Unique Challenges Promoting Your Music As A Woman Over 40
In the latest episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Bree Noble delivers an honest and inspiring reflection on what it means to promote yourself as a more mature artist. As she celebrates her birthday, Bree Noble uses this milestone as an opportunity to take a big-picture look at the common obstacles and unique advantages faced by artists over 40, 50, and beyond.
Listen to the episode here:
As Bree Noble notes, “When I first started my music career, I was 33… when I started this podcast and started helping female artists, I was already over 40.” Her background and years working with mature, especially female, artists give her a deep insight into the daily struggles faced by this community.
Below, we distill ten key areas highlighted by Bree Noble that mature artists should consider as they step into self-promotion.
1. Conquering the Fear of Starting Late
A primary challenge touched on is the feeling many mature artists carry: “Oh my gosh, I’m too late. I should have done this 20 years ago.” Bree Noble reassures listeners, reminding them, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” () Choosing to start now puts you ahead of those who never take action.
2. Navigating Trends Without Losing Yourself
Many mature artists struggle with current trends, such as streaming and social media, which may feel foreign compared to the CD or iTunes eras. Bree Noble advises, “Look at what the trends are and see if they fit you or not… I’m not saying you have to do social media. You have to do any of these things if they feel completely wrong for you.” ()
Instead, assess where your audience spends time and focus your energy there, even if that means staying on Facebook instead of TikTok.
3. Tackling Technology One Step at a Time
Technology can be overwhelming, especially when every platform and tool seems unfamiliar. Bree Noble encourages artists to “tackle one tech at a time” and seek help from those more comfortable with these tools (). Finding someone who can guide you, even setting up templates for recording or posting content, can transform your workflow and confidence.
4. Overcoming Aversion to Self-Promotion
Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, particularly for those who have spent years putting family and others first. “[We’ve] always kind of put ourselves second or third,” Bree Noble observes (), acknowledging the difficulty in stepping into the spotlight. She also emphasizes the importance of video, encouraging artists to batch content on days they feel “video ready” for more efficient promotion ().
5. Managing Limited Time and Energy
“With health challenges, family, and other commitments… you’re not always going to have full energy capacity,” Bree Noble acknowledges (). Her solution: plan ahead and batch your content creation on good days, giving yourself a cushion when life gets busy or energy is low.
6. Investing in Yourself Without Guilt
Past disappointments in promotion—like hiring a bad PR agent or getting scammed by playlist sellers—can breed reluctance to invest again. Bree Noble stresses the need for due diligence and community support. “Get referrals, talk to other artists that have used it or do entirely DIY campaigns” (), she recommends.
7. Building a True Support System
Many artists lack understanding and encouragement from friends and family. Bree Noble reminds us, “If people are not artistic people in our world, they don’t understand the drive. They don’t understand why it’s important to us” (). Finding a community of like-minded artists is essential, fueling motivation and reducing the sense of isolation.
8. Owning Your Identity as an Artist
Stepping into your artist persona can feel like play-acting at first. Bree Noble encourages listeners: “The more you step into your artist persona, the more you will actually become that artist persona” ().
9. Balancing Mission with Metrics
Many mature musicians want to focus on meaning over metrics. But, as Bree Noble notes, “If you don’t get ears on your music, then they’re not going to hear your message.” () It’s not about chasing numbers for vanity—it’s ensuring your message is actually being heard.
At whatever age you begin, your experience, wisdom, and story offer something unique to your audience. As Bree Noble put it, “As mature artists, we have so much to offer because we have so much life experience that we can pour into our music that younger artists don’t.” () Take pride in your journey—and don’t be afraid to step forward.
