The Artist Looking for an ATM: When Support Becomes Exploitation
Many artists say they are looking for a manager or a sponsor or an investor.
But are they really?
Sometimes what they are actually looking for is an... ATM.
Someone to pay.
Someone to rescue.
Someone to finance every idea.
Someone to solve every problem.
Someone to carry all the risk.
While expecting very little accountability in return.
The Dream Sponsor
At first, the artist appears motivated.
They talk about their dreams.
Their talent.
Their future.
Their vision.
The sponsor or manager becomes inspired.
They want to help.
They invest time.
They invest money.
They open doors.
They create opportunities.
Everything appears promising.
Until expectations begin to change.
Support Without Limits
The artist starts expecting more.
More money.
More opportunities.
More resources.
More sacrifices.
Nothing is ever enough.
Every contribution becomes the new minimum.
Gratitude slowly disappears.
Entitlement takes its place.
The artist no longer asks:
"How can we build this together?"
Instead, they ask:
"What else can you do for me?"
The Problem With Accountability
A healthy artist understands that support comes with responsibility.
A manipulative artist often sees accountability as an attack.
Questions become criticism.
Boundaries become disrespect.
Financial transparency becomes mistrust.
Advice becomes control.
The sponsor begins feeling guilty for asking reasonable questions.
The artist begins portraying themselves as the victim.
The Sponsor or the Manager As a Parent
Some artists unconsciously expect managers to become parents.
They expect endless patience.
Endless forgiveness.
Endless financial support.
Endless second chances.
But management is not parenting.
Managers are not responsible for carrying an artist indefinitely.
A professional relationship requires contribution from both sides.
When Money Replaces Respect
One of the saddest moments occurs when support is reduced.
The artist suddenly changes.
The gratitude disappears.
The relationship cools.
Calls become less frequent.
Messages go unanswered.
The person who was once praised becomes worthless.
Why?
Because the relationship was never built on respect.
It was built on resources.
As long as the money flowed, the relationship survived.
When the money stopped, so did the loyalty.
The Hidden Belief
Many of these artists share a common belief:
"Somebody else should carry me until I succeed."
The responsibility for success is placed on everyone else.
The sponsor.
The manager.
The label.
The investor.
The family.
Anybody except themselves.
This mindset creates dependency.
And dependency prevents growth.
The Difference Between Support and Exploitation
Healthy artists appreciate support.
Entitled artists expect support.
Healthy artists take responsibility.
Entitled artists outsource responsibility.
Healthy artists see investment as trust.
Entitled artists see investment as an obligation.
This difference may appear small.
In reality, it changes everything.
Why It Often Ends Badly
Relationships built primarily on money rarely survive.
Sooner or later, expectations increase.
Resentment grows.
Trust weakens.
The sponsor feels used.
The artist feels entitled.
Both become disappointed.
The relationship collapses.
Final Thought
The best artist-manager relationships are partnerships.
Not rescue missions.
Not financial dependency.
Not emotional adoption.
Partnerships.
A manager can open doors.
A sponsor can provide resources.
A label can create opportunities.
But none of these people can carry an artist forever.
Eventually, every artist must learn to carry themselves.
Because the goal of support is growth.
Not dependence.
And the artist who treats people like ATMs often discovers a painful truth:
When the money disappears, so do the relationships that were built only on money.
Psychology Insight
Entitlement occurs when individuals begin viewing support, resources, or special treatment as something they deserve rather than something they earn or appreciate. Over time, entitlement can weaken gratitude, accountability, and healthy professional relationships.
References
Roy Baumeister – Self-esteem, entitlement, and interpersonal behavior.
Carol Dweck – Growth mindset and personal responsibility.
Craig Malkin – Narcissism, entitlement, and healthy self-esteem.
Research on dependency, entitlement, gratitude, and interpersonal exploitation.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this article are intended for educational and informational purposes only. The purpose is not to criticize artists who need support, but to explore the difference between healthy collaboration and exploitative dependency within the music industry.
© The Hidden Games of the Music Industry
By Asimina KouloukouriClinical Psychologist & PsychotherapistCEO, Exelsior Records
Comments