🥋 New Episode Alert: Artist Side Hustles or Great Fan Experiences?

Join Charlotte and Jasmin (p.k.a TĀLĀ) of Ellevate as they dive into the increasingly creative—and sometimes questionable—ways artists are forced to diversify their income in 2026. With streaming payouts still under fire, the “side hustle” has moved far beyond the merch stand.

In this episode, Charlotte and Jasmin examine where we draw the line between a brilliant brand extension and a desperate sign of the times.

They discuss:

• The Dojo Meet & Greet: The story of Freddie Gibbs offering Kung Fu lessons as a VIP experience. Is this a genius way to share a personal passion, or is it “performing” for the payout?
• The Social Anxiety Standoff:Summer Walker’s infamously uncomfortable fan meet-and-greets. When an artist is clearly struggling with the interaction, does it still provide value for the fan, or does it feel transactional?
• The “Producer Date” Hustle: Jasmin shares a wild story about a producer selling one-on-one “dates” for cash.
• The Big Question: Are these clever hustles a natural extension of an artist’s brand, or a glaring signal that artists simply aren’t earning enough from their music to survive?

This episode is an essential listen for any artist or manager looking to build new revenue streams without diluting their artistic integrity.

Listen now to explore:

• Why revenue diversification has become a survival requirement in the modern industry.
• The ethics of commercial fan experience—when does it stop being about the art?
• How to identify a side hustle that actually strengthens your brand rather than making it look “cheap.”
• Whether the “star power” of an artist is diminished when they have to sell their time in such a specific way.

Find out more about ellevate:https://ellevate.studio/ellevate TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ellevate.studiosellevate Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ellevate.studios

Jasmin’s Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@talatheduchesshttps://www.instagram.com/tala_official/?hl=en

Charlotte’s Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/charli_caleb/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-caleb/