How Grammy Nominee Brent Faiyaz Built His Music Career Off Streaming (HBO)

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  • čas přidán 25. 03. 2018
  • When Grammy nominee Brent Faiyaz and his manager, Ty Baisden, were offered a record deal with a quarter million dollar advance, they walked away. Instead, they opted to go independent.
    New artists usually seek notoriety by signing with a major label. But the contracts often leave them with few rights to their music and little-to-no longterm earning power. In recent years, however, more and more artists have decided to buck signing with a label and pursue their independence, according to veteran music attorney Richard Grabel.
    The best contract that Faiyaz and Baisden reviewed, for example, gave them 18 percent of the royalties - money paid by the record label to the artist for each time a song is played or purchased.
    After scooping up a Grammy nomination for his performance on GoldLink’s “Crew,” Faiyaz and Baisden chose the indie route. They set up their own company, Lost Kids LLC, and invested $30,000 out of their own pockets for a debut album. Now, they use data from streaming platforms like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music to build their fan base. Knowing who plays Faiyaz’s music - and where - helped the duo sell out a tour across the United States and Europe.
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Komentáře • 222

  • @VICENews
    @VICENews  Před 6 lety +233

    “I believe that the system that we're building is based off of transparency,” Baisden said. “And one day somebody will give me 20 million dollars to do it and to keep doing it.”
    WATCH NEXT: Fyre Fest Employees Are Still Hurting From The Scam Festival - bit.ly/2IHzCqk

    • @oy3ah2025
      @oy3ah2025 Před 4 lety

      OY3AH!

    • @andyhank4867
      @andyhank4867 Před 3 lety +1

      pro trick: watch movies on flixzone. I've been using them for watching all kinds of movies recently.

    • @willieerik3845
      @willieerik3845 Před 3 lety

      @Andy Hank yea, I have been watching on flixzone for since december myself :)

  • @hayaglamazonluxe
    @hayaglamazonluxe Před 6 lety +1158

    $30K a month is a massive win for an independent artist. He has created a wonderful income for himself and his family AND he is doing it off his passion, which is a W in my book.
    As Brent increases his fame, he can probably do more as well.
    Look forward to hearing more about him and his manager.

    • @LUImusic856
      @LUImusic856 Před 4 lety +15

      Haya Glamazon and that was last year. He bout to do even better!

    • @ayofro3377
      @ayofro3377 Před 4 lety +17

      Haya Glamazon facts, I love his music too, he probably doesn’t want to sign all his creative ability and soul away to a record label.

    • @LUImusic856
      @LUImusic856 Před 4 lety +1

      Ayo Fro hopefully so.

    • @Keithistall21
      @Keithistall21 Před 3 lety +3

      they big now

    • @razmatazzsi2293
      @razmatazzsi2293 Před 3 lety +1

      🔥🔥🔥

  • @stevensamuel4634
    @stevensamuel4634 Před 6 lety +616

    lowkey respect to Spotify/CZcams/Soundcloud for making these data analytics available to upcoming artists

  • @conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154

    This was such a necessary video. Artist need to KNOW that they can operate and thrive even without the assistance or supervision of a label. Especially major labels. Brent and his team are a testament to self belief, passion and critical thinking. DONT SIGN if you don't have to.

  • @kobii1
    @kobii1 Před 6 lety +428

    Data is key. Props to the manager.

  • @jtgault
    @jtgault Před 6 lety +158

    Brent Faiyaz’s x Sonder’s music is the soundtrack to my life

  • @ryancarson8461
    @ryancarson8461 Před 6 lety +140

    yesss my boy boy Brent finally getting recognized, definitely underrated, hope he blows up as big as Chance did

  • @themawaali
    @themawaali Před 6 lety +233

    Thats what I like ,musicians take charge of the business.

  • @melle1965
    @melle1965 Před 6 lety +160

    His project “INTO” under the name SONDER is super underrated. The production is on a whole new level.

    • @RahimX
      @RahimX Před 4 lety +4

      i know this is old but he also had a project under sonder called “parts”

    • @Christie50204
      @Christie50204 Před 4 lety

      @Frank M I can't find his other project

    • @deenadream
      @deenadream Před 4 lety +1

      Melle yeah “into” was my shit!!!

    • @peace7642
      @peace7642 Před 4 lety

      Sonder is a band

    • @sprb4725
      @sprb4725 Před 3 lety +2

      sonder is him and producers/instrumentalists atu and dpat

  • @iEKNOWS_
    @iEKNOWS_ Před 6 lety +93

    The key thing for an independent artist to take away from this video is that they found a way to put up their own money! 30k into a project is a lot of money for an indie artist but they got it done. Find people who believe in you and are willing to invest in you whether it's time or money. You need a team to really sustain in this industry. It took me a long time to figure this out.

  • @jaylenfields5541
    @jaylenfields5541 Před 3 lety +24

    I’ve been a Brent fan for so long I used to watch this video so much and I always wished that he would blow up, and here we are. I’m so glad and so proud. He’ll never see this but I’m so grateful that he’s blowing up.

  • @Lexlugr
    @Lexlugr Před 3 lety +40

    I can't overstate how happy I am Sonder/ Brent bucked the system. Chance and others paved the way.... I hope this continues, as I feel creates a more continuity of the sound as well as creative control of his content.

  • @NYCKZ360
    @NYCKZ360 Před 3 lety +23

    Perfect example of being an artist in the music industry without “selling out”. Folks be reading too deep into everything now and days.

  • @lambovii
    @lambovii Před 6 lety +113

    Ayyyyee Brent is an amazing artist. Hope he blows up.

    • @nox4000
      @nox4000 Před 6 lety +2

      What do you mean, is he a muslim?

  • @omoaston
    @omoaston Před 5 lety +101

    It's so so so sad that this man's talent isn't appreciated enough.

    • @osvaldo4748
      @osvaldo4748 Před 2 lety +9

      he’s blown up he’s getting appreciative a lot more

    • @NiggasHating
      @NiggasHating Před rokem +5

      Its changed hasn’t it

  • @michaelbarnes3276
    @michaelbarnes3276 Před 6 lety +64

    Sonder Son one of the best albums of 2017 imo

  • @ty3691285
    @ty3691285 Před 6 lety +17

    Seen him in SF. He put on a great show. Got to meet him afterwards, super cool and humble dude.

  • @Sandman0792
    @Sandman0792 Před 6 lety +49

    I wrote a whole dissertation/thesis in 2015 about this exact thing. I titled it 'Can I kick it...Independently?'. I need to get that shit published ASAP.

    • @elizahcreates
      @elizahcreates Před 5 lety +1

      Hi, @iiiSandman would you be open to still publishing that piece online?

    • @elizahcreates
      @elizahcreates Před 4 lety +2

      Checking back in...lol

    • @Milo74
      @Milo74 Před 3 lety +1

      @@elizahcreates Defo need that thesis

    • @elizahcreates
      @elizahcreates Před 3 lety

      @@Milo74 I found it!

    • @chrisbryan2333
      @chrisbryan2333 Před 3 lety

      @@elizahcreates could you point to where I can read it online?

  • @LoveAlitaB
    @LoveAlitaB Před 6 lety +88

    That’s dope, self sufficiency at its finest 👌🏾

    • @mphosithole5716
      @mphosithole5716 Před 3 lety

      There's a difference between a singer and an artist, anyone can sing, voice training here and there...he is an artist for sure

  • @hayaglamazonluxe
    @hayaglamazonluxe Před 6 lety +32

    Vice this was amazing but too short. The manager had insights and Brent is so cute with a great voice

  • @KarlRock
    @KarlRock Před 6 lety +35

    Great work. It's really inspiring to see.

  • @ameliali593
    @ameliali593 Před 3 lety +11

    Im so happy he got some recognition he had been the soundtrack to my life for the past year. All love for him

  • @itsrealkenna
    @itsrealkenna Před 2 lety +7

    Brent is the kind of success story that encourages me as a underground artist with a small following. Seeing how he’s developed his skills and slowly blown up after seizing each and every opportunity he’s been giving has been inspirational! Mans has quickly become a mainstay in the industry and for good reason. Dude is too nice! I know if I put in the work, I can reach a larger audience some day too, but for now, I’m happy being a supporter. My turn will come too. Salute to Brent🔥

  • @javionriley8739
    @javionriley8739 Před 6 lety +4

    So glade y’all are putting much attention & light on My homie Brent 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿, it’s much well deserve

  • @zanderceo91
    @zanderceo91 Před 6 lety +130

    I've been saying this for 4 years- artist/labels need to run like data-driven tech startups. Doing so leads to long term success in this new digital age. Actionable metrics. Things like predictive analytics becomes viable due to so much data available. Structured at that ya digg. Its too easy. I feel like the next HOV type artist, Will be a technologist and a lyricist-- the future.

  • @pabriansanchez1047
    @pabriansanchez1047 Před 3 lety +12

    He was younger and more energetic then, he seemed to have cooled down lol. He’s still the same amazing artist.

    • @jhaialx2399
      @jhaialx2399 Před 2 lety +1

      I mean he is 26 now and if you listen to his music he said he been doing this since he was 19 he chillin now

  • @shannonlilia
    @shannonlilia Před 6 lety +117

    His voice is like lotion or lip balm to me. 🕊

  • @Mrgunsngear
    @Mrgunsngear Před 6 lety +69

    smart model

  • @3nterprisevideos
    @3nterprisevideos Před 4 lety +21

    Damn we all need a manager like that

  • @NasaLamode
    @NasaLamode Před 3 lety +6

    It’s dope to see the behind the scene stuff. I’ll definitely apply this to my music career 🔥🏁

  • @MaInfamous
    @MaInfamous Před 6 lety +2

    Their grind is inspiring. Good luck to them in the future and beyond.

  • @demiladeolaleye8766
    @demiladeolaleye8766 Před 6 lety +14

    1:00 - WOW! So most of these signed new artists only getting 18%?!! That's wild!!!

    • @nnnmmmable
      @nnnmmmable Před 6 lety

      Demilade Olaleye No not most, it depends on what they feel you are worth and with this artist they felt he was worth a 250,000 advance and 18%.

  • @HexxagonSpace
    @HexxagonSpace Před 6 lety +3

    Dope. Happy seeing this.

  • @PresidentialWinner
    @PresidentialWinner Před 6 lety +2

    Awesome, thanks for this.

  • @theetortoise
    @theetortoise Před 6 lety

    This is so eye opening -- educational as well as interesting!

  • @extinctparadise363
    @extinctparadise363 Před 6 lety +12

    Into by Sonder 🔥🔥
    5 AM Paradox 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
    Sonder Son 🔥🔥
    Idk what’s next but I fucking love his voice and his music

    • @nr5184
      @nr5184 Před 6 lety

      Ya smokin Into a life changing project

  • @bfrank9888
    @bfrank9888 Před 6 lety +7

    Beyond proud🙌🏾

  • @TravisHeinze
    @TravisHeinze Před 6 lety +38

    I'm a little surprised that Atlanta didn't pop up on the map for them.

    • @migjenbakalli1061
      @migjenbakalli1061 Před 6 lety +1

      Atlanta is one of the worst touring markets

    • @TravisHeinze
      @TravisHeinze Před 6 lety +4

      Migjen Bakalli Why? Because of the large black population? This is a hip hop band.

    • @thedigggers
      @thedigggers Před 6 lety

      I’ve actually seen him twice in Atl

    • @chinahawkins1448
      @chinahawkins1448 Před 6 lety

      He was at the Masquerade downtown atl

  • @Scorpionism_
    @Scorpionism_ Před 4 lety

    love this man sooooo much, his craft is unmatched and his sound is so smooth and perfect ❤️

  • @justkelah3628
    @justkelah3628 Před 6 lety +4

    So glad that he's getting the recognition he deserves and staying true to hisself.

  • @jalipenorunner
    @jalipenorunner Před 4 lety

    SUCH A GOOD VIDEO. very insightful

  • @TheMovementFam
    @TheMovementFam Před 6 lety +16

    Inspiring AF.

  • @myarobinson7953
    @myarobinson7953 Před 4 lety +4

    Much respect to Brent Faiyaz and his team for doing it without a label that would more than likely downgrade his sound

  • @Overboard-uh2no
    @Overboard-uh2no Před 4 lety

    This was very beneficial thanks for sharing this info

  • @ALEX-eh6qk
    @ALEX-eh6qk Před 3 lety +5

    The internet is the best school to date

    • @zahir2942
      @zahir2942 Před 3 lety +4

      It really is, but also the most distracting one.

  • @KDazee
    @KDazee Před 6 lety +20

    18% royalty....wow

  • @rawbrenaissance1305
    @rawbrenaissance1305 Před 3 lety

    bro u are super talented i hope u get the recognition u deserve you are suppose to be a superstar

  • @largeinsize1
    @largeinsize1 Před 5 lety

    This has been so insightful it makes you realise the power of data.

  • @jostevens4998
    @jostevens4998 Před 6 lety

    YESSS BABY! Even though you not coming to the dmv!

  • @Tycoj
    @Tycoj Před 5 lety

    Dope video! It would have been intresting to know what the capacity of the venues was in the 2 cities you took as an example :)

  • @tiadavis3968
    @tiadavis3968 Před 6 lety +2

    I love him he is so smart👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

  • @KennadyKrea
    @KennadyKrea Před 6 lety +4

    I love Brent soooooooo much truly talented artist❤️❤️

  • @Sinful_loveee
    @Sinful_loveee Před 5 lety

    Forever my fave ❤️

  • @HaCkEr6662k7
    @HaCkEr6662k7 Před 6 lety +27

    respect

  • @Jas-oo4qc
    @Jas-oo4qc Před 3 lety +4

    I remember I was in the shower and his song came on and I was feeling it so I peeked out to look at my phone and hearted the song. Shortly after he blew up

  • @DavidNunezPNW
    @DavidNunezPNW Před 6 lety

    I love this. Independence is beautiful.

  • @yolandobaptista9935
    @yolandobaptista9935 Před 5 lety

    i´m shocked on how we look like. i just got to knew about him to days ago. we look much like. great work!

  • @Jessicavm77
    @Jessicavm77 Před 3 lety +4

    Update this video with his new music!

  • @leunammEFlowMasterE
    @leunammEFlowMasterE Před 6 lety +1

    Impressive. In fact. EXTREMELY impressive.

  • @undergroundkid8337
    @undergroundkid8337 Před 6 lety

    Super dope bro super dope

  • @catherinedeason8800
    @catherinedeason8800 Před 6 lety +1

    I found out about him on ovo sound radio. He’s absolutely amazing.

  • @maya-db1hj
    @maya-db1hj Před 3 lety +8

    And look where he is now 😆

    • @jss8093
      @jss8093 Před 3 lety

      Brent the goat fr

  • @singlefatherofthree3755

    Favorite artist

  • @trekgreenwood6743
    @trekgreenwood6743 Před rokem +1

    Back to this video four years later, this literally what Russ also been saying for years now. Folks, this is the blueprint to success for all current and future independent artists.

  • @Sam-tg1ry
    @Sam-tg1ry Před 2 lety +4

    And now his drake song just dropped, full circle . Such a beautiful thing

  • @chykomoney1085
    @chykomoney1085 Před 4 lety +1

    I always come back to this vid for inspiration towards my dreams of being an independent artist w/o gettin fucked by the industry

  • @zurrryy
    @zurrryy Před 6 lety

    I love this

  • @shechinahTV
    @shechinahTV Před 5 lety

    This is eye opening! but why was the keyboard so loud ahhaha

  • @koopdavillain
    @koopdavillain Před 3 lety

    very informative

  • @kincamell2
    @kincamell2 Před 6 lety

    Thank You

  • @tizzubestar
    @tizzubestar Před rokem

    Informative

  • @KingLit100
    @KingLit100 Před 4 lety +3

    3:52 the definition of Super Fans!

  • @mikeleezus4209
    @mikeleezus4209 Před 4 lety

    Gems!!

  • @SPwanz
    @SPwanz Před 2 měsíci

    Legend

  • @Fred-ik9jz
    @Fred-ik9jz Před 8 měsíci

    3:00 This ”pay/stream” changes every month relative to the artists percentage of the total amount the global streams that month, roughly. It’s a very complex and intricate system that streaming services use to calculate pay-out.

  • @erivera1993
    @erivera1993 Před 5 lety

    Seen em concert best concert I’ve ever been to

  • @AceyVivid
    @AceyVivid Před 4 lety

    I got HW tonight. This is free advice 💯

  • @KalvinKosha
    @KalvinKosha Před 4 lety

    DOPE!

  • @jussamaru4153
    @jussamaru4153 Před 4 lety

    Live performance recorded (Which increases more tickets sales ) Vlog equals investment of more Fans . Bro your 🔥🔥🔥🔥I know what your missing off of my passion to figure out things to have sound solution. Hustler shyt but Legit

  • @danirivera6954
    @danirivera6954 Před 6 lety

    I'm so mad I didn't make it to the show in philly!

  • @naynay2cute4u
    @naynay2cute4u Před 6 lety

    much respect to Brent

  • @JayLaFlare
    @JayLaFlare Před 4 lety +20

    Growing his hair out was the best move he made lmao

  • @itsepileal
    @itsepileal Před 6 lety

    Brent Faiyaz🔥

  • @winterbonnie7500
    @winterbonnie7500 Před 3 lety

    Love some brent

  • @supremejedi1835
    @supremejedi1835 Před 5 lety

    Man I swear to goodness the manager deserve a nice 💰he on his shit ..I Respect the grind 🙏🏿

  • @chinahawkins1448
    @chinahawkins1448 Před 6 lety

    love him

  • @younginchriso
    @younginchriso Před 4 lety +1

    So glad I ran into this 💯

  • @wamitanguzulu3908
    @wamitanguzulu3908 Před 2 lety +1

    Goat

  • @mabdci
    @mabdci Před 6 lety

    Brent is a Legend

  • @nissanskyline985
    @nissanskyline985 Před 4 lety

    Respect.

  • @bitcoinkush6045
    @bitcoinkush6045 Před 6 lety

    Respect

  • @nelsonbosscv
    @nelsonbosscv Před 6 lety

    Dope

  • @afiyahowusu
    @afiyahowusu Před 3 lety

    My baby is a Legend. 🙇🏾‍♀️

  • @Myburneracc
    @Myburneracc Před rokem +1

    4:43 😂

  • @SPwanz
    @SPwanz Před 2 měsíci

    Wild

  • @Frankocean3
    @Frankocean3 Před 6 lety

    I’m fucking obsessed with him. It’s unreal

  • @highestapril
    @highestapril Před 4 lety +1

    This why he hasnt come to Miami yet😢 More ppl nees to stream!!

  • @ericasouthern4390
    @ericasouthern4390 Před 4 lety

    Smart!!!!

  • @BobbyWashingtonvlog
    @BobbyWashingtonvlog Před 6 lety

    Question? How much out of the 30k was spent on expenses and how much remained profit?

  • @shalonnashay
    @shalonnashay Před 4 lety

    brent & sonder are SO underrated man...