Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix

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 senseWhat 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 aroundWhether 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 #UnsignedArtistListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 rightWhy streaming still matters strategicallyHow artists can use both without losing controlThe mindset difference between building attention and building ownershipThis 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 #MusicMarketingListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 breakthroughWhy consistency alone isn’t enough and what’s missing from most artists’ grindWhat you can do when motivation fades and results don’t show upHow to keep your passion alive while being honest about your futureIf 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 #DontGiveUpListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 catalog50/50 split on both album sales and publishingMinimal funding for marketing and publicityThe 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 #RecordLabelScamListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 exposureHow to balance discovery platforms with real revenue streamsWhat “helping artists” actually means in 2025If 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 #MusicCareerListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 strategyHow to use singles to build momentum and audience trustWhen 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 strategyHow to use singles to build momentum and audience trustWhen an EP actually makes sense (and when it doesn’t)What I’d do if I were starting from scratch in today’s music industryWhether 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 #MusicStrategyWhat I’d do if I were starting from scratch in today’s music industryWhether 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 #MusicStrategyListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 momentumIf 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 #MusicCareerListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

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 distributionMake calls to record labels and agenciesHelp secure a record deal and a booking agentIt 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 exploitationIf 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 #MusicCareerListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

In this episode of the Mattrix Minute Music Business Newsletter, I answer a listener’s question about songwriting and music licensing: Can you take instrumentals or melodies from famous songs, change the lyrics, and release them?Here’s what is covered:Why derivative licenses are almost impossible for new artistsWhy parody/fair use doesn’t protect lyric rewritesHow original collaborations give you freedom and ownershipAction steps to move from writing in your room to recording in the studioIf you’ve ever been stuck wondering how to legally release your music, this video will clear it up.Got a music industry question you want answered?Submit it at http://MatthewRix.com your question could not only help you, but also other artists on the same journey.⸻#MusicIndustry #SongwritingTips #MusicLicensing #IndependentArtist #HowToReleaseMusic #musicbusiness #matthewrixListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube

Music industry veteran in marketing and A&R Director Matthew Rix is excited to announce the next thing to help you the artist achieve ultimate success in the music industry with the Mattrix Minute: Music Business Newsletter.Matthew spent well over 25 years of his life working with artists for different record labels and since 2014 he has specialized in helping artists with his music business program “Mattrix Minute” and live speaking events, now it’s time to answer your questions in the music industry with the Mattrix Minute: Music Business Newsletter, absolutely free to submit your question at MattrixMinute.comListen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight with the hype.SpotifyApple MusicAmazon MusicYouTube