Steve Stoute and Russ discuss Independence at

INDEPENDENCE: A Conversation with Steve Stoute and Russ
During the conversation, Steve Stoute and Russ discussed Russ' journey, his process releasing music, how he got his first show, making $1,000,000 a week, and how if Drake was to go Independent he'd shut down the music industry.
SELECTCon was a two-day digital conference presented by UnitedMasters bringing together industry experts, artists, creatives and brands to share insights with the independent creative community. Packed with fireside chats, panels, workshops, upfronts, performances, and more, the conference will feature Timbaland, Russ, Tobe Nwigwe, Royce Da 5'9, Director X, Bryan Michael Cox & Johnta Austin, Cam Kirk, Reel Goats, and brands such as Instagram, NBA, ESPN, Cash App, Earn Your Leisure, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
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[@martinesho7816]

Russ is like that magician that reveals all his tricks.....I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career if it wasn’t for Russ

[@soap6633]

Facts of the century

[@jp32123]

ur able to sustain urself with music and moves surrounding music, so imagine how much money the ones who have even 1 million monthly listeners on spotify have

[@YOUNGNGRATEFUL]

You are nowhere lmao

[@jp32123]

@@YOUNGNGRATEFUL "some people rap (wrap) but never blow like hetero sexuals" - J Cole

[@TheRealDizzo1k]

@@YOUNGNGRATEFUL I’m cryin 😂

[@VinJay95]

Russ stays dropping gems. Huge inspiration for all independent artists 🙏

[@megaajone1]

Facts man

[@thehitbrainiac]

Truth

[@oh_itshiro7185]

Anyone smoking weed is altering their mind, that is sorcery, Forbidden in The Bible Anyone masturbating or looking at another person with intent to have sex with them is lusting, that is sin and will hold you back from your plans. Anyone who is not praying to God is like a wave being tossed around by the sea, never having an objective or place to rest. Through Jesus Christ only will you see Eternal Life, anyone who tries to get in another way will not make it to Heaven.

[@cristianorozco6226]

I wish my dad was rich so I could start an llc or corporation at age 17 and then claim im self made ... hahahah

[@thetruthsayer8347]

@@oh_itshiro7185 where in the Bible did it mention smoking weed and masturbation ?

[@kouroshthings]

You can feel the whole hate on russ thing fading away,cuz people are staring to listen to what he has to say,and they can’t deny the fact that russ is a freaking genius

[@marvinsepulveda4395]

Not necessarily a genius but just smart enuff to have a good lawyer behind him. Dude, when Ure making money u need 2 things a GREAT LAWYER N ACCOUNTANT THE FORMER BEING THE MAIN PIECE! But yea he was smart to get himself teamed up

[@julioarcaiko]

I’m he’s definitely a very smart dude. I do respect the hell out of him and am a personal fan, but I understand why people hate him. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and he’s mouthy. Doesn’t matter though, he’s great and self made.

[@treyvonrichard3620]

well not as good as drake

[@kouroshthings]

Tendo kanyike big fax😂

[@kouroshthings]

De lo Interno al Todo people don’t like it when your confidence is high af

[@brainheartofficial]

Seriously Russ is the king 👑 He encouraged me to go independently without a label and the results are amazing

[@WeAlreadyRich111]

russ is a real genius ... he built levrage got a deal got exposure then left the deal .... the smartest in the game.

[@Mo91100]

He’s not a genius. He just does what makes sense and he’s educated on the business side of music so he won’t be taken advantage of.

[@theprime95]

ultradeadd thats not true. most of these kids are in terrible 360 deals and don’t even own their masters which is why they fizzle out and go broke.

[@rockstartonyx]

Literally

[@activeactivo]

Like slim thug

[@theprime95]

ultradeadd i agree with you, that’s the route that should be taken. but there’s a reason you can’t name many big artists that are independent

[@dadlife9790]

Steve ain't slick. He signed a lot of artist to bad contracts. He's a business man trying to stay ahead of the curve.

[@thebuzzinc2757]

That’s what I’m saying lol if you “can do it all by yourself” what’s the point in using this service? The only exclusive thing is having your music possibly played during NBA games. The majority of people watching live nba games don’t have the same music preference as the typical young dude who likes rap/hip hop, if your music is catering to the mainstream/pop crowd then it may be worth it idk

[@GutsmanLoL]

The Buzz Inc serious question, how else do you currently get your music on Apple Music, Spotify etc without a distribution service such as United masters, distrokid, tunecore, cdbaby etc ?

[@dadlife9790]

@@GutsmanLoL complete an application with the iTunes store and upload your music

[@karatekidx5000]

@@dadlife9790 Right- cut.every.middle.person.out!

[@thetruthsayer8347]

Lol what is a good contract? How much do you give an artist who brings nothing else but potential to the table?

[@devilsadvocate9011]

Was waiting on this to drop. I already know Russ boutta drop gems. I appreciate y’all doing this for young artists.

[@QuicksandMindset]

It’s unbelievable how much game was given in this interview, FOR FREE!!!

[@Darnell209]

Came mostly to hear Steve but I respect Russ as an artist and businessman. Good convo to listen in on. Preciate it

[@drxod]

Russ a genius, always learn something new from his interviews.

[@acharich]

🔥💎🔥

[@OmegaClassicRecords100]

It didn’t even feel like an hour. It went by really fast. That’s how I know the information was so pure and great. I don’t know anything about Russ but now I’m gonna follow him from here on out.

[@blessmusicdaily]

This guy is my inspiration now to be an independent artist 🙏

[@Samsonmanase]

Let that be a lesson to a lot of people thinking they will get on by one song. Be a hustler and keep grinding , Russ been one of my inspirations since Everyday Struggle interview

[@benny5508]

there is no reason for this to have less than 10k views in 2 days. This is something every artist should be watching

[@thetruthsayer8347]

Nobody will care if you are not good, bro. You actually have to be good at this music sh!t

[@Toneload11]

respect not acting like your already there and not making any money. but real actual hard work and show how much it takes. because of this, he become rich and keep his money without attitude,. respect for rus

[@K3ANDZ]

This was by faarrrr more informative than the 100s of music marketing videos I've ever watched in YT. Thank you! 💯💯🔥🔥

[@haluk1997]

It’s so fucking great to see two like minded people talk to each other S/o to JBP listeners, came here after listening to them talking abt this interview in the pod

[@nolimitbts5141]

Tremendous Inspiration. God Bless

[@aggumbi]

Stoute and Russ vibing so hard in this. love when they get to talkin about artists' catalogues in the last 15 minutes. And just dropping knowledge throughout- Heavy. Thank you both for everything you've done and continue to do.

[@GrinerB]

Steve is right about Drake.. the industry has to all conspire together and OVER pay Drake for a new deal to save the industry itself.. because he and the next 25 artist under him truly don’t need labels.. and once they all realize that, it’s over. If I was Drake I’d walk into the label and quantify exactly what I’d make and say triple it or I’m out.. and imma tell all my friends how to move.. go independent and let rocnation essentially do the administrative and legal stuff the labels do for a fee, not a percentage forever.

[@Brandon-kx6oq]

He will will disappear randomly....

[@ronroca4387]

Like @usher & @pharrell they are not smart enough to listen

[@LilEd115]

😂

[@bignutbussa3917]

Brandon 😂😂😂😂

[@acharich]

@@Brandon-kx6oq 💀💀💀💀💀

[@danielvulgoice]

These are the type of conversation we need

[@Warroking]

Absolute gems and knowledge dropped 🔥 Here grinding from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@lo-rem]

this is the second time i am watching this. This information is valuable af! thank you

[@elmaikitofficial]

Big respect ✊ to Russ & y’all for doing a good interview.

[@Alexander-vt3zh]

So many gems of wisdom in this video. Thank you so much! I’m inspired. Loved the JAY-Z stories btw, top 5!

[@DavidSmith-ed3xh]

Yo, so much game in this interview! Preciate you guys for helping us out.

[@samsmusichub]

This interview is everything! I'm gonna reevaluate my music strategy.

[@bangerhouseproductions]

Watching this interview in the studio .I stop recording just listen and now I’m 45 mins In and stuck .Great information!!!

[@LCREEDTV]

Best interview I've seen in a long time 🙌🏾

[@TraySamuels]

Here for the gems !

[@phillcurtis1]

Yall getting me emotional.... pure motivation

[@yaboyTYLE]

This is amazing I learned so much and I've been doing music for over 15 years. Shouts out to Steve Stout and Russ for the game

[@WORLDOFWINNING]

I love this type of content we all need to share this power its needed

[@ezduzzit_]

This the best game I’ve got from an artist in .... EVER. Thank you Russ . 🐐

[@Nala-xf6rz]

two great minds. This should be an amazing convo

[@donrome3835]

I trust UnitedMasters alot more than a major label, because you own your stuff 100% and get 100%

[@jsansimusic]

this is so fire... i can listen to russ talk for hours 🔥

[@natancopeincraft]

This is absolutely amazing. I'm even more hyped up and inspired now to just keep dropping my music, no matter what...SBN

[@BenHarrismusic]

So dope!! Thx y’all!!!! 💎 🙏🏽

[@JoePierceofficial]

THE BEST -- the ones who are here today are the real ones

[@italianG03]

Incredible interview. Absolutely love hearing the intricate details to his success and business model

[@Djbiginf]

Thanks you Steve Stout for providing this platform. Very informative

[@jahissa]

I just met Russ and never heard of him wow I am the newest follower..Just awesome Genius

[@reemy8245]

Russ is dope artist his music is fire king of melodies and lyrics and he has fantastic personality. Russ if you see this Middle East fans love you so much we can’t wait to see you on tour .

[@brucehathcockmusic]

Yo I just stumbled on this channel and I am like wow. I need this to know I can manifest to be the greatness I am. Thank you I will be watching this all tge time.

[@newdvsn]

There’s not enough comments or views on this video. The industry of music business is changing in front of our eyes and my artist Shaun Creates will be part of the new era of historic rap artist.

[@barcehttr9556]

It just came out bro give it time

[@newdvsn]

Barce HTTR95 lots of people sleep on the business portion and aren’t educating themselves!

[@nickirizarry2918]

Man did his homework, did things his way through trial and error. Learned from his mistakes and adjusted. Powerful moves and self belief

[@blazein210]

So many gems, take notes yall.

[@primeminister7885]

Motivation at it’s finest right here 🔌🗣

[@BP-ff6yl]

It'll be a trip when these big artists really start moving on their own and takin their leverage back. It's boutta be wild

[@socanow]

Trini producer here really inspired by this one thanks boss

[@VilOzBec]

Thank you guys for all these gems

[@SamuelAJimenez]

Steve is slick bro. United masters contract is basically a label. They don’t call it that but it is. Read the fine print

[@mathlabel]

Expand

[@vopat891]

Yeah but it’s only 90/10 compare to other “labels@ where it’s 18/82

[@rockstartonyx]

Vo Pat exactly. This guy clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about

[@vopat891]

Rockstar Tony right lol

[@ffffffffffffff43]

Wym

[@Spezzedout]

Thank you for this game!

[@MIQVERSERNBCOMPOSER]

I am incredibly impressed by Russ business savvy just as much as his talent. Dope!

[@RyanCaliMusic]

Loved watching this🔥🔥🔥

[@f4hmusic]

Highly entertaining and informative 👏 👍 truly inspired

[@KingGabriel913]

Needed this!

[@robertmoneymademusic4lifen929]

Great interview,thank you 💯🔥🔥🔥

[@evygil]

Loving this!

[@ashkowbeats5149]

Information is everything when it's pure. Thanks for the time and wisdom. Let's meet at the top 🥂

[@Treyco]

I like how it’s not edited just raw 💯

[@BobbyWashingtonvlog]

I love this video... Russ and Steve thank you 🙏... I just added United Masters to my business... I already have The Orchard, Cd Baby and Distrokid.... I just dropped 3 singles this pass 2 week on United Masters. Hey Steve, look out for at least 1 single a week from me indefinitely... I’ve been indie since 1998 and sold 600 thousand albums cd 💿 from my trunk. Now I’m doing both Street Sales and now online marketing heavy

[@aLr_boosh]

Always good to get some knowledge from Russ. Looking forward to what he's going to do now he free again.

[@pendrick]

This was a fire interview no cap

[@VicRoseOfficial]

Lmao 😂 🤣 Damn I really enjoyed this interview! Thank you so much! I learned so much! 🙏🏼

[@destinyreturns4885]

Loved your answer about your backup plan. That was golden.....

[@tnygmusic]

Dude F*ck Yes! 1hr of GOLD.

[@Juing327]

Gems everywhere knowledge dropper "RUSS"&Stout👏🏽📱😏

[@LedgeTheGreat]

Russ is really motivation for us independent artist that are just getting their foot on the gas

[@intellectualsista]

This was Amazing! Tell Stoute to holla at me man

[@kanggwopjones]

@stevestoute & @russ 💯💯💯 One of da greatest interview ever🔥🔥🔥🤧💪🏾

[@tonywash4250]

True topics, much respect

[@gangstaworldtv]

powerful video super informative thx for the game fellas

[@ABtheHERO]

Bro, Steve needs a mic, headphones, and camera without auto exposure settings. Bare minimum! This is too big a platform and too great of an interview to be using a webcam and built-in mic!

[@RandyRich01]

Straight up. But theres no over head.

[@acharich]

😅😅😅

[@mayh3w811]

Thank you great video

[@AngelsExclusive]

Thank you

[@JRClark]

Dope interview 🔥🔥

[@niyab5649]

As far as the business of music Russ is one of the greatest minds that ever walked the planet hands down.This is not debatable

[@tevincollins2869]

He on his way definitely

[@dwinmusic]

I needed this thanks

[@justanotherviewerfan4229]

Dub state where I stay. Glad to hear about you talk about Washington and happy about it.

[@mikeybarreneche]

That NAS album Promo is fucking genius

[@venavy3518]

Watching in from Nepal 🇳🇵absolute gems in this video; Russ you be my main role model frfr 👑👏🏽 Amazing video Steve !

[@tkbaku3036]

Ppl are not serious, why is this not at a million views

[@artchatec]

I already know this is GOLD

[@paul1389]

This info is so important

[@b_moneygo4515]

His story is inspiration 🙏🙏

[@DavidArmah.]

Powerful video right here man

[@forevrmore9312]

GEMS ALL OVER THE FLOOR

[@BrandmanNetwork]

Good convo

[@dimitirisrivera4705]

BLESSINGS

[@free99records]

two Legends

[@iEKNOWS_]

Great conversation with two innovators

[@ParkEastMusic]

Fire 🔥 interview

[@Sk8Bord_P]

russ keeps me going as an artist knowing consistency and hard work will pay off eventually thats all I need to know fr

[@shaiemnelson8564]

Bro if you not talented it’s over

[@ogstatusllcmusicstuff7814]

This is a lot of great stuff and I have loved Russ from the first time I saw him. BUT LABELS ARENT GOING AWAY. There will always be artists who are willing to sign a deal in order to get the marketing push a label can give that they have zero chance to financially fund on their own. These guys are talking about big names like Drake needing to be independent and how it would end labels....but Drake isn’t drake without signing to the label and the label and Wayne putting their co-sign and network into him. The role of the label is going to change but it will never go away

[@joiner5401]

I'm an Artist and Producer because of Russ.

[@yung.sc0pe]

A voice for all of us

[@TIFFJONES820]

Great interview I love Russ

[@ParisLifeandCo]

Very insightful