Gordan Dillard Manages Doja Cat Like A CEO | EP 48
Dec 12, 2024
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Gordan Dillard, a renowned music manager behind Doja Cat's success, dives into his journey through the music industry. He emphasizes the importance of passion and long-term investment in artist growth. Gordan shares insights about navigating the emotional and financial complexities of management while highlighting the need for trust over commissions. He reflects on missed opportunities and their lessons, all while discussing the dual nature of social media in shaping careers. This candid conversation is packed with invaluable wisdom for aspiring music professionals.
Creating value is essential for growth and success in the competitive music industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication.
Management in the music industry acts as a CEO's role, coordinating various stakeholders to ensure an artist's career flourishes.
Long-term commitment and perseverance are crucial for young professionals navigating the often grueling journey into the music industry.
Deep dives
Creating Value in Business
Creating value is highlighted as a fundamental principle in both personal and business development. The speaker emphasizes that regardless of one's position or industry, focusing on generating value will lead to growth and success. This concept is particularly relevant in the music industry, where passion and dedication are essential for enduring the inherent challenges. Without a genuine love for the craft, individuals may find themselves unfulfilled and undercompensated as they navigate the competitive landscape.
The Role of Management and A&R
The distinctions between roles in the music industry, particularly Management and A&R, are clearly outlined. A&R representatives primarily focus on the creative aspects, such as discovering talent and overseeing the production of music, while managers act as the CEOs of the artist's career, handling the majority of the business operations. This managerial role involves coordinating efforts among various stakeholders, including agents, PR firms, and marketing teams. Understanding these roles allows aspiring professionals to navigate their paths more effectively within the music industry.
The Importance of Passion and Persistence
The journey into the music industry is described as a grind requiring immense passion and perseverance. The speaker shares personal experiences that illustrate the reality of working unpaid for numerous years while learning the ropes of management. Without a commitment to one's goals, the lengthy and often grueling process can become discouraging. Highlighting the necessity of maintaining a long-term perspective, the conversation encourages young professionals to remain focused on their vision despite immediate challenges.
The Influence of Background on Entrepreneurial Spirit
Personal stories reveal how one's upbringing can shape an entrepreneurial mindset and work ethic. The speaker reflects on growing up in a family involved in the arts and entrepreneurship, which fostered a sense of determination and the value of hard work. Experiences of financial hardship and the pressure to succeed instilled resilience and resourcefulness, essential traits for navigating a competitive career like music management. This background cultivated a recognition of the importance of relationships and connections in building a successful career.
Navigating Success and Building Long-Term Careers
The discussion emphasizes that building a successful career in music requires both strategic planning and adaptability. Artists often face pressure to maintain their relevance, underscoring the importance of consistent output and engagement with fans. Strategies for fostering growth in an artist's career include starting with a small, dedicated audience and gradually expanding their reach. By understanding the intricacies of the industry and remaining flexible, managers can help their artists thrive even in an ever-evolving landscape.
Gordan Dillard is behind one of the biggest stars in the world, Doja Cat. From growing up in music to managing a megastar, he’s seen it all. He shares stories on what it takes to manage artists, the lessons that shaped his CEO mindset, and how he navigates the highs and lows of the industry. If you think you're going to get rich overnight in the music industry, run the other way.
No shortage of ounces of gold on this episode. Shoutout our folks at JM Bullion: https://www.jmbullion.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=business_untitled
Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this podcast, constitutes an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments or to participate in any advisory services or trading strategy. Nothing contained in this document constitutes investment, legal or tax advice or is an endorsement of any of the investments/companies mentioned herein.
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