The Hard Truth About the Music Business (and What It Means for You)

[@SaintLuminus]

"Its your job to create demand for your music." Holy moly! Probably the most powerful statement in this vid.

[@CommonSenseTipsAndTricks]

Very sobering and discouraging but it's human nature to give up easily. Like you said, seeing the Long haul and adapting yourself to take it is one key. I think another very important key is the lyrics to the song. Because from what I've seen these days lyrics are very wishy-washy. I have many many friends who are great musicians! But they couldn't write a good lyric for anything! Aside from that when it comes to doing the vocal of a song they settle for what's comfortable. I really think one way to be successful which may be by accident is to write a great song and make it with a great delivery! Because artists come and go. And the song today is forgotten tomorrow. But if you can really write great lyrics that make the listener pause for just a moment to reflect and reconnect in their own lives, the song will be a pleasure to hear many times over. I think that's what's missing these days. And I also think that a green horn in the field might just possibly find his best chance! Have something good to tell the whole world about life and love or both. In my opinion, I think it will be better for people than just spitting slurs to a beat!

[@tonyvv]

100% correct. It all starts with a song, and too many artists settle for mediocre songcraft.

[@thomasventiquattroii7249]

Tony always delivers a wealth of info along with an ample dose of reality. We can thank him for that. After all is said and done, we songwriters and performers just want to continue to get absolute joy and satisfaction from pursuing our craft. We fly on that natural high.

[@agentcalm]

One of the main problems I encounter with a lot of channels is that they assume you have a band and are out playing gigs. There are countless musicians/song writers like me who are over a certain age and stuck in "sofa city". There seems to be zero info on how we can make it in music. We don't have merch or shows. So we end up just giving up sadly. And that's pretty much where I am at.

[@masonpm]

Tony as a budding and fledgling artist I welcome weekly the knowledge that you share us. Thank you very much! 🙏

[@JohnPaulRiger]

Truth! Thanks for your thoughts and insights. The reality for the vast majority is to not weigh success by the amount of money made. That’s so contrary to the essence of music in the first place. There’s no guarantee that making gobs of green will make anyone happy. That’s pretty much 20th century thinking and there’s plenty of examples where that’s a failed model. Best bet is to play music for the enjoyment of it, and to share your artistry with others who enjoy the same vibe. I quit wanting things a long time ago. Wanting is a major source of frustration. And oddly enough when I stopped wanting anything from anybody that’s the moment the most wonderful and seemingly miraculous things started to happen in my life. Play music as a global servant in the universe of love and gratitude. You’ll never be disappointed. One world all grateful. 🌏🙏❤️🐘

[@willmcmillan1430]

You need to make an inspirational video to help spread your wonderful attitude/approach/mindset...

[@carleenmusicstudios]

I really do feel encouraged after watching this, Tony! Thanks so much!

[@boblockemusic]

it all begins with a great song! Keep writing and being creative!

[@henryvanrealestatebroker5836]

Yup. Spot on (unfortunately). Its the ultimate irony! Easier than ever....harder than ever! 🤦‍♂😂

[@jayumble8390]

I've been a musician all of my life and I can say that there is no worse way to try to make a living. The hard cold fact is, no one cares about your music, no one cares about you and anything you create. You may be a fantastic photographer, artist, musician or anything else for that matter...but just know that no one cares about you other than you...even your artist friends don't care about you!! So at the end of the day. it all comes down to you...what do you do with your life? How do you want to handle it? Almost every musician I've ever known has been married to a successful spouse or they have a day job and play music on the side. That's how they can do what they do OR they are single and are starving. As with anything there are pros and cons. All of this reminds me of my son (a fantastic drummer) who said on a gig once, "why does it have to come down to money....can't we just play music for the sake of music"? And then the bass player (a great jazz player) said, when the landlord knocks on your door and wants another month's rent, youll understand why the money matters.

[@BroRicPatton]

Boy you aint never lied ! The game done changed baby !

[@HansChristianmusic]

Tony, you are spot on in this video. As a full time recording artist and producer of independent music for 35 years, and of having started with big labels and big studios in LA in the 80s, the current music industry model is gut-punching artists. I could not have said it better. Thank you for being honest. Looking forward to your next videos.

[@richardsmoot1870]

Thanks, Tony. Sobering and informative as always. Indeed, it is important for artists to be grounded.

[@wheezyharp]

Good advice, as always, by Mr. Tony. One of the upsides to what he says is that people usually start their music careers early in life. So, they have time for the long haul. Music is in our blood. That makes it unique and gives us the stamina to keep doing it for decades. In other words, "the long haul", as Tony mentions, is more than doable. As long as we have good music, we can do this! Time is on our side.

[@frankludwig314]

nothing to argue with here - all too true

[@jacksrevengeband]

Thanks, Tony!!!!

[@PeteHorm]

Good information Tony. Helps people to see the music industry with their eyes wide open. That is why I have a day job, and enjoy creating/releasing music and playing with my band on weekends. The mortgage certainly isn't getting paid by bar and festival gigs. The term "Starving Artist" is true for the 99.9%. But I am still going to make music even if I don't make a dime. Music is the best therapy for what ails ya!

[@willmcmillan1430]

Yesiree!

[@Phonse56]

All true ! after 50yrs of playing and countless shows,merch and phisical copies of our material is the money maker.Albums,CD"s,thumb drives,Tshirts ! Thanks for the insite Tony.The record industry is a field of high stakes lown sharks,with control over content,media attention and performance.P.S.don"t forget Lawyers your gonna need them ( 2 )

[@michaellucey2386]

In my experience so far, you are spot on. I spend an hour and a half everyday writing a music blog, posting to social and updating my website, etc. it never ends. All just to get my name out just a little more. I gig a lot and find the personal touch chatting with the audience builds the report. Streaming is frustrating, yet the only real opportunity to push out past the local area. I love CDs as a promotional tool. I do sell some, however they are a great hand out to special fans. All said and done to me it’s worth the effort and frustration to see someone smile when listening to my music. One fan at a time is slow but it works.

[@tonyvv]

All that work will move you forward, even if it doesn’t seem to at the time. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

[@tonybills6260]

Thanks for sharing this information with us, very helpful

[@ElliottMichaels56]

One important point, Tony: There is one thing an artist can do to escape all that hassle, and that is to bring in someone who will work for the artist as his/her manager/agent, someone who is willing and able pound the pavement and knock on doors and handle all the dirty work of economic and logistical matters, therefore allowing the artist to focus on his/her/their job, which is to create, perform and record the best music possible.

[@tonyvv]

Sure, at some point. However, I always advise artists to do as much as possible for as long as possible. No one - certainly not a manager - has as much at stake as you do.

[@HushAngel]

Good advice, though ''pavement pounders'' and ''door knockers'' come with a price sometimes hard to recoup for the artist.

[@jamesemerich4701]

Thank you Tony for telling it like it is. I love your honesty. You are always informative and awesome!

[@LarryGreenMusic]

Tony, you're right about the difficulty of making a living the music business! I have been doing this for many years and just get enjoyment from creating songs and putting them out for the world to hear. Will I ever have a hit record? Who knows, but I won't if I give up and stop making music!

[@kevinfields8173]

I'm with you on that. If you don't do it because you love it, you'll just end up endlessly frustrated.

[@HOTDANCEHITS]

very good. No wonder I'm on your mailing list. Speak your truth Tony

[@travisbigtrussell]

Spot on! I am a published writer of technical books, and it runs the same way in that business! The publisher makes all the money and us creatives get pennies. I have books that sell for over $100, and yet I only get around $4 for the same book. I have no inspirations of making it with a big label. In fact, I am running the opposite direction and will continue as an Indie. Thanks for the frank and candid video!

[@DiscMakers]

Ouch! If you want to start making some royalties on your technical books and grow as an indie author, check out our sister company, BookBaby. They print all genres of books (from children's books to textbooks to romance novels), all under the same roof as our CD operations. 👍 www.bookbaby.com/

[@JohnWagnerNMS]

I've been in the professional music business for 60 years. It has never been easy and will always get much harder. I have never given up but thought about quitting numerous times. I made my living doing music for advertising and have done well:-) i have produced many incredible artists and have made deals with many major labels. I have spent hundreds of thousands and made nearly nothing from the music industry. Today many if my projects are getting sync licensing deals on product I couldn't give away 50 years ago. I have learned hard lessons by making a good living with music and always finding a reason to go on. Gave up on the star thing many years ago😮 Liked your points in the video...

[@HushAngel]

Seems like sync licensing is the way to go for many, i played drums on many different indie recordings, most if not all these bands never toured and never will as they disbanded, but the music is still there, unknown and streaming pennies...getting the right partner or publisher for sync licensing is key imo in 2024 and beyond...

[@damonblalack-surfjazzrecor7124]

Correct! See my comment above.

[@otusmedi1589]

I’m with you!!! Completely agree with all your words.

[@bryanslepicka3541]

Words of advice I've been given over the years... "It takes an average of six years for an overnight success, and the right way to secure a recording contact is through constant touring. You need to be where you're in control of your life and you're in control of your career. You need the union to survive. In order to be successful in your career, you need to play every day." If you define success as being signed to a major lablel and getting played on the radio, you're setting yourself up for failure. If you get signed and garnish air play, most likely it's because you're either blessed or you're lucky. Play it safe. I have three major rules I like to follow: no smoking on stage or in the studio, no drinking on the job and zero tolerance for drugs. An industry standard, "Pro gear, pro attitude, no ego, no drugs, no jobbers, reliable transportation a must." You don't have to be rich and famous to make a living at it. Don't think that you paid your dues and the world owes you a favor. You'll be paying your dues the rest of your life.

[@KawauMusic]

In my opinion the easiest way to make an income is not streaming revenues or merch and CDs, it is being booked. With every thing else on top of your fee.

[@neilcacci]

I have been a professional in the music industry for now over five-decades, working both in Nashville and LA. I have seen regimes come and go as well as artist's careers and our team were just one of the teams who laid the foundation down for many in the studio, thus creating hits for many. But that was then and is great music history. Your videos are very informative and Tony, you are right on target, always!

[@JoyOrleans]

I moved here to LA 3 years ago. I’m originally from New Orleans

[@neilcacci]

I have some family on my mother's side that are from New Orleans. @@JoyOrleans

[@FrancesDrost]

Tony, your videos are always so helpful, even if they address things we might not like to hear. Thank you and keep them coming! It helps me feel like I’m not alone. You’re spot on - at least from my experience.

[@mikesaleslive]

I've heard it said that if you''re thinking about a career in the music business, you should consider all other careers that you may be content to pursue as well. Then, if you can think of ANY others, you should choose one of them instead of music...music is a great hobby, by the way. If you really can't think of any other career, like me, then you have to pursue music with a passion that will get you through the day-job and open mic days, always be on the lookout for the next level opportunity, practice, learn, perform, enjoy and repeat. My only song on Spotify peaked at 38 monthly listeners, so who knows if I'm even qualified to comment on this subject other than to say that I live on an island, and pay the bills by singing and playing covers and the occasional originals at the beach, which I've done for nearly 2 decades and could not be happier. It's fair to say I'm a late bloomer though, so if I was speaking to a teens/early twenties version of me, I would say, "Get an adequate day job, pay whatever bills you have, practice a lot, write songs, jam & hang with other musicians, play live whenever possible, be nice to everyone, and enjoy yourself...oh yeah and if you can't drink without getting drunk (guilty), don't drink."

[@matthewzadak]

Patience, Matthew Zadak, climb the ladder.

[@beatweezl]

It's the grim truth. So used to seeing encouraging videos giving everyone hope.

[@davidmoskowitz1801]

Nobody needs a record company anymore. They just need great songs and know how to market them!

[@GuillermoCuellarTrovAutor]

Thanks, again. Several statements are very true. And how about I don't wanna be a "succesfull independent artist". What if my view of my own career and succesfull path as a musician and songwriter points in different direction? Music for me is not only about a way of living, but a way to be present in this huge globe. M of music is more M of mistery than m of money. With all my heart!

[@aziz-records]

We love your videos and music education. Keep them coming Tony!

[@rjburk]

Thanks again Tony Van Veen! Your guidelines are the best! I think this video puts all the issues in their proper perspective. I mean hearing your comments today assures me that my response to this environment is accidently the right one, and that is reassuring. So CDs, LPs, art yes. And the adjustment I will make in my thinking is to not count of performance revenue that much except to think of performance as part of the fan relationship.

[@davidmoskowitz1801]

Can’t wait for part 2!

[@julierieder9762]

Thank you 🙏I think your assessment is one hundred percent accurate. God Bless You. 😊

[@CTPATSecurity]

Great assessment! Keep doing it because you love it, but get your expectations aligned with the current state of things. If you're only doing it for the money, you should probably do something else.

[@redoctopusgames]

the main problem today is, that you normally can't get better as an artist (make your job) and doing marketing and all the jobs needed to promote it. and only very few are great artists in promotion and marketing and music as well.

[@eunicejose9326]

Thanks for helping us.

[@devayodermusic]

A helpful downer, thanks Tony!

[@tonyvv]

Ha… 😢😢😢

[@johnnymattmusic]

You speak the truth. There's no money for independent artists today.

[@jackwrabbit9639]

Real talk!

[@sonsofmedusa]

Mr Tony nails it again.

[@alexanderentertainmentllc]

I really love your videos. They are very informational, and always brings me down to reality...It's hard to make it in the music industry! but I'm ready to go 15 rounds!!

[@JoyOrleans]

Hard truth

[@philrogersmusician6078]

What I have found, as an independent, is that the ROI Return on Investment, by the artist is little to none, compare to the time we put into it! Hours and hours, then a quality release, then crickets! It's discouraging

[@tonyvv]

Yes, it can be discouraging. But remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Gains are frequently made in small steps, not giant leaps. If you keep putting one foot in front of the other you will make progress.

[@xalliandix]

Wow. I watched this one twice. In some kind of weird way, I feel better about my very small Spotify numbers.

[@willmcmillan1430]

Me, too...

[@rolandbeckerman6167]

I fully agree and completely understand this is precisely how it is. I am old enough to remember when it was much different. Streaming isn't going to cut it for 90% of the hard-working musicians out there. Playing live is what I have been doing a long time and that too is hard, but I happen to love it and I see no end in sight. I enjoyed this video and I hope many will learn the cold hard facts you stated are absolutely true.

[@willmcmillan1430]

Hurrah for performing live music! I am (perhaps naively) hopeful that performing live will become more and more precious/valued/appreciated as AI worms its way further and further into our society.

[@anwarbux4129]

Wow... that was honest & depressing!! Clearly, it'll take a lot of hard work & some luck to crack it... hope I do.

[@tonyvv]

The harder you work, the luckier you get. 👊🏼

[@Visionary0001]

Thank you for sharing the TRUTH, Tony. All artist need to be aware of this information, and come to grips with your honest, "tough love" approach.

[@KellyWinchester-u9z]

Thank you Tony I got a lot out of this, and all of the videos you put out. I will always keep kicking at that door even if it's just for my own pleasure. My music keeps me sane...........

[@laneoswego6989]

Great video telling the truth, almost every musician who makes content will really never break through so don’t quit the day job and just enjoy the journey

[@officialmoondancer]

I havent had a day job since 2004. Make good 💩, get out and play as many shows as possible, market as best you can. Many times, It's a feast or famine in many ways. So if security is what you're looking for, this probably isn't the game for ya. Probably diversify as much as possible, but a day job typically isn't conducive to the professional artist lifestyle.

[@laneoswego6989]

@@officialmoondancer so true I was just a weekend warrior so that was what worked for me I wish you all the best

[@recordmixrepeat4327]

I write and record music because it is a rush to hear the final result. I know I will never make a living off of my music. Sure, I have placed a few songs in television shows but the royalty money never came close to matching what I made being a recording engineer. Very few independent artists are truly good. When the record comanies controlled the content that was released and promoted, they did provide a valuable service... they saved the listeners from and onslought of lousy content. It is so difficult to find a new artist or song that knocks your socks off these days. Just way too much inferior music out there. The streaming services offer playlists that try to seperate the wheat from the chaf, but those playlists seldom reveal any true talent/songs that move the listener. I love the fact that you are telling it like it is. Also love your company. You are providing quality service/product. Keep it up, Tony.

[@willmcmillan1430]

I always appreciate your "tough love" outreach to indie musicians. I also admire how you manage to stay on top of the ever-changing trends, policies and "best practices" in the music industry. I look forward to the next video in this series! Thank you for all the time and thought you devote to your video presentations.

[@BobbyMessano]

Tony. You have hit the nail on the head. Excellent.

[@alanbit123]

Your assessment is on the money. Personally, I don't intend to use streaming services at all. They're exploiting artists. They pay next to nothing. I am trying to find the best way(s) to interest people in purchasing my CDs/USBs. Playing and touring is an obvious way to push merchandise. Any additional advice would be very useful (e.g., the best ways to use social media to access a personal website or a website that promotes the purchase of my music - downloads or physical product).

[@tonyvv]

In my experience you still need to be on streaming. That’s where the fans are. So if you want to get discovered, you need to be there, and then figure out how to get them to your concerts and buying your CDs and merch.

[@craigwhite9302]

Spot on !!! Thanks Tony 💯

[@djkaitode]

I do have an indy musiclabel and I am glad to make 1200$ a year atm. With the music I and the other artists do. I take arround 700€ for the label and the rest goes to all other artists. Also its very difficult to stay relevant. In 2021 i do got my best of Album out with a bang - and a cancelled Europe tour. Praised by Critics & bigger marketing buget but failed in the longrun in case of money. After that I got irelevant in the public eye for some time. Otherwise it opens in the background doors. Weird Al and some local Musicians I looked up to got Copys of it and the last 70 CDs i will also get sold to some people after CD baby closed down.

[@Phantom66-pp4jg]

I agree 100%

[@johnnyangel504]

Tony, telling the truth. 😮 Get a JOB...learn a TRADE...Starving artists are miserable people...at least be able to have a decent life as you slave in the music industry mine...digging and digging and coming up with dirt...and not the PAY DIRT we're all looking for. I will be tuning in for Mr. Tony's Next video on tips to survive the music industry...!

[@timn5008]

"How do you survive?" (As a person making music and expecting to get money from it): You need a decent day job. Of course that means music plays second fiddle, when it should be first.

[@TheSpeakerWarsBand]

Spot on.

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Is everything all about money? If you're blessed to create music and share it, that's what counts the most, Most people aren't willing to do what the music industry wants you to do to, "make it".

[@axpanthia]

I think the music business is a reverse pyramid. The musician writes the song...gets paid the least and everyone else just leaches on to them and gets paid more than them. The lawyers, the agents, the managers, the promoters, the labels, the merchandise makers, the recording studios, the producers, the music stores, the digital recording softwares, the cd and vinyl makers, the books on how to make money in music, the books on how to promote your music, and on and on. Yet they want the musician that wrote the song to pay up front for all of this and now you have spent a large chunk of change in the hope that you can at least get your money back somehow and maybe just maybe enough to buy a hamburger at the end of all your investment in your song. And that is one song! Now do it again about 10 times and you have an album to try and market. Sound expensive and time consuming?? Now quit your day job and immerse yourself full time in the music business and hang in there for the "long haul" ?? Might be better off buying a monkey and a hurdy-gurdy and be an organ grinder and go pound the pavement downtown for a cup of quarters. (just kidding LOL)

[@robertgraham70]

No-one say "hi" as fast as Tony does! LOL

[@tonyvv]

It’s only two letters! 😂 How long could it take???

[@robertgraham70]

@@tonyvv you are talented my friend!

[@thelethargics]

Dead on.

[@NURREDIN]

Why is it KPOP artists can still sell cds and we can't? Should we start producing KPOP?

[@tonyvv]

We CAN sell CDs! Taylor Swift can... Beyonce can... Drake can... YOU can! If you have an engaged fanbase, if you interact with them on socials, if you perform live, if you have an easy way (like Bandcamp) to sell them online, if you have an email list, CD sales are an essential part of the music revenue mix.

[@23imansaray]

K-Pop sales a lot of cd's by extortion, and deceiving the fans into to buying a lot of CD's. For example, let's say there's a boy group with 7 members and one of the members is your favorite. So what the companies do is they will release the album and it will come with the CD, a mini photo album with the group and a photo card of one of the members, but it's not your favorite. So what happens is that fans will buy another copy of the album, hoping to get the photo card of their favorite member and a lot of tines it doesn't happen. The company sometimes release the albums with different covers too. There are a lot videos on KZbin that talks about fans be deceived this way.

[@robertarmand247]

Red pill or blue pill? You decide. Thanks Tony

[@barrysmith8920]

Actually a very inspiring video.. Looking forward to your next one!

[@Devoted2as]

33 1/3, LPs, 45's, cassettes, 8-tracks, CD's, streaming and more ... none last because new things are developed. What will be after streaming is done? Maybe holograms! We'll buy something on-line for 99 cents, and it will be the artist performing as a 3-D hologram on our desk or dining room table. I'm ready for that. LOL. As far as the music, if you love it anyway, and would do it anyway, just keep on, I guess ...

[@fathertime49]

9:58 Instead of the Music industry this is the Media and Entertainment Industry (remember MTV was video music in the beginning)

[@mathew3267]

The whole AI thing is here and will now be here forever but it will fade and it will never be a large portion of the industry. There will be some curiosity at first but generally nobody will care about it.

[@Lachenmann7]

You aren’t going to make a living selling music. Period. This is wonderful news. You’re liberated. Just create the work you wish to and don’t think about any of this nonsense.

[@damonblalack-surfjazzrecor7124]

See my comment above, exactly what you say!

[@CEOstatus]

Mr. Tony I'd like the opportunity to sit down with you & get an interview or shoot a vlog with you. I appreciate your knowledge & beneficial advice. #ceostatus

[@GigaTodd]

❤❤❤

[@kempmusik]

i had an idea of what i was getting into. now i'm in too deep and the only way out is through. please help me mr van veen? i need a shiny pancake to drive my streams, to achieve my dreams, does anyone want to maybe buy my cd?

[@tonyvv]

That depends… Do you have any fans? Do you play concerts and give a great show? If the answer is to either (or better, both) of those questions is yes, odds are good you’ll sell some shiny platters.

[@KallusGarnet]

The music recording industry is a scam. The only way to make a living is through actually being a talented live musician and being a freelancer with multiple be skills.

[@kevinfields8173]

I know I'll get lost in here, but can anyone comment on the recent buzz of corporate shows?

[@landonfinnerty2391]

Hey little mice, how do you like that cheese? Yum.