Talent Won't Save Your Music Career | Chris Maltese

What actually builds a sustainable music career? In this episode of Psych Drop, music industry veteran Chris Maltese breaks down the psychology behind lasting success in the music business and what most developing artists get wrong.Host Dr. Sunni sits down with Chris, who has spent over 25 years across every side of the industry, from MTV to artist management to running labels and distribution. Together, they get into why talent on its own is never enough, and how consistency and real relationships are the things that actually keep a career alive.Chris shares how the smartest artists turn casual listeners into lifers, fans who stick with you no matter what song you put out. He explains why the shift from editorial to algorithmic playlists changed everything, how to build a release strategy around your algorithm, and why pumping out singles with no plan leaves growth on the table.They also dig into the part nobody likes to talk about: burnout. Chris is honest about how cheap and easy touring has become in the electronic space, why that makes it so easy to overwork yourself, and how staying in love with the work is what protects a long career.If you are an artist, producer, manager, or anyone trying to build something that lasts in music, this conversation is full of grounded, real-world advice you can use right away.LINKSListen on Spotify: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/v83cjww4C3bFollow on Instagram: @psych.dropConnect with Chris: @_chrismaltese_