Power in Unity
[I offer] management contracts, record deals and publishing deals or combinations of the three. You’ll get a more favorable record deal if I’m your manager or you’ll get a more favorable management deal if I am also your label and publisher. Being signed to all three is most beneficial [to an artist], not only financially but also having a full-service team working toward the same goals.
The departments of different companies need to be working together, on the same timeline, not the promotions department doing their thing and the PR department doing their thing without the same strategy or agenda in mind.
On the (Fan) Level
A few key things have worked for us in the past. It’s consistent delivery of content. It’s direct artist to fan communication, staying on the level of the fan and becoming a peer. Engaging them in the process of making music and a musician’s lifestyle so they really feel they’re part of it and not just watching it or buying it.
At the end of the day, I don’t work with artists who don’t do this for the fans and love of the craft. I’m a firm believer in being on the same level as the fan and not trying to be idolized.
Get Fans, Then Let Them Build Buzz
[Artists should] build their fan bases and put out content online to get noticed. Don’t be worried about finding a label. [Artists] need to draw in fans and encourage those fans to spread the word for them.
The EDM Manager
The EDM fan consumes music and content faster than other genres, and they attend more shows. Most DJs are always touring, so you’re constantly dealing with shows. With your artists flying all over the world, you have to make time for them being in the studio and other responsibilities.
Behind-the-Scenes
The main thing that’s hard to see from an outsider’s perspective is how much [effort] goes into a song before it comes out. From the people involved in making, fine-tuning and polishing [a song] and getting it to a place where everyone’s happy. The public only hears the finished product and don’t know that song has been in the works for years before it ever hits their ears.
For the Love of Electronic Dance Music
I could never work in a genre that I didn’t love, so it felt good that I ended up working in EDM.
EDM is going to evolve into more of a live performance. You’re going to start seeing DJs perform with musicians and singers more and feature artists on songs then touring with them. They’ll continue to give audiences more for their money.
Work Hard at What You Love
Before the unexpected “#SELFIE” explosion, we worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a year building and working on the Chainsmokers. We put everything—blood, sweat and tears—into it. And yeah, we did luck out, but we were building a brand that was on its way to being big with or without “#SELFIE.”
We felt blessed that song took off, but it was hard work that paid off. Work as hard as you can, and it won’t feel like work; it will be enjoyable. And as each good thing happens, you’ll feel rewarded from that.
