I busked for four years before I understood my royalties

I thought music was opposed to spreadsheets. A bad publishing deal taught me the spreadsheet is the song's caretaker.

The path, in milestones.

1. 2019

   Camden, an amp, and a hat

   Four hours on the same corner three nights a week. I learned more about an audience in six months than in four years of conservatory.

   Lesson: A live audience is the harshest and kindest A/B test.
2. 2022

   Signed something I didn't read

   A publishing deal arrived. I signed in the pub. I gave away rights to songs I hadn't written yet. The advance bought me eight months.

   Lesson: The contract is the song's life after you. Read it like it is.
3. 2024

   Bought one song back

   Took a part-time bar job for a year. Negotiated a buyback on one song that mattered. Released it independently. It earned less and meant more.

   Lesson: Ownership of one thing you love beats royalties on ten you don't.