From Music Business Worldwide · · 2m
Tyler Brown on Music Success and Songwriter Rights
Tyler Brown: 1% of a hit record beats 100% of a flop.
In brief
Tyler Brown: 1% of a hit record beats 100% of a flop. Tyler Brown, founder of Funfair, argues songwriters should share master income to fix industry inequities. Originally reported by Music Business Worldwide.
Tyler Brown's background
Tyler Brown founded London-based Funfair after working at Simon Cowell’s Syco Music from 2008 to 2016.
Funfair's early success
James Essien, signed in 2022, co-wrote BTS’s SWIM, the fastest-selling single in 2026 with over 500 million spotify streams.
Silva Bumpa's breakthrough
Silva Bumpa landed his first uk top 10 single with On 2nite and sold out london’s roundhouse within 24 hours.
Nigerian artist Mavo's success
Mavo, co-signed by Funfair with nigeria’s inner circle, amassed over 500 million streams in 12 months and six top 5 records.
Phonk genre focus
Funfair signed phonk artists like 2KE and dj zarek, with their catalog streaming over 2 billion times in 12 months.
US rap signings
Funfair signed producers for artists including asap rocky, kanye west, yeat, and kodak black in the us rap space.
Long-term vision
Brown aims to be one of the world’s most successful independent labels and publishers by developing long-term artist relationships.
Simon Cowell's mentorship
Brown credits simon cowell’s mentorship for his leadership, emphasizing loyalty and integrity in business.
No major label return
Brown will never rejoin the major label system, citing the lack of ceiling in his independent business and personal freedom.
Funding strategy
Funfair and Heatwave secured outside investment from partners like red light / co:brand and too lost.
Songwriter rights push
Brown argues songwriters should share master income to address industry inequities and recognition.
AI in music
Brown believes ai can improve music industry processes without replacing human artists or emotional storytelling.
EMPIRE's influence
Ghazi Shami’s empire has become a major force in africa and the middle east, inspiring heatwave’s global expansion.
Caleb Oyolola's potential
Caleb Oyolola, founder of inner circle entertainment in nigeria, is a rising star for heatwave’s future success.
Songwriter underpayment
Songwriters struggle to make a living now, with major publishers being more selective and fewer opportunities for new talent.
The fix
Songwriters should share master income and be recognized at award shows to fix industry inequities.
The takeaway
Tyler Brown, founder of Funfair, argues songwriters should share master income to fix industry inequities.
