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According to Nielsen research, only 2.1% of the albums released in 2009 sold even 5,000 copies, that’s just 2,050 records out of nearly 100,000. In ‘Hollywood accounting’ circles, the movie industry ensures even big hit movies “lose money” on paper, whilst the recording industry applies similar practices. If certain individuals are remunerated for music sales, musicians do not greatly figure amongst the winners; the Root online magazine, a publication specialising in African-American culture, alleging in a 2010 published report that for every $1,000 sold, the average musician gets $23.40.

Small wonder therefore that artists like Rihanna, living the blissful and binged-out existence millions of wannabees think they want, should be mindful of backroom deals. The singer reportedly had $11m in cash in January 2009 but just $2m by the year end; a $7.5m investment in a dilapidated Beverley Hills mansion chiefly responsible for her financial misfortune.

Welcome to the world of dodgy accountants…….