Keep Going: Why Every 'No' Brings You Closer to 'Yes’

Rejection is part of every artist’s journey, but for those who persevere, it often becomes a stepping stone to something greater! At LabelRadar, we've seen that "too many rejections" are the top reason artists consider giving up, so this article is here to remind you: that you’re not alone, and you’re not done yet.

Getting a rejection of course feels discouraging, so to inspire you to keep going, we’ve gathered insights from six incredible artists who share their stories of resilience, inspiration, and pushing past the "no’s" to achieve their dreams.

Every artist featured here has faced rejection, but their stories remind us that it’s not the end of the road.

1. Embracing the Fear of the Unknown

For ARMNHMR, the start of their journey was anything but easy. “The creative life, especially as a musician, is one of the most challenging and rewarding callings a person can endure,” they reflect. In 2017, they faced a pivotal decision: quit their jobs and pursue music full-time or stay in their comfort zones. “People want their wildest dreams to come true, but it’s even more daunting when it actually does,” they share.

Leaping into the unknown was both thrilling and anxiety-inducing. “We knew where we wanted to go, but the path was uncharted and came with constant uncertainty,” they explain. They leaned into the challenges, learning to embrace the excitement of building something new while managing the fears that came with it.

Over time, they developed strategies to protect their mental health and keep moving forward. “It wasn’t easy, but breathwork, exercise, healthy eating, and a generally positive lifestyle give you a fighting chance,” they say. Their advice? “Take it one day at a time and focus on mastering YOUR craft. There are always future mountains to climb.”

2. Keep Creating, Even When It’s Hard

For WHIPPED CREAM, rejection has never been a reason to give up—it’s simply part of the journey. “A ‘no’ means nothing,” she says firmly. “Keep shooting, keep creating, and surround yourself with good people.”

Her resolve was tested during one of the hardest years of her life in 2023. She faced career setbacks, let go of her team, and dealt with her father’s serious illness. Yet, she refused to let rejection or adversity define her. Instead, she turned to music as her anchor. “Making music—it’s the remedy, the cure, the oxygen. Anytime I feel like s***, I make music, and it’s an instant fix,” she shares.

WHIPPED CREAM emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and walking away from what doesn’t serve you. “The right people will help you reach your highest potential,” she explains. With persistence and passion, she has learned to turn rejection into motivation and opportunity.

3. Consistency Fuels Confidence

Ghostnaps, who successfully signed tracks through LabelRadar, is no stranger to the uncertainty that comes with creating music. “Uncertainty is such a big part of making music,” they note. “It’s what keeps us evolving as artists, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when starting something new.”

To overcome this, Ghostnaps developed a consistent creative routine. “I make time every day to create, no matter what,” they explain. “Even if it’s just 10 minutes, I focus on one aspect—like writing drums or layering synths. By the end of the week, I’ve got a rough idea to revisit.” This process not only keeps them productive but also provides a sense of progress, even when rejection feels disheartening.

Ghostnaps also finds inspiration in live music. “Seeing other artists perform reminds me why I started,” they say. “It brings back the spark and reminds me that progress doesn’t always look like giant leaps—it’s often a steady climb.”

4. Love the Process, Not Just the Results

For Extra Terra, who also signed tracks on LabelRadar, rejection initially felt like a roadblock. “There were times I thought about stopping music altogether,” they confess. “But I reminded myself that I create because I love it. It’s my way of expressing something unique.”

To overcome setbacks, Extra Terra leans into curiosity. “I’ll experiment with new sounds, play around with gear, or immerse myself in sci-fi movies or games,” they share. This approach not only helps them find fresh inspiration but also reframes rejection as part of the creative process. “Even small progress is progress,” they say. “Focus on the joy of creating, not just the results.”

5. Visualizing Success

For Lens, staying motivated through rejection starts with a clear vision. “It really helps to make yourself a mood board,” she explains. “Write out what you’d like to achieve over the coming months and years. Include artists you aspire to be like, how you want your music to sound, and the style of your brand. Having that massive visual goal helps keep you on track.”

When rejection or burnout strikes, she turns to inspiring experiences. “I like to watch other artists perform, even outside my genre,” she shares. “I’ll dive into music or sports documentaries about overcoming setbacks, or revisit old mixes from artists who first inspired me. It always reminds me why I started.”

6. Finding Strength in Collaboration

For the duo Lefrak, rejection is an unavoidable part of their journey, especially in production. “We face more ‘no’s’ than ‘yes’s,’” they admit. Yet, their partnership helps them navigate these challenges. “When one of us feels discouraged, the other pushes forward. We always support each other,” they share.

Lefrak also stays motivated by constantly setting new goals. “New parties to perform at, new labels to release music on, improving communication—these challenges keep us active,” they explain. And when burnout strikes, they embrace the need to recharge. “It’s okay to take breaks, as long as you keep your goals clear,” they say. For Lefrak, the key to overcoming rejection is persistence, balance, and mutual support.

Rejection Is a Detour, Not a Dead End
By visualizing success, finding support, staying consistent, and focusing on the process, they’ve turned rejection into a stepping stone toward their goals.

As Lens puts it: “When you lose your path, look back at your vision. It’ll remind you why you started.”

At LabelRadar, we believe in your journey. Every “no” you hear is just a stepping stone to the “yes” that matters. Keep creating, keep pushing, and remember: that your story is still unfolding.