The most important of the 5...Yes, it's the pink Elephant in the room but somebody has to say it. No one is going to want to see you pop that ass at 51 years of age, so at 60- let it go. Be sure to have some songs that can reflect your authenticity before you get there so you won't have to worry about hitting the high notes, remembering lyrics or performing something that no longer resonates with your age group. That's right; I already started my song about AARP, years ago. I am prepared to die unimportant and old. But that doesn't mean you have to throw your brilliant work in the garbage, in-fact most musicians reach success around 50, and by that time they are no longer working; In addition to that, intellectual property has more benefits than a pension or a retirement check (you can give it to your kids). While it may be easy to do the same thing you hate, over & over- forever; and have a false sense of security- in exchange for comfort, you also should be mindful that being a musician is a full time job as well. Don't let people "shrink" you in to believing this is some "passion project" or "HOBBY". This is a business and you are entitled to the same benefits, that life has to offer for everyone else. Unfortunately You have to treat this like its NOT a "hobby" and handle your legal business/taxes early- which means thinking ahead of time. Once you pay in to social security and get an LLC, you can still qualify for Government assistance, like unemployment, and welfare, (Just incase the music is not doing so well). That's not to speak for all the other business loans, and grants you may qualify for when you follow all the steps. Once you earn a little more money, you can invest in your own retirement plans, Ira's and Health insurances, but you must PREPARE TO BECOME OLD!!!