Curtiss King on DIY Music, TDE Connections and Building Without Gatekeepers

At SXSW 2026, a conversation centered on independence in music took a more practical approach during The State of the DIY Artist panel. The session brought together Curtiss King, a Los Angeles rapper, producer and media creator, alongside BeatStars founder and CEO Abe Batshon. Rather than framing independence as a final destination, the discussion focused on what it actually takes to sustain a career without relying on traditional systems. Throughout the session, both speakers emphasized that the modern DIY artist operates more like a business builder than a solo creative. The panel positioned independence not as freedom from structure, but as the responsibility to create one.

Curtiss King opened with a reflection on how his career developed without a traditional roadmap. He explained that becoming a DIY artist was not a calculated decision, but the result of limited access to resources early on. “I became a DIY artist not by design, but by accident,” he said, describing how financial limitations pushed him to learn multiple skills across production, editing and design. That process, he explained, eventually became the foundation of his brand. Over time, those skills allowed him to grow a platform that now reaches hundreds of thousands of creators.

His story reflected a broader theme of resourcefulness. Curtiss described learning video editing, graphic design and music production out of necessity rather than preference. “If I couldn’t afford it, I had to learn how to do it,” he said. That mindset extended beyond creativity and into business, where he relied heavily on networking and negotiation to create opportunities. He pointed to working with artists connected to Top Dawg Entertainment as an example of how proximity and preparation can lead to unexpected moments.

One of the more detailed stories came when Curtiss described being in rooms with artists like Ab-Soul and finding ways to contribute beyond his original role. He explained that simply being present in those spaces created opportunities to offer additional skills, whether that meant design, production or creative input. In one instance, those moments of access and initiative helped him secure a Kendrick Lamar feature through connections built within that environment. The story underscored how DIY careers often grow through indirect paths rather than planned moves.

Redefining What DIY Means

As the conversation shifted, both speakers addressed how the meaning of DIY has changed. Batshon explained that independence used to be defined by access, where artists were focused on bypassing gatekeepers. Now, he said, the challenge is turning that access into leverage and a sustainable business. “The harder part now is turning access into leverage, ownership and a real business,” he said. His perspective framed DIY as a system building process rather than a shortcut.

Curtiss expanded on that idea by challenging common misconceptions. “Nobody’s coming to save you,” he said, describing DIY as a mindset rooted in ownership and initiative. He pushed back on the idea that independence means working without resources, instead describing it as operating with a high level of resourcefulness. According to him, the goal is not to do everything forever, but to understand each part of the process well enough to eventually delegate it.

He also emphasized that learning multiple skills creates long term advantages. By understanding how different parts of the process work, artists can communicate more effectively with collaborators and maintain control over their vision. That approach, he explained, allowed him to move between roles without losing direction. It also positioned him to recognize opportunities that may not have been obvious to someone focused on a single skill.

Batshon connected that mindset to consistency and systems. He noted that many artists struggle not because of a lack of talent, but because they lack structure in how they operate. Building systems, he said, allows creators to scale their efforts and maintain momentum. Without that structure, even talented artists can find themselves stalled despite having access to tools and platforms.

Building Beyond Music

A major portion of the discussion focused on income and sustainability. Both speakers made it clear that streaming alone is not enough to support most independent artists. Batshon pointed out that even artists with significant streaming numbers often generate only a fraction of their income from those platforms. He encouraged creators to think beyond a single revenue source and build multiple streams tied to their skills and audience.

Curtiss echoed that idea by sharing how his own income evolved. He explained that his first meaningful revenue did not come from music, but from selling beats and offering services tied to his skill set. “The first money I made was from selling beats,” he said, noting that curiosity and experimentation led him into opportunities he had not originally planned for. Over time, those opportunities expanded into content, education and direct to consumer products.

He also highlighted the importance of visibility in creating new opportunities. By sharing his process openly through platforms like YouTube, he attracted an audience that valued both his music and his knowledge. That visibility eventually led to opportunities like publishing a book and offering coaching. Each new step, he explained, came from solving problems and responding to the questions that followed.

The discussion also touched on how artists can monetize creativity in unconventional ways. Curtiss described creating limited physical products, including custom packaging and digital bundles, that generated more income than traditional releases. These examples illustrated how DIY artists can build value by combining creativity with presentation and direct engagement.

Ownership, Audience and Longevity

Another key theme was the importance of owning relationships with an audience. Curtiss stressed that relying solely on platforms can limit an artist’s ability to communicate and build long term value. He described how direct engagement, whether through live streams, email or in person interactions, allows artists to maintain control over their narrative. “Go live,” he said, emphasizing the importance of real time interaction with supporters.

He explained that treating audiences as individuals rather than numbers has been central to his growth. By building consistent communication, he has been able to identify core supporters who contribute significantly to his business. That connection, he said, creates stability that is not dependent on algorithms or viral moments. It also allows him to test ideas and receive immediate feedback.

The conversation also addressed mindset and financial discipline. Both speakers noted that generating income is only one part of the equation. Managing that income and making informed decisions is equally important for long term success. Curtiss admitted that earlier in his career, he was not prepared for the financial side of independence, which led to mistakes that later informed his approach.

As the session continued, the discussion returned to adaptability. With new technologies, including AI, entering the space, both speakers emphasized the need to remain flexible while maintaining core creative skills. Curtiss described AI as a tool that can assist with certain processes, but stressed that it should not replace critical thinking or creativity. Instead, he positioned it as a way to enhance existing workflows while keeping the artist at the center.

Throughout the panel, Curtiss King’s journey served as a consistent reference point for what a modern DIY career can look like. From building skills out of necessity to leveraging opportunities through proximity and preparation, his experience reflected a model rooted in resourcefulness and adaptability. Alongside Batshon’s platform perspective, the conversation outlined a version of independence that is less about working alone and more about building with intention.