Losing Money on Every Music Release

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an independent artist who’s doing everything “right” releasing consistently, investing in quality, tracking expenses and still losing money on every release. 
He’s spending $1,200–$1,800 per song, releasing every 6–8 weeks, and pulling in 20k streams per release. On paper, that sounds like progress. In reality, the numbers don’t add up. 
Streaming revenue barely dents the cost. Shows pay $100–$150. Expenses never stop.
And the hardest part? Everyone keeps telling him he’s “doing well.”
In this episode, we break down:

• Why streaming numbers don’t equal sustainability
• The dangerous myth of “consistent releasing”
• When investing in quality actually works — and when it doesn’t
• How artists confuse progress with momentum
• The difference between building leverage and burning cash
• When to slow down, reassess, and change strategy

This is not a motivational episode. It’s a reality check for artists who are serious about the business side of music. 
If you have a question about the music industry and want me to answer it not just to help you, but to help other artists in the same situation head over to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in. Please include as many details as possible so the answer can be useful to others.

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