Breaking EVEN

Ryan Conlon is not your typical music manager. He's the owner of Blackguard a clothing brand, production company, and barbershop all rolled into one, and he's managing four artists entirely on his own terms: no major label backing, no huge budget, just belief,  & strategy. Ryan gets into the realities of independent music management in the UK, what it actually costs to develop an artist, why he th...

In this episode, UK hip hop veteran D-Rilla joins Podcast to bridge the gap between the "boom bap" era and the modern digital landscape. From battling over payphones for radio airplay to launching his own artist development consultancy, D-Rilla provides a masterclass on longevity and the business of music. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https://www.even.biz/artists/audience-e...

The first-ever female winner of The Rap Game UK, Layyah, joins the Breaking Even Podcast to discuss her historic win and the reality of navigating the UK music scene in 2026. From being labeled a "generational artist" by Krept and Konan to the financial hurdles of representation, Layyah breaks down what it truly takes to stay multifaceted. Follow us on all platforms! Audience Economy: Even - https...

"If you want it easy, then it’s not going to last long." Mobi1 joins the Breaking Even Podcast for a deep dive into one of the most eclectic journeys in the UK scene. In this episode, we explore the transition from reality TV production to the music studio, why Mobi1 uses "velocity" and fast rapping as a form of therapy, and the experience of performing in Tokyo as a Black artist. Mobi1 also break...

"You can tell in the music when it’s not intentional." The sibling trio Obara (luchï, CSUFF2R, and Lanyi/Chika) joins the podcast to discuss their journey from Brentwood private schools to becoming a powerhouse creative family in the UK underground. In this episode, we dive into the comparison to the Adenuga family (Skepta, Jme, and Julie), the reality of being a female artist facing backhanded co...

Tay Jordan joins the podcast to break down the sophisticated bridge between UK rap and the New York underground. In this episode, Tay dives into the "legal theory" that didn't work out, why he’s finally fully independent, and the reality of being a rapper in 2026 . We talk about Max B’s release, the "protectionist" nature of the UK music scene, and why we need more collaborative projects like the...

"I’m clickbait with the truth." Cadell sits down for a long-overdue conversation on his role as the musical right hand and "conduit" for Lancey Foux. In this episode, we break down the real meaning behind the track "Eagle Eye," the alleged £30 million offers floating around the scene, and why SD Kid is family regardless of the internet narrative. Cadell doesn't hold back on the state of Grime, cal...

"If you don’t grow, you get left in the past." In this episode of the Breaking Even Podcast, we sit down with Antzz and 3re6ix to discuss the raw reality of the UK underground in 2026. From recording hits on BandLab with gaming headphones to the "dark" reality of the 2016 nostalgia wave, we explore how the next generation of South London talent is building a cohesive movement without the need for...

Welcome back to another episode of the Breaking Even Podcast. Today, we’re joined by BBM (Bad Bitch Music), an underground duo navigating the chaotic intersection of corporate day jobs, PhD research, and the "financially terrible" reality of the music industry. From the "Golden Age of Piracy" to the decline of radio and the politics of Afro-fusion, we dive deep into how to survive as an artist in...

We’re back with a raw look at the business of being an artist. This week, Reptile B joins us to pull back the curtain on the reality of navigating the industry as an independent artist today. This isn't your typical "how to get famous" interview. We get into the messy reality of the "outrage economy" and how a sudden YouTube ban forced a massive shift in perspective. We also dive into the "Simulat...

Welcome to the Breaking Even: Business Edition. In this episode, we sit down with Kameron from BW, a 26-year-old record executive and artist manager with experience at Universal Music Group, Mixtape Madness, and a current role at a major investment company. Cameron gives a raw, introspective look into the music industry, exposing why chasing streams as a primary measure of success is "hustling bac...

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with the phenomenal independent artist La Slim to dive deep into his journey. Le Slim opens up about the constant battle against genre pigeonholing, specifically, why a Black artist making clear Pop or Indie music is often automatically labeled "R&B." He discusses growing up with a love for rock music (Coldplay, Linkin Park, Block Party) fueled by FIFA...

In this episode of Breaking Even, Ed Rants sits down with Ceebo, one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists, to unpack how he’s carving his lane in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever. We dive deep into his come-up, the realities of the UK underground rap scene, the influence of drill and trap on his sound, and why authenticity and emotional honesty are at the core of his music. Ceebo...

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with Enrique, an independent artist from Hackney who’s carving his own lane in UK rap. From the drill era of 2018 to the underground trap wave, Enrique breaks down how his sound evolved, what shaped him, and why longevity matters more than ever. We explore his influences, 50 Cent, Dipset, Gucci Mane, Joe Black, and dive into the realities of becoming a...

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with Calix, an independent artist from West London who’s redefining what it means to build a career in today’s music landscape. From freestyling in barbershops and blending trap with fashion to earning a living through TikTok Live battles, Calix proves that creativity and business can coexist. He opens up about the grind behind promotion, how he’s buil...

In this episode of Breaking Even, we sit down with Sparkz CN, an independent rapper from Slough, to talk about the real side of chasing music success. From pain rap and authenticity to streaming numbers and self-investment, Sparkz opens up about his journey, creative process, and what it truly takes to break even as an artist. We dive into how grief, growth, and raw honesty shape his music, why he...