Hey, independent artists! Let’s talk for-real for-real, for a minute—don’t count your ducks, chickens, or whatever farm animals you fancy until that contract is signed *and* the deposit hits your bank account! Trust me, I know how tempting it is to daydream about that big paycheck coming through, but let’s pump the brakes and keep things grounded.
Listen, I’ve blown through tons of money trying to keep up with my own expectations. After my ex and I split, I was determined to maintain the comfortable lifestyle we had built. And let me tell you—I’m proud of how far I’ve come as an independent artist, with no massive movie deals or big-brand sponsorships to fall back on. I managed to save over $$$$ in cold hard cash, all while keeping multiple credit cards in good standing. That’s no small feat, especially when you’re doing it in the name of *art*!
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There’s something really satisfying about being able to buy a house, no matter the size, purely through your passion for your craft. But the biggest lesson I learned along the way? Don’t lie to yourself. Sure…there were times I thought I was living the rockstar life—big shows, big spending. But here’s the thing: those delusions of grandeur are expensive, and they can cost …. you if you’re not careful.
I’m not saying it’s all doom and gloom, though. I paid for a political campaign album, dropped a new album for three summers in a row, and even started a Turo business with a Jaguar, Range Rover, and Jeep Wrangler. All this without a huge financial backer. But here’s the kicker: it’s all a balancing act. Debit cards aren’t endless, and credit cards aren’t free money—they’re *credit*. So if you’re an artist out here counting money before the ink is dry on that contract, do yourself a favor and …. take a step back.
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We live in a cash-driven entertainment industry, and it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. But let’s be real—everyone needs a coach, and there’s zero shame in getting a financial coach. Especially in this business, where one minute you’re swimming in deposits, and the next, you’re wondering why you spent so much on promo for a show that hasn’t even been confirmed yet!
And speaking of promo—don’t start blasting your show dates or hyping up a project before you’ve got that contract signed. I wear both hats, so trust me when I say, it’s a very *interesting* game. But the bottom line? You are enough. Your bank account is enough, even if it’s holding on to a modest five bucks right now. Don’t pretend you’ve got ten. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress (and interest payments) by keeping it real.
Stay grounded, stay smart, and when that deposit *does* hit, celebrate like the rockstar you know you are—but only then.
Love, Bethsheba
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SUN OCT 6th - 7P City Winery ATL Presents: Poetry vs. Hip-Hop 9-Year Anniversary All-Star Show! 10% OFF ALL TICKETS UNTIL 9/30 at midnight! THE ALL STAR BATTLE Team Poetry: @shebarz_ - ATL/CHI @mayawrite - BMORE/PITT @chevtoomuch - ATL/NYC @ephraimnehemiah B’MORE vs. Team Hip-Hop @eccoecleezy - CLT @brandieblaze - BOS @siptee - Jax, MS YOU decide which team will win $1,000 cash! Featuring soulful live music by Erica Dawson —Voted Atlanta’s top soul singer! @EricaDawsonExclusive JUST ADDED Grammy Nominated Poet PRENTICE POWELL @prenticepowell1906 from The Bay! Hosted by Grammy-Nominated Poet @theQueenSheba & @Jamellow + @DJCrowns on crowd control @citywineryatl 6P|7P (650 North Ave ATL - inside Ponce City Market)