For 18 years, I’ve lived at the intersection of creativity and business in the music industry, and I’ve seen firsthand how easily music creators can be exploited. Early in my career I made deals that compromised my ownership of songs. I allowed others to dictate what I would earn, what I could control, and even if I could be in the room when my songs were recorded, all in the name of playing the game. It was a hard lesson, but it shaped the mission that drives me today.

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Since then, I’ve reclaimed my voice, my rights, and my power and helped countless others do the same. I’ve successfully negotiated the termination of outdated publishing contracts, secured fair song fees and points, and held decision makers accountable for practices that harm music creators.

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I wrote this book because too many creators are still navigating an industry that thrives on what you don’t know. I want to change that. I want to give you the tools, strategies, and unapologetic mindset you need to protect your work, own your value, and thrive without losing yourself in the process.

As a Grammy-winning songwriter, indie artist, and founder of music creator advocacy organization The 100 Percenters, I’ve led industry-shifting conversations about evolving industry standards, earning recognition from Billboard, Variety, Forbes, Rolling Stone, and more.

This book isn’t theory. It’s real-world strategies, hard-won lessons, and the unfiltered truth about what it takes to succeed in an industry built to exploit you.