Everybody wants a shot. Every upcoming artist is looking for that one opportunity, that one co-sign, that one label boss who will take a chance on them and change their life.
However, many big artists who are also label owners, don’t want to. It’s easy to think they’re selfish or don’t want others to win. But in reality, the music business is a real headache when you’re the one calling the shots.
Tiwa Savage recently said she’s not signing any artist, and she can’t be the only one who feels that way. Some of the biggest names in the industry have tried running a label or signing artists, but their signees never made much mark.
The Label Dream vs. The Reality
Starting a record label sounds like a power move. You get to shape the future of music, discover new stars, and build an empire.
But in reality? It’s a different ball game. It’s late nights dealing with contracts, fights over revenue splits, and sometimes, ungrateful artists who forget who put them on the map.
If you think being an artist is hard, try being responsible for another artist’s career. Try investing your own money into someone’s music, shooting videos, handling promotions, only for them to wake up one day and start screaming “slave contract” on Twitter. Or worse—after all the investment, they decide they want out, and now you’re stuck in legal battles instead of making music.
This is exactly why many successful artists choose to focus on their own careers instead of dealing with label drama. They’ve seen too many cautionary tales to fall into the same trap.
The Industry is Riddled With Bad Blood
We’ve seen it happen over and over again. Artists sign young talents, hoping to create the next superstar, but things quickly go south. Remember when Kizz Daniel had to fight his way out of G-Worldwide? Or how Cynthia Morgan disappeared from the scene after label issues? Even Olamide, who has had success with YBNL, has openly spoken about how difficult it is to manage artists.
It’s never just about talent. It’s about loyalty, contracts, money, and egos. And in an industry where everyone thinks they deserve more than they’re getting, it’s only a matter of time before things get messy.
So when Tiwa says she doesn’t want to sign an artist, it’s not because she doesn’t believe in helping others. She just knows that the music industry is a jungle, and sometimes, it’s better to support in other ways that are within your capacity, than succumbing to the pressure of becoming a label boss.
So, What’s the Alternative?
If you’re an upcoming artist hoping to get signed, maybe it’s time to rethink that dream. The game has changed. You don’t need a record label to blow anymore. Streaming, social media, and digital distribution have made it possible for artists to build their careers independently.
Instead of waiting for a big artist to sign you, why not take control of your journey? Learn the business. Build your brand. Nurture your fanbase organically.
If you’re talented and strategic, the labels will come looking for you—but by then, you might not even need them.
Because if the biggest artists are running from signing people, maybe it’s time to ask yourself—is a record deal really what you need
