Almost Famous

‘How I Got Unfamous’ and Transparency in the Music Industry

By Grace Slansky

In her recent Reel, Kalie Shorr lip-syncs to the viral Chappell Roan sound, “It’s so weird how VIP thinks they’re way too cool to do this.” But the text she added—“when some of y’all got unfamous too, but you’re too cool to admit it”—made heads turn. It references her How I Got Unfamous series, which has been a 12-part tell-all about the highs of her career and how it came tumbling down around her. To a growing audience of invested and highly engaged fans, Shorr says what many people in the industry won’t–just because you reach a level of fame doesn’t mean you’ll automatically maintain it. And that’s okay.?

In a world where social media often feels like a parade of highlight reels, Shorr’s raw, honest commentary on the highs and lows of her career breaks through the noise. The flood of comments and her acknowledgment that this series has brought her closer to fame once again demonstrate an impressive level of engagement from the audience. This speaks to the overarching need for more transparency in the music industry for fans and future musicians alike. Shorr’s series is clever and honest, but it highlights the positive response to true authenticity. Through her candid storytelling, Kalie is sparking a much-needed conversation about the sustainability of long careers in music and what happens after the spotlight dims.

Who is Kalie Shorr?

As Shorr herself says, she has experienced quite the rise and fall of her career, so if you haven’t been the rollercoaster yourself, here’s a quick catch-up:?

Kalie started her rise to stardom by uploading covers to YouTube and grinding it out in the Nashville scene. After a few years of hustling, she released her debut album, Open Book, in 2019, and the right people noticed. The New York Times included it in their Best Albums of 2019 list, and critics praised her for her unflinching lyrics about heartbreak, trauma, and personal growth.

But here’s the thing about the music industry, even when you’ve got talent and critical acclaim, it doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing. Despite her success, Kalie’s career has had its ups and downs, and she’s not shy about sharing what happens when the hype fades. That’s what makes her story so compelling.?

"How I Got Unfamous"

At its core, this series is a breath of fresh air in an industry that loves glamorizing the hustle but rarely talks about burnout. Kalie’s approach is simple but impactful: she’s telling the truth about what happens after the big break.

Kalie’s not sugarcoating anything in an industry where the image is everything. Her unfiltered approach makes How I Got Unfamous stand out. She’s sharing the messy, unpolished parts of her career—the struggles, the setbacks, and the moments of doubt, and people are connecting with it because it’s real. She’s not just talking about how she made it? - she’s being brutally honest about what it’s like to keep going when the spotlight isn’t as bright and the choices she made that led her here. She’s self-aware and accountable, taking her share of the responsibility for the turns her career has taken. Still, most importantly, she’s explaining the inner workings of the industry that many people never get to witness for themselves, and many aspiring artists aren’t prepared to navigate.?

The movie Fame and its titular song taught us that fame is akin to immortality. Once you have it, you never lose it, and everything’s just up from there. But the truth is, staying relevant in the music industry is hard. Fame isn’t a level to unlock, it’s a constant battle to stay ahead of the trends in a rapidly evolving world. We rarely hear a narrative that’s neither a success story nor a massive failure.

Transparency in the Music Industry

Kalie’s story is personal, but it taps into the much bigger issue of transparency in the music industry. For years, artists have been kept out of the loop when it comes to major business decisions that affect their careers, emerging artists have been left out of frank discussions about the realities of the industry, and fans have been left in the dark about the?

How often have we heard artists complain about being left out of conversations with their own record labels? Musicians often feel on the outside looking in whether it’s about creative control, finances, or marketing decisions. Kalie’s willingness to speak up about these frustrations isn’t just refreshing—it’s necessary. She’s shining a light on a system that could use more honesty.

She’s certainly not alone. We’ve seen other artists—Taylor Swift being a prime example—start to demand more control over their work. Swift’s open discussion about owning her masters is one of the reasons she’s become such a powerhouse in the industry. These conversations aren’t just empowering for artists, they’re also making fans more aware of what goes on behind the scenes.

For aspiring musicians, transparency is key, too. For many new artists, the business side of things is a complete mystery. Labels, contracts, royalties—none of it comes with a handbook. Kalie’s openness is a lifeline to younger artists navigating the same murky waters. She’s giving them a heads-up about the challenges they’ll face and letting them know that it’s okay to struggle. It’s one thing we can do to try to make the industry better and more inclusive–giving the next generation information so they know how to advocate for themselves. Why do we make everyone learn from their own mistakes?

Authenticity as a Tool for Connection

I know this has been quite a few words about one social media series, but it points to a broader trend: authenticity. Social media platforms are flooded with new videos and photos every day, so it takes a lot to stand out, and what we return to time and time again is authenticity. Breaking down the barrier between artist and audience is a solid strategy and one more musician should consider. There’s a misconception that to be famous or successful, you have to be untouchable, larger-than-life, and mysterious, but in reality, fans don’t want perfection–they want connection.?

Kalie Shorr’s How I Got Unfamous series is more than just a behind-the-scenes look at one artist’s struggles. It’s a bold call for more transparency and authenticity in the music industry. As Kalie shows, being honest about the ups and downs of a career doesn’t make you weak—it makes you relatable. And that kind of honesty is a game-changer in an industry that often thrives on image and mystery.

If we want to build a better, more sustainable industry for the next generation of artists, we need more people like this. People who aren’t afraid to pull back the curtain and show what goes on behind the scenes. Because at the end of the day, the future of music isn’t just about selling the dream—it’s about sharing the truth.

About the memBrain STORM Report

memBrain LLC started?The STORM Report?in 2012 as a way of helping brands and retailers identify emerging music artists for licensing, endorsements, sponsorships, and other partnerships. With our 100th issue now in development, we are thrilled to have charted over 2000 artists and deeply studied the music industry's evolution over the past decade, amassing a readership of over 5K music industry thought leaders, marketing executives, media outlets, and more.

Visit www.membrainllc.com to learn more about memBrain, the STORM Report, and our mission to harness the power of connections.