I think a dynamic musicians fail to take into account with regards to determining their success is the coolness of their fans.  If one’s fans are cool said fans are going to be much more potent in spreading the message of an act’s greatness.  I say this as someone who is the antithesis to cool.  I like Starflyer 59, a band that has great music but never was cool because it was in the no man’s land between the Christian and secular space.  My new favorite act is Molly Marlette.  But having a thirty three year old forever alone liking your music might not help you much.