The number of self-employed artists and writers in the U.S. has soared by 60% since 2000, yet their average income remains stagnant. In this episode of ”million in five,” Valorie delves into the stark reality facing independent musicians in the streaming era, where the dream of making a living from music clashes with the harsh economics of low royalty rates and market saturation. We explore actionable strategies for artists striving to amplify their voice and earnings, from building a robust personal brand to diversifying income streams to forge a successful path in the arts.