Artists want to enter the music trade every day problem is they don’t know the commandments to live by so they become afraid of failure. This means they never really start. However, If you want to succeed in the music game and make money selling music you’ve got to know the basic rules of the music hustle. Read away!
Never let people know how much money you’ve got
The economy is always up and down and somebody is always hungry, even the wolves you’ve got with you. If you flaunt what you have real or fake people will try to take what you have even the government. So keep the wolves around you fed, and acknowledged, and stop flashing the money because more money brings more problems.
Territory is not acquired it is taken
In order to take territory you need money, high-grade audio dope, the ability to galvanize people, an incredible show, and an unstoppable attitude! It may sound like a lot but different markets need your audio dope manufactured for different iterations. Money gives you access, and an incredible show gives you access, but on top of all of this, the ability to galvanize people to ride for you will overrun your gatekeepers.
Audio Dope is not for you!
Known as never get high on your own supply. It’s great to listen back to your audio dope and say hey this is fire for the streets! However, never let it go to your head because once it does you will begin to do it more often than not and you won’t notice. then next thing you know you’ll be pushing cut audio dope to the streets and your career will be over.
Dealers are not your friends
The dealers are your network. You only acknowledge them for helping you move your audio dope. these people are playlisters, d2c and streaming companies, DJs, club promoters, record stores, etc. Keep these contacts in the business phone on a separate line for business only. If a friendship forms give it a few years to determine if it's real you’ll know because they genuinely check on you.
Fans are not your friends
Never invite a fiend to your house. Keep them at a distance. They will think you are best buddies. They will be bothering you every day bringing others around when you don’t need the attention and much more. So, create a community for them to form friendships with each other and for the super duper fans and acquaintances get a second phone. Whatever you do don’t get aggressive with them because they will destroy you.
Never do business at your home studio
Never bring people to the home studio always keep business away from the home. People end up getting too familiar with you and rob you at your own place. Ask me how I know.
A Blood Family is not the same as A Family Organization.
Do not mix your blood family into your business. They end up lounging around and you will have problems with removing them. Problems come between your business and home environment. Family organizations have a pact that bonds them and if it's broken they can be taken out without remorse. Blood family is bonded by blood and there will be remorse if they are taken out.
Never slang without protection
Never slang audio dope without protection. You will need three types copyright protection, trademark protection, and legal protection. Whereas trademark protection can be obtained at a later date. The first two you’ll need early on.
Get a stash spot
Keep the unreleased music protected and out of the way. The bigger you get the more people are going to want access to records that haven’t been released. Also backing up on DVD is crucial because hard drives fail often DVDs don’t.
Control your own money
Do not let anyone touch your accounts. This means you’re going to have to learn cash flow management. It’s just part of the game. Your accountant can keep your books but never let them pay your bills.
Save as much as you can
Save your money from the time that you get in till the time you quit. Remember the music is just a step up the to the opportunity in life. This way you wont be in it so long.
Location matters
If you’re moving music out of a small city eventually you’ll get capped and you need to expand. Move to where your listening audience is, you’ll have a chance to expand way more on the second level.
Never let anybody front you in discovery mode
Although it may sound great to get a pimp you don’t need one in discovery mode. All they do is get in the way. Invest in yourself first that way you won't have to pay anybody back when you’re just getting started or worse be enslaved from the jump.
Get the money as cheap as you can get it
While record labels are great, business financing is even better! Especially if you know how to manage money. Get the interest rate as low as possible this way you never have to look for a label to help you.
Always have a personal exit strategy
Never enter the game without coming up with a plan to get out. If you stay in it you become stuck in the game never allowing yourself to diversify your life. If you’re playing for the long game set an exit year.
Tools to make money selling music
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Conclusion: The Kingpin Transformation
By following these 15 commandments, you transform from a hesitant newcomer to a confident and strategic player in the music industry. Whether you’re aiming for a long-term career or a short-term burst of success, knowing these rules gives you control, clarity, and an upper hand in the game. Ignore them at your own peril, but if you live by them, you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive.
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