We recently connected with Angelique Stubbins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelique, thanks for joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
I think the greatest challenge to profitability in the music industry is the system isn’t set up for artists to win from a financial standpoint. Yes, in regard to mainstream artists, they are the face of brands, of songs, etc. However, they don’t get to keep all of their money, artists are the bank that everyone goes to (songwriters, producers, etc.) to collect their paychecks, and are actually the last to get paid. That’s why there are so many situations of artists like Toni Braxton who have gone bankrupt in the past. By the time they realize they are actually forking the bill for things like studio time etc., it’s too late. Although artists receive the greatest notoriety, they also endure the worse financial gain, take streaming for instance; according to google, Spotify (one of the main streaming sites) pays an average of $0.003-$0.005 per stream. Not to mention, in order to receive even one stream, a listener would have to of listened for a minimum of thirty seconds. Which is why you see mainstream artists utilize other avenues to make revenue.
Angelique, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter, my stage name is Angel Mecole and music has been apart of my life since I was a small child. It’s what drives me, gives me purpose, and helps me cope through life, I got my start singing in church, then on stages doing musical theater as a small child up until i graduated high school. Songwriting was something I was encouraged to do when I went to my first studio and i was surprised to find how therapeutic it was and how happy it made me feel.
The services that i provide are songwriting, background vocals and vocal coaching. I believe what sets me apart from most is I do these services solely off of passion. Yes, it’s a blessing to make a profit from doing what you truly love to do, it’s the American dream! However, I don’t put money at the forefront, it’s not as important as my happiness in doing what I do. If i ever were to become miserable doing music it would no longer be worth it to me!
I’m most proud of myself for making a decision to do music independently regardless of what anyone thinks, or if no one decides to listen or support me. Simply for the fact that i know this is what i was designed to do. It gives me the greatest joy! Something i would want my potential clients/followers to know is you’ll never find anyone with a heart bigger than mine or with as much compassion to get a task done. I aim to please!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, my goal is to quit my day job and make music my main course of income. I would like to incorporate my music into health/wellness, which is another passion of mine.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’m actually kind of pivoting now in a sense. Times have changed, someone once told me the music industry is a content driven industry, and I agree. Take TikTok for instance, people want content, they don’t even need a whole song anymore. People don ‘t even buy albums. So I can’t focus on just being an artist and making songs, i now need a business where I can incorporate my music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: angel_mecole
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/AngelMecole
- Youtube: @angel_mecole
Image Credits
Chrisobaby (picture smiling in black dress)