'Not a lot of artists do that.'īeatStars is one of many tools that support independent artists in an age where songs can go viral online before the artist is even signed to a record label. 'Lil Nas X has played such an important role in making sure his fans and all the people that are fans of the song are aware of YoungKio and his contribution to the song,' Batshon said. In June, he announced on Instagram that he signed a deal with Universal Music Group. After the song exploded in popularity, the pair negotiated a new contract, said Batshon.įollowing the success of 'Old Town Road,' YoungKio's sales spiked on BeatStars. Lil Nas X purchased the beat in 2018 for $30, which came with limited distribution rights. Batshon said that the music on BeatStars ranges from $20 to $200 for a non-exclusive contract, with increasing prices for more exclusive rights.Ī 19-year old from the Netherlands known as YoungKio created the 'Old Town Road' beat, incorporating a sample from the song '34 Ghosts IV' by rock legends Nine Inch Nails. The company has paid out over $50 million to producers since 2012, CEO Abe Batshon told CNBC Make It. Producers pay a monthly fee to use BeatStars and get to keep 100% of their sales revenue when artists buy their beats on the platform.

Lil Nas X wrote 'Old Town Road' himself using a beat he bought for just $30 on the online platform BeatStars.īeatStars is a digital marketplace that allows producers to sell their original beats to artists.

While the song has catapulted Lil Nas X from aspiring musician in Georgia to global superstar, it didn't take much money at all to create the smash hit. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, 'Old Town Road' pulls ahead of an elite group of songs that held the record for the longest reign on top. The 2017 Latin sensation 'Despacito' by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber and 'One Sweet Day' released by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men in 1995 previously shared the record at 16 weeks, according to Billboard.

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