Marcus Vance
Music Business Reporter
Journalist covering record deals, touring economics, and the creator economy. Previously at Billboard and Music Business Worldwide.
About Marcus
Marcus Vance is a veteran music business journalist with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent four years at Billboard covering label deals and touring economics, then three years at Music Business Worldwide as a senior correspondent. His reporting has been cited by the Financial Times, Rolling Stone, and Variety. Marcus specializes in breaking down complex deal structures and industry power dynamics in accessible, data-informed language. At Like Hot Cakes, he draws on deep relationships with label executives, managers, and attorneys to bring readers inside the deals that shape the industry.
Marcus Vance's articles are written from direct professional experience and reviewed by at least one additional team member for accuracy before publication. All credentials listed on this page are verified by our editorial team. Read our editorial standards →
Coverage Breakdown
Articles by Marcus (8)
Universal's Sale of Curve Royalty Systems: Redefining Music Rights Management
Universal Music's sale of Curve Royalty Systems signals a significant shift in music rights management practices.
· 8 min readRecord Labels & DealsHow Label Funding Initiatives Empower Independent Artists Today
Label funding initiatives are reshaping the growth potential of independent artists in the music industry.
· 8 min readRecord Labels & DealsDrake's Independent Future: Risks, Rewards, and Industry Implications
Drake's shift to independence could redefine artist-label dynamics and revenue structures in the music industry.
· 6 min readRecord Labels & DealsThe Evolution of 360 Deals in the Music Industry
360 deals are adapting for artists, balancing label investment with more artist-friendly structures.
· 6 min readBusiness StrategyProducers: Building Brands and Banking on Innovation in Music
Producers are reshaping their roles, transforming sound into brand identity and multiple revenue streams.
· 6 min readBusiness StrategyTransforming Your Music Career: Embrace a Creator-Driven Approach
Independent artists thrive by adopting a creator mindset, reshaping engagement and revenue in their careers.
· 6 min readTouring & LiveMaximizing the Impact of a 25-Minute Festival Set for Emerging Artists
A short festival performance can fuel an artist's growth, attract fans, and create invaluable content for their career.
· 6 min readRecord Labels & DealsNavigating Modern Record Deals: Advances, Royalties, and Traps
Understanding the complexities of modern record deals helps artists avoid pitfalls and maximize their potential.
· 6 min read