We recently connected with Patti Steel and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Patti thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

As a seasoned musician but newer singer-songwriter trying to transition into a full-time career, the biggest challenge to profitability in the music industry is the unpredictable and inconsistent income. While streaming platforms provide exposure, the payouts are minimal—for example, if one of my songs had tens of thousands of streams it would barely earn enough to cover a single utility bill. Touring, often considered a reliable income source, comes with significant risks and upfront costs. As a middle-aged musician, I also have responsibilities that make it harder to take unpaid gigs or live on the road indefinitely, but the catch-22 is that to grow my audience, I often have to accept opportunities that don’t pay much. The emotional toll can be heavy—people assume music is a lucrative career because it’s so visible, but the margins are razor-thin, and it takes constant investment in recording, marketing, and performing to stay afloat. Despite the financial strain, the love of the craft and the moments of connection with listeners are what keep me going, even if profitability feels like a distant goal.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Patti Steel, a musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Music has always been a part of my life, but it became my true passion and career when I realized its power to connect people and express emotions in ways that words alone cannot. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft by playing a variety of instruments, including clarinet, mandolin, and guitar, blending my love for folk, jazz, blues, and roots music into a unique and soulful sound. My journey has been about exploring the boundaries of genres and creating music that resonates deeply with people.

I provide live performances, studio recordings, and workshops, sharing music that’s heartfelt, dynamic, and rooted in authentic storytelling. As a singer-songwriter, I aim to craft songs that speak to universal experiences—love, loss, hope, and growth—while infusing them with my own unique perspective. For clients and collaborators, I offer versatility and the ability to seamlessly adapt to a range of projects, whether that’s playing as a solo artist, leading a band, or contributing as an instrumentalist.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to the music and my community. I’ve always been drawn to the way music can bring people together, whether it’s through a lively performance or a quiet, introspective song. My work reflects my belief that music should move people, inspire them, and remind them of our shared humanity. I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built through my music—both with audiences and with fellow artists—and the opportunity to create moments that people carry with them long after the music stops.

I want people to know that my music is about connection. It’s about celebrating life’s highs and navigating its lows together. Whether you’re listening to my songs, attending a live show, or collaborating on a project, my goal is to create something meaningful and lasting. For me, music isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am, and I’m honored to share that with anyone who listens.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

For me, the goal of my creative journey is to connect with people on a deeply emotional level and create moments that inspire joy, reflection, and unity. Music is a universal language, and my mission is to use it to bridge divides, celebrate life’s beauty, and provide comfort or inspiration through life’s challenges. At the heart of everything I do is a desire to share love through music—whether it’s through an uplifting melody, heartfelt lyrics, or the energy of a live performance, I aim to create an atmosphere where people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Beyond personal expression, I also strive to keep the rich traditions of folk, blues, jazz, and roots music alive while blending them with contemporary elements to create something unique and timeless. At its core, my mission is about storytelling—bringing my own journey and the stories of others to life through songs that resonate and leave a lasting impact. My hope is that every note I play and every song I sing serves as a reminder of the power of music to heal, uplift, connect, and most importantly, to spread love.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level through music. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone moved by a song I’ve written or performed—whether it brings them joy, comfort, or even just a moment of peace. Knowing that something I’ve created can touch someone’s heart, inspire them, or remind them they’re not alone is an incredible feeling.

I also love the energy exchange that happens during live performances. Sharing my music with an audience and feeling their reactions in real-time creates a sense of unity and community that’s truly magical. It’s not just about me expressing myself—it’s about creating a shared experience where everyone feels connected, even if it’s just for a moment.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part of being an artist is using music as a way to spread love and positivity, to tell stories, and to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a privilege to create something that resonates with others, and that keeps me inspired every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pattisteel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti_steel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pattisteelmusic/
• Twitter: https://x.com/PattiSteelMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/pattisteel
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/patti-steel-music
• Other: https://pattisteelmusic.bandcamp.com/album/no-better

Image Credits

Larry Fluery, Taryn Starkey, Meredith Mashburn Photography, Nik Cagle, Corey Lamb Photography, Zen Lens Photography (Robert & Cheryl Crook)