In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m reading an email from a 27-year-old artist who’s torn between two completely different paths.
On one side, he’s creating moody R&B that performs well, with his songs hitting 40–60k streams, around 9k monthly listeners, and a sound that fits perfectly into what Spotify tends to push.
On the other side, he’s writing raw singer-songwriter music that feels honest and personal… but doesn’t pull the same numbers.
Now he’s stuck in the middle, trying to decide:
Do I lean into what’s “working,” even if it doesn’t feel like me?
Or do I risk losing momentum and rebuild around what I actually love?
In this episode, I break down:
-Why artists feel split between two identities
-How to shift your sound without throwing everything away
-What matters more: consistency or authenticity
-How to choose a direction without wrecking your momentum
-And how to blend or transition styles strategically
If you’ve ever questioned who you are as an artist or felt like your numbers and your heart are pointing in different directions this episode will help you breathe again.
Do you have a question you'd like me to answer?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in with as much detail as you can. Your story might help someone else too.
#IndependentMusician #IndieArtist #MusicTips #ArtistDevelopment #SongwriterLife #MusicProducer #ArtistJourney #CreativeStruggle #MusicAdvice #GrowingAsAnArtist


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In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m answering a question that almost every independent artist runs into at some point:
Is paying for PR or radio promotion a scam?
He’s an artist out of Austin, Texas, who has been getting hit with emails and DMs from companies promising playlist placements, blog features, radio spins, and even label attention but only if he pays anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, or signs up for a monthly retainer.
On top of that, he’s already been burned once by a so-called “promotion company” that took his money and barely did anything. Now he’s stuck wondering:
Is any of this real, or is it all smoke and mirrors?
In this video, I dive into:
-The truth about PR and radio promotion
-How to tell a real company from a shady one
-What PR can and can’t actually do for an artist
-When it’s worth paying for — and when it’s a waste of money
-Why do so many artists get fooled by the same sales pitches
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should pay for PR, radio promo, playlisting, or “exposure campaigns,” this episode is going to save you a whole lot of money and headaches.
Do you have a question about the music industry?
Visit https://MatthewRix.com and submit it.
The more details you give, the better I can help and your story might help another artist avoid the same mistakes.


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In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a guitarist from Orlando whose band was this close to signing with a legitimate Los Angeles management firm.
For months, everything looked real:
-The company flew them out to L.A.
-Put them up in nice hotels
-Held meetings and even a showcase
-Sent contracts to lawyers
-All the signs of a serious partnership were there
Then after their third trip, everything fell apart in one night.
He and his lead singer had a little too much to drink, ended up getting kicked out of a bar, offended the people in the group, and flew home the next day. A few days later, they received a cold email saying the firm was no longer moving forward.
No follow-up call.
No explanation.
Just silence and now, the band is being completely ghosted.
Bob’s question is simple:
Did they ever intend to work with us?
And if they did… how could one night ruin everything?
In this episode, I break down:
1. The reality of how fragile the music industry can be
2. Why professionalism matters more than talent during negotiations
3. How quickly a team can change its mind if trust is broken
4. What you can and can’t recover from
5. And what his band should realistically do now
If you’re an artist dreaming of a team, a deal, or industry support you need to hear this one.
Do you have a question or a story you'd like me to break down? Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the more I can help — and your story might help someone else avoid the same mistakes.


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from Sarah, a 22-year-old college student in Nashville who’s finally ready to record her first single but has no idea what a realistic budget looks like.
Sarah’s studying in Music City, where opportunities are everywhere, but so are the price tags. Some recording students at her college have offered to record her single for free, but the only available studio time is at night. Meanwhile, professional Nashville producers have quoted her $5,000 for one song and she’s not sure if that’s normal or just “Nashville math.”
She makes country music but comes from a punk and Christian background, and she’s realizing that recording real instruments and session players might be pricier than she thought. She wants to do it right but also not blow her savings before graduation.
In this video, I break down:
-What a realistic budget looks like for your first single
-When to take a free recording opportunity (and when not to)
-Why country songs cost more to produce — and how to keep it affordable
-How to find good players and producers without getting ripped off
If you’re about to record your first song and have no idea what to expect, this episode will save you time, money, and headaches.
Do you have a music industry question or a story to share?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the more I can help and your story might help another artist just like you.

#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #RecordingTips #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicProduction #CountryMusic #FirstSingle #NashvilleMusic #MusicBudget #StudioRecording


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a guitarist who’s been playing for 31 years and still can’t find a serious gig.
He claims to be one of the best players in his area. He’s got over $600,000 worth of gear, decades of experience, and a professional-level skill set that most musicians dream of. But the only gigs he can find are with teenagers starting bands or 20-something artists who don’t want to pay.
He’s done playing for “exposure” and bar tabs he wants $750–$1,000 per show, and the problem? Nobody seems to value him.
In this video, I break down:
-Why talented musicians still struggle to find paying work
-How to position yourself for session and touring gigs
-Where to find serious artists and bandleaders who actually value pros
-How to get paid what you’re worth without sounding entitled
If you’ve ever felt like your talent isn’t matching the opportunities you’re getting, this one’s for you.
Got a story or question about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give, and your question might help other artists too.

#MusicIndustry #Guitarist #IndependentMusician #SessionMusician #LiveMusic #MusicBusiness #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #TouringMusician #MusicianLife #GuitarGear #PayMusiciansFairly


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a rapper from Birmingham, Alabama, who’s been carrying the weight of a bad record deal for more than a decade.
Back in 2011, he signed with a small indie label that promised him the world. The problem? They never paid for studio time, marketing, or production he made all his music at home on his own. By 2013, the label shut down completely, but no one ever sent him his release papers.
Now in his 30s, he has been releasing music independently for over 12 years, collaborating with other artists and building a solid catalog; however, he still doesn’t have that one piece of paper stating he’s officially free.
To make matters worse, the old label’s name is now being used by a European company that doesn’t even do rap music. He is worried that someday they might discover his contract and attempt to claim ownership of his work.
In this episode, I break down:
-What to do if your record label no longer exists
-How to prove your independence legally
-When to get a lawyer involved (and when you might not need one)
-How to protect your music from being claimed by anyone else
If you’ve ever been trapped in an old music contract or just want to make sure you never end up in this situation this one’s a must-watch.
Got a question or story about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give and your story might help other artists too.

#MusicIndustry #RecordDeal #IndependentArtist #MusicContracts #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicBusiness #LabelIssues #MusicLaw #IndependentMusic #RapperLife

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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a 20-something piano singer-songwriter who has been pouring his heart into open mics and coffeehouse gigs, and now he’s ready to take things to the next level.
He’s built a small but loyal following: 8,000 monthly Spotify listeners, a few singles doing around 35,000 streams, and a dream of one day playing bigger venues with a full band and a real piano not just the keyboard he’s been lugging around.
But here’s the catch: he has no budget.
He’s asking how to:
1. Build a team: a band, manager, or booking agent without money
2. Find sponsorships to buy a trailer to haul a piano
3. Cover costs like merch, fuel, and a website
In this episode, I break down the truth about:
- When and how to build your team as an indie artist
- How to attract sponsors the right way
- Why you don’t need a huge budget to look professional
-The smart way to grow before you spend a dime
This one’s for every independent artist trying to level up without losing their shirt.
Got a question about building your career in the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and share more details; the more information you provide, the better advice I can give.
#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #ArtistDevelopment #MusicCareer #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicBusiness #Sponsorships #Managers #BookingAgent #OpenMics #PianoPlayer #MusicJourney


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a 24-year-old from North Dakota who aspires to become a music interviewer.
He didn’t find me through the Mattrix Minute he discovered my work through my artist interviews and now he wants to follow a similar path. He’s been reaching out to artists and managers, trying to land his first interviews, but so far… crickets. No replies. No callbacks.
Now he’s wondering:
1. Should he move to Nashville, New York, or L.A. to actually make this happen?
2. How do you get artists or their teams to take you seriously when you’re just starting?
3. And when’s the right time to start reaching out for interviews now, or later?
In this video, I break down:
-The truth about networking in big music cities
-How to start interviewing artists from anywhere
-The best way to get responses from managers and publicists
-Why persistence, professionalism, and preparation always win
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in music without being a musician this one’s for you.
Got a question about the music industry or your own creative path?
Head over to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give and your question might end up featured in a future episode.

#MusicIndustry #ArtistInterviews #IndependentJournalism #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicBusiness #MusicMedia #Nashville #LA #NYC #Networking #ArtistAdvice #BreakingIntoTheIndustry


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read one of the funniest (and most painfully real) emails I’ve ever gotten from a touring band.
A bassist, van-sleeper, and unofficial band therapist, wrote in about a problem every road warrior has faced:
They drive 8 hours to a gig… unload the gear… walk into the venue… and find out the show’s been canceled.
No text. No call. No warning. Just an empty stage and a crushed dream.
To make matters worse, he admits the band doesn’t do any advancing no contracts, no confirmation emails, just good vibes and Instagram DMs. The result? Door splits that never split and road trips that end in heartbreak and bar food.
In this video, I break down:
-Why this happens (and how to prevent it)
-How to properly advance your shows
-How to protect yourself financially when doing door splits
-The simple steps that make you look professional to promoters
If you’re a band that’s ever shown up to a venue just to find out you’re not playing tonight this episode is for you.
Got a story or question about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and click Submit Your Question, The more details (and chaos) you include, the better!

#MusicIndustry #TourLife #IndependentArtist #LiveMusic #BandLife #BookingTips #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #VenueBooking #GiggingMusicians #MusicBusiness

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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I share one of the most heartbreaking emails I’ve ever received.
It’s from Sarah, a pop artist who inherited $200,000 from her grandfather and wanted to use it to chase her dream. She recorded a full-length album in Atlanta, spent over $120,000 on production, and trusted a promotional company to help her reach real fans. Her songs hit 3 million streams on Spotify, but then came the nightmare.
Spotify pulled her album for fraudulent streams (bot plays), her DistroKid account was banned, and her name was blacklisted across all streaming platforms. Additionally, she later discovered that her producer was taking 60% of her royalties and 50% of her publishing rights.
To make matters worse, the same promo company “grew” her Instagram to 220,000 followers and her TikTok to 400,000, only for her engagement to crash to nearly zero views per post.
In this video, I break down:
-What went wrong and how she could have avoided it
-The dangers of bad contracts and fake promotions
-What to do if your music gets pulled from DSPs
-How to rebuild your career after a major setback
Sarah’s story is emotional, raw, and real — and every artist needs to hear it before spending a dime on promotion or production.
Got a question or story about your own music industry?
Visit https://MatthewRix.com. The more details you share, the more your story can help others.
#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #MusicScam #MusicPromotion #StreamingFraud #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicBusiness #BotStreams #MusicMarketing #MusicContract


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an independent artist whose band is ready to make the leap from the local scene to the big stage.
They’ve been grinding for years pulling solid crowds in clubs, releasing music, and building a loyal following. They have around 18,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, 9,000 on Apple Music, and regularly play to 150-person crowds across Texas.
Now they want to know:
How do we get booked for bigger shows arenas, festivals, or national tours?
What does it take to go from opening for local acts to opening for major ones?
Do we need a manager or agent to make that happen?
In this episode, I break down:
-What booking agents and promoters actually look for
-Why numbers don’t always equal ticket sales
-The difference between “readiness” and “wanting it bad enough”
-The real steps to growing from bars to big stages
If you’ve ever felt like your music deserves a bigger audience, this episode is for you.
Do you have a question about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com.
Include as many details as you can because your story will help thousands of other artists walking the same road.
#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #LiveMusic #Touring #MusicCareer #ArtistAdvice #BookingShows #MusicBusiness #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicMarketing #PlayingLive #HowToGetGigs


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an Artist Manager who manages a pop singer just starting to gain traction.
This manager has been approached by several “playlist promotion companies” on Instagram claiming they can get his artist’s music placed on major Spotify playlists for a price.
Sound familiar?
In this video, I break down:
-What playlist pitching really is — and how it works behind the scenes
-How to spot red flags and avoid scammy promo companies
-Whether it’s ever worth paying for playlist placement
-Legit ways to build streaming momentum without getting ripped off
If you’ve ever been tempted by a DM promising “playlist exposure” or “Spotify growth,” this one’s for you.
Do you have a question about the music industry that you'd like answered?
Go to http://MatthewRix.com and provide as many details as possible so I can offer you the best advice.
#MusicIndustry #SpotifyPlaylists #MusicMarketing #PlaylistPitching #IndependentArtist #StreamingGrowth #MusicPromotion #ArtistAdvice #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicBusinessTips #ScamAlert #MusicIndustryTruth


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I respond to an email from a 16-year-old pop artist who’s starting to gain traction.
She’s already built up 18,000 followers on Instagram and her first single has pulled in over 4,000 Spotify streams not bad for a brand-new artist. Now, a few small label reps have started reaching out, and she wants to know:
Is it smarter to stay independent or try to sign with a label?
It’s a question every developing artist faces and the answer isn’t one size fits all.
In this video, I break down:
-The real benefits of staying independent early on
-When signing with a label actually makes sense
What labels look for before offering real deals
-The red flags to watch for in “indie label” outreach
-How to build leverage so you control the deal not the other way around
Whether you’re a young artist or an indie musician wondering when to level up, this one’s packed with practical advice to help you make smart moves and protect your career.

Got a question about the music industry you want answered?
Head over to MatthewRix.com and click “Submit Your Question”.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give, and your story might also help other artists.

#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #RecordDeal #MusicBusiness #ArtistAdvice #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicCareer #IndieArtist #MusicTips #LabelDeal #UnsignedArtist


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I respond to one of the most passionate (and brutal) emails I’ve ever received.
An artist called me out hard for my opinions on Bandcamp. He says I’m a “Spotify shill” and that if I truly cared about helping independent artists, I’d be telling them to stop giving their music away for free on streaming platforms and focus on Bandcamp, CDs, and direct fan support instead.
He lays out some strong points, including:
Bandcamp pays artists about 82% of each sale.
He’s made over $8,000 from just 1,200 followers.
Bandcamp gives artists access to their fans’ emails and real audience ownership.
Spotify pays around $0.003 per stream (about $1,000 for every 333,000 plays).
He says I’m teaching artists how to survive inside a broken system instead of showing them how to own their careers.
In this video, I break it all down the good, the bad, and the real truth about Bandcamp vs. Spotify.
We’ll talk about:
What Bandcamp actually does right
Why streaming still matters strategically
How artists can use both without losing control
The mindset difference between building attention and building ownership
This one gets real.
Got a question or a strong opinion about the music industry?
Just go to MatthewRix.com.
#MusicIndustry #Bandcamp #Spotify #IndependentArtist #MusicStreaming #ArtistAdvice #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicBusiness #BandcampFriday #StreamingRoyalties #ArtistPay #MusicMarketing


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I received an email from a 26 year old artist from Indianapolis who’s feeling stuck and burned out.
Trey’s been grinding for years, posting freestyles, dropping songs, paying for promotion, and recording in his basement studio, but he feels like nothing’s changing. He’s starting to wonder if he’s just wasting his time chasing a dream that might never happen.
It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s something almost every artist has felt at one point.
In this episode, I break down:
How to tell the difference between being stuck and being on the verge of a breakthrough
Why consistency alone isn’t enough and what’s missing from most artists’ grind
What you can do when motivation fades and results don’t show up
How to keep your passion alive while being honest about your future
If you’ve ever felt discouraged, unseen, or ready to give up on music this one’s for you.
Got a question about the music industry you want me to answer?
Send me an email at MatthewRix.com.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give and your story might just help someone else, too.
⸻
#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #MotivationForMusicians #MusicCareer #ArtistAdvice #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicBusiness #ChasingDreams #ArtistStruggles #MusicMotivation #DontGiveUp


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I respond to an email from an artist. He is the lead singer of a band that has been grinding it out for 17 years without a record deal until now.
After nearly two decades of shows, albums, and DIY hustle, a label finally reached out with a contract… but there’s a catch. Actually, there are a few.

Here’s what the label is offering:
Take full ownership of their entire back catalog
50/50 split on both album sales and publishing
Minimal funding for marketing and publicity
The band pays for their own studio time, and the label still takes 50%
“Industry protection” (No clue what that means)

He is excited and ready to sign but his bass player says it’s a bad deal. So in this episode, I break down the offer, explain what each clause really means, and talk about when a record deal is worth it (and when to walk away).

If you’ve ever dreamed about getting signed, this one’s a must watch before you put your name on any contract.

Got a question about the music industry or a deal you want me to review?
Head over to MatthewRix.com and send in your question might be featured in a future Music Business newsletter.

#MusicIndustry #RecordDeal #MusicContracts #IndependentArtist #MusicBusinessTips #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicLabel #SigningADeal #MusicIndustrySecrets #BandLife #RecordLabelScam


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In this episode of the Music Business Newslettee with Matthew Rix, I respond to an email from an artist who says I don’t really help artists the way I claim to.

He believes that if I truly cared about independent musicians, I’d encourage them to stop putting their music on streaming services and instead focus on selling CDs, vinyl, and Bandcamp downloads, where artists actually make money.

It’s a fair challenge and one worth having.

In this video, I talk about:
The truth about streaming payouts and exposure
How to balance discovery platforms with real revenue streams

What “helping artists” actually means in 2025
If you’ve ever wondered whether streaming is helping or hurting independent musicians, this episode offers a real world perspective without industry fluff.

Got a question or opinion you want to share?
Head over to MatthewRix.com and send it in.

Whether you agree or disagree, your email might be featured in a future Music Business Newsletter.

#MusicIndustry #Streaming #IndependentArtist #Bandcamp #Spotify #ArtistAdvice #MusicBusiness #MatthewRix #MattrixMinute #MusicDistribution #StreamingRoyalties #CDSales #MusicCareer


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter, Matthew Rix responds to an email from an independent artist from the United Kingdom who’s asking one of the biggest questions new artists face:
Should I start releasing singles one at a time, or wait to drop my first full EP?
Jordan has recorded five songs that fit together as a project. Still, he’s heard that singles are better for building momentum, especially on streaming platforms like Spotify, and for growing on social media.
It’s a question I get all the time, and the answer depends on strategy, timing, and your goals as an artist.
In this episode, I break down:
The difference between a single strategy and a project strategy
How to use singles to build momentum and audience trust
When an EP actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter, Matthew Rix responds to an email from an independent artist from the United Kingdom who’s asking one of the biggest questions new artists face:
Should I start releasing singles one at a time, or wait to drop my first full EP?

Jordan has recorded five songs that fit together as a project. Still, he’s heard that singles are better for building momentum, especially on streaming platforms like Spotify, and for growing on social media.
It’s a question I get all the time, and the answer depends on strategy, timing, and your goals as an artist.
In this episode, I break down:
The difference between a single strategy and a project strategy
How to use singles to build momentum and audience trust
When an EP actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)

What I’d do if I were starting from scratch in today’s music industry

Whether you’re about to drop your first track or debating your first project, this one’s packed with real-world advice to help you plan your releases the right way.

Got a question about the music industry you want me to answer? Head over to MatthewRix.com and send it in. Your question might not only help you it could help other artists trying to figure out the same thing.

#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #HowToReleaseMusic #MusicMarketing #SpotifyTips #ArtistAdvice #MusicPromotion #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #EPvsSingles #MusicBusiness #MusicStrategy

What I’d do if I were starting from scratch in today’s music industry

Whether you’re about to drop your first track or debating your first project, this one’s packed with real-world advice to help you plan your releases the right way.

Got a question about the music industry you want me to answer?
Head over to MatthewRix.com and send it in.
Your question might not only help you it could help other artists trying to figure out the same thing.
#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #HowToReleaseMusic #MusicMarketing #SpotifyTips #ArtistAdvice #MusicPromotion #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #EPvsSingles #MusicBusiness #MusicStrategy

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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter, I respond to an email from a viewer, and let’s just say… It’s one of those emails that makes you shake your head and laugh a little.

This artist has been making music for six months, has 312 followers, and one TikTok that hit 1,100 views and he wants to know why record labels aren’t paying him a salary to sign him. Yep, you heard that right.
It’s funny, but it’s also a real look at how entitlement and expectations can derail artists before they ever get started.

In this episode, I break down:

-Why labels don’t “pay” artists before they’ve proven anything

-How real artist development actually works today

-What labels look for before investing in anyone

-And how to flip entitlement into genuine momentum

If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering why the industry doesn’t “see your potential” yet this one’s going to hit home.

Got a music industry question you want me to answer?
Head over to MatthewRix.com and send it in. Your question might not only help you it might just end up in the next Mattrix Minute.

#MusicIndustry #ArtistDevelopment #RecordDeal #IndependentArtist #MusicBusinessTips #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicIndustryTruth #RecordLabels #EntitledArtist #MusicCareer


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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter, I respond to an email from an up-and-coming artist who’s been offered a management deal but there’s a catch. The manager wants $500 a month upfront for representation.
The artist says this manager is “exclusive,” representing only 19 artists, and promises to:
Handle music distribution
Make calls to record labels and agencies
Help secure a record deal and a booking agent
It sounds tempting especially for someone just starting out. But is it legit? Or a red flag?
In this video, I break down:
✅ The difference between a real manager and a pay-to-play setup
✅ Why good managers don’t charge upfront fees
✅ What new artists should invest in instead
✅ How to spot the difference between opportunity and exploitation
If you’re an emerging artist trying to navigate management, booking, or label deals this one’s for you.
💡 Got a music industry question you want me to answer?
Head over to MatthewRix.com and send it in. Your question might not only help you it could also help countless other artists walking the same road.
#MusicIndustry #ArtistDevelopment #MusicManager #IndependentArtist #MusicBusinessTips #RecordLabels #MusicMarketing #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #PayToPlay #ManagerScam #MusicCareer


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