Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix cover art

Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix

Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix

By: Soho Artistry
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Music industry veteran Matthew Rix, with over 25 years of experience in marketing and A&R roles for top record labels, is back with something new to help you, the artist, achieve ultimate success: The Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix.

After working closely and helping artists from all over the world with his Music Business audio series “Mattrix Minute” achieving over 25 million sales and streams on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and more, Matthew has turned his focus to empowering artists through his free music business newsletter.

Now, you can receive insider knowledge and expert advice in his brand-new video and audio podcast, where he answers your burning questions about the music industry. Whether you're struggling with marketing, strategy, or navigating the industry’s complexities, let Matthew be your coach. Best of all, it’s completely free to submit your question! Tune in, get answers, and take your music career to the next level.

You can submit your question by visiting the Mattrix Minute websiteMatthew Rix, inc. Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Music Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Spotify

    Spotify
    May 13 2026
    In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from an independent artist wrestling with one of the most talked-about issues in the music business right now:
    What is Spotify actually doing for musicians and is it still worth the energy we put into it?
    This artist has listened to the Mattrix Minute for years, appreciates the realistic guidance, and now wants to go deeper on a topic almost every creator finds confusing and frustrating:
    • Spotify pays very little per stream so even a few thousand plays barely move the needle for most artists.
    • The algorithm is opaque, with no clear way to predict or control what listeners see.
    • Streams don’t reliably convert into real fans who buy merch, come to shows, or support you directly.
    • And with so much global content being uploaded, meaningful discovery feels harder than ever.
    Spotify still dominates streaming, and it does pay out billions in royalties each year but the way that revenue is distributed often benefits rights holders and major artists far more than the everyday independent musician.
    In this episode, we explore:
    • What Spotify’s role should be in an artist’s strategy
    • The difference between streams, exposure, and true fan engagement
    • Why chasing metrics alone can be misleading
    • Alternatives or supplemental paths for independent artists
    • How to integrate streaming into a wider career plan
    This isn’t about hating on Spotify it’s about understanding its strengths, limitations, and how artists can think about it realistically in 2025 and beyond.
    Have a question about the music business or your own career?
    Send it to MatthewRix.com, include as many details as possible so your question can help others too.


    Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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    24 mins
  • Music Business Questions | Behind The Curtain

    Music Business Questions | Behind The Curtain
    Apr 23 2026
    this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a female independent artist who’s starting to notice something most artists eventually run into:
    There’s the public version of the music industry…
    And then there’s what actually happens behind the scenes.
    She’s been doing the right things:
    * releasing music
    * building an audience
    * growing locally
    But now she’s being approached with “opportunities” in management conversations, label interest, and industry connections, and none of it feels clearly defined.
    It’s all vague language.
    No specifics.
    No clear structure.
    So she’s asking a deeper question:
    How does the music industry actually work behind the curtain?
    In this episode, we break down:
    * How opportunities really happen (and who controls them)
    * The role of relationships vs data
    * What “connections” actually mean in practice
    * Why perception and timing matter more than most artists realize
    * The gap between public advice and private decision-making
    * And how artists can protect themselves without becoming cynical
    This isn’t about exposing secrets.
    It’s about understanding the system so you can move through it intelligently.
    If you’ve ever felt like there’s a side of the industry no one explains this episode will give you clarity.
    Have a question about the music industry or something you’re navigating right now?
    Send it to https://MatthewRix.com, include as many details as possible so your story can help others too.
    #musicbusiness #musicindustry #musicindustrysecrets #musicindustrytips


    Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
    Spotify
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    21 mins
  • Record Label Wants 50% | Music Business Newsletter

    Record Label Wants 50% | Music Business Newsletter
    Apr 8 2026
    In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a singer-songwriter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin who’s being offered a record deal and something about it doesn’t feel right.
    Here’s what the label is asking for:
    • 50% of all royalties
    • 50% of publishing
    • Rights to re-release his already completed album
    • No upfront money
    • A 5-album deal (all company options, no artist control)
    • And recoupment on future recordings
    In other words… the artist takes on most of the risk, while the label takes a large portion of the upside.
    In this episode, we break down:
    • What labels should actually provide in exchange for ownership
    • Why giving up publishing early can be a major mistake
    • How recoupment really works (and why it matters)
    • The danger of long-term deals with no artist options
    • Red flags that signal a bad or one-sided deal
    • And when staying independent is the smarter move
    This isn’t about being anti-label.
    It’s about understanding leverage and knowing when a deal helps you… versus when it holds you back.
    If you’ve ever been offered a deal or wondered what to look out for, this episode will give you a real-world breakdown.
    Have a music industry question or situation you want help with?
    Send it to http://MatthewRix.com include as many details as possible so your story can help other artists too.
    #recordlabel #musicindustry #musicbusiness



    Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
    Spotify
    Apple Music
    Amazon Music
    YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
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