A Modern Artist Bootcamp
If you're a musician looking to make music your full-time career, please read this.
It’s possible. But it’s not easy.
You know this.
And you also know that talent is only half the battle.
The real work, the part that separates short-term success from a long-lasting career, lies in strategy, branding, content, songwriting, mindset, connections, and relentless execution of a well thought out game plan.
In short: it’s hard work.
Artists who break through today aren’t waiting around for labels or managers. They’re taking radical ownership and building careers from the ground up. In fact, it’s the labels and managers who end up chasing them, not the other way around. Being an artist today means being an entrepreneur, a marketer and a content creator.
That’s why I’m launching this “Modern Artist” Intensive.
Some would call it a bootcamp. I like to think of it as “modern artist development”
A two-month artist program, designed for only 8 to 12 artists at a time, who are ready to fully commit to their careers.
Who Is This For?
You’re tired of sitting on the sidelines. You’re ready to take a real shot at your career. Deep down, you know if you don’t do it now, you probably never will.
You've been told you’re good your entire life, you’re just unsure on next steps.
You've been kicked off of American Idol or The Voice and you're depressed.
You've won American Idol or The Voice and you thought it would actually bring value, but now you’re depressed.
You're a young artist on a label who needs to post more content.
you’ve been dropped from your label cause you’re "not connecting on socials”
You're signed to a publishing company under an "artist development" deal and they want you to make more content.
You’d rather hide in a hole than post your music online.
You’ve thought about hanging it up because the music business has just beaten you down.
You’ve never truly given it everything, and you'd regret it if you didn’t.
you’re kinda like me, a little past your prime, but still have something to say.
You need accountability, a game plan, a clear path.
You’ve never committed to growing an online following, and you’d like to start.
and the list goes on and on and on….
Why Most Artists Fail:
Common themes I’ve gathered working with over 300 artists.
In no particular order.
1. Lack of follow-through. Most artists, and most people, for that matter, LOVE TO TALK. I’m going do this or that, release this album, make this video, go on this tour…. when in fact, 90% of it never happens.
Fortunately, in this group, you’re not allowed to talk about a dream unless you follow it up with action.
2. The horrible way in which most navigate social media. They’re either not posting at all, or posting lazy and unintentional content. And when something doesn’t connect, they stop. I get it. I’ve been there too. Try and fail 20 times? It starts to feel pointless. Staying in bed for a month sounds easier than posting another video that gets 34 views and like from your mom.
Fortunately, you’ll be required to get out of bed and experiment with your posts. You’ll get creative. Intentional. You’ll be encouraged. You’ll be posting often. You’ll be in a group that laughs with you at your flops and celebrates with you when your content finally connects.
3. Most artists are lying to themselves. Some don’t see the gold inside of themselves. Others believe they’re already stars, when the actual truth hurts. Artists who truly know who they are have a massive advantage, they’re 90% ahead of those still trying to figure it out. I’d bet on them every time. When you’re clear on your identity, everything else: your sound, your content, your branding, your decision. They flows with purpose. This group will dig deep and continue to answer life’s most important question: Who am I, really?
4. Lastly, for time sake, most artists put out average or bad music. see point 3.
Fortunately, you’ll have honest conversations and get real feedback from a group of people who WANT TO SEE YOU WIN! And I know some pretty amazing writers too.
SO…
Here we are.
What to Expect: The Commitment to the Craft
This is called a boot camp for a reason. Expect intensity.
You’ll need to commit significant daily time: anywhere from 2 to 6 hours a day, focused on creation, strategy, and your group homework. This is a full-time focus for two months. Ninety percent of our meetings will take place online, so there's no need to pack up and move to Nashville, unless you really want to.
Here’s what we’ll dive into:
The biggest question of all time: WHO ARE YOU AS AN ARTIST?
How to get better music. It starts with a song. And I'm sorry, but most people really suck at writing music. And unfortunately, the good writers really suck at marketing their good music.
How to get better content. Again, most artists suck at making good content. You need to start making better content unless you want to work at Starbucks for the rest of your music days.
Get OVER THE FEaAR OF PEeRFECTION. Holy moly, this one is just dumb. You’ll actually put out music.
How to build a sustainable brand: Can we please get some new photos? Holy smokes. Let’s define your visual brand, craft your story, identify your audience, and make sure your message stays true to you.
Navigate the landmines of social media: We will learn how to pivot when things don’t connect and how to stay mentally healthy in the process.
How to master content and social strategy.: Focus on high-impact platforms (TikTok, Reels, etc.), storytelling that resonates and building the muscle for execution. You must post. holy moly, you must post. We’ll learn by doing and adjusting in real time. YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO CREATE AND POST.
Essential DIY skills. Learn how to make your own demos and use the production tools on your very own computer. Learn production, photo editing, the magic of AI — all the tips and tricks the pros use.
Business 101 and beyond. Understand basic law, contracts, and how to protect your rights and your art.
Mindset and momentum: Build resilience, overcome posting paralysis, set real stretch goals, and show up consistently, even when it’s hard. You’ll either be a rockstar, or happy you tried.
Deepening self-knowledge and focus: We will clarify who you are and why you do this. Please Lord, let’s remove the distractions and confront those internal voices “i’m not good enough, this is for other people” and align your actions with your calling.
Think of it like a PhD for the modern music industry. Or simply put, "modern day artist development."
Some people will make excuses:
“I don’t need social media.”
“I’m just a musician. I don’t want to market my stuff.”
“I’m too old for anyone to care.” “i’m about the art, man”
Good. Stay poor.
…now let’s get back to it.
Let’s stop complaining and find out what you’re really made of. And by the end of this, you’ll either have breakthrough and vision, or you’ll be proud that you gave it a real shot. At least you won’t have to look back and wonder “what if?” I guarantee you’ll learn a lot about yourself along the way.
Here’s How It Will Look
We’ll start by meeting twice a week (online so you don’t have to move to Nashville) for strategic planning, feedback, study, and guest mentor session from my network of Grammy winners, top managers, hit songwriters and successful artists. We'll also do practical exercises tailored to the group’s most immediate needs.
That said, this format will be flexible. We may meet more or less, depending on the group’s pace. This is a living, breathing process designed to adapt to real-time feedback and growth.
Like family, we’ll learn from each other, challenge one another, and hold each other accountable. Failure isn’t just allowed: it’s expected. It’s part of finding what works.
Why Run With Me?
Fair question.
I’ve been doing this DIY artist thing for almost 20 years. I’ve failed a ton. And I’ve struck gold more than a few times too.
I’ve built multiple music businesses, including Song House, a Nashville incubator helping artists grow through content and social media. I've connected people with labels, publishing deals, and opening slots on major tours. I’ve toured the world myself, played for royalty, generated billions of streams, signed (and walked away from) major label deals, collaborated with legends (Earth, Wind & Fire, Jason Mraz, Jason Derulo, and so many more), and navigated the darkest moments where no one seemed to care.
I’ve mentored artists who went from zero followers to millions, from unknown dreamers to viral creators. I’ve helped them build real careers.
I Know What It Feels Like:
I understand the struggle of doing this on your own. The loneliness. The daily internal battles. The questioning. The urge to believe that taking a chance on yourself is meant for someone else. I’ve been there.
But I also know, without a doubt, it’s actually possible. Using your creative gifts and making a living is actually possible. Especially when you have the right strategy and a community of creatives walking the same journey.
I’m bringing everything I’ve got into this group: the wins, the losses, and the lessons I’m still learning.
So if you’re ready to do the work, embrace the challenge, and build something that actually lasts, I’m ready to run with you.
Let’s go.
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