We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Peacock recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Earning a sustainable living as a creative is not exactly an easy thing to do. For starters, our economic system is a gig economy. It’s feast or famine, and more often times than not – famine! It’s a unique journey, blending passion, creativity, and determination with the practicalities of survival in a fiercely competitive industry. It’s a lifestyle that requires resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to one’s craft. From the outside, it may seem glamorous, but behind the scenes, it’s a constant hustle filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.

Financial instability is another major hurdle for independent touring artists. With no guaranteed paycheck and expenses piling up, every gig becomes crucial for survival. From selling merchandise to negotiating performance fees, I had to become a savvy entrepreneur, constantly seeking new opportunities to generate income and sustain my career.

I started writing songs when I was a teenager and always knew I wanted a career as an artist. I romanticized the whole thing in my mind, of course, as young people do. When I was in my early 20’s, I’d travel hours to play for tips in coffee shops within a 4 hour radius of where I lived (Nashville). I remember many mornings seeing the sunrise over the Nashville skyline after driving all night to get home after a gig because I couldn’t afford a hotel room. I didn’t know it then, but my journey as an artist would be full of many hardships – including a bogus recording contract, a tour bus fire, a global pandemic, and many other ups and downs.

At the end of the day, this job is all about hustle. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Comparative analysis is the thief of joy, so you really have to keep your head down and stay focused on your own art. Being authentic to who you are and what you want to say is paramount for success. Realistic expectations about the amount of creative work vs. admin work you’ll be doing is also important. Sometimes my job is 5% creative and 95% admin. The balance fluctuates. I’ve been very fortunate to have made a good full time living from my creative work. But it didn’t happen overnight, or even in a few years. My first 6 figure year wasn’t until after a decade of touring. I think the only real way I got there was just not giving up. New opportunities come sometimes just when you’re ready to quit. One thing leads to something else, and suddenly you realize you’re doing it.

I also began to diversify my income as a creative about 5 years ago. I think that’s really important for artists to do. Not only do I tour, but I also produce music for other artists. I have also been working really hard to develop my connections in the sync world, which licenses music for tv and film. In addition to that, I’ve explored and sharpened other skills I have with photography and videography. I started a media company and produce music videos, documentaries, and other free lance film and photography projects for others. In 2020 I bought my first home. Qualifying all on my own for a mortgage is something I never thought would happen. I’ve even turned my home into a revenue stream by putting a tiny house in my backyard. I rent it on Airbnb, and it helps pay the mortgage when I’m in more of a “famine” cycle with my work.

Ultimately, making a living as an independent touring artist is a labor of love—a constant pursuit of creativity, self-expression, adventure, and entrepreneurship (the key word). It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows, but for those who dare to embark on this journey, the rewards are immeasurable. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about making a living—it’s about living life to the fullest, one song, one show, one unforgettable moment at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Originally from Atlanta, GA, I came to Nashville in 2001 to attend Belmont University, graduating with a bachelors of music degree. I always knew I wanted to have a career in music, and I’ve worked really hard to maintain a sustainable career that pays the bills and fulfills my needs as a creative person.

Beyond my musical endeavors, I am also a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ communities, women’s rights, and anti-bullying awareness. I love using my platform to de-stigmatize and facilitate bridge-building conversations surrounding these issues, and I am deeply committed to promote healing through the power of music.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is having the freedom to express myself authentically and connect with audiences on a personal level. That is a privilege that few professions offer. It’s also really incredible to be your own boss and not have to answer to anyone. I’m a motivated self-starting individual, so it works for me. I love that freedom as well.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic really changed the financial landscape of touring life for independent musicians. I don’t think anyone is yet making the kind of money they were pre-pandemic. That has forced a pivot for many of us. I also recently became a new mom. I’m now implementing pivot strategies out of necessity for multiple reasons. I have diversified my income in so many ways. I currently have about 7 revenue streams – everything from Airbnb, Turo, touring, producing music for others, and my film production company – it all helps. I’m now strategizing my tour life differently too as a mom, carefully considering my offers from promotors more than ever before.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sarahpeacockmusic.com
• Instagram: @StalkThePeacock
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahpeacockmusic
• Twitter: @TheSarahPeacock
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/sarahpeacockmusic
• Other: TikTok @StalkThePeacock