And The Writer Is...with Ross Golan Ep. 212: How Russ Built An Indie Empire: Business, Burnout & Self-Belief
Jun 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Russ, a talented rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, shares his journey as one of the most successful independent artists today. He reveals the emotional toll of ownership and the weight of doing it all alone, while emphasizing the importance of self-belief. Topics include the pressure of maintaining creative control, the intricacies of publishing and splits, and navigating burnout. Russ also touches on the balance between artistic freedom and industry challenges, providing a valuable blueprint for aspiring creatives.
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Fan-Driven Hit Selection
- Russ released a song a week for over 90 weeks, letting fans decide the hits.
- This consistent output led to his breakthrough without chasing specific singles.
Songwriting vs Production Defined
- Songwriting legally includes only lyrics and melody, separate from production.
- Drums and production, though vital, don't constitute songwriting rights under current law.
Costly Sample Clearance Mistake
- Russ forgot to clear a sample on 'Losin Control' until after it went multi-platinum.
- He had to pay $850K to the sample holders, a costly but necessary resolution.