The Business of Being an Artist: What They Don’t Teach You

Lee W.
Jan 8
2 min read

Most artists don’t fail because they lack talent. They fail because they never learned the business of being an artist — and by the time they realize it, the damage is already done.

This industry doesn’t warn you. It doesn’t slow you down. It doesn’t explain the rules before you play.

It just lets you learn the hard way.

1. Why Most Artists Fail Before They Even Start

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Most artists release music before they understand ownership. Before they understand splits. Before they understand contracts. Before they understand marketing.

So from day one, they’re operating at a loss — emotionally, creatively, and financially.

The industry doesn’t prey on ignorance. It benefits from it.

2. Ownership Is the Foundation — Not the Finish Line

Ownership isn’t just about masters.

It’s about:

who controls distribution
who controls pricing
who controls access to fans
who controls long-term value

If you don’t own the foundation, every win is temporary.

That’s why so many artists go viral and still can’t pay rent.

3. Contracts, Splits, and Releases Are Strategy — Not Paperwork

Artists are taught to treat contracts like obstacles instead of strategy documents.

But every contract answers one question:

Who benefits when this works?

Splits determine motivation. Releases determine timing. Marketing determines survival.

Ignoring these pieces doesn’t make you “pure” — it makes you unprotected.

4. Why Poetic RNB Sells Direct

Poetic RNB sells music directly because:

it preserves value
it strengthens artist-to-fan relationships
it removes algorithm dependency
it teaches artists how to monetize sustainably

Streaming is exposure. Direct sales are business.

Artists who understand both win long-term.

5. The Three Levels of Artist-Business Maturity

Level 1: The Creator

Focused on making music
Avoids business conversations
Relies on platforms for validation

Level 2: The Operator

Understands ownership
Learns splits, releases, and branding
Starts thinking long-term

Level 3: The Architect

Builds systems
Owns distribution
Controls revenue
Develops other artists
Thinks in legacy, not drops

Poetic RNB exists to help artists move from Creator to Architect.

Final Thought

The music business doesn’t fail artists. Artists fail because no one teaches them how the business actually works.

Poetic RNB isn’t just releasing music. We’re building infrastructure for artists who want longevity, ownership, and real careers.

This is entrepreneurship — with soul.