How My Music Made $11,000 WITHOUT SPOTIFY!

How My Music Made $11,000 WITHOUT SPOTIFY! #spotify #dtc #curtissking
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By the way, if this is your first time watching one of my videos, my name is Curtiss King. I'm an Independent Rapper, Music Producer, and KZbinr. My goal is to make you think, laugh and motivate you daily. If you need a channel that constantly keeps you motivated, in a good mood, and speaks to deep thoughts of creatives, consider subscribing.
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[@Marcustrh]

Ryan Leslie & Nipsey laid the foundation, Curtis saw it, took notes, and adjusted accordingly. If this isn’t a massive motivator for us Solo artists I dunno what is. Thank You 🙏🏿 Congratulations we see you and we are mad proud of you 🇨🇦🙌🏿

[@Ybmtez]

Good content fam

[@tttheprophettt]

Im a poet and have 2 books out but these days im thinking of other ways on how to have them expressed in the public sphere and you really giving me some ideas/inspiration on how to proceed for the future. Keep doing it

[@luketj]

what are the names of your books?

[@tttheprophettt]

@@luketj one is called Wild Eyes! And other Wordz From The Prophet

[@drelovestats6715]

Can I get a link??

[@eafloe]

Respect. You hit the nail on the head near the end about where the artists play in all of this. Many artists haven't answered the "why" question for themselves on their decision to create music. Are you doing music because you truly love it and want to connect with people (and have a successful business in the process) or are you doing music for the vanity metics, fake personas, or because you are trying to "fit in" to certain circles in the music game? Music fans should be asking themselves the same questions. Peace!

[@imanibasquiat]

No shortcuts, the work is the work

[@ruethemaker5069]

It's crazy to me how much hate for others can derive out of failure and/or laziness to not put in the work to accomplish similar to even smaller goals. The same level of hate seems to occur in the fitness industry as well, for instance, say someone wants to display fitness transformation results, that may have consumed a year or so to accomplish... The first comment always seems to assume that performance enhancement drugs have been used, because, God forbid someone actually gets their nutrition in order, and puts the work in. I get tired of people's conditional expectations, STFU, get offline, make a plan/mind map, and take the time to build. It may take 6 months to a year to build a library, but that's okay, once that's accomplished, posting online, and building a following becomes a less stressful task. Honestly, I've been making music and producing for artists for the last 20+ years, I've tried social media, but failed, over and over, I recovered after sometime hiatus, and have taken the time to plan out the journey, and refocus my goals, so that, in the near future, I'm ready.

[@alecsamuelful]

Keep grinding bro. Not everyones gonna get it. There are leaders & there are followers. Period. 💯💪🏾

[@emmanuelaboagye7970]

Bravo 🤩 👏🏾 my Leader! Bravo. Thank you for blazing the trail 🔥🇬🇭🇿🇦

[@araymedia]

People don't realise Curtiss been putting in the work for time 💙 keep it up bruh

[@lazyeyemuzic7490]

Love to see it Bro your just scratching the surface rn !

[@markusc9417]

Congrats big homey 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@luketj]

lotta gems in here. keep going curtiss

[@hadarahbatyah]

Never ever even considered this - wasn’t even paying attention to Spotify drama. Thanks for the insights ❤️ I’ll have to research more. Do you teach in your videos about how to move away from streaming? Would like to learn more. There’s so much we don’t even have to consider doing for ourselves because the digital distributors take care of it.

[@karacoldmusic]

I'd also love to learn about this too!

[@MrRacecourser]

Thank you for the content and the info, king. Congratulations on building up your platform and your business.

[@OGFantum]

Much respect to you. Hard work always pays off. Great show

[@damorza]

Eyy bro, this some real interesting things to consider. I can say that I am definitely scared to get off streaming but honestly so tired of the constant problems and inconsistency throughout payments and general support with streaming platforms. I reckon if all artist stick together and gravitate towards this direction, the music industry will excell.

[@valdi7777]

Love this video Curtiss!

[@floydwilliams497]

You took the risk, you deserve it, way to bet on yourself homie. 💯

[@AndoSan69]

So proud of you man. Amazing!

[@ceed3d396]

Big ups 👍🏽🔥

[@afrikankingzent]

Great speech at the end. Stay real G

[@yolandacharles_thebassteacher]

Yeah man - winning! Small steps but real steps, love the channel

[@OfLoveInRomance]

Congratulations G! Always appreciated your info. Glad its working out 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

[@ayanaali546]

Well, I will say congratulations and thank you for showing me that this is possible. I am currently starting my own label, and I plan to avoid all the common routes and to focus on how to build my brand were It becomes a household name. So that I Won’t have to go through third parties just to make money. So thanks again for showing me that this is possible.🎉🎉🎉

[@nicestar2198]

you inspire me btw!! don't let the hater effects your genius

[@melthecre8tor]

Congrats on the continued success my guy✊🏿

[@HarmoniousVybz]

thank you Bro I have been talking about this with a partner as we are setting our own distrobution up congrats on your DTC results this is super encouraging and inspiring you are the King sending you love joy protection and abundance 🔥KeepIt LavaLava🔥

[@MISTERO70]

Salute & Congratulations I started following you this week and your content is fire and I'm a novice music producer that's learning from you.

[@johniebaltimore]

New subscriber. Congrats on all that you’re doing. Thanks for breaking it down what you’ve accomplished and its equivalent in streams. This is the information we need.

[@skraalyboii5320]

Kurtis appreciate don't stop King you're helping more than you know

[@Kingleeblessings]

A fam... you the one D. Curtiss King!, I appreciate you being here constantly standing on the truth from one chosen ones to another salute 🫡

[@thereal_akanimo]

Man you are always on point Thank you for always inspiring artists out here

[@bvmpii_]

Damn I'm really starting to switch on with this topic. Big bro🙂❤👊🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@KawaiiSteez]

You have a lot of points. Really have me considering. I was planning on doing direct to consumer anyways!

[@TuCul8182]

U have inspired me so much keep up the good work Curtis 🥶🥶🥶💯

[@shekelthepersianprince7]

Is there a practical guide for going direct to consumer?

[@siquoyiablue]

This is very inspiring. I do think for abstract/jazz artist there needs to be ads ran to bring more awareness. Artist should take a marketing course at Coursera it will change your life. 🎉🎉

[@Kingleeblessings]

Yeah, so blessed by this. Very inspirational. Big ups, fellow diyers and all truth breathers, one love soul family ☝️❤️‍🔥 👑

[@lilhyste1]

Thank you for this video. ✨ some of us need a reality check and I am one of them. No excuses🙏🏽

[@Mbksuhh]

this is dope content, being around the wrong people can really make a man feel like this is impossible. glad I came across this!

[@JRClark]

this is dope bro keep dropping these gems....shout out from VA BEACH 757

[@musictipsreviewswithjg]

How you get your isrc and upc codes without a distribution service?? Because I want to get away from streaming

[@shokmusic_AC]

Real Talk, Respect

[@Hotprince]

I'm blessed by this 🎉❤

[@officialnefew]

That's fire man, congrats! Was just wondering why you're not touring, I'm assuming you got a lot of fans who would pay good money to see you perform across the US💪🏼💪🏼

[@UBLMainevent]

Respect Curtiss!

[@paristheprince]

Another W vid king 💙

[@tramaineharvey]

I felt this king......💪🏿🙏🏿🗣👣

[@dalesdonutclips]

Very proud, direct to consumers is where we're all going

[@Fablebox]

When they change the game, you change the strategy! I have been on the verge of doing the same. About to release an album that I sale only online. Then, release singles one by one on streaming platforms. I might have to rethink this.

[@LouJefe]

Congratulations 👏

[@LozaAlexander]

This is so dope and your content is amazing, your like the new DJ Ak 😂

[@FreshSongs-AND-SOON-Politics]

Imma be real with you. I liked your channel the 1st time I saw you. I have had some moments where I got irritated with your on stage personality, but it's part of the show, and ultimately, I get it. This, video, however, proves I was right to follow you on KZbin. Eveything you said here resonates with me.

[@JordanRacks-vg9vo]

I'm glad the universe told me to wait before I put my music on Spotify. Bless you, Mr. KING with this information.

[@djhard954]

Thanks Curtiss King, The next album I'm dropping has 20 songs, I plan to stream only 6 songs as a test for the new rules. Much respect, DJ Hard

[@FreshSongs-AND-SOON-Politics]

I got one more comment. While every one is so freely putting their music on Spotify, not only are they stealing it with AI, but more famous people steal you ideas before you can ever even blow up to their status. Drake proves that.

[@yiqwaba3833]

Thank you bro.

[@countuppodcast]

Very nice. 🔥💪🏾💪🏾🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️

[@k.t.1198]

Hey Curtis, congrats on runnin Dat Thang the RIGHT way. Please do a video on how you bought your, ISNI, ISRC, ISWC etc codes please. Thank you.!

[@byoflive]

Curtis talk to them!! This is a 20,000 live Rn 🎁

[@damorza]

Quality over quantity 🔥🤟

[@M0RN1N6_5T4R]

This is digital out the trunk and I love it.

[@MrTishawn]

Love it. Hey Curtis How did you get good at reocrding the videos to make them good Quality?

[@tttheprophettt]

Even Mach Hommy recently got affected by streaming services.

[@xcal75]

Wow are you serious about this!

[@Loetofficial]

This is Hugeeee

[@Officialkuiet]

Curtiss! I I hope you see this, I have been wanting to connect with you about my approach to the "industry" I run a nonprofit called Kollective Kandor, catering to under-represented and under-supported independent creatives. We utilize the bartering system in house making it more efficient to create opportunity and access for those low-income, homeless, LGBT, BIPOC, ect. but I'd love to share more and get some feedback on some ideas I have about adjusting the way money cycles in the creative ecosystem. Ill shoot a DM as well just in case!

[@just_v123]

I saw an interview by Mr Beast where they asked him if he'd ever quit KZbin and he answered "What else is there? What else am I going to do?" and there it clicked to me that successful people are completely wrapped up in the work. Average people are wrapped up in only seeing the successes that we don't recognise all the time and effort that successful people put in to achieve, maintain and grow their current successes.

[@KSACTV]

pulling up from Kenya and I remember you going to work while doing content so proud of you king diyer is the future. and also what people dont know 11000 is more than Spotify change

[@caponelaw1407]

Well said Curtis. Too many excuses. Do your own RESEARCH and be consistent

[@WesleyClouden]

From working with Ryan Leslie shooting Hella KZbin content from day1 pre any deals with my boy Evan whom we also shoot stuff for Rihanna aka BTS etc content ppl think this shit is over night hype and that was great question from melow-X another DIY producer dj engineer they got it out of the mud fellow New Yorker LA transplant

[@CurtissKingTV]

🎯💯

[@8Phoenix8]

Can you make a video on how to make cds and merch in an efficient way? :) I’m curious to make that next step I just don’t know how to and how would write offs and stuff work.

[@hollyfrostswings]

Dude YES. Always “What Would 0+\> Do?” 😂❤

[@divaudofficial]

Watching the Kaila Love segment really got me thinking of a question I hope you can answer. We’re in agreement, Spotify is feeding our music to AI. Got it. Looking at (and admiring) your personal business model, do you foresee social media companies in the near future mirroring what Spotify is doing? It’s one thing to have full control over your music on Bandcamp, your website or on Even like how you and Kaila do. However, with social media playing a decent size role in anyone’s reach and promotion for new potential fans.. I just wonder if Media companies will begin feeding our social media content to AI and attempt to make it the norm like Spotify is attempting to make it the norm for music now. We mention Spotify as the main culprit but who’s to say Facebook, Tik Tok IG (etc.) won’t do the same with our short form content clips containing our music for promotion? 🤔🧐 I guess my question is then what? Will creatives have to reinvent the wheel and boycott social media next to maintain control? I’m genuinely curious on the direction the path is taking us on. The end game I guess, if there even is one.

[@boxingontheedge11]

Historic decision loaded with integrity! Purple star s@#t! Salute

[@passahsky]

Man you be hearing spirits cuh that’s the new genre Drake was the revelation dragon Google his name meaning and listen to Kendrick rigamortus

[@billyblack]

Legendary

[@DJDARYL]

I’m about to take all my music off those streaming platforms, had been thinking about for a while.

[@markchristophergarrett]

question? why not do both, band camp allows FREE STREAMING (no pay) and you dont have an issue with that?!? Also i could not access you on even got a 404, do I need to be a member?!? if thats the case not buying your figures dosent add up

[@CurtissKingTV]

Bandcamp app is free, the music is not. I asked EVEN to remove my album so I could focus on BC and my website. Doing streaming and BC doesn’t make sense for my business model because it lowballs the asking price for my music

[@happ13e]

Distrokid is Spotify... y'all don't remember buying them out before covid?

[@FreshSongs-AND-SOON-Politics]

I want to collaborate with you on that 'DIYERS GO CRAZY' song so bad.

[@flashhorton2447]

Welp.... I didn't even need that much convincing but is for sure now... done with these dsps.

[@user-tx9pp7mk2p]

10:52 funny you say that b/c whenever I asked content creators about their isrc coding for their clips they act like they have no idea what I’m takin about ..of course I pay to get it stamped but I’m sure there is a way I can embed them myself but nope no content available that’s updated and works on yt ..none!!

[@DubbPP]

They definitely do anything they can not to have to pay smaller artist

[@purephsr]

God bless

[@stellerclimax]

Question: How do you handle splits or paying for the features? Do you do a contract and payment up front? Or do they get a percent of song or full album?

[@DaDonBitterVonWan]

0:36 and that video was my introduction to this content

[@cuttonemusic]

🔥

[@GrizzyKanglive]

Where did you get the physical CDs made?

[@uuuuuggggg]

well done. However, 22k is not a living wage. Overall we need to find a way for indie's to make a living wage based off of their work. 11k is great and cost of goods sold is? Vinyl CD's etc. There is more than enough for everyone to make money without the corporates. Worldwide is the audience and customer base. Been in this indie since 2013 and left spot-a-lie years ago as well as the rest of the DSP's. Own your own domain and work and hold out while they all fall down. See you all on the other side.

[@CurtissKingTV]

This is merely a transparent checkpoint my friend. A small business that is growing in a non traditional way. The marathon continues 🏁

[@uuuuuggggg]

@@CurtissKingTV Thank you for the reply. Word, not trying to dog on your accomplishment at all. Been at this game since 2013 as an indie. Lots of change. Mainly the rise and consolidation of all the digital streaming services. My point was there is enough for everyone to make a real wage making music and selling it online worldwide. The majors know this and have consolidated and trying to starve out the indies with no money. You saw how people sued spot-a-lie to get their music back on there. The saying goes with DSP’s and streaming services “The Water Meter is at they house” I assume you understand the meaning. Big ups big props. Notice you can get a business loan for a variety of ventures, but mention music, unless you are trying to build a studio. Forget it. Also with touring have y’all looked to see who owns all the small venues now. From my research a fund was put together from a member of the music monopoly and they own them all, put them in Ticketmaster, and if you want to book an indie, no way you are getting one of our acts. It’s a multi-pronged assault on indie musicians with individuals who have almost unlimited resources. As prince struck a katana sword type blow against them by having his own subscription service on his site. So shall you and the rest of the musicians all strike smaller blows and take the whole monopoly down with them. Yes well said sir, the marathon continues.

[@kind1c315]

💪🏿

[@passahsky]

Oh you’re a prophet cause you don’t chase profit so ya gifts get enhanced

[@thacyphakc]

Somebody gotta tell the truth and I'm gonna tell it #yassgawd

[@cuttonemusic]

Admit it! 😂 1 LV

[@GWhizzJhangaPakato]

🛠🛠🛠🛠🛠🛠🛠

[@LILAOMUSIC1]

yo curtis yo music still up on spotify bro?

[@kaviardachocolatebar5944]

spotify will not take down his old music because they own the data

[@willjay1839]

If your Music doesn't feel like Gucci 🤔 then ??? Why 🤔

[@coldbreeze35]

👏🏾 👏🏾 💯 🫡

[@YariBeatsMedia]

Oprah & Ellen audiences can learn from this.

[@Allthatwethink]

But couldn’t Spotify feed your music to AI even if you dont post it to Spotify? It’s on the internet, meaning anyone has access to it at that point.

[@willjay1839]

Is it really this serious or is your music not breathe taking enough regardless 🤔???

[@MoneyTary26]

It ISO k to upload songs and offer them for free to Spotify and KZbin if you want to sell out venues and live concerts people have to know your music which if it's free more people will know about it but you can also have exclusive direct consumer content which you can also make money from

[@RobertJeffers-ms6uz]

Agree with you. It's not all or nothing and value in physical products is in keeping them scarce. Trying to mass produce and sell CDs as your main approach in music isn't going to be a long term success. 11,000 sounds nice but let's be real that doesn't project to having a self sustained income from music. Honestly making context about diy and selling CDs is probably making much more money than doing it. That's why I say if your goal is to be a musician exclusively it isn't good advice to completely abandon streaming. Let's be real here whether your sending people direct to consumer via Facebook ads or tick/to KZbin videos you're still dependent on these platforms in some way to reach your audience. Streams also contine to grow over time where as physical album sales are one shot and done. What looks like more money upfront isn't always more money down the line and definitely isn't reaching more ears

[@kaviardachocolatebar5944]

@@RobertJeffers-ms6uz //You still don't get the point. you selling ourself short when you will to take less then a penny for your music from platforms that are making way more. so i agree with the route he is taking and it is all his money. how many people are really going to sell a million streams every month just to get less then $4k? not many and still look how much you make for a million streams. while spotify cash in on your music and you cant even get your data nor an email list or phone numbers. how are u going to turn listeners into fans when you don't even have your data from spotify. his grind is all his including all the data. i rather see the long term build then short term gains.

[@FutureKidz777]

@@kaviardachocolatebar5944 stop getting 100 streams on your crappy music and get more. There’s benefits from most distributors after you hit a certain amount of streams. There’s tons of stuff behind the scenes that you don’t know anything about. Yet you’re trying to prove something to someone else. Prove it to yourself. You talk a lot.. I see you replying to everyone how do you have time to make good music? 🤡🤡