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
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
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 entitledIf 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 #PayMusiciansFairlyListen 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 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 elseIf 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 #RapperLifeListen 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 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 money2. Find sponsorships to buy a trailer to haul a piano3. Cover costs like merch, fuel, and a websiteIn 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 dimeThis 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 #MusicJourneyListen 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 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 winIf 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 #BreakingIntoTheIndustryListen 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 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 promotersIf 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 #MusicBusinessListen 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 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 setbackSarah’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 #MusicContractListen 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 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 stagesIf 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 #HowToGetGigsListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube