Addison Rae Reveals Record Labels Used to Pay Her $20 to Post TikTok Videos

Addison Rae Reveals Record Labels Offered Her $20 to Post TikTok Videos

Before rising to fame as a pop star, Addison Rae Easterling, known for her hit song “Fame Is a Gun,” shared some insights into her early days on TikTok. In a recent interview on The New York Times’ Popcast, the singer disclosed that record labels used to pay her a mere $20 for posting videos of herself dancing to their artists’ songs. This revelation sheds light on the evolving relationship between social media influencers and the music industry.

Reflecting on her experience, the 24-year-old influencer recalled receiving small payments from record labels to feature their music in her TikTok videos, a practice that she found intriguing at the time. As someone who started sharing dance videos on the platform in 2019, Rae was surprised by how quickly the music industry embraced TikTok as a promotional tool. She highlighted the fact that these collaborations with record labels were commonplace during her college years.

During the podcast interview, when co-host Jon Caramanica speculated that she must have been compensated with hundreds of dollars for such collaborations, Rae revealed that the reality was quite different. Contrary to expectations, she confessed that she would often receive a mere $20 for her efforts. Recalling the novelty of receiving payment via PayPal, Rae candidly admitted that the process seemed somewhat questionable to her at the time.

With her debut album “Addison” set to be released on Friday, June 6, the artist has already unveiled several singles, including “Diet Pepsi,” “High Fashion,” “Headphones On,” “Aquamarine,” and “Fame Is a Gun.” Rae’s musical journey has been marked by a series of releases leading up to her eagerly anticipated album drop, showcasing her talents and versatility as a performer. Notably, she collaborated with Arca on a remix of her track “Aquamarine,” titled “Aquamarine / Arcamarine.”

Addressing criticisms of her authenticity in a previous interview with ELLE Magazine, Rae acknowledged the perceptions that some may have about her public persona. She candidly expressed her feelings of apprehension and vulnerability, admitting that she initially hesitated to reveal her true self for fear of judgment and criticism. This introspective approach to her artistry highlights the complexity of navigating fame and public perception in the entertainment industry.

As Addison Rae prepares for the release of her debut album, her journey from TikTok sensation to budding pop star continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her revelations about her early experiences with record labels offer a glimpse into the dynamic relationship between social media influencers and the music industry. With her music poised to make an impact on the charts, Rae’s evolution as an artist showcases her dedication and passion for her craft.