Published: July 11, 2025Category: Music Business & StrategyBy In Da Streets Radio
Live shows are still one of the best ways to build a fanbase and make money as an artist. But in 2025, the game has shifted. Indie rappers now need a mix of hustle, strategy, and digital presence to land paid gigs.
Whether you're trying to get booked locally or open for touring acts, this guide will help you approach booking like a business — and get paid like one.
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Why Booking Is Harder Than It Looks
Many artists think that talent alone will land them shows. In reality, promoters and venue owners want artists who bring value:
· Do......
AI-generated music is exploding across platforms, but major record labels are hitting back with lawsuits and policy demands. As tools like Suno and Udio grow, the industry is debating the role of AI in creativity.
From fake Drake tracks to fully synthesized albums, AI-generated music is no longer science fiction—it’s now disrupting the entire industry. Companies like Suno and Udio are at the center of both innovation and controversy, as artists and labels question what’s “real” music in 2025.
The RIAA has filed suits and copyright regulators are scrambling. Meanwhile, independent artists are using AI to democratize production—but at what cost?...
Published: July 9, 2025Category: Music Business & StrategyBy In Da Streets Radio
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When fans scroll past hundreds of songs a day, your music alone isn’t enough to stop the thumb. It’s not just about having fire tracks — it’s about building a brand that sticks. A strong artist brand is the bridge between a single play and a lifetime fan.
Here’s how to create a brand that stands out, connects, and converts.
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1. Define Your Core Identity
Ask yourself: what do you represent beyond the music?
Your brand is your voice, your style, your values, and your message all wrapped into one. It answers the question: “Why should someone follow you......
In tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy, Universal Music Group announces a new scholarship to support underrepresented students entering the music business. The initiative honors legacy while investing in future gatekeepers.
In partnership with the Herb Alpert School of Music, Universal Music Group is honoring Motown pioneer Berry Gordy with a namesake scholarship designed to support rising BIPOC students in music business, production, and performance.
The Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship will cover tuition, mentoring, and networking for students whose voices are often underrepresented in executive boardrooms....
Sony Music India’s Managing Director Vinit Thakkar is betting big on India’s sonic export potential. With M&A moves and deeper artist development strategies, Sony is set to amplify Indian voices globally.
India’s music landscape is evolving rapidly—and Sony Music India is leading that charge. Vinit Thakkar, the company's new MD, outlines an ambitious plan that includes acquiring local labels, building multi-language rosters, and embracing digital-first talent development.
As Indian artists gain global traction on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Shorts, Sony’s investment could trigger a global South Asian pop wave.
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Published: July 7, 2025Category: Music Business & StrategyBy In Da Streets Radio
If you think just sending a YouTube link and saying “check me out” will get you radio spins, think again. Getting your music played on a radio station — especially one like In Da Streets Radio that supports indie artists — requires a real strategy, professionalism, and presentation.
Here’s how to stand out, get heard, and get airplay that counts.
1. Do Your Research First
Before pitching to any station, know their vibe.
What genres do they play?
Who are the DJs?
Do they have specific days or segments for indie music?
At In Da Streets Radio, we spin......
Global R&B star Tems has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to develop women producers, artists, and engineers in Africa. “Leading Vibe” will provide tools, funding, and training, starting this summer in Lagos.
Tems is not just breaking Billboard charts—she’s breaking barriers. With her newly launched “Leading Vibe” initiative, the Nigerian sensation is investing in the next generation of African female creators. The program will offer studio access, mentorship, and brand support for young women ready to lead.
Launching in Lagos this August, the initiative is already backed by Native Instruments and is set to become a powerful pipeline for Black......
Published: July 5, 2025Category: Music Business & StrategyBy In Da Streets Radio
Too many artists are chasing streams without protecting their coins. Copyright, royalties, and publishing aren't just industry buzzwords — they're the foundation of making money in music. If you don't understand them, you're leaving bags on the table.
Let’s break it all down street-smart and step-by-step.
What Is Copyright in Music?
Copyright gives you the legal right to your music as soon as it's created. That means:
YOU control how it’s used
YOU get paid if it’s played, streamed, sampled, or synced
Registering your copyright through the U.S. Copyright Office......
Warner Music is making headlines with a potential $300 million acquisition of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ catalog, partnering with Bain Capital in a joint venture aimed at reshaping the music rights landscape. The move signals increasing industry focus on long-term licensing value and artist legacy monetization.
In a bold move that could redefine music catalog acquisitions, Warner Music Group is negotiating with Bain Capital to purchase the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ legendary catalog. If finalized, the $300M deal would be part of a broader $1.2B initiative to secure timeless music assets with consistent streaming potential.
Catalog purchases like these offer both nostalgia and......
Published: July 3, 2025Category: Music Business & StrategyBy In Da Streets Radio
Let’s keep it real — talent alone won’t pay the bills. If you're an independent artist trying to make a living off your craft, it's time to stop hoping and start strategizing. At In Da Streets Radio, we’ve helped hundreds of indie artists break through the noise and actually get paid for their work. Here’s how you can do the same.
1. Register Your Music Properly
Before you even think about selling or streaming your music, you need to make sure it’s protected — and that you’re legally entitled to get paid when it’s used.
✅ Register with a......