an emerging artist, MondoHardy makes it clear that success in music requires more than just talent—it takes strategy, knowledge, and independence. When asked what advice he’d give to other rising artists trying to break into the industry, he doesn’t hesitate. “Study the music game and watch YouTube,” he says. “Everything we need is out there to use. Know how a song makes royalties, unless you want to be forever trapped in a broke artist mindset.”
For MondoHardy, understanding the business side of music is just as important as mastering the creative process. “Learn how to do things independently. Nobody can do it better than yourself,” he emphasizes.
His journey underscores a vital truth: success in the industry demands resilience, preparation, and a willingness to keep learning. MondoHardy’s message to aspiring artists serves as a powerful reminder that building a sustainable and fulfilling music career starts with taking control—both creatively and professionally.