Written and published by X
The entertainment and music industry can seem like a dream—filled with opportunity, excitement, and the chance to reach a massive audience. But behind the glitz and glamour, there are plenty of traps waiting to catch unsuspecting artists. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of people or situations that could end up doing more harm than good to your career. Here are some things to watch out for in an industry that can be as ruthless as it is rewarding.
Exploitation of Creative Control
One of the first things you should guard closely is your creative vision. Your artistry is what makes you unique, and anyone who pressures you to water it down for the sake of profits is not a friend to your craft. There will be people who want to mold you into something that fits a marketable image or sound, but compromising your creativity for commercial success rarely works out in the long run. A good team—whether it’s a manager, label, or producer—should encourage and amplify your artistic expression, not try to change it to suit someone else's agenda. If anyone is pushing you to bend your vision too far, that’s a huge red flag.
Promises with No Follow-Through
In the entertainment world, it’s easy to get caught up in big promises. You’ll meet people who talk a good game—offering everything from massive opportunities to major collaborations—but when the time comes, they often fail to deliver. Promises without action are hollow, and if someone keeps saying “we’ll do this” or “we’re working on that” without ever actually making progress, it’s a sign they may not be as committed to your success as they claim. Empty promises can leave you in limbo, wasting time and energy on people who aren’t really invested in making things happen. Always pay attention to what’s actually being done, not just what’s being said.
No Transparency on Finances
Money can get complicated in the entertainment industry, but one thing is for sure: your finances should never be a mystery. If someone is managing your money, you have every right to know exactly where it’s going and how it’s being handled. If anyone tries to hide financial details or refuses to explain how your earnings are being split, that’s a major red flag. There are too many cases of artists being taken advantage of because they didn’t understand the fine print or because someone manipulated the numbers behind the scenes. Always demand transparency and take control of your financial knowledge—your career depends on it.
Lack of Genuine Interest in Your Success
It’s not always obvious at first, but there are people in the industry who are only looking out for themselves. They’ll hop on board when things are going well, but their support stops when it’s no longer profitable for them. The right people in your life—whether it’s a manager, agent, or collaborator—should genuinely care about your growth and your success, not just about making a quick buck from your hard work. If you feel like someone’s only interested in what they can get from you rather than what they can help you achieve, it’s time to rethink the relationship.
Unsolicited Advice from People with No Experience
There’s no shortage of “experts” in the entertainment industry—many of whom haven’t actually been in the trenches themselves. Everyone has an opinion, but unsolicited advice from people who have never worked in the industry, or don’t have a proven track record, is usually not worth your time. While it’s important to be open to learning, it’s equally important to filter out advice from people who don’t understand the nuances of the industry. Instead, seek guidance from people who have been there, done that, and who can offer practical insights based on their own experiences.
Creepy “Manager” Behavior
Let’s make one thing crystal clear: if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone crosses a personal boundary, it’s never your fault. As a woman, trust me when I say that an unfair power dynamic in the industry can make you feel trapped, and that’s a horrible position to be in. Managers, agents, or other industry professionals are supposed to help guide your career—not use their position to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is not as uncommon as it should be. Some individuals in positions of power may try to manipulate or exploit the trust you place in them. Whether it’s inappropriate comments, advances, or trying to push personal boundaries, this kind of treatment is unacceptable and completely wrong. It’s easy for people to dismiss this kind of behavior, but the reality is that it can escalate—sometimes to abuse or assault.
What often happens in these situations is that the person in power creates a dynamic where you feel like you can’t speak up, either out of fear of retaliation, career damage, or simply because you’ve been made to feel responsible for the situation. But let me repeat—it’s never your fault. An abuse of power is, unfortunately, part of what some people do to keep control
Excessive Control and Manipulation
Collaboration is essential in the entertainment industry, but it should always be based on mutual respect. If someone tries to control your career decisions, personal life, or how you present yourself, that’s a huge warning sign. You deserve to work with people who will empower you, not manipulate you into making choices that serve their interests over yours. If someone is constantly dictating your every move or isolating you from others in the industry, they’re not your ally—they’re using you for their own benefit.
Trust Your Gut
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new opportunities and the promises of success, but the most important thing to remember is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. The entertainment industry can be filled with people who are more concerned about their own gain than with your well-being, so it’s crucial to stay alert and recognize the signs of exploitation or manipulation.
Take your time when building relationships in this industry, and don’t be afraid to walk away from people or situations that make you uncomfortable or don’t align with your goals. Protecting your creative vision and your personal well-being should always come first, and when you find the right people who genuinely support you, that’s when the magic happens. Keep your eyes wide open, trust your gut, and make sure you’re surrounding yourself with the right team—one that truly has your back.
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