I made $20,000 for a 15 second beat, here’s how

[@Antonio_Gallego]

It isn't the 15 seconds, or the 10 hours you put in to pull the whole thing together. It's the 20 years it took you to get there what they are paying for.

[@TheBlort]

E x a c t l y.

[@bwgti]

Yes. Indeed.

[@Scripture-Songs-That-Stick]

Yup. Wasn't that Picasso who famously is known for saying that to a woman who was unimpressed with how quickly he did an expensive painting for her?

[@kpopbutlofi]

Pablo Picasso

[@iamYork_]

@@kpopbutlofi exactly... I was about to say this is what he told me when I asked him for a napkin drawing at a restaurant in Spain...

[@Albeit_Jordan]

1:04 "There are far more people you've never heard of who are successful in music than there are rockstars" is a great quote

[@prototype8137]

Its common sense. Also producers and engineers typically make much more than artists do..

[@scottbathgate3144]

Considering your monolith of a recording space I dont think any of us had any doubt you were a proper musician 😂

[@andrewhuang]

you’d be surprised how often that’s the exact thing people pick on lol “so much gear and not even a real musician”

[@mrsil5593]

​@@mac.rodose yeah that's what I thought

[@RadicalEdward_115]

@@andrewhuang bro you are literally who i think of when i imagine new age musicians.. I mean space time alone was phenomenal.. Jjst wanted to say that

[@scottbathgate3144]

@@mac.rodose I would but that would take an absolute monilith of my time honestly

[@scottbathgate3144]

@@andrewhuang oh yeah I can only imagine! Thanks for the tips though. Big fan of what you do!

[@grahamtaylor6883]

20k for 15 second. Well done man, you deserve it. Thanks for sharing. It's the reaching out that a lot of creatives get stalled at. Some guru once said ( I wish I could remember who?), the music business is 20% talent and 80% business. I think we all forget that.

[@peachulemon]

if you know how business works the music industry can't screw you over . Also can make that 20k direct instead of trough 3rd party

[@ClementBaudoin]

I think this title is a bit confusing. It’s not 20k for 15 second beat, it’s 20k for something you are good at and you’ve built through years of hard work. It’s like a reward if you prefer. But still great

[@CatFish107]

@@ClementBaudoin Similar to the cartoonist Sergio Aragones. He charges quite a bit for a commission, and can crank one out in seconds to minutes. When asked, "I paid you all that, for such a small amount of your time!?", he replies along the lines of, "No, you paid me for all the time I spent building my skills to the point that I could create that piece so quickly for you."

[@quentinmorales]

@@CatFish107 This quote is (also) said to be from Pablo Picasso ;) anyway, it's really true

[@banemicic]

I think painter Pablo Picasso say that

[@munichray]

I needed to hear this 10-12 years ago when I decided music wasn't a career option because you're made to believe if you're not world famous, then you haven't had a successful career.... But I'm 28, just started my uni course doing Music Production and sound engineering and this video inspires me more than you know! I've always loved your videos, man! 🙌

[@davidalmontejr]

Also just turned 28 and thinking of going back to school for music production. Wish you best of luck 🙏🏽

[@munichray]

@@davidalmontejr Thank you! Same to you 😄 I had my doubts but 3 months later I can say I 100% made the right choice! Finally doing something I love 😁

[@jennakhai]

is studying college for music production or composing essential?Can't I learn it by courses,private lessons or other stuff? I'd be happy if you answered.

[@munichray]

@@jennakhai I think it depends on what you're looking for and your commitments etc. For me, I liked having a few different tutors that I could see in person to help one to one with any issues I had, I was also taught subjects I didn't think of studying like sound design, foley etc so expending my skills which is a plus! Also making new friends on the course with the same interest as me. My ability in mixing and mastering, sound design and composing/theory has increased so much more than I thought! I would definitely recommend studying, but also look into private if that fits your lifestyle! Hope this helps 😊

[@jennakhai]

@@munichray Thank you so much!

[@Nightmoore]

What a breath of fresh air......just to hear someone be so transparent and break all this down. People get so weird about money and getting paid, so it's like pulling teeth just to figure out what to charge for your work sometimes. Thanks for making this one!

[@salnegromusic]

Thank you. People still want to troll down that rabbit hole. I usually write a bunch of songs, and they go out to the public, but I also do a lot of writing for local businesses that need music or people that need tracks. I stay busy. Not my full-time, but after so many years in this business (50+), I love what I do. Being a superstar is fine if that is what you want, but doing what you love and making money from it, no matter in what form, is fulfilling. Keep on making music!

[@mummyapple3661]

Stuff like this is always something I feel like I understand most of the time, that being the "you don't need to be a household name to be a successful musician" comment, but regardless it's still always good to hear again every now and then. It helps recenter yourself into your own world and into what you yourself can do. I struggle a lot with comparing my music to others' work, but things like this help me refocus and remember what good I can still do, and how I can still impact the world. So... thanks, this came at a good time for me.

[@dashofawesome64]

There also some cases where most people never heard who they are but have heard there music so many times. S3RL can be an example or renard/Kitsune^2/ Jackal Queenston aka Emma essex. This you prob heard many time. Kitsune^2 - Rainbow Tylenol

[@jessicapeyton5444]

Me too. I’m just getting started because I’ve been afraid to put my music out there just because I don’t fully understand the industry and I’ve been wary of making it a career. But I was literally just thinking that it’s not that great being a songwriter only because you just supply the idea and may never be known for it. Also if you don’t have many connections and are not great at singing or producing it’s super difficult to get your work out there. But it was definitely encouraging to be reminded that success is not defined by popularity

[@cjbralph]

LOVE the intro to this! Not only the point of that being on a billboard is not a requirement for being successful in music - but you also put sound engineers and mixers on the same level as the musicians on stage. So many people don't realise just how much work goes into the behind the scenes of making those "on the billboards" actually listenable (referring to making what comes out of the speakers reflect what the musician is trying to produce in the setting you are in).

[@MakeSomething]

This is so valuable! Well done!

[@thelevicole]

They say infinity wars was the most ambitious cross over event in history...I say it'd be a Make Something + Andrew Huang colab.

[@leaveitorsinkit242]

Some may even say invaluable.

[@chrisricetopher21]

I listen to whatever industry gems you offer up for one reason; The sheer extent of impact you’ve made on my music personally. You’ve gained a massive amount of my respect and gratitude for being the single creator that makes me want to create the most. I’ve gotten on Live more times after your vids than the freakin puppet, and he’s great! You’re one of the greats dude. Keep it up…. PLZ!!!

[@andrewhuang]

Means a lot, thank you!!

[@WavesNGames]

Twitter has been a huge tool for me to reach out to people to get work. Also I find silent vfx clips and ask the artist if I can repost them with sound design. This resulted in a sound design job for a game.

[@scaho]

I don’t see this as him flexing but as genuinely motivating upcoming people who love music and want to make it a source of living, like myself and many others who are not currently making a sustainable income from music.

[@fatherWolt]

the online music community has a tendency to turn on itself and produce more infighting than music. I'm glad your channel is hear to dispel that and just be a place of learning for all musicians :)

[@AutumnGardMusic]

thank you for emphasizing that there are many valid musical jobs. It’s a healthier mindset for the community. As you know, we are already our own worst critics,, so the last thing we need is someone telling us that our success isn’t valid unless we fit into whatever mold they consider as “valid”. Thank you for sharing this and thank you for being an overall positive influence on the community.

[@NathanJamesLarsen]

Love this - I did commercial work years ago under a producer I worked for and now I'm finally getting back into it on my own and it's so dang exciting.

[@littletheatremusic]

TL;DR, your videos outlining that there are so many different ways to ‘make it’ as a musician have really inspired me to finally give it a proper try 😊 I’ve been making music, mainly for fun for like 10 years, gigging here and there and my current ‘highest claim to fame’ was getting one of my songs on a lower than D grade soap opera that got played on late night tv. But recently I’ve been really torn specifically between continuing to work ‘regular’ jobs and keeping music as a hobby or finally taking music more seriously and trying to make that work as a career and this video in particular, as well as your video on ‘don’t do this if you want a music career’ (I think that’s what it’s called 😅) has really inspired me to finally actually try to do it 💪🏼 thanks so much for being such a positive force Andrew, love your work, love FOO and Sonic Boom 💥 can’t wait for more of that stuff 🙌🏻

[@joshc9201]

As someone who works in a commercial VFX house, this is so refreshing to hear. While I am not on the music side, the number of people who think that you are only a success if you are well known in the industry and working on a Film or TV Series. One thing that I love about the advertising world is you usually have a lot more creative input to your work, and people are usually looking for a creative partner in a project not just someone to shut up and do what they are told (usually lol).

[@tedkritzler8970]

Do what you love for a living, and you'll never "work" a day in your life.

[@alterethos]

Love this video, man. You've done so many amazing things at this point. You inspire me to keep going!

Your approach is always genuine and honest. The community needs to hear this. Thank you

[@antoniomere]

I love how descriptive, and direct/straight to the point this video is. It really gave me motivation!! Thank you!!

[@Megaphonix]

Thank you so much for talking about this topic! As a composer/producer who has also done a variety of "behind-the-scenes" music work, it was actually refreshing to see the initial community sense of "selling out" transition to "get that bag" over the years as I started to land big deals and placements. Now I work full-time in music for entertainment marketing and I wouldn't be where I am today if I kept listening to those who might've thought my first few projects as "selling out". Also - it gives you a whole new perspective on the role music plays in our society! You start to listen to the music in commercials, the music in movies/TV shows, KZbin videos, etc. and someone somewhere had to make that music and (hopefully) got paid for it!

[@-303-]

I had skipped this video because the title didn’t catch my interest, but I am so happy the video I watched just prior to this one led to this one playing. It is so interesting to hear the details of how this segment of the music industry works. And as usual, the content is well constructed and paced. I wish all my college music business professors were as clear, engaging, and to the point as you, Andrew Huang.

[@perrypelican9476]

You have something that a lot of people doing similar stuff do not have. TALENT. I see music makers who have no talent who make money. So I guess I agree that you don't have to be the Rolling Stones to make a living in music. But musical talent is obviously a huge plus, along with being reasonably articulate. I used to stop watching stuff as soon as I realized how bad the person was at expressing themselves. Then I started giving them a chance and would offer advice, that usually got a reply like "if you don't like it, watch someone else". So having a huge ego might work against you unless you have tons of natural ability. It's hard to be successful in the music industry. You could do very well just teaching people how. You have all that it takes to teach and guide. I like what you do because you are talented and NOT full of yourself. Keep going forever.

[@Ketobbey]

Thanks Andrew. This video came out at the same time I just released a new tune. I always feel a sense of overwhelming failure the weeks after a tune drops and no one takes the time to listen. I have make music for others and they love it. I guess just have to keep grinding :) thanks for the "inspo"

[@BAMac964]

Huge gem drop Andrew!!! Thanks for taking time out to break things down! 🙏🏽👍🏽

[@inherentlyidiotic4477]

you’re super inspiring man. i’ve decided to start taking music a lot more seriously and your channel has been invaluable when it comes to learning the basics from a technical standpoint as well as the mindset needed to follow through.

[@WorkerBeeSupply]

I’m a commercial director and photographer in Toronto and this approach and attitude totally applies across other creative industries! Super interesting to hear how you got started, thanks!

[@scottstallone28]

I’ve been subscribed for years but never felt more compelled to comment. I make a living as a composer for games, tv, advertising, libraries, etc. thank you for accurately describing this side of the industry and the time vs. pay quotient. Too many people now believe that if they some unfinished music sitting on their drives that someone in production music will be interested in it. Because “sync” and “licensing “ are now buzz words too many producers think it’s an easy road and the music they’ve already made is good enough to be used somewhere by someone. This is far from the reality. Not only did you accurately describe the types of arrangements composers can really expect but you describe the demands of the clients and how pitches and revisions and multiple pieces for the same pitch may never get used at all. This is not for the casual “producer” nor is it for the faint of heart. It’s as demanding as any job you may ever hold. And may not be financially rewarding for the longest time, if ever. BUT, if you are the kind of composer who can take an original piece that you may have been asked to make in the style of “UK drill” and after seven revisions , at the clients request, can then turn the same piece into a prog rock opera sung by kittens in space then, by all means, have at it. Lol! Great video Andrew!! Thanks for sharing all your experiences with full candor as usual! I very much appreciate you! With love from Philly.

[@BMajorMusic]

It's mind boggling how genuinely inspiring you are! I have been following you since the days of PFUDOR and that one OldSpice auto tune remix you made, and I remember thinking "Y'know, I could do that one day." Years later, I've taken your course twice now, and it was thanks to that I mustered up the confidence to start doing commissions myself. I still recommend your music theory and tip videos to my friends when they ask about composition, haha. You, and hundreds of other artists out there are a constant reminder for us just starting that while success isn't guaranteed, it's never out of reach. Keep on rockin' Andrew!

[@plesjonesDJ]

Great Presentation my friend! There are so many ways to make money in the music industry! Music sync licensing is a great way to use all of the tracks in your catalog. But it is an endurance race, and you have to have a lot of patience! Love hearing your success story!

[@DanFliesDrones]

You are such a genuinely beautiful human being just being human, I think it’s awesome that you share this insider view point with the world. You must inspire so many Andrew, just keep going no matter what. Peace ✌️

[@joecaple4552]

This is such solid advice. I’m fortunate enough to make my living in music. I’m not famous by any stretch but if you can get to a point where you can actively support yourself doing what you love, that’s success in my eyes.

[@NevTheDeranged]

You deserve your face on a billboard, man. You've put out more rad music than any random handful of artists in my collection.

[@cas_designs]

Been a fan since Songs To Wear Pants To, from the before times. You even created a track in an attempt at collaboration when I sent you all the Texas Instruments Speak&Spell samples and circuit bent glitch sounds I made. It was scary how fast you were. It’s nice to watch your success, and see you share your knowledge. Best wishes.

[@bradhieronymus3421]

God damn. I just now made the connection that Andrew is/was Songs to Wear Pants to. The internet is a small world.

[@eklavyawiththumbs]

You continue to inspire me. I have been listening to you since 2019 when I had started learning Music production and till this date you are sharing so much info that I can't STOP WATCHING, Andrew!

[@ArakisMusic]

Yes ! You are the first person speaking about library music so clearly ! For all my not musicians friends, I’m making music for a book store… inside a cinema… but… for tv…online…

[@KordTaylor]

I totally missed this! What a great video and message. Yes! The indie scene is huge. People have to know that making $100k a year with lots of control might be better than $1m with splits 10 ways and the possibility of tracks never coming out. Go Andrew! ❤️

[@thewhitedude11]

I've been transitioning into being a full time producer and it's been scary, but this video has helped me a lot and had made me feel super valid. Thank you!

[@UFO_808]

What kind of music do you produce?

[@icanteven4498]

The idea of a “real musician” is so interesting… I’m a classically and informally trained musician so I work with lots of types of musicians. When I work with someone who doesn’t have formal classical training, they’re like “wow! You’re a REAL musician, you know stuff about music theory and can read music!” and when I work with someone who only has classical training they’re like “wow! You’re a REAL musician, you can play with your ear and don’t have to read music!” 😂😂 so yeah… we’re all “real” musicians

[@bburdick]

Kurt Cobain, if you rate him on his technical skills - was not a great musician. If you rate him on his songwriting, it's another story. All routes are feasible

[@CalikoTube]

There’s some pretty dumb logic going on. Written music didn’t always exist either. Does that mean people before written music weren’t musicians? Maybe they were cooks?

[@smugler1]

This is a bit odd. I thought ear training was part of a formal music training. At least every school of music I've been to included ear training more so than the informal teaches you could pay privately. Isn't the entire point of music theory to explain what we hear and allow us to communicate it in written form? I do get what you mean. But I don't understand how these folks that made these statements got to them.

[@sielsounds]

No truer comment has ever been posted

[@MarcJungermann]

Thanks for the encouraging and informative video! I recently scored my first major video game but have been struggling to find my way into the world of scoring ads. This video game me a few ideas to pursue!

[@luridweekend]

Thanks for the advice, Andrew. You've taught me almost everything I know, and I've come so far over the six years I've been learning production. Thank you for being such an awesome resource.

[@plou0018]

I taught music from beginner to advanced, ran live sound for multiple venues, played stand-in guitar for traveling bands, recorded other musicians in various small time studios and kept my ear to the ground for any gig possible. Then I became completely disinterested in being a musician for everyone else in order to make a living. I’ve taken a five year hiatus from music as a professional life (while still expanding my understanding of how to resolve sound) and have created a sustainable income as my own boss in another field that I love but that field does not hold the same flame as composition does in my heart. I am now regularly composing again and have gigs lined up without having to see money as the primary driving force. I believe that true creativity is hindered by the all mighty dollar and I am proud to call myself a composer without living completely off of my music. Anything you practice intensely defines who you are. I have recently passed the barrier of writing sheet music without an instrument, this progress has taken me nearly 2 decades and I have nothing to prove to anyone but being better than I was yesterday. Be so much like yourself, you’re like nobody else; because that is the greatest gift you could ever give the world.

[@beartrouble]

Inspiring words my friend and i agree with you 100%

[@beatzbygphi]

Wow! There is a lot of useful information that you provided in this video Andrew. More and more I'm starting to consider making music for music libraries. The information that you provided in this video is very helpful to me. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video. Much appreciated! 🙏🏽

[@chandlermiller3944]

One thing about this that is a bit overlooked is the sales skills that it takes to sell yourself. Andrew is very personable which makes closing contracts a lot easier than someone who may struggle with talking to strangers. Awesome tips. It makes me want to chase the dream of making music for a living.

[@ZacharyAghaizu]

Great to remember the options available!

[@RJFerret]

This is a brilliant breakdown any high schooler should see. My background (before online stuff) was in video production facilities, we had racks of stock music libraries, for clients who wanted to step it up, contacts for custom music, for those who wanted to step it up even further, musical directors. Also with all the name dropping of brands, in reality an ad agency contacts you, you might be doing work for GE Capital, or IBM, or whomever, but so-and-so who lives in neighboring town is who you are directly working with and is the liaison, and later they might want a piece for their kid's high school graduating class.

[@michaellarsen180]

Please tell me no one believed that you weren't a musician? Multi-instrumentalist, singer, song-writer, producer and content creator is what you are Andrew! Big cretz from Denmark

[@oroa_band]

How do people think you are not a real musician? You are the most real musician I know!

[@matthewmargetts8516]

So glad I came across this channel. Andrew is a really great role model in so many different fields.

[@HalValla01]

This was a neat one! Definitely love how you break down the part of spreading out to certain corners of the industry! I totally agree with the closing statement too - you don't have to be a household name to have "made it". I do get gigs from time to time based on my already released work and my internet presence within the Norwegian Russ community (Norwegian thing, basically high school graduates emptying the wallet for the sickest celebration ever). Started off small, then clients spread my work and now I'm getting requests from all over the country! Although I'm not TIX or Ballin (Norwegian artists who became famous doing the same kinda thing I do), I must say that I do feel I've "made it" as a professional composer/producer. All the best, Andrew! Cheers

[@PintSizedJacob]

Huge. Always loved your stuff bro. My base line has always been making a living from music and what you said about being a "real" musician struck a big chord with me. Thank you for being a North Star for so many of us.

[@nealstucki]

This is such an awesome video with so many amazing points!! Thank you for making it!!

[@GrazCore]

Love the transparency on this.

[@gary_cairns]

“Might ask you to change it at the 12 sec mark because it sounds too purple!” made me chuckle lol. Thanks so much for making this video Andrew! Really great insight for how one can make a living as an indie musician.

[@discflame]

I'm working in the live sound space a lot and there's so much to be said for all the teams of engineers and house/session musicians that follow these big acts around. even for the most twangy, big-name, hyperpopular country musician, there's a guy at front of house and at stage left looking at an Ableton Live session with all the backing tracks and stuff, making sure things trigger on time. it's all out there. and they're all so incredibly strong to be able to sleep on buses and work 18 hour days and doing what they love.

[@TimWrightDJ]

Fantastic video...this is the content I subscribe for. You nailed so many points, especially regarding the fact that somebody not being a superstar doesn't make their knowledge less valuable. On the flip side, lots of superstars probably don't know as much as a lot of your audience.

[@WillShattuck]

Well done Andrew!! Congrats on the gig.

[@johnpasini]

This was so insightful and I stand with you on everything you said, I’m just at the start of my journey with music now!!

[@suprasoundbox4651]

Thank you my brother, made me feel better about having my music on NFL, ABC, TLC, VICELAND, and the whole time thinking I wasn't successful because no one knows me or my producer credits. THANKS BRO KEEP IT UP!

[@ginamicarts2077]

I’m a total stranger to you, but I’m proud of you because I truly believe that you deserve the amount of success you’ve got. Any hardwork deserves to get paid properly.

[@TheBlort]

regarding your opening bit re: legitamacy... 100% AMEN BROTHER!!! so well put! Bless you for laying it out there so succinctly. Thank you, Sir.

[@SlamNFunc]

This video is so helpful to so many people. Thanks Andrew for being such a positive influence.

[@jimcasso407]

Super helpful video Andrew! I’ve always wondered about music in commercials and how that process worked. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with this.

[@mr.tinman4054]

Hey Andrew please continue to drop gems like this which inspires thousands, you just inspired me to take my music to the next level now that I know there are more options for music producers

[@PaulLeBlanc4u]

Informative video Andrew. Thanks for always spilling the beans. U da best.

[@2020_Gaming]

Incredible resource, and I think talking about getting paid as an artist is something I wish more creators did, I think it not only helps the creators value their work more, but also makes those who commission artists understand the value of what they're asking for.

[@ModePhaser]

Set em' straight Andrew! Great video!

[@zumbigod]

Ive been slaving away at a corporate job for many years now, and I do music as my side hustle. When in lockdown, I completely revamped my live show and upgraded all my gear. Learned how to use it all, etc etc...started playing shows once they released us into the wild again, and its starting to prove quite lucrative! so much to the point where I am using PTO so I can leave my day job early enough to make the gig in the evening time. All of this progress, has shown me that I can succeed as a full time musician. But I want to be able to live comfortably, and the income that live performances alone brings in, is not enough. This video really shines some light on the path that I have been curious about, but never really dove into. this would be fantastic as an addition to performing live. Thank you so much for this inspiration and getting the gears in my head to turn! All kinds of ideas are forming! Here's to a bright and successful musical career for all!

[@andrewhuang]

Most of the working musicians I know are creating their income from multiple revenue streams - sounds like you’re off to a good start!

[@tluckman7]

This is great. I took Andrew's course on music production and now write and produce my own music, mostly just for myself as a hobby. I like to gift songs to my family and friends for birthdays or whenever. Not everyone is even looking to make money from making music, and I like the idea that we shouldn't feel like we need to monetize every thing we have even a little skill at. Nor should we have to have a certain level of skill do something that we enjoy. Once you get to where you want to make money on something, you have to move focus to how to sell yourself and your stuff, which is time away from doing the thing we love. Now, on the flip side, would I love to quit my day job and make money from music? Yeah... I would, and maybe I'll make efforts toward that in the future, but I do think it's perfectly acceptable to just keep hobbies and hobbies, and enjoying them to the fullest. Measure success by those factors, instead of fame or fortune.

[@chrisb3389]

I totally agree. Sometimes if you try too hard to monetize what you love, you kill your joy in it. Art needs some freedom to breath. Guys like Andrew have learned to walk the line in between deadlines and personal expression, which is cool, but I kind of prefer my non-music day job to handle deadlines and pressure and just make music for my own enjoyment or those around me. The payoff to me is that amazing feeling when you finally finish some project you've poured everything into and are satisfied. Nothing beats that feeling.

[@DomPalombiMusic]

Probs one of the most transparent videos from you I’ve seen, and it’s important that people realize artists are capable of making a living doing much more than just performing. Way to go man, thanks for the great tips!

[@AbMMMusic]

Man, This video is such a perfect timing for me. I'm still figuring out how to earn money from making music and then comes Andrew with this video. This is why I love Andrew Huang

[@hellkeyproduction]

I am glad he also said it. If you are still figuring out how to earn from music this probably may help you: 1) make relevant content like there is no tomorrow (like Andrew does on his KZbin channel): you increase your exposure and your authority. This means more streams, more merch sells, more courses/lessons. Better translation: bigger numbers (streams, followers, people at gigs...) 2) improve your connections: be where other professional are. This means webinar, physical meetings or online groups, conferences... make connection and offer help. It doesn't bring you numbers as point n.1 but you get paid jobs (after offering free/cheap ones). Best is if you can do both options. Hope this help and wish you tons of money and fun :)

[@shanewatson6763]

9:51-- relationships. 100% agree. When producers trust you can do it, and not 'just' do it, but do it amazing, on time, within budget, exceed expectations and do what you can to manage client requests, then the work will continue to come. You absolutely 'must' make the creative director and producers look great to the client (you are their secret weapon). A 20k whale is a nice one to land, but if you are consistently licensing music for 1-3k for music that is already baked, then that's a great place to be. Nice video! Getting to be creative and do something you love for income is an amazing feeling--and it does come with stress for sure.

[@up4open763]

Gotta say, having Andrew crowd surfing is well deserved.

[@MattJacques]

I'm a photographer and there are so many parallels here... from the massive variety of paid gigs and ways to make a living, the 'iceberg' phenomenon of just a tiny fraction of photographers who are actually well-known, all the way to the unproductive sniping and gate-keeping over what constitutes a 'pro' photographer. Great job pulling the curtain back to help defuse and debunk the haters!

[@t_3m4l]

Andrew you always find a way to inspire me, much love

[@NeonshadowNS]

Is it weird that I as a complete stranger still feel proud of someone such as yourself. Maybe it's because you are relatable, and thus I can potentially see myself in your shoes to some extent. Anyway. glad you shared this information. Keep doing what you do, and may success keep coming your way.

[@andrewhuang]

Thanks for the message and all the best with your music making!

[@VelvetVoice]

Keep doin’ whatcha doin’, Andrew… your channel is my #1 fave KZbin channel by far… it inspires/rocks/slaps/jams - basically all the good stuff in life! Respect, dude. 🎵🎶 🤘✊🖖 🎶🎵

[@ITPMMentor]

Always wonderful advice and honest delivery of your experiences. Also, you're an awesome musician with an amazing breadth of talent.

[@Alice-Efe]

Now I really want to hear "weird funny" songs Andrew posted in 2004? 😊

[@kay8163]

Ahaaah! Me too?

[@duVillage]

Andrew Huang used to run a website called "songstowearpantsto". I especially remember randomly encountering a song called "Fishcat" which you can still find on KZbin. I won't link it directly because Andrew did not upload it himself. That song is from around 2004 iirc.

[@Stevonicus]

I think he still has Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing On Rainbows uploaded from that era.

[@GCTubaTim]

@@duVillage I discovered him back in high school during the SongsToWearPantsTo days (2007-2010). I still have a ton of his funny music from back then.

[@Jamirobruno]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4mvmKOImqqegsU this one is a gem from Past Andrew!

[@Tyler-bw2lm]

I really needed this video, thank you. I study music tech and have been so discouraged lately because of learning disabilities that make school really difficult- I love the content and I'm learning great things for my career etc. but it feels so gutting to try so hard at something you love and you're god at it but you don't get the results because of the one size fits all education system. I might pause my degree to see if I can apply myself at my own pace and learn from resources like you, which I've mostly done in the aspect of production and composing. I needed to hear the ending as well. you're awesome 👍

[@GeminiHorror]

Your transparency is gold!

[@graematter]

I miss these "talking head" videos, because it feels like we can always trust you to be straightforward and honest, which a lot of content creators don't always seem to purvey. I appreciate you, Andrew, and I know literally MILLIONS of others do, too!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

He is a good sole.

[@avgust1ne424]

Doing random side music gigs got me into content writing for stock music companies and vst instrument makers. Talk about all the random facets of doing music-related work. Lots of good advice to the newcomers of the industry!

[@zakur0hako]

Thank you for starting talking about this topic more recently

[@noahmcneilly7869]

AMEN BROTHER!! Not all successful people in the music industry are Super Star Artists. Preach it man!

[@yikes5883]

Super insightful as always Thanks Andrew!!

[@mikevenus4117]

Great video and I’m glad you are bringing out the different way to make a living in music.

[@4rtclass]

This is really such a valuable and necessary video!! I’m trying to get into sync myself, and I know so many people who believe that they’re only meant for an artist route. Good stuff Andrew and congrats on that payout🤑

[@KillahBeeNY1]

this video made my day! im sick of working the job i have now and hearing this excites me!

[@ronsinclair619]

Thank you again I was thinking about this recently. Your timing is perfect. Brilliant. Best Wishes.

[@bendingriver7101]

What even IS a "REAL MUSICIAN"?! Some of the most incredible and proficient musicians I've ever met have never made a bunch of money playing music. Like seriously, best guitarist I know is a jazz God and also makes music with modular synths and he's never made the money back he's even spent on equipment (although to be fair modular synths can get pretty expensive but my point stands). The dude also rips on the drums and a bunch of other instruments, and I'm the friend most of my friends view as a "real musician" because I was in a band that toured but this dude is far more of a "real musician" than I am.

[@samm4034]

Music isn't really about the fame imo, but it is every artist's dream to get noticed and be able to thrive off of music as an income. The situation we are in right now as distributing artists is that there is like 50,000 songs uploaded to spotify each day. Most of them have no marketing.

[@samm4034]

Part 2: Back when you had to go through a major distributer to get your music heard, it was a little bit more about being good and pitching your music well then it was about hitting the right spot on the media algorithms. Fame is luck most of the time, and you don't need it to be a "real" musician.

[@peterwojtek8468]

I think this is mostly due to the fact that most musicians entertain suspicion towards developping actual business skills -more so in France where making money and music are antithetical. I mean let's face it, making and producing music has never been this accessible, low price points have litterally brought the means of production to the masses. I'm regularly apalled by awefully talented people who won't even touch marketing with a five foot pole.

[@SimplCup]

That's sad. People nowadays think, that you could be considered as a musician only if you earn money for that. I've been making electronic dance music for 3 years and still haven't earned even a dollar for that. But I consider myself as a musician, maybe not professional but I am indeed musician.

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

What these people really mean is a pro, somebody who pays their bills by making/playing music.

[@buttaz95]

Would love hearing more stuff like this so many people have skills but don’t know how to utilise from the business side of things how to begin once you know you can provide the skill set needed. Promoting yourself all this jazz haha great video dude

[@renato2112lr]

Andrew always blessing us with content .... tks

[@oshanemusic]

Such a helpful video man, I can relate a lot to what you're saying. I am slowly building up my career as an artist and producer and I am currently at the "charging low prices to friends" stage :)

[@samschatz2983]

I feel so hopeless with my music all the time. Was a star student from all of middle to high school, but couldn’t afford college and am now 23 with no connections and a wealth of musical knowledge and skill that puts most college graduates to shame, but I have no idea how to put it into practical paying jobs. It’s always so inspiring to hear Andrew talk about this stuff, but I just don’t know what to do, it’d be great to have a one on one with some of the people that are successful doing non-glamorous music work, I’d be over the moon to do any of it haha

[@SeattleFocusBlue]

I thought this was really great information broken down including the details to consider to get started. For me ... I wrote a simple single paragraph review of a work of an artist on youtube. This was caught by a music label in the UK who found me to be the person they wanted to write reviews of songs for their exclusive signed-on artists. I wrote reviews for 74 songs in under a year for them. This then led to having them produce and market my music for my first album that was available for a year through outlets worldwide. I can't tell you what a joy it is to see people's expressions of both surprise and joy when I tell them I made an album and wrote reviews for a label. It gives me such encouragement to continue making music... electronic, noise, and experimental genres. I also learned a lot working with the label.

[@upstairstudio371]

Awesome information and a great reminder. I'm sure we all have struggled with this idea at some point in our musical careers.

[@richardpower215]

Ive always wanted to get into making music for ads, but ive never really known where to start. That was some valuable info right there!

[@dekoningtan]

Super informative video. Thanks Andrew!