Exposing The Ugly Truth About Live Shows & Touring

[@pjbpiano]

I think most music people do not realize that creating music is basically an entrepreneurial activity and they think that their musical creativity is enough. As long as musicians do not take entrepreneurship courses, people with business acumen will always take advantage of starry eyed musicians who do not know that “full time music career” = “a sales person who’s product is their brand of music”.

[@thetruthhurts9296]

Another excellent comment!

[@Marcustrh]

She’s gotta take in account she’s only been releasing music according to Spotify since 2020 alongside content. Fans don’t come overnight Curtis is proof of that. It’s a grind. Touring is a marketing trip unless your huge. Best example is Paramore, played warped tour parking lots no pay for a whole summer, it ended they got signed to fuel by ramen.

[@joshuaBrooks.nicholas]

Facts tho

[@MountyCrizto]

👑

[@drum877]

She got finessed. They brought her on tour to make money off of her. She should be in the black doing local shows before ever thinking of taking it on the road. She should do presale on her shows and work out a guarantee dollar amount with the venue. If you do not have the fanbase for it then you should not go on tour. It’s the age of social media you do not need to go on the road and lose money to get a fanbase. People are just impatient or unwilling to suffer staying in a van or hardly eat. Because that’s what it took before social media.

[@StreetfighterU]

The comment on the first part of your statement, that’s essentially what the weeknd did. His manager turned down world tours in the beginning because he wanted The Weeknd to feel comfortable on stage and tour. It’s a lot of mental and physical energy and investment, and it requires small steps and a level of serendipity before you can make it big. I feel like nowadays, you don’t necessarily need to your THAT much depending on your intentions as an artist. You have social media and connect with fans easily. People prefer to listen by themselves than go out but if you wanna make it big, you do have to slowly step out on the stage.

[@keeptrxllbeats4201]

Plus she is not that known to be touring that’s hella risk for a averageto get on your when you’re sure how many person will pull up at your shows tour are only made for mainstreams artists !

[@thetruthhurts9296]

You my friend hit it EXACTLY on the head. People want to be superstars without doing the grind and the work and doing the business. People who have 50 -11 million subs and likes on thier "video" yet can't draw 2 dead flies to come to a show and then complain how hard it is to "make money on the road".

[@asole100]

@thetruthhurts9296 Nah 50mill subs is allot for anyone on YT, you're trippin if you don't think more than 2 people will show up or purchase something.

[@drum877]

@@asole100 how many people’s music do you listen to that you buy merchandise or show tickets to. Do you even have a KZbin premium account. How much money do you contribute directly to musicians. Let’s be honest most people just will be down if it’s free.

[@skizzyskitzo]

This is why back in 2012. I made it my mission to stand my ground. I did my very last show and I said for me to perform again you go have to pay the piper my last show I was the opener hi had the crowd energetic excited And in tune to my lyrics, my flow, everything the main event at the end of the night people were bullying him off the stage. That’s when I realized the quality I have as an artist. Money is not worth compromising my creativity.

[@itzdm0r3]

With the way things are going these days; you can add medical bills to list too!

[@carboy101]

Live shows aren’t going anywhere. People like enjoying things they like in groups

[@onyaschweiz5334]

This is why I love busking i don’t have to wait for a corporation to validate me I just go straight to the heart of the streets and perform for the love of it.

[@Pericles777]

In the drop down menu when I go to pay rent, I have yet to find the payment method labeled "exposure"

[@najee2123]

Lmao 😂 bro I’m cracking up at this rn

[@EliteBlackSash]

Merch tax on-the-spot is wild 😭

[@CurtissKingTV]

Fam…I was bewildered 🤣

[@norfsidedre3333]

Tell the ass we made $15 nothing more

[@oneplatformonevoice6905]

@@CurtissKingTV Greetings fam! I love ya content!!! It’s beyond informative & empowering!!! I’m an indie artist from the Bahamas 🇧🇸 & I have an idea that I wrote down ✍️ on paper a while back. This episode of your show not only sparked that idea but you gave me an addition to add to it. I would love to reach out to you personally if that’s kool. If you’re up to it, please allow me to shoot you an email 📧 with what I have & if you’re feeling it, we can go from there! But I’m so confident that you’re gona love it!! Kind regards

[@jurassicthunder]

that doesn't sound real. IRS only gets what you report on tax seasons

[@tyturner5870]

Can't you get a tax write off?

[@coldfacejay]

Dude its called show business.... its a business the venue makes all the money

[@realjravage2871]

Being an artist in general cost money and it can be expensive, that’s why not a lot people actually survive doing music and eventually give up on it and find a different career path. Regardless of how much money it cost for me being a producer I still do it because money isn’t my total focus I just enjoy doing it. If no one buys my beats that’s fine one day someone will and then the money will come along with it. This is a great video I didn’t know how expensive touring can be but I know now. And touring can be both financially and mentally exhausting that’s why shows get canceled all the time.

[@taylorstep8135]

this is how labels get you to sign the cost of things but you have to believe in yourself as a independent artist.

[@thetruthhurts9296]

If you believe in yourself as a independent artist is fine but you better know business. You better have your ish together. You can be independent all you want but if you can't balance a bank account, make plans, negotiate, read the terms of agreement, have a contract, your own contracts, access to a Entertainment Attorney for more complex matters that is all you are. Independent and by yourself.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

God it's like everything in the music business *sucks.* So then how DO you make money performing?

[@keeptrxllbeats4201]

It will be hard to get money as a underground artist if you mainstreams it will be easy

[@dazeja]

Its hilarious how the con artist record labels have made everyone think they can’t make money off of streaming when they ,in fact , are making money off of streaming.

[@KaineMarqo]

I definitely have spoken to my bro about this. He tours quite a bit with his band (Theyre called Restraining Order, look them up) and hes told me so many horror stories on the road that its kinda made me reconsider my whole stance on touring and performing. I never had any idea how bad it was until he actually told me.

[@BigVolcano314]

A.I nd covid made soul worthless..as time go on music will be more on tone i stead of flow nd growth ..the future is here .. performing wont matter in person no more

[@knowone4267]

Bro I find your content invaluable. I walked away from music several years ago and recently discovered my love for creating songs is still there. Not exactly sure what I want to do with it yet. But the landscape has changed so much I’m grateful for content creators like yourself that inform old farts like myself of the new blueprint. Thanks for everything.

[@1RichPark]

Oddly enough my homie went on tour wit Marc Rebillet last year😂😂 😂 Good Show

[@nineixb616]

I’ve seen plenty of touring bands play venues in NYC that local musicians who draw a crowd barely make any money in. Not as much after the pandemic, I know playing cities like NYC and LA are seen as bragging rights, and May look good on social media but considering the amount of money that can be lost I don’t see the point.

[@KelvinBlessedTheBeat]

Thank you for the new video! Everything you been putting out has been super educational & inspirational bless my brother!

[@CurtissKingTV]

I appreciate you watching and absorbing the content. Glad it’s been enjoyable for you 🙏🏽🛠️

[@macavelli8905]

The event host will automatically be in your pocket in the merchandise department and also get a cut on certain tickets sold over a certain point..

[@KaineMarqo]

Mfs hit you with that "because I said so" tax. 😂 Good lord.

[@michaelmitchell5098]

The industry has been the worst since the record industry collapsed. That industry just found another way to starve the artists. Dev is cute though 😊!

[@barrytheartist.]

So is the answer merch, sync licensing, and services like mixing? Ik not everyone has the access or information to get to those means of income and at scale, takes time to set up syncs and compete on that level cuz it is like that . Music industry is NOT attractive unless you are OBSESSED with everything about it.

[@barrytheartist.]

stay starving for a longg time and you gotta get comfortable in that and loving what u do n living for that. If you not like that or can’t take the lifestyle then it’s not for you. It’s more work doing what you love but it’s more torture to not follow your passion. If you really want it then it’s there for you to chase after it. >ONLY ONE CHANCE AT LIFE

[@6stringbeats397]

Being an artist is a business. Just like any other business it takes money to keep it moving forward. No one hands you free money.

[@Shay416]

Yeah Big K.R.I.T mentioned this too, but he said its a necessary evil to get exposure to a new fanbase.

[@jaybae7315]

Mmmh. A lot of people don’t realize that the music industry is not what they think it is.

[@skizzyskitzo]

I’ve been doing music for 22 years. I have made more money as a recording engineer, and producer than me as a recording artist, and I own all my Publishing and all of my masters. I’ve had labels, offer me a chunk of money for my master recordings, and I refuse.

[@ponderingsfromthemothercit8347]

She looks like Leighton Meester

[@Raisedbywolves13]

Thats why 80 DEKA does not tour..... 80 DEKA was MF DOOMS little brother I heard it was 80 DEKA he was sending to be the DOOMBOT!

[@warnutztheloser]

It seems theres a mission to do anything in music

[@SarisChannel18]

Dev Lemons reminds of this one kid who ate a worm at a party to win a cassete tape of his favorite band. He was a stoner and a good friend.

[@jamorychance8992]

she look like she was crying

[@cordellfarmer8220]

I'm so glad I watched this because it confirmed all my thoughts and my own personal strategy towards my own music. It's about business first and foremost, why even spend money touring when your focus should be on creating a brand and basically using your music as the "jingle" to that product or service. I find it hilarious that artist really be hoping to get merch sales its funny because online you would swear these dudes are balling smh scam. But if you take it in every big artist has a big brand. Think like an entrepreneur not an artist

[@GrandNoble]

Shout out to the clip of big orca over here. 🙌 noa james

[@arrnendogarcia2189]

So touring is like getting a degree got it😂😂

[@onyaschweiz5334]

There should be more high quality online concerts no one has to worry about getting hit with a bottle and if people really want that they can tip for someone to throw a bottle at the artist on the live stream. Tours are too expensive for the artist and the concert goers. Online concerts should be pushed more in the future.

[@iAmL3J3ND]

I think I’m a little bit crazy cause this making me want to get to this level even more. Thank you Curtis King we need your honesty and straight-forward assessments/ experience! 🙏🏽

[@beatvillainz]

Y’all doing it wrong ; DJs do it better!

[@casitrek]

Robert Kraft (Owner of the New England Patriots) was able to get the team and assets because the former owner making a few bad investments, including one of Michael Jackson's Tour.

[@koreylr]

michael jacksons tour was the last straw, if they would have held on for 2 more years man

[@Airic]

very true. Live streaming is the way artists can *own their venue* ... vertical integration 101.

[@lisasykes624]

If your fan base is world wide you probably can't get enough fans together in your city... unfortunately.... it's a lot of kids making millions and people in America never even heard of them...ex... juice world..🤔😐

[@Eliburgo]

Things id like to help y'all with the 6 to 7 grand for a white van rental for 2-3 months even with a discount its cheaper to spend that money on just buying a van and selling it later if need be Used 2006 Ford Econoline E-350 Commercial $8,875| 220,517 even if you sell it for 5 grand you cut your cost if you can get two tours out of it and sell it a year later you really winning. Mext the hotel thing get a chain that has a hotel in every city you have a tour date then get their credit card world of Hyatt Bon Voy marriot etc you get 20 to 30% off and accumulate hotel points by the 3rd tour you'll be staying for free at least half them nights. Lastly negotiate a rate with the promoter directly not the group you open for cuz $250 a night aint it 😂.

[@VividFilmProductions]

This is why it’s important to have a separate career to make money. I’m working on opening a barbershop while doing music on the side along with sync licensing.

[@chuckytherapper]

idk bro sync licensing yes. But I would hope you can be succesful keeping those two businesses seperate. I wouldnt want one career to fuel the other career forever. Thats whats already going on. At some point i want this music to be paying for its own studio time. The $100 per hour i pay right now is well worth it, but hard to come by. Cus its never an hour. its like 3 hours, plus album art and videos. Which is every hour after that forever.

[@priztucker]

Fact is that Musicians are not business people who do not have any real business model behind what they do. So they don’t understand what it really takes to be profitable. With ANY business you have to pay to learn especially if you are DIY.

[@earllangham2024]

Well that y’all news artist. If you have a Ryder all that is cover. But it always Artist messing if up for other artist. Which is why you do not have promoters any more. Because crazy ryders. They need to be small

[@festivisionstudios8789]

Didn't even know you rap😅

[@insomniacfirehorse6425]

Wow, so the likes of EZ Mil an indeoendent music creator are extremely lucky, 1 in a million, no wonder hes getting a lot of hate. I feel sad for these talented independent musician that never reach their goal. Keep on working, keep showing your talents till you get the opportunity.

[@thahyst]

Damn you played at the Crocodile!? In Seattle. Wish I was there fam!

[@Roccofan]

People barely talk to each other in person. Going to a live show seems a bridge too far. :) :(

[@flyingsuitcase5275]

A great video! You just popped up in my feed.

[@channelseven8092]

If you just gone break even what's the point? You might as well keep your a s s home.

[@bamnjphoto]

These people thought they would drop a track and money would fall out the sky

[@ssmfetti]

16:03 Name of these websites?

[@DeisonProd]

Will I Am said something about this.

[@user-yr4mo3iz4d]

wtf go on tour and not earn money. cmon you earn on tour. no one tours to lose money. go bankrupt. set gurantees. ffs.

[@denequia]

Good video love her transparency 💪🏾💪🏾🙏

[@gemgirl2000]

“exposure dollars” FOH 😂

[@jujuthaguru]

Loved this! ❤ I’m an astrology geek with Leo (entertainment) in the 4th house (home). EVERYTHING you said was music to my ears lol I’ve already set up my own studio… live set next 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Alexa-uk8lj]

Definitely competing with my sofa!

[@Avetinga]

I believe this is the start of more online and metaverse tours. These are your reasons. On top of all the different things you can do online and in the metaverse that you would never be able to do in the real world.

[@Dulzothegreatmusic]

So surely that means busking is the best way to tour

[@arkitekmrj]

It’s a lot safer to be at home as well. Sometimes things that are out of your control happens at live shows that put your safety at stake. I can see this streaming live shows being the norm soon.

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

streaming is a very bad business model

[@Poor_Georgie]

Travis had a show on freaking fortnite

[@alldayhustle3050]

Time well spent. Thanks bro

[@liqwidmediaworkztv]

I knew who she was gonna say soon as she said “one major company”

[@mobbindavid7359]

Musicians need a better way these days fr

[@earlebell9874]

2pac was an actor and rapper look what his worth when he died He had less than $105,000 in a checking account, two cars, and a five-figure life insurance policy in his half sister's name. Despite selling 60 million records and scoring several hits, he was actually in severe debt at the time of his death, owing an estimated $4.9 million.Sep 12, 2019

[@jmartyofficial]

Thanks fo the knowledge 💯

[@elijahworden219]

I live in portland. Find this story funny

[@Juan-be5zi]

Appreciate the perspective fam 🙏🏽

[@michaeliniga7958]

........Subscribed!

[@mellotones]

Definitely gotta livestream more, but not gonna lie this video got me discouraged.

[@vanityposh6348]

It’s terrible to see how much you artists are losing on tours. But as far as the solution, I cannot agree with that. I just went to see Jodeci and Dru Hill perform live. I was on the six row too. It’s a different type of feeling to be that up close and personal with your favorite artist versus sitting in my room watching them from an electronic device. I felt like I was high for two days from that concert alone. I had to stand in line forever and parking was high, but that was a sacrifice that was worth making.

[@Klatyno256]

If i was to go on tour as a new artist i would only want to do small venues with other different artist very many ..something intimate for hoping to get some new fans.Tour is only a cash grab for top artist like drake taylor nicki eminem kendrick kanye cole beyonce.People who we want to see regulary .

[@Becauseimme]

Shalawam Ahch keep up the great work on the videos and music.✊🏾

[@charlesedward313]

Those versus battles year or two ago pretty entertaining that's an example way of the future looks like

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

promoters are supposed to pay for all of that , i would never go on tour with my own money

[@youngiconzent246]

what these younger artists needs to do is do a small circuit small tours, get some weekend shows, do the bookings & advertising of the tour dates, travel make some money & be home after the tour, after breaking even, get some sponsorship to do a slightly bigger tour & do the same until it's time to fly out & do major cities.. But Never go into your pockets to do a tour..

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

u can also rent out a studio to make the experience look professional

[@Train.ByLaw_]

Awesome enlightenment 👍👑

[@simplyelwin]

sharing this one big bro

[@eafortson]

How many of y’all came here just to make sure some Respek was getting out on Devs name. 😂

[@jaklair]

68

[@soupmoney5738]

🥷😂😂😂😂😂💎💎💎💯👌🏾

[@insearchofhome6451]

Very interesting….

[@ChennouneMedia]

here for it

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I've arranged tours for myself and my label artists a few times over the decades and we've always made money. The travel, hotel and food are expenses that the promoter pays, as well as the fee for the actual show. How can you not make money? The promoter takes the risk. Payment is always made in advance of the show. Needless to say you shouldn't be touring anywhere if the audience doesn't know your music and your brand doesn't sell tickets and bring heads through the door. As for marketing your music, that's done by getting your music played in the clubs and the top radio shows for your genre in the territory. Performing live only gets one venue, even though they get to see you live. Having a viral song/track that is being played by a lot of djs gets you played in multiple venues over a weekend. That generates interest over time in those territories for them to see the artist who does that song. When you get interest from those territories you negotiate the deal so that the promoter takes on the expenses and pays you.

[@johncollins3046]

Valuable info ℹ️ A billion times out of a billion I would prefer the hard lessons on other peoples experiences 😳🤣🔥

[@zorro18759]

i don't like her attitude. if u don't like it do a 9to5.... she acts like she been in the game for 20+ years and just now found out about this like it's some kind of big secret/conspirancy...

[@jayhinz5150]

oh shit curtis did a tour with murs, making the universe recognize and submit mid city los angeles living legend murs? whhhhhat? probably the pay your fuckin dues tour, i hope he does another one and comes to portland and curtis is on it, ill definately come check it!

[@kissass1286]

Is it even worth it for artists to continue? As an artist that believes in following our passions, I also account for the reality that if this is what we want to do for the remainder of our lives, we have to survive from it. It's somewhat of a let down that it *seems* like there's more sunken costs of being a musician. :( But, I hope we all still keep going, I'm sure it'll pay off!

[@Dulzothegreatmusic]

Do busking

[@trapnest_music]

I wonder if it’s the same for touring as a DJ

[@CurtissKingTV]

It wouldn’t surprise me fam. The entire live industry is going through a shift