Most working musicians perform live to make their money. Some also start YouTube channels and use that to earn extra income, often these days more via Patreon rather than YT itself due to the latter's constantly changing rules re. monetizing videos. Some even do YT/Patreon as their main gig. For example, check out Mary Spender's YT channel to see how she goes about it.
The days of serious wealth from making/playing music are over, with few exceptions. But you can make a sustainable place for yourself in today's flatter, broader music landscape with styles & sounds that 20 years ago wouldn't land you a decently-earning gig anywhere.
Julia Holter makes music that's often (delightfully IMO) weird…and she has an international audience large & loyal enough to let her keep doing it. Here's an example of her in accessible mode. It's a song about getting lost in Mexico in heavy rain on her way to play at a concert.
https://youtu.be/X2JgMniIpRMAnd here's one, a live performance, in a jazzier vein. Julia and her band are
killer on stage…doing things the way she does pretty much requires it. In 1972 my dad & I & my Uncle Harry took a day trip to the Vasquez Rocks north of Los Angeles. I wanted to see it 'cuz I'd heard the makers of Star Trek used it for location filming. Julia, however, is interested in Vasquez himself.
https://youtu.be/39kYbyeU_rQAnd then there's the more "out there" stuff…if interested I'll let you find it for yourself.
-Dave-