We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ilias Anwar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ilias , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally was when I was a kid who was deeply immersed in the world of video games and skateboarding. I grew up creating my own trick-shotting clan called Tactical Network and building communities around my favorite games like MapleStory. I was constantly inspired by how these digital spaces allowed people from all over to connect, share stories, and create moments together.

This passion for bringing people together through creativity only grew stronger as I got older. During my college years at VCU, I initially thought I would pursue fashion design to create my own luxury line. But it wasn’t long before I realized my true passion lay in building something more dynamic a platform that could help connect artists, creatives, and audiences across different mediums. I switched gears and started TCC Entertainment, which began as a blog focused on up-and-coming artists but quickly evolved into a full-fledged creative agency.

The moment it truly clicked for me was when I organized our first major event. The energy, the collaboration, and the impact of bringing hundreds of people together in a space filled with music, art, and culture it was electrifying. I knew then that my path was to harness that creative energy to build communities, create experiences, and push boundaries in the digital and physical worlds. From that point on, I was all in committed to using my creativity to not just entertain, but to inspire and connect people on a deeper level.

Since then, I’ve built Tapped AI, launched Creator Week, and managed countless events, campaigns, and creative projects. But it all started with that first spark, that feeling of being in the middle of something creative, powerful, and transformative, and realizing that I wanted to spend my life creating those kinds of moments.

Ilias , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Ilias Anwar, an entrepreneur, creator, and creative with a passion for blending art, technology, and culture. My journey began with building online communities around video games, which evolved into founding TCC Entertainment, a creative agency that has managed over 400 events across music, tech, fashion, and film, partnering with major names like NFL Super Bowl Weekend, NY Fashion Week, and Bitcoin Miami. Through TCC, we’ve generated 90 million impressions annually and managed over 300 influencers for brands like Warner Music, Home Depot, and Monster Energy.

I also co-founded Tapped AI, a live music data analytics platform designed to empower artists with actionable insights. We launched with a viral April Fool’s campaign that closed a friends and family round, and brought in 4,000 users without any ad spend, showcasing how creativity and strategy can drive growth. Additionally, I’ve authored “Cheat Codes,” a book that guides creators, entrepreneurs, and gamers on building their personal brands, selling over 500 copies independently.

What sets me apart is my ability to innovate and create impactful stories that resonate. From directing music videos and commercials to executing successful brand activations for clients like Monster Energy and Rolling Loud, my work is about pushing boundaries and fostering community. I aim to create platforms where creativity thrives and meaningful connections are made. Whether through my ventures or personal brand, my mission is to inspire, connect, and create.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Building Tapped AI has been a journey of constant adaptation. We began as a badge verification platform for the entertainment industry but found limited traction. We then pivoted to a booking marketplace, and later, an AI-driven record label, both of which faced challenges in a competitive landscape.

Realizing the potential in data, we shifted our focus to becoming a live music data analytics company. This pivot proved successful, providing artists and venues with valuable insights to optimize performances and tours. A viral April Fool’s campaign validated this direction, closing a fundraising round and acquiring 4,000 users with no marketing spend.

Each pivot refined our focus and led us to our core value, empowering the live music industry with actionable data. This journey taught me the power of flexibility and listening to the market.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to create whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want. That is the true meaning of freedom to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tccentertainment.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iliasanwar_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilias-anwar-9659a9141/
• Twitter: https://x.com/iliasanwar_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iliasanwar

Image Credits

Arman Hossain