Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix – Details, episodes & analysis

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Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix

Soho Artistry

News

Business

Music

Frequency: 1 episode/24d. Total Eps: 23

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 website

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https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Q7OIaGiqgG4EDGYTkldPk?si=Z-9e3RbQRGyaGUElsSeQtA
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https://music.amazon.com/artists/B01EB5VH92/matthew-rix
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https://music.apple.com/us/artist/matthew-rix/1104156835
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Score global : 59%

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How Do You Chase Music When You Have No Time?

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • Duration 19:28

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a mid-30s country singer who’s convinced he has the talent to become a star, if only he had the time.
Between a full-time job, two kids, a wife who wants him present, friends who expect him around, and a borderline-serious pickleball habit, he feels like he’s drowning. And now, the pressure to post constantly on social media is exacerbating the issue.
He’s not lazy. He’s not unmotivated. He’s just overwhelmed, frustrated, and feeling like real adult life is standing in the way of his dreams.
In this episode, I break down:
🔹 Why time is the biggest excuse artists use
🔹 How to realistically pursue music with a full life
🔹 What “getting serious” actually looks like
🔹 How to balance passion with responsibility
🔹 And whether it’s still possible to succeed in your 30s
If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or guilty for not posting enough, this episode will hit home.
Do you have your own question about balancing music and life? Go to https://MatthewRix.com and click “Submit Your Question” The more details you give, the more I can help.

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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Can You Change Your Music Style Without Starting Over?

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 21:10

In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m reading an email from a 27-year-old artist who’s torn between two completely different paths.
On one side, he’s creating moody R&B that performs well, with his songs hitting 40–60k streams, around 9k monthly listeners, and a sound that fits perfectly into what Spotify tends to push.
On the other side, he’s writing raw singer-songwriter music that feels honest and personal… but doesn’t pull the same numbers.
Now he’s stuck in the middle, trying to decide:
Do I lean into what’s “working,” even if it doesn’t feel like me?
Or do I risk losing momentum and rebuild around what I actually love?
In this episode, I break down:
-Why artists feel split between two identities
-How to shift your sound without throwing everything away
-What matters more: consistency or authenticity
-How to choose a direction without wrecking your momentum
-And how to blend or transition styles strategically
If you’ve ever questioned who you are as an artist or felt like your numbers and your heart are pointing in different directions this episode will help you breathe again.
Do you have a question you'd like me to answer?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in with as much detail as you can. Your story might help someone else too.
#IndependentMusician #IndieArtist #MusicTips #ArtistDevelopment #SongwriterLife #MusicProducer #ArtistJourney #CreativeStruggle #MusicAdvice #GrowingAsAnArtist

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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Is paying for PR or radio promotion a scam?

Monday, November 17, 2025 • Duration 15:53

In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I’m answering a question that almost every independent artist runs into at some point:
Is paying for PR or radio promotion a scam?
He’s an artist out of Austin, Texas, who has been getting hit with emails and DMs from companies promising playlist placements, blog features, radio spins, and even label attention but only if he pays anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, or signs up for a monthly retainer.
On top of that, he’s already been burned once by a so-called “promotion company” that took his money and barely did anything. Now he’s stuck wondering:
Is any of this real, or is it all smoke and mirrors?
In this video, I dive into:
-The truth about PR and radio promotion
-How to tell a real company from a shady one
-What PR can and can’t actually do for an artist
-When it’s worth paying for — and when it’s a waste of money
-Why do so many artists get fooled by the same sales pitches
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should pay for PR, radio promo, playlisting, or “exposure campaigns,” this episode is going to save you a whole lot of money and headaches.
Do you have a question about the music industry?
Visit https://MatthewRix.com and submit it.
The more details you give, the better I can help and your story might help another artist avoid the same mistakes.

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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One Bad Night Cost Them a Management Deal…Here’s Why.

Saturday, November 15, 2025 • Duration 18:10

In today’s episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a guitarist from Orlando whose band was this close to signing with a legitimate Los Angeles management firm.
For months, everything looked real:
-The company flew them out to L.A.
-Put them up in nice hotels
-Held meetings and even a showcase
-Sent contracts to lawyers
-All the signs of a serious partnership were there
Then after their third trip, everything fell apart in one night.
He and his lead singer had a little too much to drink, ended up getting kicked out of a bar, offended the people in the group, and flew home the next day. A few days later, they received a cold email saying the firm was no longer moving forward.
No follow-up call.
No explanation.
Just silence and now, the band is being completely ghosted.
Bob’s question is simple:
Did they ever intend to work with us?
And if they did… how could one night ruin everything?
In this episode, I break down:
1. The reality of how fragile the music industry can be
2. Why professionalism matters more than talent during negotiations
3. How quickly a team can change its mind if trust is broken
4. What you can and can’t recover from
5. And what his band should realistically do now
If you’re an artist dreaming of a team, a deal, or industry support you need to hear this one.
Do you have a question or a story you'd like me to break down? Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the more I can help — and your story might help someone else avoid the same mistakes.

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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Should You Record Your First Single for Free or Go Pro?

Friday, November 14, 2025 • Duration 14:01

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from Sarah, a 22-year-old college student in Nashville who’s finally ready to record her first single but has no idea what a realistic budget looks like.
Sarah’s studying in Music City, where opportunities are everywhere, but so are the price tags. Some recording students at her college have offered to record her single for free, but the only available studio time is at night. Meanwhile, professional Nashville producers have quoted her $5,000 for one song and she’s not sure if that’s normal or just “Nashville math.”
She makes country music but comes from a punk and Christian background, and she’s realizing that recording real instruments and session players might be pricier than she thought. She wants to do it right but also not blow her savings before graduation.
In this video, I break down:
-What a realistic budget looks like for your first single
-When to take a free recording opportunity (and when not to)
-Why country songs cost more to produce — and how to keep it affordable
-How to find good players and producers without getting ripped off
If you’re about to record your first song and have no idea what to expect, this episode will save you time, money, and headaches.
Do you have a music industry question or a story to share?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the more I can help and your story might help another artist just like you.

#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #RecordingTips #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicProduction #CountryMusic #FirstSingle #NashvilleMusic #MusicBudget #StudioRecording

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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How to Find Paying Gigs as a Professional Musician

Thursday, November 13, 2025 • Duration 18:13

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a guitarist who’s been playing for 31 years and still can’t find a serious gig.
He claims to be one of the best players in his area. He’s got over $600,000 worth of gear, decades of experience, and a professional-level skill set that most musicians dream of. But the only gigs he can find are with teenagers starting bands or 20-something artists who don’t want to pay.
He’s done playing for “exposure” and bar tabs he wants $750–$1,000 per show, and the problem? Nobody seems to value him.
In this video, I break down:
-Why talented musicians still struggle to find paying work
-How to position yourself for session and touring gigs
-Where to find serious artists and bandleaders who actually value pros
-How to get paid what you’re worth without sounding entitled
If you’ve ever felt like your talent isn’t matching the opportunities you’re getting, this one’s for you.
Got a story or question about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give, and your question might help other artists too.

#MusicIndustry #Guitarist #IndependentMusician #SessionMusician #LiveMusic #MusicBusiness #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #TouringMusician #MusicianLife #GuitarGear #PayMusiciansFairly

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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What To Do If Your Record Label Closes but You’re Still Under Contract

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 13:39

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a rapper from Birmingham, Alabama, who’s been carrying the weight of a bad record deal for more than a decade.
Back in 2011, he signed with a small indie label that promised him the world. The problem? They never paid for studio time, marketing, or production he made all his music at home on his own. By 2013, the label shut down completely, but no one ever sent him his release papers.
Now in his 30s, he has been releasing music independently for over 12 years, collaborating with other artists and building a solid catalog; however, he still doesn’t have that one piece of paper stating he’s officially free.
To make matters worse, the old label’s name is now being used by a European company that doesn’t even do rap music. He is worried that someday they might discover his contract and attempt to claim ownership of his work.
In this episode, I break down:
-What to do if your record label no longer exists
-How to prove your independence legally
-When to get a lawyer involved (and when you might not need one)
-How to protect your music from being claimed by anyone else
If you’ve ever been trapped in an old music contract or just want to make sure you never end up in this situation this one’s a must-watch.
Got a question or story about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give and your story might help other artists too.

#MusicIndustry #RecordDeal #IndependentArtist #MusicContracts #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicBusiness #LabelIssues #MusicLaw #IndependentMusic #RapperLife

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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How to Grow Your Music Career When You’re Broke

Monday, November 10, 2025 • Duration 21:47

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a 20-something piano singer-songwriter who has been pouring his heart into open mics and coffeehouse gigs, and now he’s ready to take things to the next level.
He’s built a small but loyal following: 8,000 monthly Spotify listeners, a few singles doing around 35,000 streams, and a dream of one day playing bigger venues with a full band and a real piano not just the keyboard he’s been lugging around.
But here’s the catch: he has no budget.
He’s asking how to:
1. Build a team: a band, manager, or booking agent without money
2. Find sponsorships to buy a trailer to haul a piano
3. Cover costs like merch, fuel, and a website
In this episode, I break down the truth about:
- When and how to build your team as an indie artist
- How to attract sponsors the right way
- Why you don’t need a huge budget to look professional
-The smart way to grow before you spend a dime
This one’s for every independent artist trying to level up without losing their shirt.
Got a question about building your career in the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and share more details; the more information you provide, the better advice I can give.
#MusicIndustry #IndependentArtist #ArtistDevelopment #MusicCareer #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #MusicBusiness #Sponsorships #Managers #BookingAgent #OpenMics #PianoPlayer #MusicJourney

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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Breaking Into the Music Industry as an Interviewer

Friday, November 7, 2025 • Duration 18:18

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a 24-year-old from North Dakota who aspires to become a music interviewer.
He didn’t find me through the Mattrix Minute he discovered my work through my artist interviews and now he wants to follow a similar path. He’s been reaching out to artists and managers, trying to land his first interviews, but so far… crickets. No replies. No callbacks.
Now he’s wondering:
1. Should he move to Nashville, New York, or L.A. to actually make this happen?
2. How do you get artists or their teams to take you seriously when you’re just starting?
3. And when’s the right time to start reaching out for interviews now, or later?
In this video, I break down:
-The truth about networking in big music cities
-How to start interviewing artists from anywhere
-The best way to get responses from managers and publicists
-Why persistence, professionalism, and preparation always win
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in music without being a musician this one’s for you.
Got a question about the music industry or your own creative path?
Head over to https://MatthewRix.com and send it in.
The more details you share, the better advice I can give and your question might end up featured in a future episode.

#MusicIndustry #ArtistInterviews #IndependentJournalism #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #MusicBusiness #MusicMedia #Nashville #LA #NYC #Networking #ArtistAdvice #BreakingIntoTheIndustry

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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Drove 10 Hours to a Show That Didn’t Exist

Thursday, November 6, 2025 • Duration 13:05

In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read one of the funniest (and most painfully real) emails I’ve ever gotten from a touring band.
A bassist, van-sleeper, and unofficial band therapist, wrote in about a problem every road warrior has faced:
They drive 8 hours to a gig… unload the gear… walk into the venue… and find out the show’s been canceled.
No text. No call. No warning. Just an empty stage and a crushed dream.
To make matters worse, he admits the band doesn’t do any advancing no contracts, no confirmation emails, just good vibes and Instagram DMs. The result? Door splits that never split and road trips that end in heartbreak and bar food.
In this video, I break down:
-Why this happens (and how to prevent it)
-How to properly advance your shows
-How to protect yourself financially when doing door splits
-The simple steps that make you look professional to promoters
If you’re a band that’s ever shown up to a venue just to find out you’re not playing tonight this episode is for you.
Got a story or question about the music industry?
Go to https://MatthewRix.com and click Submit Your Question, The more details (and chaos) you include, the better!

#MusicIndustry #TourLife #IndependentArtist #LiveMusic #BandLife #BookingTips #MattrixMinute #MatthewRix #ArtistAdvice #VenueBooking #GiggingMusicians #MusicBusiness

Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
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Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix – Details, episodes & analysis

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Music Business Newsletter w/ Matthew Rix – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

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