# Tyler Brown on Music Success and Songwriter Rights

> Tyler Brown: 1% of a hit record beats 100% of a flop.
- Title: Tyler Brown on Music Success and Songwriter Rights | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: tyler brown, funfair, seahawks, nfl, songwriter, master income, music business, independent label, ai in music, streaming, music, business
- Source: Music Business Worldwide — https://musicbusinessworldwide.com/tyler-brown-i-would-rather-have-1-of-a-hit-record-than-100-of-a-record-that-wasnt
- Published: 2026-10-02T16:49:40+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: tyler brown, funfair, seahawks, nfl, songwriter, master income, music business, independent label, ai in music, streaming, music, business
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Tyler Brown, founder of Funfair, argues songwriters should share master income to fix industry inequities.