From Touring Musician to Business Owner: Why I Chose to Build My Music Dream in America
I first came to America with nothing but my guitar, a duffel bag, and a heart full of lyrics. I was 24, traveling on a short-term visa, playing gigs from New York to Nashville to LA—tiny cafes, open mics, and anywhere someone would hand me a mic and say “you’re up next.” I wasn’t expecting to find a home here. I was just following the music.
But somewhere between smoky dive bars in Austin and early-morning jam sessions in Brooklyn, I realized I had found more than an audience—I’d found a calling.
The U.S. wasn’t just another stop on my tour. It was a place where creativity, hustle, and heart weren’t just welcomed—they were rewarded. I met indie producers building platinum records out of basements, rappers shooting videos in city parks, and composers landing soundtracks from their laptops. There was so much energy here, so much room to make something real.
By the end of that tour, I wasn’t thinking about flying back. I was thinking: how do I stay? And how do I build something that lasts?
When Music Becomes a Business
Back home, music was my passion. But here, I saw that it could also be a business. Not a sellout move—a structure. A way to license my work, collaborate professionally, and support other artists like me.
I started producing tracks for indie acts, recording vocals in home studios, and selling instrumentals online. Then I landed a deal to score a documentary for a small production house in LA. That was the moment I knew: it’s time to make this official.
If I wanted to invoice properly, get paid, manage royalties, and apply for creative grants, I needed a legal entity. I needed to protect my IP, work with brands, and maybe—just maybe—build a label of my own.
Why I Formed My LLC with InCorp.com
As a foreign artist, navigating U.S. business laws was intimidating. I knew nothing about corporate structure or tax law. But I found InCorp.com through a friend who had launched a design agency the year before.
The experience blew me away. Their platform was intuitive, step-by-step, and didn’t require me to have a legal background. Within one afternoon, I had formed my LLC: EchoVerse Studios—a music production house focused on recording, licensing, and collaborating with independent artists.
The best part? They offered the best registered agent service I could find. That was essential for me as someone without a permanent U.S. address yet. Their service gave me a professional point of contact and ensured I’d receive legal notices, compliance alerts, and tax deadlines—without missing a beat.
EchoVerse Studios: A Home for Music and Musicians
I started by producing my own EPs under the LLC, then opened the studio to other artists. I offered everything from vocal tracking and beat production to mixing, licensing, and creative coaching. Within months, I was collaborating with filmmakers, content creators, and YouTubers who needed custom tracks.
Every dollar I earned went back into the business—better mics, a sound-treated recording room, software plugins, and marketing. I booked live sessions, wrote hooks, and started building a community of local musicians and vocalists.
And the best part? I was doing it legally, with full ownership of my work and no guesswork about contracts or taxes.
Business Milestones for EchoVerse Studios
Here’s how my dream of making music turned into a thriving creative business:
| Milestone | Month 1 | 6 Months | 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clients Served | 2 indie singers | 16 recording artists | 40+ clients including filmmakers & content creators |
| Monthly Revenue | $500 | $5,000+ | $12,000+ |
| Services Offered | Beat production | Full music production & mixing | Licensing, branding, live performance coaching |
| Team Size | Just me | 1 co-producer | 4-person crew (sound, brand, admin, collab manager) |
The Role InCorp.com Played in My Journey
Without InCorp.com, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to take the leap. Their LLC formation process was painless. Their backend tools keep me compliant. And their registered agent service—easily the cheapest registered agent service I’ve seen with reliable coverage—made it possible to launch with security and professionalism.
For artists who’ve always been told they’re “not business people,” I can’t recommend InCorp enough. They helped me become both.
Advice for Artists and Musicians Building Businesses
If you’re a musician thinking about turning your talent into something scalable, here’s what I learned along the way:
- Don’t wait for a record deal. The tools exist today to do it yourself. Start with what you have.
- Own your masters, own your brand. Form an LLC to protect your IP and income.
- Use a trusted platform. InCorp.com made business setup fast and affordable—no lawyers, no stress.
- Think beyond music. You’re not just a singer or a producer. You’re a creator with brand potential.
- Build community, not just content. Music connects people—so should your business.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EchoVerse Studios
We’re now expanding into podcast production and licensing original scores to indie games and short films. I’ve started mentoring younger musicians on how to monetize their art without selling out—and we’re planning to host our first in-person creative camp this year.
This isn’t just a studio anymore. It’s a movement. A business born out of sound and soul, built by someone who came to America chasing music and found a whole new life.
If you’re reading this as an artist with a vision—know this: your art is your superpower. But your business is your amplifier. Build both.