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Why Signed Artists Go Broke (360 Deals and Masters Explained)

October 14, 2026

A label advance is not a gift. It is a loan, and the artist pays it back through their own royalties before they ever see a dime. I break down exactly how that works and why so many signed artists stay broke even after real success.

I also get into 360 deals and what it means when a label owns a piece of your touring, merch, and more. It is not just about the music anymore. These deals are designed to keep money flowing to the label from every direction.

Then I look at the master rights battles of Prince and Michael Jackson. Their stories are not just music history. They show what happens when you give up ownership and what it costs you long term. Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=2vXtVwIdwm4

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