will.i.am on How to Make Money with Music

[@goshdarnblog]

This is best four minutes of business education I have ever had!

[@goshdarnblog]

he's the man, man.

[@wandabhala933]

True he dropped game

[@djstacktrace]

"People forgot that the music industry is really technology." "Publishing was the first music industry." He makes some excellent points in this clip.

[@AudioDriver]

Its so true when you actually think about what he's saying. I'm a music producer and I make money from my music being in games at the moment. People aren't buying the game for the music, the music is just an asset of the game to make it better.

[@MithileshMusic92]

Dude , thats what is is about , music is a product , someone wants it , you can sell it to them. simple as that. You are an Artist , you can create a software product , a music product or a Speaker , now thats upto you , as long as your product is good , and people are buying you will earn man :)

[@MithileshMusic92]

@Julius Narte true bro :\

[@derekirons2615]

AudioDriver GTFO ignorant moron. Then make incredible music like the days of old n people will be more into the music!!

[@otna1924]

can i know which sync company you registered with?

[@mikesgarage18]

He makes sense. A lot of people out here promoting big corporate brands like Spotify, Amazon, Google, bandcamp, Cdbaby, Distrokid, Tunecore, soundcloud but those companies aren't giving nearly enough back in terms of the royalties they're grabbing from you. Highway robbery.

[@twoeypronto2457]

Now that's a music history lesson. That's the most realistic thing I've heard so far my whole life within the new music industry, Thank you will.I.am.

[@iwellbreastfed]

+Dustin Byrd Platforming to be honest. He has a point in that.

[@ulek_604]

Bless your little heart Bamibino...

[@vanbawithathawng6224]

How do you tag him?

[@newday1553]

what he said in 3:19

[@deadstar44]

@@squiblebobble He's still richer than you.

[@joeface7212]

Hes really telling it how it is. This is the only interview I've heard of someone spitting BLUNT facts on the industry that I can sit here and watch happen myself. Ya feel me?

[@karimbennett5651]

What makes the recorded music industry so hard for many understand is there was a brief "golden period" in the 1980s and 1990s when a few high profile artists with relatively lucrative contracts (Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Madonna, etc.) actually did make millions purely from record sales. But they were golden, polka-dotted unicorns (too rare to mention). It was never like that for most.

[@cartonet8186]

I would say in the late 1990's there was a time when lots of high schoolers were buying albums a lot. That being said, it all ended when everything went digital.

[@Sataka23clips]

Karim Bennett demand supply ..fruity loops basically killed the music industry.. fruity loops only the others didn't..eg trap didn't kill hip hop fruity loops killed hip hop

[@abk9203]

@@Sataka23clips Fruity loops that means FL studio, the software to produce music ???

[@abk9203]

Beatles too did and Elvis I guess... Everyone before the age of Internet i.e. Before late 90s.... MJ and others just used their brand power to sell stuff... And yes you have to stand out on the top to sell like that. Remember even in their times many great artists were there but couldn't sell stuff partly due to monopoly... From Elvis onwards everybody was attracted to the Sex appeal and not the real music lol... It still happens even to this day... Gospel and other religious music don't sell, Sexual songs do. Classical music don't sell, Pop do...

[@beatrocka5]

This dude is so intelligent; he put out great information for aspiring artists.

[@SONBEAMIN]

i watched this 5 years ago when it came out. having learned a lot more about the industry and grown as an artist and creator I actually understand everything he is saying now

[@Ndo01]

Wow he knows his history.

[@TheSIMBAJUDAH]

Yes in the modern music industry it is so. But music from the origin was use to tell stories, educate, worship and as therapy, a tool for healing. LETS NOT FORGET THESE PURPOSE ALSO.

[@the_rippla7678]

Rt

[@highradicals]

Man what he said is so true There are sellouts out there and then there are the people in music who love the passion so much to hear and love the fans who listen to their music Share music never keep it to yourself

[@subscribetothischannelforl6062]

Finally a big artist who tells it how it is, smart man, I just don't understand how models like Google Play or iTunes even keep up, EVERYBODY just listens to music for free in KZbin or Spotify

[@xy-fm]

They get their tiny share from ads.

[@abk9203]

Spotify is not free, it has lot of dumb pathetic ads in between. So no smooth and pleasant listening experience... KZbin is good but now mostly it is in video format so it is the MTV of this generation... Still the pure listening experience like you had on Radio and others won't happen

[@SilkSouffleProductions]

Thank you, Will.i.am! This makes me think of music making in a whole new way.

[@MissTia777]

I go everywhere for music! KZbin, Shoutcast, Soundcloud, Beatport, Spotify, and still buy cds! There are some if us out here who go more on than just youtube.

[@chizen4lo339]

The world out here is proud of you.Bless kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKObmqehf7l3jZI

[@heathsledger]

huge facts and another testament to how you can't just go in with blind passion as an artist. understanding and knowledge are your best friend in any industry. learn the rules so you can calibrate yourself accordingly

[@Gensing1991]

Its a reality as a musician. There is nothing better then getting paid to create man

[@jermainepalk1832]

I hope this reaches Will I Am you just changed my life.

[@lengthmuldoon]

He is a bright young man.

[@PaulRichards78]

The most intelligent breakdown Ive heard

[@SunAndMirror]

At first im like "this guy dont know" And then he started talking about depends and pianos and venues....he is SPOT. ON. Really hits hard.

[@peterlagroove6555]

it’s very rare to find bands that write and perform their own songs. Everything has largely been decoupled - songwriters write songs, producers produce / make the song, singers sing the songs, session musicians play the songs etc. Everything is in a silo.

[@Eric_DiRisio]

it's all about branding yourself as an artist nowadays, an album is no more than a supplementary commercial to promote yourself, you have to brach out to other supportive industries to survive

[@Niffie]

Though I'm not a big fan of his stuff but dude makes good points here! Well said!

[@BIGDJCUZOSMOKE]

THIS IS WHY ARTISTS NEED TO KNOW MORE THAN THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC, AN HALF OF'EM DONT KNOW THAT!! YOU NEED TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF MUSIC, SO LEARN YOUR CRAFT AN YOU WILL KNOW HOW TO MAINTAIN LONGEVITY IN THIS INDUSTRY!! NICE VIDEO POSTED BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL!!

[@heeblay3066]

Dude, no need to yell

[@aldobmusic]

Good point. Music sells everything but itself.

[@A.Pheno-Menon]

This guy is authentic and really brilliant. He has a sense of History, technology and the future.

[@vet137]

I think I might know a thing or 2..then I listen to this man reply to question and I am flattened!

[@LaCheleWallace]

I love watching these kind of interviews. My nosy ass is curious about what's going on behind the scenes. I feel bad for artists. They ain't makin' no money.

[@mrdeetal]

Historically artists has never made any money in the aggregate. I once read a quote "music sells everything but music". Will.i.am hit the nail on the head and I think more musicians are realizing this and in fact are accelerating the death of the music industry by making songs that sell things. When music is made to sell a product, it loses it's soul and sounds more gimmicky which is where we are today.

[@WellGabeproduction]

Me too!

[@ahhwe-any7434]

i once read it costs them 10 cents to make a cd. ur concert t (fabric) isnt worth sh either.

[@obscuritystunt]

At first I didn't think this aged well, but this advice and perspective is pretty timeless

[@RandomNest]

Wow! This was real Music Education 101. They don't this in school. Smh

[@Minesy02]

He hit the nail on the head with that one.

[@MistroTs]

Most informative 4 minutes I've had on youtube

[@Xscapeplan01]

Wise shit from a man i respect!

[@jjjuhg]

you have always the live show, you are payed for performing and there you can sell your cd, t-shirts, etc. downloads come second. if you sell good, noted for live show. BTW... Always look to make hits, every day. never stop. this us your job. No good music? go and have a regular job, before you are 50 and become homeless... good luck to all my brothers and sisters out there. ( look for inspiration, create) BTW...it's only necessary to be right with one song. if ut goes on radios, top ten.. the writer gets around 2 to 3 millions. I hope this motivates you... :-D

[@jithendravs]

The only video that explains the truth among all the other videos on the topic !

[@RobWill5864]

Now this is a guy who understands

[@Charliesan2315]

This clip runs through my mind daily.

[@MedievalBeatz]

Some great info in this video if you listen closely & know your music.

[@banvaen]

He was so right, since in the last year Google Play Music became KZbin music

[@matthewshell]

So true.

[@isiah58]

he is so smart.

[@LetsBeClear87]

I’m so impressed with his mind. On the same level as Tariq Trotter (black thought), but a completely different vibe. Respect to the moon

[@MsOrlandos]

Everything he says makes sense we may not like it but its true

[@alexisrosemusic]

What?! Wow, glad to know! Feels good to gain a deeper understanding to something I'm investing in so much. Thanks!

[@erkicaplatz7212]

I think he means you don't need a specific 'streaming' service as YT is basically doing the same thing, I never need to use those other services such as spottily. Music is sadly just used to sell other products and market brands. The art of songwriting of any depth seems to be rare today, as is so much easier to make a beat in half an hour.

[@rogercook8277]

Will i.am speaks the truth . The person who wrote the song is the one who gets paid every time it is played on the radio , TV, Movies etc. He also gets paid every time it is recorded by anyone . Prime example . David Porter, who lives in my city , (Memphis TN), wrote songs with the late Isaac Hayes. One of the songs they had written back in the 60 s , the blues brothers ( Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) re-recorded again in the late 80s early 90s. There version sold over a million copies. Bottom line, Mr. Porter is a multi millionaire today because of songs he wrote back in the 60s. Now what year is this? lol

[@DigitaLilli]

Science was dropped on this video.. thank you Will.i.am.

[@joshbrucks]

no it wasnt. i dont think you know what science is and thats sad.

[@brityoungx9969]

@@joshbrucks Honestly

[@LisaTagaloa]

Huh. Mind expanded! I'd never thought of it that way but it makes sense, Shot Will.i.am :)

[@veemuamua369]

Tasi Tagaloa lol Hi Lisa, my first ever comment on Google lol. Me so lost in this google world hahaha. ok going back to book face now

[@LisaTagaloa]

Vee Muamua Lol Vee :P

[@taylorforrestmusic]

Who’s here in 2024 and seeing he was right about everything

[@opheosmedia7809]

Straight to the point

[@theJustScience]

I was just commenting on Will's stance on spotify/pandora/etc - no matter where you sell physical/download copies of your music, the new age of streaming services are nothing to dismiss, as he does at the start of the interview. For such a current & established artist, I'm baffled to hear his disregard to the new age of music distribution. For new, unknown artists, streaming services one of the few hopes of gaining enough notoriety to sell you hard copies through other channels. But maybe I misunderstood...

[@hugohousepublishing3484]

I don't think he's dissing the technology, or the freedom to access music this way, he was pointing to the fact that the current business model being followed by Spotify and others is unsustainable, both in terms of how the rights are apportioned, i.e., who gets paid what and why, and its lack of foresight in developing a system that *genuinely* supports the creation and distribution of new music and those who make it. Right now those companies are riding the wave of people saying "Wow, any song I want right away!," which is, as will.i.am points out, all about content that's already been created, and more specifically, owned almost solely by the big labels. Spotify and its ilk are simply delighted to have worked out a way to have access to the content to fill this desire, by cutting their primary licensing deals with the labels, which explains why the profits are cut up as lopsidedly as they are, while the folks who actually *created* the "content" - the music - are genuinely going out of business right and left. It's not all about "poor musicians," it's about what's realistically sustainable, and it's not that someone one won't eventually devise a sustainable system for all this at some point. Will.i.am is just pointing out that this ain't it.

[@OverlorBeats]

Not to mention people are not buying lps or hard copies like they used too and with you tube and other sources you can get software to download or record the music for free so digital copies are not selling as huge as past successful songs did either. So you still sell your songs hard copy or digitaly but go in knowing that you are using the music as a promotion of your brand so that you can sell other items like T-Shirts, Head Phones, Hats or whatever the public would like to own that is your brand!! This was enlightening!!

[@ahhwe-any7434]

OverlorBeats whats lps? :/ & his dirty secret?

[@___king_music_]

but who buys buys streaming subscriptions? if you have a streaming sub you dont need any other way to hear music. you'd have to be a philanthropist to actually buy any music off the artist. I have stuff on spotify with thousand of views but you get less than a pound on your PRS statement. a thousand youtube views is more engagement which leads to more money i think.

[@askmpublishing8217]

Get exclusive step by step guidance on the #MusicBusiness as an #IndieArtist with brand new book > www.askmpublishing.com/product/mogul-learning-music-business-independent-artist/

[@BlinkShowTV]

Awesome insight!

[@mattblackinterstellar488]

Word! been down with Will since "weekend".

[@randomdan81BCBoy]

That's why you see celebrities, doing indorsments also, you get paid to advertise other companies.

[@Professorsavingsposts]

all musicians need to become BUSINESS MUSICIANS. sharing this on ProfessorSavings: Daily Money Buzz

[@anthonyharris2407]

This conversation change how I saw music

[@MithileshMusic92]

I love you man

[@1lifeonearth]

Interesting stuff, he seems smart

[@lionheart1246]

It gets harder now.. Because there are a lot of independent artists discovered here on KZbin... And the competition is chaos. Because the access or platform is free and fast. Unlike the old days, they promote album they go to stations.. They become a sensation with little competition.. Only those signed artists from a record label. But now, anything and anyone can be a hit. In a click. Instant fame.. Longevity is unpromised... But the beauty is music appreciation and culture is shared . Downfall for those who wanna earn money from it... Sometimes cover versions gets more attention than original.. Copyright..or producing own shows will make u a star.. Or reality shows..

[@papiblatino]

he makes some good points. music isn't only technology, it's also a business.

[@johnanderson2320]

Well that was a bit more informative than I thought it would be.

[@tokyobwilliams]

BRILLIANT WORDS OF WISDOM. AND HE'S RIGHT

[@Harrysound]

The purpose of music is to entertain. If your good enough at it, people with give you money to entertain.

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

@Pete's Guitar Lessons TV Gear 'em up for war, worship God, etc., or even for it's best purpose, to lift the human spirit. Music is extremely powerful, even when abused (as today). In the USA, there is no tradition of actually "listening" to music - it's merely wallpaper. So, music of any substance, subtlety or complexity (e.g., Jazz, which I play) is a tough "sell" to the general audience (i.e., non-musician). It is nearly impossible to make a living wage actually PLAYING music these days. Placing it in a video game, commercial or even a Hollywood movie, or selling trinkets with your name or likeness festooned on same, is not performance. As to recorded music as a profit center, the streaming royalty rate is criminal. I just spoke with a very erudite guitarist who received a streaming royalty check for all of $29 (don't spend it all in one place!) for TWO AND A HALF MILLION PLAYS ON SPOTIFY! The newly minted MMA Section 515 needs to be amended big time. I'm trying to cook up a challenge in court. Let's hope Trump doesn''t dump it into the NAFTA replacement treaty (as rumored, and as whatever it's called...), as it simply won't be possible to amend a treaty!

[@itzdm0r3]

@@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton tell your friends to actually start buying physical albums again and this will slow down.

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

@@itzdm0r3 That's MY line! :). I am nearly 61 years old. What I saw to all the millennials about Jazz (which is the music that I have endeavored to perform for half a century): get 1000 (not 100) of your FB and other social medial "friends" to commit to BUYING a Jazz recording or going to a show.

[@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton]

@@itzdm0r3 Of course, my new computer doesn't even have a CD player in it. THAT's a problem. It's ALL amorphous now. Back to my turntable and 5000 vinyl records....

[@itzdm0r3]

@@JeffreySaxophoneTallNewton lol that's always fun too.

[@JamieClark]

Ben Freedlander you seen this? My mind was just blown... I can't believe I never put that together.

[@NeilGregoryJohnson00]

Timeless info and a great history lesson. :)

[@timmyjones1921]

Eye Opening Indeed & Educational.

[@ghostrecon755]

So called rappers jewels, tats, grills, cars, homes, alleged drug earnings... probably close to billion.. What our own country cold use to help the sick, poor and homeless.. maybe about half of that... Will.i.Am's honest wisdom and advice on the music industry hustle.... PRICELESS!

[@cesareborgia5251]

take it back, William might be rollin, but he is a fucking genius.

[@momoneyace4195]

WOW! I don't how to thank this man Thank you bro

[@dc2tr_743]

will I am is the master mind behind music

[@peter12246]

Excellent interview! Thanks wiil.i.am

[@BILLIONAIREGH]

Music Producer very knowledgeable. Knows history of making money from way back 🔥 #BillionaireGh

[@BILLIONAIREGH]

Producer is ahead of his time 🔥🔥🔥 #BillionaireGh

[@voodoochile68686]

Thought I was gonna hate this; gotta watch it again

[@MOSHAEMUSIC]

Good point Will I Am!

[@Katakagara]

Ingenious truth. Totally great perspective !

[@NAJErEa91]

WOW WOW WOW HE IS BRILLIANT; ***hits replay**

[@iamYork_]

I was curious and he actually seems like he knows about what he is talking about...

[@justinleokennedy]

Wow, will.i.am is razor sharp. He's 100% correct.

[@BLAKSMARSHALL]

This is amazing, i could learn a lot from him

[@SpiritUplifted]

I want his sunglasses!

[@JeremyRyanMusic1]

Those are some sweet shades. Will I am.

[@AnonymousBased]

Yo, this made so much sense!!!

[@MichaelEBeard]

That is a very enlightening bit of information. Thanks

[@md7306]

he speaks the truth!

[@Yadeehoo]

He's sooooo right. Anybody really taking what he says into account?

[@triniticoclough6387]

The folks that work in the biz get it....the ones that want to work in the biz don't!

[@ronperry5623]

wow, he was reading everything. look at his eyes

[@ivanriobla]

Is great info for 2013 #masterclass but now almost 2019 is a different ball game because of what he said technology, many of the same principals from 2013 and before. but from 13 to this date a lot of things change. just look at how many tools you have in one hardwear like a iphone or galaxy. you can literally make a film on your phone, shoot post production and distribute and sell the film all with your phone. you can write, record a track and do the edit on your phone, mof you was able to do it in 2013.... think about that.. Lol - a lot of people make fun of sixnine im not a fan of his music or lifestyle at all but dude found a solid blueprint on getting money from publishing on the internet.

[@prodXVII]

True

[@dalecovercomedy]

Advice Beyond Music!!!!!!

[@FeelingShred]

How come Spotify is even a "legal" thing is beyond my understanding... And yes I also listen to music on KZbin

[@justmenate]

Master P (Master Plan... imo) Is a prime example of using music to sell things.

[@justmenate]

In the late 90s Master P built a well diversified business empire that included several rap labels, a clothing line, a management company, a high end travel agency, a film production company, a video game company and even a phone sex line. His most notable and likely most successful endeavor has been No Limit Records which pioneered the Southern Rap sound and has sold over 80 million records worldwide. In 1998 alone, Master P's business empire generated more than $160 million.

[@indyshome]

Whoa, that was deeper than I first expected

[@athlete2entrepreneur]

So much has changed 😂

[@mjm2u]

Wow!! Very enlightening!

[@natanmandala]

People have no idea the bomb that I am going to drop on this music production thing, when I get all of the equipment that I so desperately need. Passionate Coleman, I'm coming...

[@crimdolla3248]

Wow!!! Will dropped jewels!!!

[@MaffewSpeaks]

I'm surprised how smart he sounded.

[@designatedpiledriver8216]

surprised? why?

[@Kinggabriel86]

Matthew T why ?

[@Pokemonrasta1998]

Matthew T Now u know, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.😅🧐

[@latishamitchell52]

King Gabriel You already know what he is saying.

[@EmiKimura88]

What's wrong with the cover?

[@Tutterzoid]

Well.i.b.damned - Will.i.am is one wise Dude with those wise words :)

[@hreed3303]

I love will I am.