How I Survived 2020 As a Freelance Musician (financial breakdowns, tips, story time, FAQs)

~*~ Good riddance 2020 ~*~
You can try out DistroKid and get 7% off of a year's membership here: distrokid.com/vip/badsnacks
[pls read the disclaimer b4 shooting me w/ laser beams of KZbin hate, I am an xtra empath and I am doing this video in hopes of helping folks]
* links that were mentioned in the video*
Imagiro's Piano: vst.imagiromusic.com/
Mint: mint.intuit.com/
Digit: digit.co/
(If you want a $5 bonus when you get started with Digit, click here: digit.co/r/-JnuvjFyD-?al)
** links to my music **
Bandcamp: badsnacks.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5gZDp...
Apple Music: / bad-snacks
As per usual, let's get social:
IG: / lilbadsnacks
FB: / badsnacks
TW: / lilbadsnacks
E-mail: [e-mail]

[@NeonVines]

“Good month” or “bad month” you’re an absolute baller no matter what!! You’re doing amazing girl and your work speaks for itself. Also your honesty, gratitude and willingness to help others makes your future success inevitable💜

[@zxp3ct3r41]

Oh snap it's Neon Vines sheesh

[@badsnacks]

Aw!!! Thanks so much, right back at you!!

[@treehann]

no bad months only bad snacks

[@craigreeves5465]

Game respects game. Love it!

[@donnaynarc2556]

👍🏼🔥🌟

[@SanjayC]

Love this video. Made me feel less alone. No clocking out for real. Good vibes right back at you!

[@dafingaz]

Hopefully you all got to clock out this holiday season. Happy holidays!

[@Hexspa]

I disagree about 'no clocking out'. Nobody should have to feel like they have to work more than they are able.

[@JayTheLane]

Sanjay C👍🏼

[@stephenjimenez6129]

Wanted to thank you for the excellent content you’ve created here in this video, all wrapped in the essence of good story telling technique, yet still practical and fun, and how you have been able to manage your life and navigate the music industry. My question to you is this: Do you offer one on one training or mentoring to individuals, willing to pay, and how does one contact you in regards to this type of arrangement? Okeedokee, thanks bunches! Keep up the excellent work and art!

[@Hexspa]

@@stephenjimenez6129 If this was intended for the video creator, you should post it as a top-level comment.

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Great insights and shout out for being so transparent. It’s hard, obviously many people are nosey and “pocket watching”, but some genuinely want to know their potential value as a creator in the market. It’s soooooo many hours, people think it’s simple, but it’s much harder than the 9-5 because like you said “no clocking out” Thank you for sharing! Great point of creating a runway, a big part of my ability to make changes is that I have no debt and I have 6 months of heads up time. I be on Mint HARD! I still don’t work full time creating through YT and music though I could, but still just taking everything I can from the corporate world. (Retirement/healthcare). Plus, working from home is harder than it seems, no coworkers. Anywho, totally appreciate that you dropped this, so many aspiring peeps need this!

[@badsnacks]

It's a great place to be in when you have the time to balance work & side hustles like KZbin! & Yes, Mint is legit a lifesaver. Thanks for the kind words my friend :)

[@chperrone]

@ Noir Et Blanc Vie, out of curiosity what is your corporate hustle? Is it music related or something else?

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

@@chperrone I work for a media production company, I started there as a sound editor almost 9 years ago, and I run a small production company myself here in LA. Gotta get them benefits and 401k while I can 😅

[@chperrone]

@@NoirEtBlancVie totally! thx for sharing

[@ServidaMusic]

This is great for the community, thank you!

[@ChillhopMusic]

Props for putting out this video, I can imagine it felt a bit scary to share this but it's also something hugely useful for a lot of artists. Wishing you a successful 2021, with lots of snacks! 🤠

[@nicog8062]

normalize 👏 talking 👏 about 👏 money 👏 with 👏 friends we shouldn't judge our worth on how much we make anyway. this is incredibly valuable though. for those of us still clinging to our day jobs, it helps put some real numbers to what the other side could look like. thank you and well done!

[@JIMISTONED]

By not clapping

[@nicologiarrano7590]

@@JIMISTONED ok i'll stop.

[@Sarah2ill]

Thanks for sharing this! TEAM: SHARE THAT ISH!!

[@badsnacks]

yes ma'am!!

[@AimeeNolte]

Great video. You’ll help a lot of people with this!

[@L.Scott_Music]

What a pleasant surprise to see you comment here.

[@Mr850man]

Top ten anime crossovers

[@Sandurz]

Wow, real numbers with nothing hidden, thanks! feel like other people are always cagey for whatever reason when it generally only helps others.

[@ohdagee]

My man! Seeing that your last video was uploaded 4 years ago really hurts. Need more of those! Hope you’re well!

[@jorgearangok]

I never ever comment on YT haha but this is seriously amazing!! I'm a freelance music producer / musician too and I know that most people struggle to talk hard numbers and are especially sensitive when it comes to sharing this kind of information. Thank you so much for putting this out and being so helpful to so many people!! Don't stop the incredible work!!

[@igaito9343]

This video is invaluable. Seriously, I can't stress how useful the knowledge you've shared is. Thank you for being so open about your career. It's so eye-opening, real, and incredibly inspiring. Here's to a great 2021 🎉

[@RealTDragon]

Really resonate with this, been making videos full time and recently journeying into music now. It's been a world of fun. Thank for the encouraging words. Can definitely relate to the isolation that comes with being a creator full time, it's the dream but at the same time there's plenty of sacrifices. Still worth it though XD

[@ChrisPunsalanTV]

Loved this one. Thanks for taking time to make this! 🙏🏽

[@composercode]

I've probably come back to this video 3-4 times and shared it with half a dozen new artists/producers. I don't think you realize how helpful it is to show people the nuts and bolts of how to make ends meet while monetizing their art. Thanks so much.

[@lorenzorossi7468]

Videos like this make me feel less alone. Thanks for showing us some "behind the scenes" and actual numbers, this is what we need.

[@nathansheeran6162]

Hey Bad Snacks! I'm a huge fan and absolutely love this video. It must have taken a lot of courage to talk about all the topics in the video (from actual financial numbers, to hardships, to victories). There are so many topics in this video that this comment may get pretty long. Normally, I'm a lurker, but this video hit home and I wanted to show some gratitude and support. You have a great attitude and personality that I'm sure will continue to take you far. I love that you're not afraid to put in the word and get your hands dirty to get where you need to be. You do wear many hats for your job and every part seems essential. I'm very impressed that you can manage so many different aspects of your career on your own, without a direct mentor to help guide you. That's awesome news that you got to speak at Berklee and I can tell that you feel proud of where all your hard work as gotten you. I also know that you'll continue to be humble and curious as you continue through your career and through life. You already have some great perspective on a lot of things for someone who's still young. I don't work in music but love learning about it and making music as a hobby. I've learned a ton from your channel about synthesis and sound design. I'd love to learn more about that in the future. I've also gotten a few plugins to play around with based on your recommendations. Imagiro's Piano sounds awesome and I'm going to pick it up after sending you this comment. Being a freelancer seems difficult and it takes a special kind of person to try and go through the hustle. I'm very excited that this showed up in my feed to close out the year. I've been doing some end of year reflecting myself and it's great to hear from someone so down to earth that's doing the same. You're a hidden gem on KZbin and always have high quality videos on many different topics. I almost instantly watch anything that you post since I know that it's going to be great. You've developed a knack for choosing topics that are interesting to you (and not done by someone else) and communicating them very clearly. In doing so, you've also developed a great community and it shows that you really care about your audience. You recommend products that real people can afford to purchase, release royalty free music for us to use, and give honest opinions about so many different things. In a world of "fake" KZbinrs, you're extremely real and it's honestly very refreshing. I'll watch anything and everything that you post, and honestly don't have any suggestions on what I'd like to see. You try out different kinds of videos and I'm always surprised with something better than what I could think of myself. It hit home when you talked about how isolating being a freelancer can be. I've experienced similar sacrifices in my own life on similar journeys. It must have taken a lot of courage to talk about these negative aspects of someone so close to you. I want to send over a bit of encouragement to let you know that your work/art is greatly appreciated (have Per La Luna stuck in my head as I'm typing). Unlike a normal job, you don't have anyone around you to give you this feedback on a regular basis. Positive feedback is something that I know I personally need to continue to stay motivated. Hopefully you can get to a spot where you can begin to dive into the other aspects of your life that you feel you've been sacrificing. Please don't ever feel like you need to sacrifice yourself as a martyr for your craft. There are ways for you to enjoy life's pleasures and still be great at your work (this is a lesson that I'm still personally working on learning myself). It's great to see that you're having some fun outside of music this year too. Please don't feel guilty for taking time off to enjoy yourself! It's those temporal moments that create inspiration to continue to make music. As a fellow saddie, that it seems like you're doing pretty well to close out this very strange year. It's great to hear that you're making the hustle work for you. You deserve everything you have and more. I hope everything ends up going well for you in 2021! I'm just a fan, but will continually look forward to the music you'll create and all the places you'll go!

[@badsnacks]

Wow I am in very real tears reading this -- thank you so much for taking the time to write this out, this really REALLY means so much to me!!

[@nathansheeran6162]

@@badsnacks You're so sweet. I wanted to make sure that you know how much you're appreciated! You're an incredibly strong person and I'm proud to say that I look up to you as a musician and as a person!

[@GalaxiaDeFavio]

very good coment thanks ❤

[@treyxaviermusic]

This is a cool breakdown, very insightful and awesome of you to give us a peek into your finances. I would have had more money this year but I bought RC-20 because I saw you use it in a video 😂 worth every penny!

[@OxygenBeats]

comforting to hear another producer talk about finances and all this behind the scenes kinda stuff.

[@wyattalexander4041]

I’m taking notes always helping us out BadSnacks thanks 🙏 I’m glad you are able to keep doing what you love I’m sure most of us agree given the crazy circumstances this year brought to everyone.

[@thatwastricky]

Such a wholesome video Especially at the end, it really hits close to home

[@TheDude10]

The candid nature of this video was awesome. Thanks for the insight and advice. 2020 has been rough for a number of reasons, but this helps give me an idea of what to make out of 2021!

[@parker.collective]

absolute brutal honesty. thank you so much for sharing. so many will learn so much from this. as a young student who dreams of making music my career, i need to hear this. need to understand the sacrifice and the joy. thanks badsnacks :))

[@8thLife]

I really appreciate you doing an in-depth breakdown like this & can also attest for how dope Distrokid is!

[@ClearMountainProductions]

Thank you so much for taking the time to put this video together! This was invaluable!

[@CreedP1]

Wow, thank you SO much for spelling this out, and qualifying the quantifications for everyone. I've always appreciated your outpouring of help and support to others, glad to hear you're doing well amidst the Great Dumpster Fire of this year. (Oh, and loved the Iliza Shlesinger moment, heh)

[@squidman97]

Probably the most helpful, honest and inspiring video for individuals looking to hopefully one day work in the music and creative sector. Understanding what you have done previously to setting up Bad Snacks has been really reassuring in a very uncertain time, thank you a bunch!

[@Krmpfpks]

Thank you for being open about this, it will help a lot of people. I wish you all the success in the world.

[@scottlippittmusic]

Thanks Bad Snacks! Thank you for being really transparent about the details and your journey. This is both inspiring and sobering for someone starting up. Nice work!! I hope it be in a similar position in a few years

[@JTMusicbox]

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing all this! As a fan of your work it’s really interesting to get a peek behind the curtain. Plus you bring up a lot of life skills relevant on so many levels!

[@MartianMoon]

Seeing actual numbers like this is really helpful. Thank you for the transparency, you’re a gem!

[@random1za]

Thank you for this video! Just entering the working world, not remotely as a musician, but this is super relevant and helpful nonetheless. Very nice to know we're all sort of in it together :) keep on crushing it and good luck for the new year! Also your dog is cute

[@jasonjuliano1448]

Legendary! So inspiring and insightful. We really appreciate your vulnerability and transparency. Snacks always does it right! Thank you a million times.

[@ROSiECQ]

As someone who started their freelance career this May out of music school, I resonated with all of this and it was incredibly helpful how you laid it all out. Thank you SO much for making this, it’s exactly what I needed to hear today

[@so_ma_music]

Keep on rockin! As a freelancer, this really helped me out and inspired me as well! Hope we will all have a better year this time, all the best

[@patrickprovost1748]

That was super nice! Thx for making it. I wish you the best for the next year!✌🇨🇦

[@ttyrell]

Thanks for this. As someone relatively new to the beat making / producer business your candidness is very useful and appreciated.

[@4oresightmusic]

Thank you for being open! As artists and producers, it's important for us to see the reality of what it's like to live as full time creators and what things to expect. A lot of people don't wanna be open to showing their personal struggles financially, so I really respect you for doing this!

[@MindruMusic]

I just love listening to you explaining things. It's refreshing, because you are not exhudurating to the point of energetically overdoing it. It makes it more interesting to listen to what you have to say and your honesty is very welcome as well.

[@sitazamora6198]

Got emotional in that lonely part. You are such a huge inspiration. You are worth more than you can even comprehend, we absolutely adore you!

[@blankeybeats8785]

Exactly what I needed to hear - hopefully a lot of us struggling artists will join you on the other side :)

[@mcwavymusic]

Thank you so so so much for making this and breaking it down for us all to see. Really feels possible! Been trying to find my way for awhile now, getting a chance to see the breakdown and how folks handle it on a professional level is so helpful. Keep shining!!!! 🌞

[@JayBee6801]

Videos like this get us through. Your great personality, positive vibes and nuggets of wisdom are an inspiration. Love You.

[@PedroOliveira-vt9cr]

Incredible video and incredible human being! Love your honesty! Thank you for the good vibes ✌🏾

[@tian_obia]

Love the transparency and openness about the little talked about reality of independent artists, producers, beat makers, musicians, ect. It’s never an easy path for most but applaud you with the upmost respect for making it work especially in 2020. Keep building on this awesome foundation you’ve created :)

[@domenicocaruso2153]

Yes, it was totally insightful and very interesting as well. Thanks and I wish you a great new year!

[@ibiza09putitthisway]

Amazing video. So insightful and personal. Keep up the great work! 2021 is gonna rock for you!

[@remibuckybaeb]

You're the kind person a friend would be able to appreciate no matter how long between conversations it's been. Watching your progress has been a real treat. You won't be so isolated forever💛 sorry it's hard to feel connected. We really adore you. The persona you've created is extremely lovable and relatable and it feels very genuine. Thankyou for putting yourself out there.

[@TubaChris]

I really appreciate you making this video. Thank you so much! Stay well.

[@mountaincat23]

You are doing a real service to a great many people with your honest sharing and perspective. As a business person, I have to say that it seems the reasons you are successful are very clear: focus, hard work, organization. It's true just as much in music as in any field. You come across as someone who will continue to thrive regardless of "the economy" because you have figured out how to adapt and create your own economy. This is the way to do it. One word of advice for "clocking out:" you can still do it as a self employed person. You run your business and you can close your business for a day, a week, or whatever schedule makes sense. You will see that it you create the time and stick to it, your productivity and income will grow, not shrink! Best wishes to you and thanks for being real...truly inspiring!

[@diogofs25]

Those sacrifices are part of succes, you're doing great! Hearing you talk about this things is very inspiring, thanks for the video!

[@MM-fi6fd]

Thank you for this video. Really insightful, funny and truthful regarding the pro's and cons of being an independent artist. You are inspirational in multiple ways! Keep on doing what you(/we) love

[@mattwood410]

Thank you Bad Snacks, this was so immensely helpful...not just logistically, but emotionally. What a daunting uphill it is to simply do the thing you love more than anything else. I hope to experience the reward of hard work like you have : )

[@hsing7494]

Thanks for being so open about what it's like being a freelance musician. The isolation is real, hang in there!

[@marc_leblanc]

I feel for you and every musician out there. It's rough. Hopefully we'll start seeing a bit of progress towards better for 2021.

[@nicholasjamesmusic]

Absolutely loved this breakdown! Thanks for being so transparent and honest about the process and mechanics of your career. Super helpful information, glad I found your channel 👍🏽

[@geertmaertens7372]

Much appreciated to get this look behind the scenes!! Tx for that!

[@Schmorgle]

Such a good video, snacks. Super informative and inspiring. Thanks for the good vibes and keep kicking so much ass!!

[@pick_nark]

Wow. I just... wow. Thanks for being so down to earth. As a musician who is in the early stages of trying to kick start a career this is so incredibly helpful and insightful. Thank you snacks, and I hope that 2021 is a better year for everyone.

[@Mamotreco]

Your channel and videos are awesome! Keep doing what you do. Your content is consistently valuable and contributes positively to the community. Thank you so much

[@Foeseal]

thanks for this , wish you a happy new year!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

As someone who started a synth/music channel this year with aspirations of going 100% freelance, this is such a grounded, valuable and highly appreciated video. I can’t thank you enough. I’ve always found your music and videos soulful, sincere and just insanely well made, so it’s great to see the behind the scenes of what it takes to get there. You are an invaluable asset to this community and I for one can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year. Best wishes for 2021!

[@bleeps_bloops]

What an open and honest video. Quite incredible. Wishing you all the best for 2021 (and more "good" months and than "bad" months).

[@ThatMakesSenseToMe]

Commenting for that KZbin algorithm - but mostly because it was really useful to hear your experience. I've been writing and it is similarly isolating. Love the practicality of the 75% rule. And love the honesty that this year was a year to reach into your own pockets. Thank you for making! And thanks for making all those epic DRM free KZbin beats. I'm trying to work them into my next video.

[@slothbearmillionaire]

Really appreciate your openness and vulnerability in this video. I've been making music for decades but I don't click with the business and networking side of things so it was a privilege to get insight like this. Wishing everyone who reads this a safe and successful 2021!

[@ThomasKobrick]

I seriously appreciate you making this video. As someone diving head first into the YT music world this is both inspiring and eye opening and helps me set realistic goals and reasonable action plans. Thank you for your candidness and transparency!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Fantastic video. Really appreciate your honesty!

[@jeffagoddard]

Great video! Your analysis and work philosophy is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@novitrisjaniar]

Hi - bad snacks. Big fan of your work! Thank you so much for creating this video! It is very insightful and it really sets me the expectation of making a living of music for me. You have come so far with your journey. Congratulations!

[@sanduiche3]

awesome! thank you for the tips, really inspiring and down to earth!! good vibes and great 2021

[@envrie9423]

This was probably the most helpful informational video for me as a solo freelance musician and music producer. Thank you 💙

[@AdilConstantineMusic]

Great video, as someone who is working towards being a freelance musicians on KZbin this gave me a great insight. Thank you for your honesty and nothing but good vibes as always. 🙏🙌🏼

[@robot_x_9000]

I'm so glad to have found you!! Every piece of advice is gold for me

[@Thelukeswanson]

Amazing video, good vibes back at you!

[@evezina96]

Some really helpful tips in there, especially about savings and runway! Props. Glad I found your channel through the Benn Jordan video :)

[@late.student]

This transparent realistic truth really helps me consider some things! It's so appreciated, thank you.

[@david_a_uno]

This is such a nice, very real sharing of personal perspectives and actionable steps. Thanks so much, and hoping that 2021 has proven far better than the previous one. ❤ Best wishes.

[@StrophicValley]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It's amazing to see this side of things.

[@laurena227]

Thank you for making this!:) been freelancing for a year now and this was super helpful!

[@santoclemenzi]

best 25 minutes to close this year. Subbed. Thanks!

[@lawrencesmall6501]

Appreciate the honesty! Congrats on a successful year and good luck for the next!

[@itsbelela]

Been following you for the last couple of years, and you are easily the most down-to-earth producer I've ever come across. Thank you for you and your music

[@idlethoughtsmusic]

Thanks for being so open and sharing your world and experiences with us...I found this to be very insightful and informative! I hope 2021 is a good year for you!

[@akuro2685]

Super duper insightful. Thanks so much for doing this video!

[@j.hurlock]

such a great resources, thanks for making this!

[@TheFinalGamerRN]

Amazing video! Thank you for being so transparent! ^^

[@LeoMakes]

"Do just one thing a day to get closer to your goal" is SUPER GOOD advice! A lot of people (myself included) get stressed because they try to tackle too many things a day.

[@julienmancilla5576]

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It was so insightful and real. Thank you for showing us the real numbers and being vulnerable. Much love, you're not alone! ❤️

[@defenderstargate1447]

Thanks for the refreshingly honest and informative video. Wishing you continued success on your journey.

[@Haneri]

This was really really good and insightful! Snow and I miss your face. Sending good vibes for 2021 💜💜💜

[@peter-hassett]

This is so great. Thank you for the candor and transparency here. I work in a diff industry primarily and this is still so helpful to me. Sharing with my friends.

[@Alice-Efe]

This is really nice video for a lot of musicians/producers out there to understand really how you can make income with music and music related content. Putting the real numbers out and being really transperent is really valuable, really cool!

[@XpressPads]

wow... this resonated a lot... thanks a lot for the insight and good luck for 2021

[@michaelhubbard2095]

Thank you for making this. I’m a 41 year old noob producer and I’ve been waiting for a video just like this. Your honesty and openness is inspiring.

[@_jakehames]

Hi badsnacks, the KZbin algorithm sent me here and I’m glad it did. So great to see that you’re killing it in so many different ways since HS. I think I still have your first album downloaded on iTunes lol. Wishing you nothing but the best with your work going forward!

[@badsnacks]

Haha holy shit hi Jake! Hope you’re doing well dude!!

[@MichaelBogaMusic]

Thank you so much, that was honest, transparent and useful! The “isolating” part of it hit pretty hard... I feel that a lot these days, but we all know why we do it and we know that we can’t fight it! Cheers!

[@jammer777]

KZbin Algo sent me here. I appreciated your honesty in this. I spend all my spare time in my studio here in Salem. You’re words inspired me as I’ve been feeling burnout quite a lot lately. Thanks and keep it up!

[@RaymondGeMusic]

Wow, this is SO insightful, especially for upcoming musicians. Thank you so much!

[@Jamesrmello]

Super awesome video! Thank you for making this!

[@magadesto]

I find it truly inspiring and useful (in a very heart-felt way) to learn how other freelance artists out there are able to create, make ends meet and evolve their craft, I really appreciate it. I related especially with what you talk about towards the end, how there's "no clocking out". It can be almost draining if you don't step back and realize you need to set boundaries, specially if you work from home, like I do too. Thank you for opening up and for sharing such a personal part of being an artist. Also appreciate the other details and tips! Big fan.

[@BobAquatic]

I never took the time to listen to your music on Spotify till this morning. Dang what a rad way to start the day. You got skillz to pay the billz!