Realistically, is it at all possible to make it as a musician

depends on your definition of "make it" as well as your definition of "musician"

of course. you just need to hornace enough meme magic.

not without a lot of luck/connections
or
without a side-career teaching music also (for which you'll probably need a degree)

File: 3513234cae914769c7bc9fc3d8e0e9f0[1].jpg (94KB, 770x924px) Image search: [Google]

94KB, 770x924px

yeah, but the first few years (at least) will be rough.

Yes, you can be a musician and work at a grocery store at the same time. Just because you're a musician that doesn't mean you can't do other things.

File: a0152078045_5[1].jpg (54KB, 700x700px)

54KB, 700x700px

>>69469691
if you're persistent enough eventually you will run into some luck, or a connection that leads to other connections.

but some people do just get lucky through whatever good fortune. i'm rly surprised pic related got as popular as it did.

only if you sell your soul to the jew

tbf there's a reason why most people who release music on soundcloud and bandcamp don't get signed from doing so -- because they don't write good enough music. i honestly can't remember the last time i listened to a bandcamp artist and thought to myself, "wow how are these guys not on a label yet."

car seat headrest, even though i personally don't enjoy him, is proof that it is possible to make it online via word of mouth. people will tell you it is all about luck and connections but the fact is most musicians on the internet do not have material that labels want.

File: 1476785795254.png (314KB, 400x400px)

314KB, 400x400px

Was it ever realistic? Probably not. Don't bank on it as a career but if you enjoy making music you should do it.

Just look at busdriver