Imposter Syndrome in Music
Why every artist feels like a fraud sometimes, and practical ways to overcome it.
Imposter syndrome — the persistent feeling that you do not belong, that your success is undeserved, and that you are about to be exposed as a fraud — is remarkably common among musicians. It affects artists at every level, from bedroom producers to Grammy winners. Understanding that this feeling is normal, widespread, and not a reflection of reality is the first step toward managing it.
Imposter syndrome often intensifies at moments of progress. Getting signed, playing a bigger venue, receiving positive press, or collaborating with someone you admire can all trigger the voice that says you are not good enough. This is because growth pushes you outside your comfort zone, and your brain interprets unfamiliar territory as danger. Recognise this pattern: the feeling of being a fraud is often a sign that you are exactly where you should be — stretching beyond your previous limits.
Compare yourself to yourself, not to others. Social media creates a curated highlight reel of other artists lives and careers. You are comparing your behind-the-scenes reality — the doubt, the failed experiments, the slow progress — to their polished public image. The artists you admire have the same doubts and struggles; they just do not post about them. Track your own growth over time. Where were you a year ago? Two years ago? The evidence of your progress is the most powerful antidote to imposter syndrome.