Side Hustle Hero 42: Making It As A Rapper, with Mike Burton a.k.a. Keybeaux
I thought today's episode was going to be about making it as a songwriter and rapper.
It is.
But…
Mike Burton does talk about what has made the difference for him, why he is successful, and his tips for anyone wanting to make a living as a rapper. But the life lessons sprinkled throughout our conversation, and the tips and advice Mike shares can be applied to any industry you're involved in.
Since starting to offer his services on Fiverr he has made half a million dollars through the platform, he currently earns over $80,000 a year, and the demand for his services continues to grow.
His drive to continually improve and his work ethic, are inspiring and contagious!
If you could benefit from doubling down on your persistence, be sure to check out the end of episode takeaway!
What You'll Hear:
02:20 Mike's had over 20 jobs, but always doing music
04:20 You can't be an artist on Fiverr! Or can you?
05:50 Inspired by Prince to write a song a day
06:27 That first Monday after not having "a job"
08:30 First client request: Make a song about how it's okay to listen to Eminem
09:46 Moving from your comfort to your panic zone - that's called growth
12:05 Bought his first home and paid for his wedding from Fiverr earnings
13:00 Why Mike is successful on the platform…it's more than talent
13:35 Treat your side hustle as you would a full time job
14:47 Committed to trying everything to make sure he can keep doing this
15:50 Find out who you are and go at it 100%
16:02 Feeling the love from Norway
18:15 How Mike prices his gigs
19:12 "Every order is helping me live my life."
19:50 Mike's songwriting process
22:25 Dealing with writer's block
23:15 Lessons from Quincy Jones
24:42 What it takes to make it as a rap artist
26:28 Origins of "Keybeaux"
27:29 Lyrics in Too Much - "…until I turn the vision to the physical"
29:21 What do you love to do so much that you'd do it for free or even pay to do it?
30:23 Lyrics in On Point - "...the limit is the sky, open my third eye."
33:28 Branching out into teaching others how to rap
34:50 Be yourself!
36:10 Get experience and content from offering your course at a local community college
37:14 The hardest part is believing you can do it, and ignoring the naysayers
38:54 Mike's best advice for taking action
Takeaway
39:55 Mike, Gina Scarpa, and Milt Campbell examples of persistence
How to Connect with Mike:
Connect with Joan:
https://www.instagram.com/joanposivy/
https://www.facebook.com/posivy/
Be on the show!
https://www.joanposivy.com/be-our-guest.html