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 (6)
Drake's Label Exit Strategy: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of Going Independent
Drake's transition to independent releases presents both unique opportunities and significant challenges for the music industry.
· 8 min readRecord Labels & DealsThe 360 Deal Evolution: How Comprehensive Deals Are Adapting to the Modern Music Economy
The 360 deal is not dead—it has evolved. Here is what modern comprehensive deals actually look like.
· 12 min readBusiness StrategyThe Producer as Brand: How Beatmakers Are Building Music Empires Beyond the Studio
How music producers are leveraging their creative identity into diversified business portfolios.
· 13 min readBusiness StrategyThe Creator Playbook: Running a Music Career Like a Lean Startup
How the creator economy is creating new pathways for music entrepreneurs.
· 16 min readTouring & LiveThe Festival Effect: Why a 25-Minute Set Can Change an Entire Career
The festival circuit as a marketing and brand-building tool.
· 14 min readRecord Labels & DealsAnatomy of a Label Deal: Advances, Royalties, and the Fine Print Nobody Reads
Breaking down the key terms, advances, and royalty structures in today's label deals.
· 14 min read