It’s no secret that record labels run the music industry. Some record labels have reported making over 19 million dollars a day; meanwhile, their artists are left out counting pocket change. Many artists are eager at the opportunity to get signed and end up making bad decisions, tying themselves up in one-sided contracts for years.
In recent years this has dawned on the rise of the independent artist. Popular musicians like Chance The Rapper, Joey Bada$$, and Tyler The Creator have led the charge as independent artists. Distribution companies like Distorkid, Tunecore, and CD Baby now allow anyone to upload their music to popular streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, making it simple to be an artist in today’s era. The problem is while many upcoming artists know how to release good content, they are often left out to dry on the marketing side. This where most artists believe they need help from a record label. The good news is there has been a shift in the marketing forces.
While record labels still own most of the market share in the music industry, there is hope for independent artists on the rise, especially on the marketing side. An artist will be given a large advance from a record label and are expected to use those dollars for marketing. However, without the labels connections, most artists are left on the shelf to collect dust.
The gatekeepers in the music industry are the small marketing firms that record labels outsource projects to. These companies might be influencer marketing agencies, ad focused brands, or even boutique public relations firms. As an independent artist, the good news is that if you can find these gatekeepers without a label and have enough capital, you don’t need a record label’s money to blow up. And that is the trend many people expect to pick up in the next couple of years.
One firm that has been helping independent artists get tapped in is Lost Boy Entertainment, LLC. The marketing agency and public relations firm is headed by its president, Christian Anderson, more famously known as Trust’N. The young hustler is a rising independent artist but is also widely known for his work as a PR. Trust’N has built an exciting reputation online, often being referred to as “the plug” for independent artists. Trust’N and his company offer the same services that are out of reach for many artists, for a fraction of the cost a record label would charge. The best part is the artist gets to keep 100% of royalties as all payment is made up front, and price is based on each service. From digital marketing, social media marketing, and public relations, all the way to music marketing, Lost Boy Entertainment does it all. While the firm is very musician focused (being founded by three musicians and an accounting major), they help many businesses and entrepreneurs get their branding down as well.
Trust’N is often found flaunting his work on his Instagram page @iamtrustn. Instagram is where he thrives, being known all over the platform for his work. While the 22-year-old serial entrepreneur has had his fair share of success as an artist, he says the business world is where he feels the most home. He said, “yeah I’ve charted twice in the top 15 on iTunes. Once even in the top 10. And I love making music, but doing this business is my real passion. I love being on the phone all day with my clients and I love helping people get their name out there. The feeling of living my dream while helping people live theirs is the best feeling in the world. I’m really blessed and wouldn’t trade my job for anything.”
While Trust’N is still helping everyone he can, he says his company has been focused more on more prominent companies lately. “We still help a lot of artists. Many of them have been our clients for months now. But lately we’ve been working with bigger clients like businesses and record labels. That’s where the real money is our industry,” said Trust’N.
According to the founders, Lost Boy has already worked with over 1,000 different clients in its short time as an LLC. Something they are very proud of. “We have helped a lot of people. And we are happy we can do so. We are looking to help even more as we keep growing as well,” said Lost Boy’s Vice President Bryce Vander Sanden.
The company has been plugging in clients spanning multiple industries, and they are just starting to get recognized for their efforts. Trust’N announced that he has signed 3 artists under his Lost Boy Entertainment, LLC and plans to work as a manager while elevating his artist’s careers.
Lost Boy Entertainment, LLC has been bridging the gap between an artist and a record label for many different artists, offering value beyond measure. As the company continues to grow, and its artists continue to make headway in their careers, the firm could quickly become a dominating force in the music industry.
You can find out more info about Trust’N and Lost Boy Entertainment here: