Join Charlotte and Jasmin (p.k.a TĀLĀ) of Ellevate for a raw and honest discussion about the psychological and professional shifts that happen the moment an artist signs on the dotted line. While a record deal is often seen as the "ultimate goal," the reality behind the curtain is far more complex.

In this episode, Charlotte and Jasmin explore how the infrastructure of a label can create a dangerous distance between an artist and the reality of their business. They discuss how being signed often means you lose sight of exactly how much money you are earning—or spending—and how well your project is actually performing.

They dive into the "Label Lens":

• The Transparency Gap: Charlotte breaks down how the music industry thrives on a lack of transparency around money, leaving artists in the dark about their own financial health.
• The Personal Investment Paradox: Despite being signed, the financial risk often still falls on the artist and their manager. They discuss how artists frequently have to invest their own funds to truly grow their projects when the label won't step up.
• The RAYE Effect: They highlight the iconic example of RAYE, who famously ignored advice and invested her own money into her Royal Albert Hall performance—a move that ultimately landed her a Grammy nomination and proved that betting on yourself is sometimes the only way forward.
• Success vs. Solvency: Why having a "big machine" behind you doesn't always mean you are financially secure, and how the pressure to look successful can warp your understanding of your actual career trajectory.

This episode is a vital reality check for any artist. It’s a deep dive into reclaiming your power, understanding your numbers, and why the biggest financial risks often still land on your shoulders.

Listen now to explore:

• Why a record deal can create a "buffer" that hides the true financial state of your career.
• The reality of self-funding even when you are signed to a major or independent label.
• Lessons from RAYE’s Royal Albert Hall gamble and the power of taking creative and financial risks.
• Why the industry benefits from keeping artists in the dark about streaming data and royalty transparency.
• How artists and managers can navigate the high-stakes financial pressure of building a long-term brand.

Find out more about ellevate: https://ellevate.studio/ ellevate TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ellevate.studios ellevate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellevate.studios

Jasmin's Socials https://www.tiktok.com/@talatheduchess https://www.instagram.com/tala_official/?hl=en Find her on all streaming platforms by searching TĀLĀ

Charlotte's Socials https://www.instagram.com/charli_caleb/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-caleb/