How Musicians Are Making Money in 2025 | Cheat Codes Story

Dec 28, 2024

Trevor Dahl and Matthew Russell, members of the electronic music trio Cheat Codes, dive into their journey from breakthrough success to navigating struggles in the music industry. They discuss the impact of streaming on finances and the importance of maintaining authenticity while building connections with fans. The duo shares insights on maximizing earnings through live performances, the challenges of touring, and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Their commitment to resilience and collaboration shines through as they explore innovative strategies for sustaining a successful independent career.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Navigating the Evolving Music Landscape

02:28 • 18min

Unpacking Music's Financial Landscape

20:30 • 3min

Navigating Modern Music Landscapes

23:43 • 10min

Navigating the New Music Landscape

33:52 • 16min

Navigating the Complexities of Music Tours and Events

50:06 • 3min

Maximizing Earnings Through Live Performances and Strategic Partnerships

52:57 • 3min

Musicians in the Digital Age

56:07 • 12min

Dynamics of Musical Cohesion and Solo Success

01:07:57 • 10min

The Power of Teamwork in Music and Upcoming Releases

01:18:24 • 2min

In this episode of The Wealthy Way, we have a conversation with Cheat Codes, the Los Angeles-based electronic music trio that has taken the world by storm. With over 5 billion streams to their name, Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russell, and KEVI have seen both incredible highs and challenging lows in their journey to success.

We dive deep into the moments that defined their career—from their breakthrough to the struggles they’ve faced along the way. They open up about what it takes to stay relevant in a constantly evolving music industry, why they chose the independent route over signing with a major label, and the importance of building strong relationships in both music and business.

In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand how Cheat Codes navigates the balance between creating hit songs and staying true to themselves. They share insights on the cost of making a chart-topping track, the importance of networking, and why staying grounded as an artist is key to longevity. Plus, they reveal how they’re positioning themselves for the future of music, from live streaming recording sessions to exploring new revenue streams.

What’s even more valuable is the lessons they share on resilience, adaptability, and creating a business that thrives without sacrificing your personal life. As entrepreneurs, they’ve built a brand that resonates beyond just music, proving that success in any industry requires a mix of passion, persistence, and balance.

Connect with Cheat Codes:
Website: https://www.cheatcodesmusic.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheatcodes/
Youtube: @CheatCodes

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About Ryan Pineda:

Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue.

Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generat...