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@BrianZisook • 51,707 subscribers

Co-Founder @Audiomack | Partner @DJBooth | Creative @SundaeSongs | [email protected]

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Earlier this month, a fire devastated Portland’s Burn Money Studios, a hub for local artists where Makonnen worked, stored merch, and created art. His kitchen shift was part of a fundraiser to help his community rebuild what they lost.

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“I’m not embarrassed. I’m just surviving like every human has to.” That’s what iLoveMakonnen told me when I asked about the viral video of him in a restaurant kitchen. Everyone shared the clip, but nobody reached out to hear the story behind it. Until I did. A thread...🧵

I see this happen at least once a week: An indie artist pays thousands for a major feature... only to realize they won’t be able to release the song! Don’t waste your money. Watch this explainer from entertainment attorney Ryan Schmidt.

This isn't something I'd usually share here, but an artist bringing it up unprompted caught me off guard in a really meaningful way. This is why I love working with artists. I'm truly blessed.

People often ask me why I care so much. Allow me to explain.

Ghana’s own Kwesi Arthur pulled up to @Audiomack Studios in New York and performed live piano renditions of new music 🎹🔥

It’s Friday. Stop releasing music on Fridays. Go off-cycle.

Say it with me: Artist development is human development. In this clip, Isaiah Rashad explains how working with Top Dawg has afforded him the luxury of taking his time on music, allowing him to be an active father to his kids and care for his grandma.

Kendrick was 24 here and already understood the key to longevity: genuine connection.

“Stay independent as long as you can.” MUST-WATCH interview with veteran manager Chris Anokute, who explains what you want in a record deal when you have leverage: • Master ownership • 10-year licensing reversion • 70/30 profit split (artist’s favor) • No “distribution fee”

Thug’s frustration over Kendrick not giving him a verse reminded me of this J. Cole quote about choosing feeling over a check: “I’m not gonna charge [artists] $2,000 a word. I don’t even charge for the verse. I’m doing this shit because I’m inspired.”

Remain independent until you’ve built up an audience. No matter how long it takes.

People want there to be a secret industry button. There’s no button. It’s talent, timing, &amp; money.

Just this on loop for weeks now...

Joey Bada$$ with a STRONG message to indie artists chasing a record deal: “Establish who you are first. Create some fucking leverage. Get some fucking motion. Then you entertain a partnership [with a label].”

“Either you go to the moon [and return the investment] or you don’t and you go away.” Stem’s CEO explains, in plain yet blunt terms, how most labels view artist signings.

“You post once on Instagram, it only reaches 3% of your followers.” Acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer jonbellion is about to release his first album in 6 years, and he isn’t depending on the algorithm. His entire rollout plan is fan-first and direct. And it's working!

A former Interscope A&amp;R explains what it really looks like to advocate for artists inside a major label system. MUST WATCH. “I was on team artist. And I would always fight for you. I would challenge you when I thought you were wrong. But I would always fight for you.”

André 3000, on an episode of Touré's podcast, reveals that Epic Records won't count New Blue Sun—his GRAMMY-nominated new-age jazz album—toward the fulfillment of his solo recording contract. Can labels do this? Why? Let's break it down. 🧵

People want there to be a secret industry button. There’s no button. It’s talent, timing, & money.

A former Interscope A&R explains what it really looks like to advocate for artists inside a major label system. MUST WATCH. “I was on team artist. And I would always fight for you. I would challenge you when I thought you were wrong. But I would always fight for you.”