Why This Producer Stopped Sending Beats To Major Label Rappers #Curtspiration

Summary

Curtis King discusses his decision to stop submitting beats to major label artists after a decade of chasing placements. He details the industry's politics, inconsistent income, and lack of control over his life and finances. King shares his transition to leasing beats, which led to more income and control. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and making music without the pressure to fit industry standards.

Takeaways

• 🚫 The producer Curtis stopped submitting beats to major label artists after realizing it wasn't sustainable or fulfilling for him.
• 🕒 He spent over 10 years trying to get placements, attending late-night sessions and adjusting to artists' schedules.
• 🤝 The music industry is highly political, and knowing the right people isn't always enough to secure deals.
• 💸 Curtis found that even when he got placements, the income was not consistent or substantial enough to cover his expenses.
• 🏡 He felt like he was living paycheck to paycheck, waiting for placements that didn't always come through.
• 🔄 After a wake-up call, Curtis decided to take control of his music career and started leasing beats instead of seeking placements.
• 📈 In just two months of leasing, he made more money than in the previous 10 years of trying to get placements.
• 💼 He emphasizes the importance of being a businessman and having control over one's finances and life.
• 🚀 Curtis found that focusing on his own business and self-promotion led to more sales and a stronger sense of self-worth.
• 🙏 He credits his friend Ausome for sharing knowledge about the beat leasing industry and helping him make the transition.
• 🎵 Curtis advises making music you're passionate about, rather than trying to fit into someone else's mold or expectations.

Q & A

Why did Curtis stop submitting his beats to major label artists?

Curtis stopped submitting his beats to major label artists because he found the process to be unsustainable, politically driven, and not providing enough income to support himself financially.

How long did Curtis dedicate to submitting beats to major label artists?

Curtis dedicated over 10 years to submitting beats to major label artists.

What was the turning point for Curtis in deciding to stop submitting his beats?

The turning point was when Curtis realized that he was investing a lot of time and emotion into something he couldn't control and wasn't being adequately compensated for his work.

How did Curtis feel about the music industry's politics?

Curtis felt that the music industry was very political and that knowing the right people wasn't always enough to secure work.

What was Curtis' initial reaction when he received his first payment for a beat placement?

Curtis was initially excited when he received his first payment, but then he was disappointed when he realized it wasn't enough to cover his expenses.

Why did Curtis feel like an employee rather than a businessman?

Curtis felt like an employee because he was waiting for payments from placements and had little control over his income and schedule.

What advice did Curtis' friend give him about the beat leasing industry?

Curtis' friend advised him to consider beat placements as billboards on a popular freeway, which provides exposure but doesn't necessarily lead to immediate sales.

How did Curtis' approach to his music career change after deciding to lease his beats?

After deciding to lease his beats, Curtis took more control over his life and finances, which led to more income and a greater sense of being a businessman.

What was the result of Curtis leasing his beats for the first two months?

In the first two months of leasing his beats, Curtis accumulated more income than he did in the previous 10 years of trying to get placements.

How does Curtis feel about his current situation in the music industry?

Curtis feels empowered, like a true businessman and entrepreneur, and he enjoys the control he has over his life and music career.

What lesson did Curtis learn from his experiences in the music industry?

Curtis learned that it's important to take control of one's own career and not rely solely on placements for success and financial stability.