The Manager’s Playbook 009: Gordan Dillard - Doja Cat, Amir Obe, Good Day Management, In Addition, Motown, Maverick Urban, SALXCO, A&R, Artist Management, Work Ethic
Sep 10, 2024
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Gordan Dillard, the powerhouse manager behind artists like Doja Cat, shares his remarkable journey in the music industry. He delves into his rise from an intern at Motown to becoming a vice president. Gordan discusses the importance of teamwork, work ethic, and authenticity, revealing how intuition fuels decision-making amidst challenges. With insights on pioneering management practices and the sacrifices required for success, he highlights the pivotal role of mentorship and support in navigating the ever-evolving music landscape.
Successful artists distinguish themselves through determination, work ethic, and engaging meaningfully with their fans in a competitive landscape.
A strong support system, built on collaboration and shared vision, is essential for artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry.
Managers play a crucial role in guiding artists through challenges and must embrace adaptability, integrity, and strategic decision-making for long-term success.
Deep dives
What Makes a Superstar Artist
To become a superstar artist, determination, consistency, creativity, and a clear vision are essential qualities that differentiate artists from their peers. While talent remains vital, it is no longer sufficient on its own; artists must actively engage with their fans and navigate a competitive landscape. Successful artists demonstrate an obsession with their craft, making sacrifices that sometimes affect personal relationships, to ensure they continue to grow and evolve professionally. By having a dedicated team to support their vision and by maintaining high creative standards, these artists can stand out amidst a saturated industry.
The Impact of a Strong Support System
A robust support system is crucial in the music industry, as evidenced by the experiences shared about the professional journeys of successful artists. Managers and teams must cultivate strong relationships with each other and their artists, aligning their efforts to ensure a cohesive vision and execution. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration among team members who understand the artist's goals and values, facilitating meaningful creativity and strategic decision-making. In essence, the synergy between an artist and their support system—managers, creative teams, and collaborators—can significantly impact the trajectory of their careers.
Navigating Challenges in Artist Management
Managing a successful artist involves navigating numerous challenges, including industry fluctuations and strategic decisions that can influence their career direction. A key takeaway was the importance of saying no to opportunities that might compromise an artist's vision or integrity, a practice that both managers and artists must embrace. The interview shared insight into the importance of maintaining focus during challenging times, emphasizing that even successful artists face periods of uncertainty and reevaluation. By learning how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, managers can help artists remain resilient and adaptive in a rapidly changing landscape.
The Financial Aspects of Artist Development
Understanding the financial landscape is vital for both artists and managers, as they must deal with contracts, revenue generation, and budgeting for projects. The discussion touched on how independent artists can create leverage when signing with record labels and which steps they should take to ensure favorable terms. By structuring deals that prioritize artist welfare and growth, managers can facilitate long-term success, avoiding the pitfalls of relying solely on label support. Furthermore, building multiple revenue streams—even outside of music—can empower artists to take control of their careers and navigate financial adversity effectively.
Cultivating Authentic Connections with Fans
Authenticity is vital for artists who seek to connect deeply with their fans and maintain a loyal following. It is noted that fans today are discerning and can quickly identify insincerity, which can jeopardize an artist's career if not managed appropriately. Engaging with fans requires artists to stay true to their image and vision, yielding a genuine connection that can translate to commercial success. In a world where access to artists is constant, the importance of being authentic and relatable shines through as an essential building block for a sustainable career.
The Role of Managers in Artist Trajectory
The responsibilities of a manager extend beyond day-to-day operations; they play a crucial role in an artist’s creative and business decisions. Effective managers understand the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry and are equipped to guide their artists through complex situations by providing advice based on experience. This dynamic requires managers to be lifelong learners who continuously adapt while preparing their artists for future opportunities. The conversation illustrated how building trust and accountability between managers and artists allows for more dynamic collaborations that can lead to significant success.
In this episode of The Manager's Playbook, we sit down with Gordan Dillard, the powerhouse manager behind superstar artists like Doja Cat. Gordan shares his incredible journey through the ups and downs of the music industry and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.
From interning at Motown to working at BET, Maverick Urban, and Capitol Music Group, to co-founding Good Day Management and In Addition, Gordan offers insight into the worlds of A&R and artist management. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of teamwork, work ethic, and having a clear vision, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories that shaped his career.
Ladies and gentleman, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Without further ado, Gordan Dillard.
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