Russ Reveals Evil Secrets of Music Industry, How Artists FAKE Streams, & Problem with Drug Culture
Feb 7, 2024
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Russ, a major musician, reveals secrets of the music industry, including faked streams by labels, the relationship between labels and streaming platforms, and the worth of 1m streams. They also discuss the challenges faced by independent artists, the perception of residencies, and the pressure of performing live. The conversation delves into their experiences in foreign countries, the significance of authenticity in rap music, the ethics of promoting a negative lifestyle, and the influence and responsibility of rappers.
Labels buying streams and the financial implications for artists
The rise of residencies as a viable career option for artists
Understanding the complexities and risks of artist-label relationships
Emphasizing personal growth and progress in various aspects of life
The value of seeking authentic experiences through travel and cultural exploration
The importance of facing fears and embracing challenges for personal growth
Deep dives
The reality of faking streams and label deals
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the reality of faking streams in the music industry. They talk about how labels buy streams from platforms like Spotify and the financial implications for artists. The speaker emphasizes the importance of artists understanding the business side of the industry and being aware of the risks and deals they enter into.
Residencies and their changing perception
Residencies, once seen as a career decline, are now viewed more positively. Artists like Usher and Britney Spears have had successful residencies in Las Vegas, and younger artists are considering them as well. Residencies provide a consistent income in a soft ticket market, and can be a more convenient option for certain artists.
The different perspectives on artist-label relationships
The podcast touches on the different perspectives on artist-label relationships. Labels take on significant financial risks and investments, while artists often have different expectations and desires for their careers. It's important for artists to understand the complexities of label deals and the risks involved, and to carefully consider the best path for their own careers.
The Pursuit of Progress
The speaker talks about how his focus has shifted to prioritizing personal progress and growth in various aspects of his life such as physical, mental, and creative pursuits.
The Importance of Authentic Experiences
The speaker emphasizes the value of seeking authentic experiences through travel and exploring different cultures. They believe that such experiences bring greater fulfillment and richness to life.
Overcoming Fears and Challenging Comfort Zones
The speaker discusses the importance of facing fears and pushing past comfort zones to achieve personal growth and fulfillment. They express a desire to embrace challenges and hardships as opportunities for growth.
The appeal of rap as dangerous and real
Rap has an appeal for many people because it is seen as dangerous, real, and rebellious.
The role of societal pressures and accountability
Societal pressures, such as the influence of rap music, can have an impact on individuals. However, it is important to recognize that accountability lies both with the artist and with the individual consumer.
The responsibility of artists and the impact of their portrayal
Artists have a choice in the content they create and the image they portray. Their influence can have consequences, especially if they choose to perpetuate negative stereotypes or portray a lifestyle they don't actually live.
The Power of Taste in the Music Industry
Taste plays a crucial role in the music industry, and having a keen sense of what sounds good and resonates with audiences can elevate an artist's career. Rick Rubin, known for his role as a producer and creative consultant in the music industry, emphasizes the importance of taste in creating impactful music. He encourages artists to focus on authenticity and making music that resonates with themselves, rather than trying to cater to others. Rubin's ability to recognize what works and what doesn't is seen as a valuable skill in the industry, allowing him to guide artists towards achieving their best work.
The Significance of Checking In and Powerful Figures in Hip-Hop
The practice of 'checking in' in the hip-hop industry has historical roots, originally stemming from artists needing to secure the approval and protection of local influencers and power players. Figures like J. Prince, known for his presence in the rap scene, are seen as influential and powerful in the industry. While the extent of their control and power varies, their presence and reputation command respect and adherence to certain protocols. However, the dynamics of the music industry have evolved, and the influence of labels and executives, such as Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, have increased. Ultimately, power and control in the music industry is multi-faceted and can differ depending on the specific context and individuals involved.
Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity in Music
The podcast episode explores the importance of artists being vulnerable and authentic in their music. The guest, Russ, highlights how being sensitive and having antennas up to receive messages is actually a superpower. He discusses the fear of being a fraud and the pressure to meet industry standards. Russ emphasizes the need for artists to understand that their struggles are valid and unique to them, regardless of how they compare to others. He also discusses the negative aspects of being a public figure and dealing with haters and judgment. Overall, he aims to inspire and show fans an authentic alternative way to pursue a music career.
Balancing Personal Life and Career in the Music Industry
In this podcast episode, Russ shares his desire to achieve a balance between his personal life and his career. He reflects on the past decade where he dedicated himself to his career, but now seeks to incorporate more balance. He envisions a future where he can continue making music while maintaining a private and fulfilling personal life. Russ also expresses his goal of showing fans that there is an authentic and alternative way to navigate the music industry. His focus is on living life on his own terms and enjoying the journey, while inspiring other artists to do the same.
Yerrrrrr, Russ came through to hang with the Flagrant crew and talk about how major musician labels are faking streams, what race he REALLY is, his new favorite place to travel and how he's handling his success. All that and much much more on this week's Flagrant episode. INDULGE 00:00 Intro 00:52 Russ responsible for standup clips 02:11 Boardroom Performances 05:07 Labels tricking streams + cost for a no. 1 10:17 Relationship between labels & streaming platforms 12:04 Audit your label 16:37 By pointing the finger, people question you 20:35 Major artists not selling tickets 24:04 Being independent + “Advance” economics 35:27 Worth of 1m streams & Drake's catalogue 43:27 Perception of Residencies + Soft tickets 46:42 Labels aren't happy with Russ 48:35 Radio's role, Stadiums + Ed Sheeran performance 52:54 Smallest crowd + delusional self-belief 55:02 Learning to make a good show 57:39 Feeling pressure + disassociating on stage 1:01:50 Pyramids, banned songs & Kuwait shows 1:07:12 Everyone's human + Japan is odd 1:09:03 Russ in India + racially ambiguous benefits 1:15:30 Fairly Odd Asians? Memories of Japan 1:23:20 Visiting Marrakech, Switzerland + Santorini 1:30:11 Using money to change realities 1:36:26 What excites Russ now? + Living by other's standards 1:39:55 Impact of therapy + discomfort is necessary 1:47:27 Gauging how much to reveal 1:49:41 Ego v self-mastery + process of achieving that 1:59:35 Billboard's rules took sales away 2:02:09 "I love you boy" was progress for Russ 2:04:53 Russ' thoughts on Mos Def v Drake 2:08:57 White people's fascination of black trauma 2:12:58 Faking dangerous lifestyles is evil 2:17:15 The only time Russ lied in raps 2:17:55 Real impact of faking v society's own accountability 2:42:44 Rick Rubin's true impact = taste 2:54:17 Kanye has TASTE 2:57:46 Good music forgives everything + Ye repeats without thinking 3:02:53 Using more empathy 3:04:20 Japan owns everything 3:07:12 J Prince's power + everyone understands violence 3:13:42 Creating next star + what is counter-culture? 3:21:37 Labels need Hip-Hop to succeed 3:25:26 Russ leaving Columbia + ebbs and flow of music industry 3:31:59 What is an industry plant? Benefits from insecurity 3:39:32 Success doesn't make you immune + sensitivity = super power 3:47:30 Where is Russ in 20 years?
