How Grammy Nominee Brent Faiyaz Built His Music Career Off Streaming (HBO)

When Grammy nominee Brent Faiyaz and his manager, Ty Baisden, were offered a record deal with a quarter million dollar advance, they walked away. Instead, they opted to go independent.
New artists usually seek notoriety by signing with a major label. But the contracts often leave them with few rights to their music and little-to-no longterm earning power. In recent years, however, more and more artists have decided to buck signing with a label and pursue their independence, according to veteran music attorney Richard Grabel.
The best contract that Faiyaz and Baisden reviewed, for example, gave them 18 percent of the royalties - money paid by the record label to the artist for each time a song is played or purchased.
After scooping up a Grammy nomination for his performance on GoldLink’s “Crew,” Faiyaz and Baisden chose the indie route. They set up their own company, Lost Kids LLC, and invested $30,000 out of their own pockets for a debut album. Now, they use data from streaming platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music to build their fan base. Knowing who plays Faiyaz’s music - and where - helped the duo sell out a tour across the United States and Europe.
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“I believe that the system that we're building is based off of transparency,” Baisden said. “And one day somebody will give me 20 million dollars to do it and to keep doing it.” WATCH NEXT: Fyre Fest Employees Are Still Hurting From The Scam Festival - bit.ly/2IHzCqk

[@oy3ah2025]

OY3AH!

[@andyhank4867]

pro trick: watch movies on flixzone. I've been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.

[@willieerik3845]

@Andy Hank yea, I have been watching on flixzone for since december myself :)

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

$30K a month is a massive win for an independent artist. He has created a wonderful income for himself and his family AND he is doing it off his passion, which is a W in my book. As Brent increases his fame, he can probably do more as well. Look forward to hearing more about him and his manager.

[@LUImusic856]

Haya Glamazon and that was last year. He bout to do even better!

[@ayofro3377]

Haya Glamazon facts, I love his music too, he probably doesn’t want to sign all his creative ability and soul away to a record label.

[@LUImusic856]

Ayo Fro hopefully so.

[@Keithistall21]

they big now

[@razmatazzsi2293]

🔥🔥🔥

[@stevensamuel4634]

lowkey respect to Spotify/KZbin/Soundcloud for making these data analytics available to upcoming artists

[@_CYHF]

Honestly

[@HURRY-UP-N-BUY]

Imagine what Data They REALLY DONT SHARE!😲🤣😂

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

This was such a necessary video. Artist need to KNOW that they can operate and thrive even without the assistance or supervision of a label. Especially major labels. Brent and his team are a testament to self belief, passion and critical thinking. DONT SIGN if you don't have to.

[@tommyali1787]

Darrel Be facts

[@kobii1]

Data is key. Props to the manager.

[@jtgault]

Brent Faiyaz’s x Sonder’s music is the soundtrack to my life

[@ryancarson8461]

yesss my boy boy Brent finally getting recognized, definitely underrated, hope he blows up as big as Chance did

[@themawaali]

Thats what I like ,musicians take charge of the business.

[@iEKNOWS_]

The key thing for an independent artist to take away from this video is that they found a way to put up their own money! 30k into a project is a lot of money for an indie artist but they got it done. Find people who believe in you and are willing to invest in you whether it's time or money. You need a team to really sustain in this industry. It took me a long time to figure this out.

[@melle1965]

His project “INTO” under the name SONDER is super underrated. The production is on a whole new level.

[@RahimX]

i know this is old but he also had a project under sonder called “parts”

[@Christie50204]

@Frank M I can't find his other project

[@deenadream]

Melle yeah “into” was my shit!!!

[@peace7642]

Sonder is a band

[@sprb4725]

sonder is him and producers/instrumentalists atu and dpat

[@jaylenfields5541]

I’ve been a Brent fan for so long I used to watch this video so much and I always wished that he would blow up, and here we are. I’m so glad and so proud. He’ll never see this but I’m so grateful that he’s blowing up.

[@NYCKZ360]

Perfect example of being an artist in the music industry without “selling out”. Folks be reading too deep into everything now and days.

[@Lexlugr]

I can't overstate how happy I am Sonder/ Brent bucked the system. Chance and others paved the way.... I hope this continues, as I feel creates a more continuity of the sound as well as creative control of his content.

[@omoaston]

It's so so so sad that this man's talent isn't appreciated enough.

[@osvaldo4748]

he’s blown up he’s getting appreciative a lot more

[@NiggasHating]

Its changed hasn’t it

[@Sandman0792]

I wrote a whole dissertation/thesis in 2015 about this exact thing. I titled it 'Can I kick it...Independently?'. I need to get that shit published ASAP.

[@elizahcreates]

Hi, @iiiSandman would you be open to still publishing that piece online?

[@elizahcreates]

Checking back in...lol

[@Milo74]

@@elizahcreates Defo need that thesis

[@elizahcreates]

@@Milo74 I found it!

[@chrisbryan2333]

@@elizahcreates could you point to where I can read it online?

[@lambovii]

Ayyyyee Brent is an amazing artist. Hope he blows up.

[@nox4000]

What do you mean, is he a muslim?

[@michaelbarnes3276]

Sonder Son one of the best albums of 2017 imo

[@mphosithole5716]

In a looong time.

[@ty3691285]

Seen him in SF. He put on a great show. Got to meet him afterwards, super cool and humble dude.

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

Vice this was amazing but too short. The manager had insights and Brent is so cute with a great voice

[@LoveAlitaB]

That’s dope, self sufficiency at its finest 👌🏾

[@mphosithole5716]

There's a difference between a singer and an artist, anyone can sing, voice training here and there...he is an artist for sure

[@ameliali593]

Im so happy he got some recognition he had been the soundtrack to my life for the past year. All love for him

[@itsrealkenna]

Brent is the kind of success story that encourages me as a underground artist with a small following. Seeing how he’s developed his skills and slowly blown up after seizing each and every opportunity he’s been giving has been inspirational! Mans has quickly become a mainstay in the industry and for good reason. Dude is too nice! I know if I put in the work, I can reach a larger audience some day too, but for now, I’m happy being a supporter. My turn will come too. Salute to Brent🔥

[@shannonlilia]

His voice is like lotion or lip balm to me. 🕊

[@eatingmyyouthtocasablanca449]

shannonlilia 😂😂😂 my god

[@RawDogTV]

lol

[@KarlRock]

Great work. It's really inspiring to see.

[@pabriansanchez1047]

He was younger and more energetic then, he seemed to have cooled down lol. He’s still the same amazing artist.

[@jhaialx2399]

I mean he is 26 now and if you listen to his music he said he been doing this since he was 19 he chillin now

[@zanderceo91]

I've been saying this for 4 years- artist/labels need to run like data-driven tech startups. Doing so leads to long term success in this new digital age. Actionable metrics. Things like predictive analytics becomes viable due to so much data available. Structured at that ya digg. Its too easy. I feel like the next HOV type artist, Will be a technologist and a lyricist-- the future.

[@Dino.808]

I agree.

[@javionriley8739]

So glade y’all are putting much attention & light on My homie Brent 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿, it’s much well deserve

[@3nterprisevideos]

Damn we all need a manager like that

[@demiladeolaleye8766]

1:00 - WOW! So most of these signed new artists only getting 18%?!! That's wild!!!

[@nnnmmmable]

Demilade Olaleye No not most, it depends on what they feel you are worth and with this artist they felt he was worth a 250,000 advance and 18%.

[@NasaLamode]

It’s dope to see the behind the scene stuff. I’ll definitely apply this to my music career 🔥🏁

[@TravisHeinze]

I'm a little surprised that Atlanta didn't pop up on the map for them.

[@migjenbakalli1061]

Atlanta is one of the worst touring markets

[@TravisHeinze]

Migjen Bakalli Why? Because of the large black population? This is a hip hop band.

[@thedigggers]

I’ve actually seen him twice in Atl

[@chinahawkins1448]

He was at the Masquerade downtown atl

[@Mrgunsngear]

smart model

[@extinctparadise363]

Into by Sonder 🔥🔥 5 AM Paradox 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Sonder Son 🔥🔥 Idk what’s next but I fucking love his voice and his music

[@nr5184]

Ya smokin Into a life changing project

[@justkelah3628]

So glad that he's getting the recognition he deserves and staying true to hisself.

[@MaInfamous]

Their grind is inspiring. Good luck to them in the future and beyond.

[@myarobinson7953]

Much respect to Brent Faiyaz and his team for doing it without a label that would more than likely downgrade his sound

[@KDazee]

18% royalty....wow

[@ALEX-eh6qk]

The internet is the best school to date

[@zahir2942]

It really is, but also the most distracting one.

[@TheMovementFam]

Inspiring AF.

[@Jas-oo4qc]

I remember I was in the shower and his song came on and I was feeling it so I peeked out to look at my phone and hearted the song. Shortly after he blew up

[@maya-db1hj]

And look where he is now 😆

[@jss8093]

Brent the goat fr

[@JayLaFlare]

Growing his hair out was the best move he made lmao

[@tsukiyami6162]

facts lol

[@bfrank9888]

Beyond proud🙌🏾

[@HaCkEr6662k7]

respect

[@KennadyKrea]

I love Brent soooooooo much truly talented artist❤️❤️

[@jessindaflesh]

Update this video with his new music!

[@HexxagonSpace]

Dope. Happy seeing this.

[@Sam-tg1ry]

And now his drake song just dropped, full circle . Such a beautiful thing

[@KingLit100]

3:52 the definition of Super Fans!

[@tiadavis3968]

I love him he is so smart👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@trekgreenwood6743]

Back to this video four years later, this literally what Russ also been saying for years now. Folks, this is the blueprint to success for all current and future independent artists.

[@largeinsize1]

This has been so insightful it makes you realise the power of data.

[@chykomoney1085]

I always come back to this vid for inspiration towards my dreams of being an independent artist w/o gettin fucked by the industry

[@PresidentialWinner]

Awesome, thanks for this.

[@theetortoise]

This is so eye opening -- educational as well as interesting!

[@leunammEFlowMasterE]

Impressive. In fact. EXTREMELY impressive.

[@Scorpionism_]

love this man sooooo much, his craft is unmatched and his sound is so smooth and perfect ❤️

[@rawbrenaissance1305]

bro u are super talented i hope u get the recognition u deserve you are suppose to be a superstar

[@jostevens4998]

YESSS BABY! Even though you not coming to the dmv!

[@jalipenorunner]

SUCH A GOOD VIDEO. very insightful

[@Myburneracc]

4:43 😂

[@catherinedeason8800]

I found out about him on ovo sound radio. He’s absolutely amazing.

[@phenomenalfx7134]

As of Dec. 29th, 2023: Guess what, He's up now!

[@yolandobaptista9935]

i´m shocked on how we look like. i just got to knew about him to days ago. we look much like. great work!

[@Overboard-uh2no]

This was very beneficial thanks for sharing this info

[@Tycoj]

Dope video! It would have been intresting to know what the capacity of the venues was in the 2 cities you took as an example :)

[@Sinful_loveee]

Forever my fave ❤️

[@bigcheden]

Now he gotta song wit drake

[@shechinahTV]

This is eye opening! but why was the keyboard so loud ahhaha

[@jussamaru4153]

Live performance recorded (Which increases more tickets sales ) Vlog equals investment of more Fans . Bro your 🔥🔥🔥🔥I know what your missing off of my passion to figure out things to have sound solution. Hustler shyt but Legit

[@DavidNunezPNW]

I love this. Independence is beautiful.

[@supremejedi1835]

Man I swear to goodness the manager deserve a nice 💰he on his shit ..I Respect the grind 🙏🏿

[@danirivera6954]

I'm so mad I didn't make it to the show in philly!

[@highestapril]

This why he hasnt come to Miami yet😢 More ppl nees to stream!!

[@wantonfloe]

Legend

[@Fred-ik9jz]

3:00 This ”pay/stream” changes every month relative to the artists percentage of the total amount the global streams that month, roughly. It’s a very complex and intricate system that streaming services use to calculate pay-out.

[@AceyVivid]

I got HW tonight. This is free advice 💯

[@wamitanguzulu3908]

Goat

[@undergroundkid8337]

Super dope bro super dope

[@erivera1993]

Seen em concert best concert I’ve ever been to

[@singlefatherofthree3755]

Favorite artist

[@lc400matt]

Had a chance to meet him and the manager at a show once in A hole in the wall of San Antonio. Even though the manager is smart chasing the data. He came off as super sketch. He never told the venue (after asking the venue) when the meet and greet (which was extra) was going to happen, until the last min. So for those who spent extra for the meet and greet were about to get screwed. But either way Brent was humble and chill to talk to.

[@0bd00]

MODAR the show at Paper Tiger?

[@afiyahowusu]

My baby is a Legend. 🙇🏾‍♀️

[@itsepileal]

Brent Faiyaz🔥

[@naynay2cute4u]

much respect to Brent

[@UrUnforgettable]

Brent come to Ny or Long Island mainly

[@shalonnashay]

brent & sonder are SO underrated man...

[@mabdci]

Brent is a Legend

[@Andihitshandis]

I’m fucking obsessed with him. It’s unreal

[@koopdavillain]

very informative

[@winterbonnie7500]

Love some brent

[@younginchriso]

So glad I ran into this 💯

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

Question? How much out of the 30k was spent on expenses and how much remained profit?

[@tizzubestar]

Informative

[@nanaomg]

he’s come so far

[@mrgwingteam]

apple most def pays .007 of a dollar, not .071... that would be 7 cents a stream which would be od lol smh

[@elijahgavin6706]

Chance firing Pat solidifies that he was capping when he said he met Kanye so he can never fail

[@selenadawn7953]

He’s all I love in life

[@mrjames851]

My question is, once you put the work in and saw what that 82% was for, would you lower your cut as the label putting in that amount of work? You probably want a bigger cut knowing that you don't have the level of infrastructure and you couldn't do it quite as efficiently

[@zurrryy]

I love this