Tired of the gatekeeping, cliques, and transactional BS. How do independent solo artists survive in small local music scenes?

What’s up, everyone.

My name is Martell Sincere, and I perform under the stage name M.P.K. - Muzt Put'in Knowledge.

I’ve been an independent songwriter, musician, rapper, singer, vocalizer, co-producer, and content creator since I first started recording music back in 2007.

For a long time, music has been my primary therapy and my vital release from my mental health conditions.

Beyond that, it ties into my deepest dream: to perform my music on stages worldwide and travel the globe, honoring my late mother who always inspired me to share my talents and abilities with the world.

Outside of music, I carry an enterprise mindset!

I’m a vlogger, foodie, fashion/tech reviewer, aspiring weight loss model, and a solo content creator with over 1.4 million views on YouTube.

You can check my track record and catalog out on both SoundCloud and BandLab under the handle martellthacool.

I’m posting here because I am incredibly frustrated with how the music industry operates in America, specifically when it comes to the endless networking garbage, cliquish hierarchies, and complete lack of real opportunity for solo artists who choose to stay authentic.

I haven’t recorded a single song in three years. Back in 2023, I had a massive fallout with the local scene after dealing with a series of dishonest, fraudulent producers and flaky promoters.

I was lied to, scammed out of my hard-earned money, and had people take advantage of my labor only to turn around and literally delete my master files and music.

These text-back gatekeepers always claim they have the "connections" to help advance your career, but it’s a complete lie designed to exploit independent talent.

This year, in 2026, I decided to take control of my destiny again. I invested in myself and purchased 10 original, exclusive instrumental beats from an awesome independent beatmaker.

I’m based out of Toledo, Ohio, and I am trying everything I can to make a serious career comeback, get back into the booth, and evolve my sound.

I don't want to stay boxed into just one lane...

I want to learn, expand, and explore global musical styles ranging from Afrobeats and Latin fusion to K-Pop and beyond.

But the moment I tried to step back in, I ran into the exact same brick walls.

The producers around here aren't serious or interested in collaborating unless there's a heavy check upfront.

Look, I completely understand that running a professional recording facility isn't cheap, and time is money.

But there is a massive difference between running a business and treating people like a transactional "pay pig" while offering subpar talent, closed circles, and zero respect for an artist's vision.

How are independent solo creators supposed to navigate an industry that values superficial networking over raw substance and dedication?

How do you bypass the local gatekeepers when you don't have a massive circle or a corporate team backing you up?

I refuse to change who I am or act like a puppet just to get a foot in a door that shouldn't be locked in the first place.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my message.

I sincerely appreciate the support and would love to hear your perspectives.

Sincerely appreciated,Martell

reddit.com
u/teammartellclout — 8 days ago

Tired of the gatekeeping, cliques, and transactional BS. How do independent solo artists survive in small local music scenes?

What’s up, everyone.

My name is Martell Sincere, and I perform under the stage name M.P.K. - Muzt Put'in Knowledge.

I’ve been an independent songwriter, musician, rapper, singer, vocalizer, co-producer, and content creator since I first started recording music back in 2007.

For a long time, music has been my primary therapy and my vital release from my mental health conditions.

Beyond that, it ties into my deepest dream: to perform my music on stages worldwide and travel the globe, honoring my late mother who always inspired me to share my talents and abilities with the world.

Outside of music, I carry an enterprise mindset!

I’m a vlogger, foodie, fashion/tech reviewer, aspiring weight loss model, and a solo content creator with over 1.4 million views on YouTube.

You can check my track record and catalog out on both SoundCloud and BandLab under the handle martellthacool.

I’m posting here because I am incredibly frustrated with how the music industry operates in America, specifically when it comes to the endless networking garbage, cliquish hierarchies, and complete lack of real opportunity for solo artists who choose to stay authentic.

I haven’t recorded a single song in three years. Back in 2023, I had a massive fallout with the local scene after dealing with a series of dishonest, fraudulent producers and flaky promoters.

I was lied to, scammed out of my hard-earned money, and had people take advantage of my labor only to turn around and literally delete my master files and music.

These text-back gatekeepers always claim they have the "connections" to help advance your career, but it’s a complete lie designed to exploit independent talent.

This year, in 2026, I decided to take control of my destiny again. I invested in myself and purchased 10 original, exclusive instrumental beats from an awesome independent beatmaker.

I’m based out of Toledo, Ohio, and I am trying everything I can to make a serious career comeback, get back into the booth, and evolve my sound.

I don't want to stay boxed into just one lane...

I want to learn, expand, and explore global musical styles ranging from Afrobeats and Latin fusion to K-Pop and beyond.

But the moment I tried to step back in, I ran into the exact same brick walls.

The producers around here aren't serious or interested in collaborating unless there's a heavy check upfront.

Look, I completely understand that running a professional recording facility isn't cheap, and time is money.

But there is a massive difference between running a business and treating people like a transactional "pay pig" while offering subpar talent, closed circles, and zero respect for an artist's vision.

How are independent solo creators supposed to navigate an industry that values superficial networking over raw substance and dedication?

How do you bypass the local gatekeepers when you don't have a massive circle or a corporate team backing you up?

I refuse to change who I am or act like a puppet just to get a foot in a door that shouldn't be locked in the first place.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my message.

I sincerely appreciate the support and would love to hear your perspectives.

Sincerely appreciated,Martell

reddit.com
u/teammartellclout — 8 days ago

Tired of the gatekeeping, cliques, and transactional BS. How do independent solo artists survive in small local music scenes?

What’s up, everyone.

My name is Martell Sincere, and I perform under the stage name M.P.K. - Muzt Put'in Knowledge.

I’ve been an independent songwriter, musician, rapper, singer, vocalizer, co-producer, and content creator since I first started recording music back in 2007.

For a long time, music has been my primary therapy and my vital release from my mental health conditions.

Beyond that, it ties into my deepest dream: to perform my music on stages worldwide and travel the globe, honoring my late mother who always inspired me to share my talents and abilities with the world.

Outside of music, I carry an enterprise mindset!

I’m a vlogger, foodie, fashion/tech reviewer, aspiring weight loss model, and a solo content creator with over 1.4 million views on YouTube.

You can check my track record and catalog out on both SoundCloud and BandLab under the handle martellthacool.

I’m posting here because I am incredibly frustrated with how the music industry operates in America, specifically when it comes to the endless networking garbage, cliquish hierarchies, and complete lack of real opportunity for solo artists who choose to stay authentic.

I haven’t recorded a single song in three years. Back in 2023, I had a massive fallout with the local scene after dealing with a series of dishonest, fraudulent producers and flaky promoters.

I was lied to, scammed out of my hard-earned money, and had people take advantage of my labor only to turn around and literally delete my master files and music.

These text-back gatekeepers always claim they have the "connections" to help advance your career, but it’s a complete lie designed to exploit independent talent.

This year, in 2026, I decided to take control of my destiny again. I invested in myself and purchased 10 original, exclusive instrumental beats from an awesome independent beatmaker.

I’m based out of Toledo, Ohio, and I am trying everything I can to make a serious career comeback, get back into the booth, and evolve my sound.

I don't want to stay boxed into just one lane...

I want to learn, expand, and explore global musical styles ranging from Afrobeats and Latin fusion to K-Pop and beyond.

But the moment I tried to step back in, I ran into the exact same brick walls.

The producers around here aren't serious or interested in collaborating unless there's a heavy check upfront.

Look, I completely understand that running a professional recording facility isn't cheap, and time is money.

But there is a massive difference between running a business and treating people like a transactional "pay pig" while offering subpar talent, closed circles, and zero respect for an artist's vision.

How are independent solo creators supposed to navigate an industry that values superficial networking over raw substance and dedication?

How do you bypass the local gatekeepers when you don't have a massive circle or a corporate team backing you up?

I refuse to change who I am or act like a puppet just to get a foot in a door that shouldn't be locked in the first place.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my message.

I sincerely appreciate the support and would love to hear your perspectives.

Sincerely appreciated,Martell

reddit.com
u/teammartellclout — 9 days ago

SYSBM: Male Supremacists Vs Female Supremacists 🤔

What’s up everyone, Martell here.

​

I came across a topic/video that got me thinking about how online spaces tend to swing between extreme takes on both sides when it comes to gender dynamics, relationships, and identity.

I also revisited some old content I made back in 2022 where I was going hard on these discussions around media narratives, relationships, and how certain groups get portrayed or criticized differently online

​

It made me reflect on how easy it is for these conversations to turn into “us vs them” arguments instead of actually understanding what people are feeling or reacting to underneath it all

​

Curious what y’all think:

​

Do you think online spaces push people toward extremes on gender topics?

​

Is it just algorithm + engagement farming, or something deeper in culture?

​

And honestly… do you think it’s worth revisiting rant-style content today, or has the landscape changed too much?

​

Open to different perspectives.

​

Share your thoughts and concerns below

​

Sincerely appreciated,

Martell 📬💌

youtu.be
u/teammartellclout — 26 days ago

As a Disabled Black Recording Artist, I Can't Stay Silent About the Attacks Happening to Black People, Asians, POC Communities, and People With Disabilities

What's up, Golden community. It's me, Martell.

​

I decided to come back and make a discussion video about something that's been weighing heavily on my heart: the attacks, discrimination, and prejudice affecting Black people, Asians, other people of color, and people with disabilities both nationwide and worldwide.

​

This isn't coming from a textbook perspective for me.

​

Back in 2006, my business partner and I experienced racial profiling, ableism, prejudice, and police brutality.

​

(Their name remains protected out of respect for their privacy, but those experiences changed how I view the world)

​

Since the pandemic era, I've also spent years paying attention to and researching the attacks targeting members of the Asian community.

​

Seeing innocent people blamed, targeted, and harmed deeply disturbed me.

​

As a disabled recording artist, songwriter, musician, rapper, singer, voiceover artist, commentator, and content creator, music has always been my primary outlet for processing life and expressing myself.

​

My late father gave me Tupac: Resurrection on CD in 2003.

​

That became my introduction to Tupac Shakur and eventually led me to learn more about figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

​

I was struck by how many people across generations have had to navigate discrimination, prejudice, and the struggle to maintain their humanity in difficult systems.

​

I'm honored to use my voice and platform to speak about these issues because I genuinely care about vulnerable communities around the world.

​

I won't pretend this is easy.

​

As I've become more involved with sponsors, affiliate opportunities, endorsements, collaborations, and agencies that may be watching my content, I've realized there are pressures that can make creators feel restricted in what they say publicly.

​

(I apologize if I've seemed quieter than usual. Sometimes it feels like you're trying to balance honesty, survival, and responsibility all at once)

​

But I want to make this clear:

​

I do not support hatred.

​

I do not support attacks against innocent people.

​

I do not support racism, ableism, prejudice, or violence.

​

I believe people deserve dignity, safety, compassion, and respect regardless of race, ethnicity, background, or disability status.

​

Next year marks my 20th anniversary as both a recording artist and content creator, dating back to 2007.

​

I'm grateful to still be here, sharing my stories through music, videos, and conversations with people around the world.

​

America and the world needs more encouragement, empathy, accountability, and good energy.

​

I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

​

Sincerely appreciated,

Martell✉️

youtu.be
u/teammartellclout — 27 days ago

I’m Back… And I’ve Changed (My Evolution & Message to the AZN Community) #growth #evolution #respect

What’s up everyone in the AZN Identity community,

This is Martell.

First, I want to say sorry for being away for a long time. I actually recorded this video back in April 2026, but I decided to post it now on May 17th, 2026.

Over the years, I’ve taken time away from making videos like this.

Part of that was due to sponsors and affiliates, keeping things professional and respectful.

But more importantly, I’ve been reflecting on my content, my voice, and how I show up online.

I also want to acknowledge something honestly — in earlier years (especially around the 2020 pandemic era), I didn’t always have the full understanding I have now about the experiences and struggles within the Asian community.

I’ve learned a lot since then through time, conversations, and just growing up in general.

Because of that, I’ve been more careful, more thoughtful, and more intentional about what I say and how I present things.

This post/video is part of that evolution.

It’s been an honor being connected with this community since 2020, and I appreciate the conversations, perspectives, and support over the years. I’m still learning, still growing, and still listening.

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the video as I'm always for open feedback, real discussion, anything is welcome.

Appreciate you all for taking the time.

#TeamMartellClout

youtu.be
u/teammartellclout — 2 months ago