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.

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