people always think they’ve cracked “the code”. that the reason people aren’t doing what they’re suggesting is because no one else has thought about it. in reality it’s because it doesn’t generally work. the reality is, many artists DO need major labels. they need the funding, they need the strategy, and they need the access a label gives them. staying independent and building your own thing (podcast, album, brand, etc.) and keeping all of the money and leverage is OF COURSE ideal.. but people can’t afford it babe lol beyond that, they can’t strategize a way to build their thing (podcast, album, brand) into something on their own. labels build contracts in their favor (duh), the key here is a great attorney/not signing deals you don’t understand. this conversation (seemingly) being a response to mass label layoffs (likely including thousands of people who love music and love artists and do everyone they can to help them succeed) is very 🫩

Why tf would any artist sign a 5 album deal for a $100k advance in 2026 when brand deals, bank loans & crowd funding exist? Wake up. These people in these buildings do not know how to break your single. They take that marketing budget and go contract someone your age to execute the campaign. Might as well get rid of the middle man and own your art.