Why Community and Collaboration Matter in Music—Lessons from Will Clarke’s Midnight Mass
Will Clarke’s latest album, Midnight Mass, shows how collaboration, adaptability, and a clear artistic vision can shape something bigger. Across 13 tracks, he’s expanded his sound by bringing in artists like the House Gospel Choir, Hayla, and Blythe, blending his house-meets-techno foundation with strong vocal performances.
As Clarke prepares for The Midnight Mass Experience tour, he’s proving that electronic music has room for more than DJ sets. His live show will feature hardware synthesizers, drum machines, and synchronized cinematic visuals—removing CDJs from the equation entirely. Reinventing the performance side of electronic music requires risk, but those willing to evolve tend to stay ahead. Clarke’s move into fully live shows reinforces an important point: artists who adapt and push their craft in new directions stand the best chance of long-term success.
For artists looking to build something sustainable, Midnight Mass offers more than music. Clarke’s approach reflects the principles that keep careers moving forward—building a strong community, learning from setbacks, and treating music like a business.
The tools to create are everywhere, but a lasting career comes from focusing on authenticity, resisting trends, and having the patience to refine a sound over time which is why there was no better time to invite him on to share some high-level tips about what it takes to succeed in today’s industry, make music at the highest level, and still manage to actually love what you do. Listen to the album below while you dive into these nuggets of wisdom, provided exclusively to MagneticMag by Will Clarke himself.
Your Community Is Your Greatest Asset
In today’s world, creating music has never been easier with the tools available at your fingertips. However, the true skill lies in building a loyal community around your sound. A strong, engaged audience is what sustains a lasting career—far beyond any single track or trend. Remember, it all starts with one person, and from there, it can grow into something that lasts a lifetime.
Failure
Life is a journey of navigating setbacks and embracing them as opportunities for growth. In the music industry, the ratio of failure to success can often feel overwhelmingly unbalanced. However, recognizing that failure is an inevitable part of the process—and learning to leverage it—can become one of your greatest strengths.
You Are in the Music Business—So Treat It Like One
Artists are often driven by passion, but when it comes to business, many fall short. We’re quick to work for free, yet hesitant to reinvest in our careers when the opportunity arises. Building a successful music career requires more than just talent—it takes time, strategic investment, and the right team to turn creativity into a sustainable business.
Jumping on Trends Rarely Leads to Lasting Success
Music, much like fashion, moves in cycles—what’s popular today may fade tomorrow. While it’s tempting to follow the latest trend, true success comes from staying authentic to your sound and vision. Just because a new artist is gaining traction with a particular style doesn’t mean the same formula will work for you. Longevity in music is built on consistency, originality, and staying true to who you are.
Art – Stay True to Yourself
Create what genuinely reflects who you are. Inspiration is essential, but authenticity is everything.
The legends aren’t remembered for imitating others—they made an impact by embracing their unique voice and pushing boundaries. Be original, be bold, and trust that your true artistic expression is what will stand the test of time.
Patience – The Key to Lasting Success
Patience is one of the hardest lessons to learn, but it’s essential to understand that anything truly great takes years to build. Your journey will be filled with twists, turns, and setbacks—it’s never a straight path to the top. Embrace the process, stay committed, and trust that with time, persistence, and resilience, success will follow.
Pivot – Adaptability is the Key to Longevity
Careers rarely follow a predictable path, and the ability to adapt is essential for long-term success. Embrace new technologies, collaborate with emerging artists, and explore fresh perspectives on your craft. Staying rigid in your ways can limit growth—flexibility and openness to change are what keep you evolving and thriving in an ever-shifting industry.
