So… you hit the jackpot! Whether it was a YouTube video going viral, or a major radio station picking you up, even a big endorsement for your CD… You’re suddenly starting to live the dream. The money’s coming in, people are talking about your next album, and concert attendance is on the up and up!

Now what?

I mean, you can only roll around on bedsheets covered in currency and narcotics for so long, right? (Don’t answer that, Keith Richards.) Seriously, once you hit it big your world is going to start expanding, and quickly. It’s going to be overwhelming, but you need to keep a clear head if you’re going to keep selling music, exciting fans, and playing better shows.

FIRST: Take a Reality Check

Find a way, in the midst of the madness, to take some time for yourself(s) to take a breather and reflect on all of the changes taking place. The music industry loves pressuring people into making decisions quickly, so they don’t consider their options and skim over the fine print. That often causes larger problems to emulate further down the line.

So, don’t make any big commitments without having a serious talk about the future of your band, and which direction you feel will allow your dreams to flourish. Don’t hesitate to give ‘Wish You Were Here’ another spin while you’re at it.

Still second guessing? Here are a few thoughts.

Ways To Keep Selling Music After You Hit It Big

Get (new) Representation.

Unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games. Even if you already have a manager, at some point you will almost certainly upgrade – and there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ll want new connections from someone who’s better-placed, and most agents act as a stepping stone to better ones.

Similarly, signing paperwork without a lawyer to review it is a really really bad idea. Just don’t do it. Enlist someone to look over any and all contracts before you sign them. You’ll avoid a lot of nasty surprises that way.

The same goes with your money. If you skyrocket to the top and begin seeing four-or five-figure checks coming in, you will need someone to manage it.When the money isn’t handled responsibly and your bank account is run completely dry, the party ends and the music stops selling, which leads to an unfortunate ending.

Keep listening to the fans.

Hitting a big milestone in your career is very important, but don’t forget to keep up the outreach. Losing touch with your fans, especially your original pre-stardom fans, can be fatal for any up-and-comer. Besides, they are the ones that were with you from the beginning, the die-hard believers! Pay attention to their ideas and feedback – especially the stuff they’ve continually asked about but you never had the budget for.

Don’t rush your followup.

A perfect example is the vast contrast of popularity between the release of a first and second album. This widespread trend begins with a  band debuting their huge hit debut album and then following up with a weaker one, the sophomore slump. Why’s this? Well, they catered to their first big project. It consumed all of their time and energy and as a result, caused them to produce a less polished finished product.

Although some bands can shrug off a poor followup release, it’s best to avoid this less ambitious outcome for the sake of your career. Take the time to craft a musical product that’s a worthy successor. This is why listening to your faithful fans is so crucial: find out what they loved about your last release, and articulate ways to combine their feedback with your own vision.

Because, at the end of the day, hitting it big isn’t the end. It’s really only the beginning. Be smart while you’re having fun, rocking out, and selling music. That’s the key.