Building a Sustainable Independent Music Career with VÉRITÉ: On Rejecting the Machine, Creative Stamina, and Why Digital Music Has No Value

Independent artist VÉRITÉ joins host Denise Love Hewett to share the raw truth about building a sustainable music career outside traditional industry structures. With over 350 million streams and complete creative autonomy, VÉRITÉ reveals how she went from working at Applebee's in Times Square to becoming a successful independent artist. In this conversation, discover: Why VÉRITÉ believes digital music has no monetary value and how artists can adapt The real story behind getting dropped by Atlantic Records the day before signing How to build creative stamina for the long game as an independent artist The psychology of functioning regardless of how you feel Practical strategies for creating multiple revenue streams beyond streaming How to embrace being a "guinea pig" for new industry innovations The importance of saying less in an oversaturated market VÉRITÉ discusses her journey from playing upstate open mics with her dad to navigating blockchain experiments, the rise and fall of blog culture, and why she believes most artists signed to major labels never actually release albums. She shares her philosophy on "dispassion," the art of creative discipline, and how depression taught her to push through discomfort. This episode is essential listening for independent artists, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone questioning traditional career paths. Learn how to build a career foundation that can withstand industry changes while maintaining creative integrity. As an independent artist, VÉRITÉ has always created outside of traditional structures. A prolific and spellbinding (NPR) artist, songwriter, producer, and performer, her independently released albums, EPs, and singles have garnered over 350M+ streams. After releasing Love You Forever in 2023—a cinematic and raw album—she has been sharing singles, playing shows, and connecting with fans while drawing inspiration for her next record. She is an all-around creative and innovator, effortlessly bending norms and shaping new worlds, making her next era truly exciting. You can follow her at  @verite You can follow this podcast @toomuchwithdlh and Denise @deniselovehewett Email [email protected] for any suggestions or submit questions for  advice.