industry
The music world is characterized by a blend of constants and continuous change; Beat examines the inside of the industry from recording studios to record labels, live performances, music streaming technology and beyond.
How BigDeuceFOF Reached 1 Million Streams Without a Major Label
In an era where major labels still dominate headlines, independent success stories often get overlooked until the numbers are impossible to ignore. BigDeuceFOF is one of those cases. Without a major label, without a viral co-sign, and without traditional industry backing, the South Carolina rapper quietly crossed the one-million-stream mark—entirely on his own terms.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
How to Record Professional-Sounding Vocals at Home
Recording professional-sounding vocals at home used to be rare. In 2025, it’s normal. Many commercially released songs are tracked in bedrooms, closets, or small home studios. The difference between amateur-sounding vocals and professional-sounding vocals is not price—it’s technique, environment, and consistency.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
The Best Free DAWs for Beginner Rappers in 2025
Starting music as a rapper in 2025 is very different than it was even five years ago. You no longer need expensive studio time or thousands of dollars in software to make real, competitive music. What you do need is a solid DAW—a Digital Audio Workstation. That’s the software where you record vocals, arrange beats, and shape songs from idea to release.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
Mixing vs. Mastering: What's the Difference? (And Why Both Matter)
Mixing and mastering are two of the most misunderstood stages in music creation. They’re often lumped together, rushed, or skipped entirely—especially by independent artists trying to move fast. But if your goal is to release music that sounds professional, competitive, and consistent across platforms, understanding the difference between mixing vs. mastering is not optional. It’s foundational.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
How to Choose the Right Producer for Your Sound
Choosing the right producer can shape your entire career. A producer is not just someone who makes beats. They influence your sound, your workflow, your confidence, and how your music is perceived. For independent artists especially, the wrong producer can stall progress, while the right one can unlock momentum you didn’t know you had.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
BMI vs. ASCAP vs. SESAC: Which PRO is Best for Hip-Hop Artists?
If you’re serious about making money from music, joining a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) is not optional. It’s infrastructure. PROs track public performances of your songs—radio, streaming, live shows, TV, clubs—and pay you performance royalties. For hip-hop artists, where music spreads fast across platforms, choosing the right PRO directly affects long-term income.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
How Much Money Can You Make with 1 Million Streams? (Real Numbers)
One million streams sounds like success. It looks impressive on social media, it feels like a breakthrough, and it often gets treated as a financial milestone. The reality is more nuanced. Understanding streaming revenue means separating perception from math and hype from cash flow.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
How to Get Your First 1,000 Monthly Spotify Listeners (Step-by-Step Guide)
Reaching your first 1,000 monthly listeners on Spotify is a psychological and strategic milestone. It’s the point where your music stops feeling invisible and starts behaving like an asset. Algorithms begin to notice patterns, real people start returning, and growth becomes something you can manage instead of hope for.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
How to Create a Professional EPK (Electronic Press Kit) That Gets Results
A professional electronic press kit is one of the most important tools an independent artist can have in 2025. Whether you are reaching out to blogs, venues, playlist curators, brands, or sync supervisors, your EPK is often the first and only impression you get. A strong music industry press kit does more than explain who you are — it quietly proves that you are worth paying attention to.
By FOF Records2 months ago in Beat
EXCLUSIVE: Reason First- The Weeknd Sells Catalog for A Reported Billion Dollars
The business of show demands that you know what your catalogue is supposed to look like. The late great Nipsey Hussle, Dr. Dre, Taylor Swift, Nelly, and Jay-Z have all had issues and some successes over the ownership of their publishing and masters.
By Skyler Saunders2 months ago in Beat
