I understand how everyone feels the need to be signed. But there are ways to make a good amount of money by just doing music. Some of ya'll probably won't agree with me. But I believe the best way to succeed is to create your own label and sign only yourself. Get a manager that deals with everything else; touring, studio budget, merchandising, etc. Get a good producer to work with you on your music, and write your own songs. You don't need to employ 4-5 writers for ONE song like acts do today. Write the whole album yourself. You can make an album spending less than $20,000 and profit more than $100,000 when it comes to touring off of it, licensing, publishing, etc. And stuff like that could lead to features on other artists' albums. Don't be so concerned with being a millionaire. Be concerned with making a decent living and making good music.