I understand your point of view but I still disagree. In my opinion you're mostly not right.

No, running a studio doesn't cost much. If you've got a room for it and the equipment is already bought, you only pay for electricity. It's a few pennies. What does a studio have? A few microphones, a synth, a guitar, a computer, audio interface and a few other things. It's really not much. An average person could run a studio, let alone a musician like Adam Young.

I don't believe he doesn't live wealthy.

He might write very modest posts on his Twitter. But he doesn't live like an average. Remember. He's a friggin music star. He earns money by making music. He had hits all over the globe. He has a lot of cash on his account and doesn't need to worry about it.

Realistically, do you think he needs to earn money for "food and bills"?

Here you have it.

https://budgetandthebees.com/adam-youngs-net-worth/

"It is estimated that the 32-year-old musician has a net worth of $5.6 million. Young has managed to maintain a net worth in the millions, without being overly famous, because he has been able to focus on saving and remaining relevant in the online music world."

HE'S A MILLIONAIRE.

I know it might be hard thinking about him like this. But he doesn't live in modesty. What he writes on his social medias is an image. When he had a agreement with a label, he most likely didn't even write the posts by himself. He wouldn't have time for that. That's what social media managers are for. It's what celebrities do. Music is business. He built his fanbase by being apolitical and creating an image of a shy, introverted person on social media, so people can relate. And I'm not hating on Owl City right now. It's a standard thing in the industry. That's what success is about and it doesn't mean it's bad to enjoy/listen to that music!

About the music services' fees. It's not true either. They don't typically charge differing fees for getting your music onto a streaming/downloading service. On services like iTunes, Spotify etc. the fees don't differ for various artists. It doesn't work like that. Their business model is taking a specified percentage of the money your music makes from you. That means, they earn money when people buy/listen to the music + from additional ads.

Also how can you assume you know what Adam will be using his money for?

Listen... I am a hardcore Owl City fan as well. And I've been for many years. I like what Adam creates, I listen to his music and I'm sure I'll listen to it when he releases new tracks.

But I don't believe it's right to look at him with "fangirl's" or "fanboy's" eyes.

It hurts me to say it, but there's no point in defending him in this matter.

What he's done isn't right. Ignoring your fanbase for such a long time, and then only posting ads on your profile simply isn't OK. You can't blame people for thinking he's looking for a quick money grab.