To help us kickstart the year Alexa is joined by VocalizeU’s very own Big Billy Clark and Elliott O’Connor who were here to help us and the singers we work with navigate the music industry. VocalizeU is a 10-day immersive artist program offering a 360° music education with performance, identity, production, songwriting, theatre, and management.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

We think when we hear a new artist that what we’re listening to is their first song, but in reality artists put in years of work before the breakthrough moment. That breakthrough moment is hard to predict because of changing trends and almost all artists will never have that random piece of luck that propels a career. 
For record labels, popularity is good for business and is usually preferential over talent. You can be incredibly talented, but if a label doesn't know how to market you then they’re not going to make as much money as someone who is more popular but potentially less talented. 
Billy and Elliott believe that the key skills an artist must have to firstly work with them and to secondly be successful are: hard working, focused on their goals, has their own ideas and suggestions, can take on suggestions and ideas from others, and originality. 
Don’t hold onto your music, you could just be delaying the process. Get it out there so people can get to know you and your story. You also never know when something is going to hit, some things gain popularity years after being released. 

BEST MOMENTS 
‘There’s a lack of artist development at major labels which is why artists are forced to do it themselves’ 
‘No matter where you are as an artist, stay true to who you are. People can see authenticity’
‘It’s important to have a story that’s relatable to people’ 
‘Sometimes the box you check is not what they’re looking for right now’
EPISODE RESOURCES 
Guest Website:

https://vocalizeu-worldwide.myshopify.com/

Social Media:

Youtube: VocalizeU 2024: Define & Design Your Artist Journey
Instagram: @vocalizeu
      @bigbillyclark
      @elliottoconnor

VocalizeU Discount Code: HOLIDAY500 + BAST350
Relevant Links & Mentions: 

Artists mentioned: Billie Eilish; Nicki Minaj; Ariana Grande; Drake; The Weeknd 
ChatGPT
Ayanna Sealy Performance Coach 
Dave Stroud: @dsvocalstudio 

BAST Book A Call: basttraining.com/bookacall/
ABOUT THE GUEST 
VocalizeU: VocalizeU is a 10-day, all-inclusive immersive artist development intensive program that provides an intensive 360° music education experience with performance training, artist identity, production, songwriting, musical theatre, music management, and much more!
Taught and mentored by music professionals, executives and Grammy winning artists, our artists receive individual attention to develop their artistry in a safe and structured environment.
Led by Music Executives Big Billy Clark & Elliott O'Connor, whose experience spans both sides of label business and artist management. Elliott's independent record label and artists have reached over 1 billion+ streams on Spotify alone and sells out national tours. Billy steers the careers of many Billboard chart-topping and award winning artists. Their collective knowledge of music applies to their approach to the VU experience and their passion to provide a practical artist development program for a sustainable and healthy music career.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.
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