Why The ‘Sicko Mode’ Producer Is Investing In The Future Of Music Technology

Key Concepts

• Producer's journey from local success to global recognition
• Importance of building relationships and networking authentically
• Leveraging social media for artist development and audience engagement
• Diversifying income streams through royalties, publishing, and investments
• Giving back to the community and inspiring future generations
• The evolving landscape of the music industry and the role of AI

Early Career and Breakthrough

Tay Keith, a Grammy-nominated producer, discusses his journey in the music industry, emphasizing that he is "just getting started" despite his significant achievements before the age of 30. He highlights the importance of adapting and planning for long-term career growth.

• Building from the Ground Up: His initial strategy involved working with upcoming artists, focusing on building relationships and developing a unique sound together.
• The Big Break (2017-2018): The turning point came when the buzz around his productions and the artists he collaborated with expanded beyond Memphis, gaining traction in neighboring states like Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi. This regional success eventually led to viral recognition.

Collaboration with Major Artists

• Drake: Tay Keith's collaboration with Drake on "Look Alive" was a pivotal moment. Drake reached out to him and Blockboy JB, leading to the creation of the hit record.
• Miley Cyrus: He expresses surprise and excitement about working with Miley Cyrus, highlighting it as an unexpected but fulfilling collaboration.

Navigating Challenges and the Evolving Industry

• Moments of Doubt: He acknowledges the presence of doubt in the industry but stresses the importance of staying focused and persistent.
• Increased Competition: Tay Keith believes it's tougher to break into the music industry now compared to when he started due to increased saturation and the evolving nature of social media.
• Social Media's Impact: Social media has enabled artists to cultivate dedicated fan bases and achieve success without necessarily being mainstream.

Financial Aspects and Business Ventures

• Revenue Streams: Producers primarily earn money through royalties and publishing rights. While some may sell their masters, Tay Keith emphasizes that the best approach depends on individual circumstances.
• Dramatized Label: He founded Dramatized to create a "camp" for producers, providing them with opportunities, connections, and mentorship.

Networking and Artist Development

• Building Relationships: He advises aspiring musicians to focus on building genuine relationships with peers and artists rather than solely seeking opportunities.
• Getting a Foot in the Door: For those without industry connections, he recommends utilizing social media, sending out loops and beats via email, and leveraging platforms like YouTube to showcase their work.
• Personal Branding: Artists should strategically use social media to define their brand and understand what they want to be known for.

Investments and Community Engagement

• Shadow Tequila: Tay Keith invested in Shadow Tequila, a company founded by his business partner and his sister, which is based in Tennessee and ships to 30-40 states.
• Path Water & Bounce: He has also invested in Path Water and Bounce, a company he co-owns with his business partner Camber.
• Untitled App: He is particularly excited about Untitled, an app similar to Dropbox but tailored for music sharing, providing feedback and tracking features.
• Sound XYZ & Udo: He invested in Sound XYZ, an NFT marketplace for music, and Udo, an AI-generated music program. He views AI tools like Udo as potentially beneficial, similar to the adoption of auto-tune.
• Giving Back to Memphis: He actively engages in community initiatives in Memphis, including a poetry contest with the city's youth services department and wig donations for women through his mother's initiative.

Influences and Reflections

• Inspirations: He cites Memphis producers like Drumma Boy and DJ Squeaky, as well as prominent figures like The Neptunes, Timbaland, Metro Boomin, and Southside, as his influences.
• Advice to His Younger Self: He would advise his 18-year-old self to spend more time with family, recognizing the value of those moments amidst the demands of a music career.

Conclusion

Tay Keith's interview provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of success in the modern music industry. He emphasizes the importance of strategic networking, continuous learning, and diversifying income streams through investments. His commitment to giving back to his community and inspiring future generations underscores his holistic approach to success, extending beyond personal achievements to create a lasting impact.