The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Small Business Deep Dives with Entrepreneurs The Truth About the Music Industry’s Money Game⏐Ep. #235
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Oct 17, 2025 
Ace Enders, the talented frontman of The Early November, dives deep into the music industry's financial realities and the life of an independent musician. He recounts the struggles of navigating advances, recoupment, and the repercussions of the streaming era, where payouts can be dismal. Ace discusses the tension between artistic depth and commercial viability, the impact of AI on creativity, and even shares unconventional business ventures. Get ready for valuable insights on touring, mental health, and the shifting landscape of music!
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Early Lawsuit Over A Lyric
- Ace Enders got sued by The Get Up Kids after using one of their lines, despite having approvals.
- The lawsuit imposed gag orders and royalty percentages that left a lasting bitter memory for him.
Masters Ownership Changes Long-Term Value
- Owning masters matters because it delivers long-term residuals and future sale value, as Ace praises Taylor Swift's moves.
- Ace can't repurchase his Drive-Thru-held masters and finds streaming-era royalties opaque and hard to trace.
The 2000s Created A Royalties Black Hole
- The 2000s created a transitional chaos where indie labels, handshake deals, and new businesses scrambled rights and money flows.
- Many royalties and contracts became lost in the mid-2000s shuffle as the industry moved toward streaming.
