- Estimated Net Worth: William Bevan, known as Burial, has an estimated net worth between
- Primary Income: His wealth comes mainly from record sales, streaming royalties, and high-profile remixes for artists like Massive Attack.
- No Touring: Unlike most DJs, Burial does not tour. This decision significantly lowers his potential earnings but maintains his legendary mystique.
- Asset Value: His catalog remains a steady earner due to the cult status of albums like Untrue.
The Truth About Burial's Net Worth
Everyone knows the crackle. That signature vinyl noise and the distant, lonely vocal chops. Burial is one of the most mysterious names in electronic music. You love the tunes, but you probably wonder about the money. Does a producer who never shows his face actually get rich? The short answer is yes, but not in the way you might expect.
As of 2026, Burial net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million to $3 million.
This number might seem low compared to stadium-filling DJs, but it is impressive for an artist who refuses to play live. Most electronic artists make 80% of their money on the road. William Bevan stays home. He makes his money the old-school way. He sells records. He gets streams. He creates art that stands the test of time.
How Does William Bevan Make Money?
Burial is not your typical music industry success story. He does not have a marketing team pushing his face on billboards. His income streams are passive and rely heavily on the quality of his back catalog.
Music Sales and Streaming
The bulk of William Bevan net worth comes from the sales of his physical music and digital streams. His 2007 album, Untrue, is widely considered a masterpiece. It was nominated for the Mercury Prize, which caused sales to skyrocket. Even nearly two decades later, vinyl collectors still buy this record in droves.
Streaming pays less than physical sales, but the numbers add up over time. Burial has millions of monthly listeners across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Since he writes and produces everything himself, he keeps a larger slice of the royalty pie. He does not have to split songwriting credits with five other people.
If you are wondering how to make money as a music producer without performing, Burial is the perfect case study. He focuses entirely on the product, not the performance.
Remixes and Collaborations
Remixes are a hidden goldmine for Burial earnings. He does not remix just anyone. He works with giants. When you get asked to remix massive acts like Massive Attack, Thom Yorke, or Bloc Party, the fees are substantial.
These aren't just standard club edits. A Burial remix is often a complete reimagining of the song. This allows him to charge premium rates. Additionally, his collaborations with Four Tet and Thom Yorke have generated significant buzz and sales. These limited-edition vinyl releases often sell out instantly, putting immediate cash into his pocket.
Sync Licensing
You hear Burial tracks in documentaries, films, and moody TV shows. This is called sync licensing. It is one of the best ways for a studio-based musician to build Burial assets. Because his music is atmospheric and emotional, it fits perfectly with visual media. Each time a show uses "Archangel" or "Come Down to Us," Bevan gets paid.
Touring vs. Studio Income: The Big Tradeoff
This is the most critical factor in understanding dubstep artist income when looking at Burial. Most producers in the dubstep or garage scene tour relentlessly. They play festivals, club nights, and private parties.
Touring is grueling, but it pays incredibly well. A single festival set can earn a top-tier DJ anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000. Burial earns $0 from this avenue.
Here is a breakdown of how the lack of touring impacts his financial standing compared to his peers:
| Artist Type | Primary Income Source | Estimated Net Worth | Touring Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burial | Royalties & Sales | $1.5M – $3M | Never |
| Skrillex | Festivals & Touring | $50M+ | High |
| Four Tet | Touring & Sales | $10M+ | Medium |
| James Blake | Touring & Features | $8M+ | Medium |
By choosing anonymity, Burial leaves millions on the table. However, this scarcity creates value. His brand is stronger because he is unreachable. If he ever decided to play a show, he could likely charge an astronomical fee.
Navigating the Industry as a Ghost
William Bevan's approach to the music business is unique. He stays with Hyperdub, an independent label run by Kode9. Indie labels typically offer more artist-friendly deals than major labels. This means a higher percentage of royalties per record sold.
He also avoids the legal headaches that plague many producers. His music relies heavily on samples, which can be a nightmare regarding music copyright law. Early in his career, the obscure nature of his samples kept him under the radar. As he grew famous, clearing these samples likely became a business expense, but one that ensures his catalog remains legitimate and profitable.
What Does Burial Spend His Money On?
Burial is famously low-key. He does not post photos of Lamborghinis or mansions. Stories from the mid-2000s described him making beats on an old, dying computer using Sound Forge. He is not known for flashing cash.
Burial assets likely include:
- Real Estate: Practical property investments in South London.
- Studio Gear: While he started with basic tech, he likely has a comfortable home studio setup now.
- Private Life: Money buys privacy. His wealth allows him to live without the public eye intruding on his day-to-day life.
Comparing him to mainstream acts highlights this difference. Look at Afrojack's net worth and you see a lifestyle of jets and luxury. Burial represents the other side of the coin: the quiet craftsman who values solitude over stardom.
What is Burial's real name?
Burial's real name is William Bevan. He remained anonymous for the early years of his career until revealing his identity in 2008 following his Mercury Prize nomination.
Does Burial ever tour or DJ?
No, Burial does not tour or play live DJ sets. He is strictly a studio producer, which is rare for an artist of his fame in the electronic music genre.
How much did Burial make from Untrue?
While exact figures are private, Untrue was a critical and commercial success in the indie sector. It sold tens of thousands of physical copies and continues to generate significant streaming revenue annually.
Is Burial rich compared to other dubstep artists?
He is wealthy by normal standards but earns significantly less than touring dubstep stars like Skrillex or Rusko. His wealth comes from royalties rather than high-paying festival gigs.
What software does Burial use to make music?
Burial is famous for using an older version of Sound Forge. He edits audio waves visually without using a traditional sequencer or grid, giving his music its unique, off-kilter rhythm.


