Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an independent artist who’s asking a question many artists quietly struggle with:What does it actually mean to “build a community”?This artist has: • thousands of followers • consistent releases • people showing up occasionallyBut they’re realizing that numbers don’t always translate into real support.In this episode, we break down: • The difference between an audience and a community • Why engagement metrics can be misleading • How real fan connection is actually built • Where online platforms help and where they fail • When artists should stop chasing growth and start deepening relationshipsThis isn’t about tricks or hacks.It’s about sustainability.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still missing something real this conversation will resonate.Have a question about the music industry or your career?Send it to http://MatthewRix.com. Include as many details as possible your experience might help someone else too.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an independent artist who’s doing everything “right” releasing consistently, investing in quality, tracking expenses and still losing money on every release. He’s spending $1,200–$1,800 per song, releasing every 6–8 weeks, and pulling in 20k streams per release. On paper, that sounds like progress. In reality, the numbers don’t add up. Streaming revenue barely dents the cost. Shows pay $100–$150. Expenses never stop. And the hardest part? Everyone keeps telling him he’s “doing well.” In this episode, we break down: Why streaming numbers don’t equal sustainabilityThe dangerous myth of “consistent releasing”When investing in quality actually works — and when it doesn’tHow artists confuse progress with momentumThe difference between building leverage and burning cashWhen to slow down, reassess, and change strategyThis is not a motivational episode. It’s a reality check for artists who are serious about the business side of music. If you have a question about the music industry and want me to answer it not just to help you, but to help other artists in the same situation head over to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in. Please include as many details as possible so the answer can be useful to others.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Mewsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a frustrated artist and it cuts straight to the heart of what artists are actually struggling with.This artist isn’t asking for motivation.They’re questioning whether most music business advice even applies anymore.They point out realities artists talk about constantly online:• The majority of artists never cross 1,000 monthly listeners• Streaming feels invisible, not empowering• Promotion eats time and money with little return• Support systems like distributors and royalty services are hard to reach• Artists do the work while everyone else takes a cutAnd the big question underneath it all:Are we being honest enough about how few artists actually “win”?In this episode, we talk about:• Why most artists feel invisible no matter how hard they work• The gap between strategy advice and real-world outcomes• Why “just keep releasing” isn’t a plan• Where business advice breaks down for artists without leverage• What realistic success actually looks like today• And how artists can make informed decisions instead of chasing mythsThis isn’t about killing dreams.It’s about replacing vague hope with clarity.If you’ve ever felt like the music industry advice you hear doesn’t match reality this conversation is for you.Have a question, critique, or experience from the music business you want to share?Send it to https://MatthewRix.com. Honest conversations help artists more than hype ever will.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an artist who has given up on the music industry and doesn’t hold back.He believes the industry is a scam.He believes most artists never had a real chance.And he believes people like me are just selling hope dressed up as strategy.He’s angry, disillusioned, and convinced that the system isn’t broken it’s working exactly as intended.This isn’t a feel good episode.In this conversation, we talk about: • Whether the music industry is actually “winnable” • Why do so many talented artists feel used and discarded • The difference between education and hype • Whether the strategy actually changes outcomes • Who really benefits from streaming, content, and constant output • And where artists cross the line from optimism into delusionI don’t dismiss his frustration.I don’t mock it.And I don’t pretend the system is fair.But I do challenge the idea that understanding the business is the same thing as selling false hope.This episode is for artists who feel burned, skeptical, tired, or angry, and for anyone who’s questioning whether continuing is worth it at all.Have a question, criticism, or strong opinion about the music business?GoTo https://MatthewRix.com. Honest disagreement is welcome the real conversations matter most.#musicbusiness #musicindustry #musicindustrysecrets #matthewrixListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a 24-year-old music manager who’s doing everything right but still feels invisible.He’s managing a band he truly believes in.They’ve released music.They’ve toured regionally.They’re growing a small but engaged fanbase.But he’s running into the problem almost every young manager faces:How do you get artists noticed and eventually signed when you don’t have industry connections, money, or a roadmap?He’s hearing the same advice over and over:“Network more.”“Build relationships.”“Get in front of the right people.”But no one explains how to actually do that when you’re young, unknown, and trying not to look amateur in rooms full of veterans.In this episode, we break down: • What labels actually look for before they sign artists • Why most young managers focus on the wrong metrics • How managers build credibility without a resume • When chasing a label makes sense — and when it doesn’t • The difference between artist development and industry validation • How to avoid burning bridges earlyThis episode is for:-young managers-self-managing artists-bands wondering why “being good” isn’t enoughHave a question about the music business?Please send it in at https://MatthewRix.com include as many details as possible so the answer helps others too.#artistadvice #artistmanager #musicbusiness #musicbusinesstips #matthewrixListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

Happy New Year from Matthew Rix. No music Business in this video, just a message of grateful and thankfulness with a softball story in the mix.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an independent artist who’s doing a lot “right” but still doesn’t understand how anyone actually makes money in the music business.He’s 29.He’s been releasing music for five years.He has 40,000 monthly listeners, songs with 500k+ streams, tours occasionally, sells merch, and licenses music for small projects.From the outside, it looks like success.From the inside, the numbers don’t add up.Streaming barely covers costs.Shows are inconsistent once travel is factored in.Merch only works in the right rooms.And every opportunity seems to come with another percentage taken off the top.Managers.Agents.Distributors.Marketing.And the question that keeps nagging him:Is the music itself ever supposed to be the main source of income?Or is that just something artists are told early on?In this episode, I break down:• Where money actually comes from for independent artists• Why “looking successful” doesn’t equal being sustainable• When building a team makes sense financially — and when it doesn’t• Why do so many artists survive on adjacent income• How to avoid building a career that stays busy but never builds leverage• What a realistic, grown-up music career actually looks likeThis is a practical conversation, not about fame or blowing up, but about stability, clarity, and understanding the business before it’s too late.Have a question about the music industry?Go to https://MatthewRix.com. Include as many details as possible so the answer can help you and others in the same situation.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read one of the most ambitious and honestly wild emails I’ve received in a while.A rapper based in New York City just finished his first official single, and he’s not asking how to release it or build slowly. His goal is obvious:Platinum record. One year. No excuses.He’s confident in the song, confident in himself, and fully prepared to force attention even saying he’s willing to drive to radio stations across NYC, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and demand DJs listen to his record in person.He’s not interested in:• slow growth• artist development• waiting for permission• or “organic” timelinesHe wants leverage, pressure, and scale immediately.In this episode, I break down: • What it actually takes for a song to go platinum today • Why confidence alone isn’t enough • How radio, playlists, TikTok, and money really intersect • Where ambition helps and where it becomes self-sabotage • The difference between urgency and delusion • And what artists misunderstand about “forcing” successThis isn’t about tearing him down.It’s about grounding extreme ambition in reality before it becomes a career-ending mindset.If you’re an artist with big goals, big confidence, and big expectations, this episode is for you.Have a question, hot take, or strong disagreement about the music business?Go to https://MatthewRix.com. Be honest, be specific, and don’t hold back the real conversations help the most people.#musicindustry #upcomingmusician #musicbiz #matthewrix #rapper #platinum #musicbusinessListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

Today’s episode of the Music Business Mewsletter with Matthew Rix is heartbreaking.Bob the drummer and unofficial manager of a long-running Swiss punk band reached out with a situation that feels like every independent artist’s nightmare.Here’s what happened:In 2006, they released their album One Day More Walls under a small Swiss label. It was a simple delivery deal: the band paid for the recording, the label paid for the CDs—no digital contract. No streaming. No promises beyond physical distribution.Then life happened.Bob became seriously ill. The band split. And years passed.Fast-forward to today:• Record Label went bankrupt• The owner vanished from the scene• Their music somehow ended up on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube• The Orchard (a Sony subsidiary) is distributing the music without authorization • The band has never received a cent• They can’t access their artist profiles• They can’t update anything• They can’t upload new music• And on top of all that their singer and Bob’s best friend of 40 years, Timo, passed away in 2023Bob is trying to preserve their legacy.Instead, he ran straight into a wall of corporate silence.The Orchard told him to “contact the original label,” even though that label hasn’t existed in over a decade.So he asked the question every independent artist fears:“What do I do when my label is gone, my rights are taken, and I can’t afford an attorney?”In this episode, I break down:-What happens when a label collapses-How rights get transferred without artists knowing-Why distributors like The Orchard can freeze you out-What artists can do when they can’t access their catalog-How to reclaim your digital presence-And the REALISTIC path forward when you can’t fight legallyIf you’ve ever released music under a small label — or wondered who actually “owns” your songs online you need to hear this one.Got a story or question?Go to https://MatthewRix.com the more details you include, the better I can help.#musicbusiness #musicindustry #theorchardmusic #punkband #matthewrixListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m responding to an overwhelmed independent artist who asked one of the biggest questions I hear right now:“How are indie artists supposed to compete?”He’s watching major-label artists perform for 20,000 people, drop massive marketing budgets, release perfect visuals, and hire entire teams to manage their careers while he’s doing everything alone after work.But now there’s a new layer to the pressure:He’s not just competing with big artists.He’s competing with AI artists who can release unlimited songs, never get tired, and cost nothing to create.He’s wondering:• How do independent artists get fans without big money behind them?• How do you stand out when you don’t have massive shows or huge exposure?• How do you survive when AI can release 50 songs in the time it takes you to make one?• Is the music industry still winnable for real, human artists?In this episode, I break down:-Why independent artists actually do have advantages-What fans still want that AI can’t deliver-Why budgets matter less than strategy-How to stand out even with zero money-And why the industry isn’t hopeless it’s just shiftingIf you’ve ever felt small compared to major artists or threatened by AI, this episode is going to give you clarity and direction.Got your own question on the Music IndustryGo to https://MatthewRix.com and include as many details as possible for the best advice.#musicindustry #musicbusiness #aimusic #musicindustrysecrets #matthewrix #music #marketing #musicbiz #recordlabelListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m reading an email from a 31-year-old former professional swimmer from London who’s trying to break into the Christian and country songwriting scene in Nashville.Her background has nothing to do with the music industry. She spent years competing, then built a successful fitness apparel business. So naturally, her Instagram is full of training clips, gym content, and old competition photos.Now she’s running into a strange problem:When she sends artists song pitches or demos, they ignore the messages.But those same artists comment on her old swimming photos and reply to her gym stories.Meanwhile, her music-related outreach gets zero traction.She wants to know:• How can she get taken seriously as a songwriter?• Does she need a brand-new Instagram account?• Can someone outside the U.S. realistically pitch songs to Nashville artists?• And how does she make her profile reflect who she is now, not who she was years ago?In this episode, I break down the truth about:-How songwriters should present themselves online-When (and when not) to create a separate account-Why artists judge you instantly based on your profile-How international writers can still build Nashville relationships-What actually gets a songwriter taken seriously in 2025If you’re trying to transition your identity online or step into a new lane professionally, this episode is packed with clarity.Got your own story or industry question?Go to https://MatthewRix.com the more detail you give, the better I can help.#MusicIndustry#SongwritingTips#NashvilleSongwriters#IndependentSongwriter#ChristianMusic#CountrySongwriters#MusicBusinessAdvice#ArtistBranding#SocialMediaForArtists#BuildingYourBrand#MattrixMinute#MatthewRix#UKToNashville#SongwriterLifeListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read one of the most honest and heartbreaking emails I’ve received in a while.A 26-year-old songwriter from Portland reached out because he feels like the industry is leaving him behind.He loves writing music. He loves the craft. He’s spent years building his sound.But he absolutely shuts down the second a camera turns on.He hates filming himself.He hates watching himself back.And the constant pressure to become a full-time “content creator” is making him feel like he doesn’t have a future in music at all.He asked me:• Can someone who hates being on camera still build a career?• Does the music even matter anymore?• Is there a realistic path for introverted artists in 2025?• Or is he wasting his time because he can’t become what the algorithm wants?This is a very real fear for many artists right now, and in this episode, I break down what’s actually true and what isn’t.We talk about:-Why introverts feel this pressure so deeply-What the algorithm really cares about-How to grow without turning into a personality you don’t recognise-And how to build a career even if you never want to be a “face-forward” creatorIf you’ve ever felt burnt out, discouraged, or invisible online, this episode is for you.Have your own music industry question?Go to https://MatthewRix.com the more real and detailed it is, the better the advice I can give.#musicbusiness #musicindustry #artistdevelopment #music #matthewrixListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a 29-year-old singer-songwriter from Ohio who might…might be doing a little too much on stage.He’s been experimenting with a new “performance identity,” and it has spiraled into something between:• a youth pastor• a motivational speaker• and Mick Jagger if he tripped over a cableHis band says he “moves like a glitching Sims character.”A bartender called him “a liability.”The sound guy said he’s “a hazard.”And honestly… based on the knee slide during an acoustic ballad, they might not be wrong.But here’s the real question he asks:Is there such a thing as TOO MUCH stage presence?Especially for small artists playing bars, wineries, and small venues where the audience is half-listening and mostly just trying to eat their dinner?In this episode, I break down:-What healthy stage presence actually looks like-The difference between memorable and distracting-When to go big… and when to chill-How to find your performance style without scaring the crowd-And how to stand out without accidentally unplugging the whole stageIf you’ve ever wondered whether your performance style is helping you or hurting you, this episode will give you clarity and probably a laugh.💬 Got your own question or story?Go to https://MatthewRix.com and click submit your question The more details you give, the better advice I can offer.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read one of the rawest, most honest emails I’ve ever received.A musician in his 30s tired, disappointed, and skeptical wrote in to vent.He doesn’t believe I can help him. He barely thinks anyone can help him at this point.After years in music, he’s been:• Betrayed by close friends• Let down by bandmates who walked away• Ghosted by producers and managers• Fed promises that never turned into anything• Burned enough times that hope feels dangerousNow he’s jaded. He’s bitter. He’s exhausted.And he’s asking a brutally real question:“Why should I even keep doing music anymore?”If you’ve ever felt burned by the people around you, or like the industry has taken more than it’s given back, this episode is going to feel uncomfortably familiar in a good way.Got your own story or question?Go to https://MatthewRix.com.Tell me everything the details matter, and your story could help someone else survive this industry too.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m answering an email from a 25-year-old indie-pop artist who’s feeling crushed under the weight of social media expectations.He’s been releasing music since 2020 and built a small but real foundation, with 3,500 monthly listeners and a couple of songs in the 10–15k range. However, lately, it feels like he is drowning in advice telling him he needs to be on every platform if he wants to grow.TikTok… Reels… Shorts… YouTube… Discord… Threads…It’s endless. And it’s killing their motivation actually to make music.In this episode, I break down:-Whether artists truly need to be on every platform-How to choose the right platform for your personality and music-Why quality beats quantity (even in the algorithm era)- How to grow without burning out-And why trying to be everywhere usually leads to being nowhereIf you’re overwhelmed, stuck, or quietly panicking about posting more this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.Got your own question?Go to https://MatthewRix.com the more details you share, the better advice I can give.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a mid-30s country singer who’s convinced he has the talent to become a star, if only he had the time.Between a full-time job, two kids, a wife who wants him present, friends who expect him around, and a borderline-serious pickleball habit, he feels like he’s drowning. And now, the pressure to post constantly on social media is exacerbating the issue.He’s not lazy. He’s not unmotivated. He’s just overwhelmed, frustrated, and feeling like real adult life is standing in the way of his dreams.In this episode, I break down:🔹 Why time is the biggest excuse artists use🔹 How to realistically pursue music with a full life🔹 What “getting serious” actually looks like🔹 How to balance passion with responsibility🔹 And whether it’s still possible to succeed in your 30sIf you’ve ever felt stretched thin or guilty for not posting enough, this episode will hit home.Do you have your own question about balancing music and life? Go to https://MatthewRix.com and click “Submit Your Question” The more details you give, the more I can help.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 strategicallyIf 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 #GrowingAsAnArtistListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 pitchesIf 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.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 thereThen 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 be2. Why professionalism matters more than talent during negotiations3. How quickly a team can change its mind if trust is broken4. What you can and can’t recover from5. And what his band should realistically do nowIf 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.Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 offIf 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 #StudioRecordingListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube