We recently connected with Adam Ramey and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Adam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Someone once told me in the beginning of my journey ”It’s hard to make money as an artist, but it’s easy to make money off of an artist.” I’ve learned that to be very true as time went on. That being said, there are many ways to monetize. One thing to note, It’s hard to make money DIRECTLY from your craft as a musician, however, INDIRECTLY is sometimes more easily attainable.
One thing I’ve done is vocal features. I have made a good amount of money on the front end and back end of doing features.
Another one is consultations, I have consulted with other artists on helping them get to the next level.
Work remotely. If you tour, maybe find a job that allows you to work remotely.
Merch items at the merch table. Make art and sell it, one of my bandmates makes drawings, another makes necklaces out of broken cymbal pieces, another one makes braclets out of old guitar strings and yarn. Sometimes, they can make $80-200 a night on tour on the side just doing that.
Get good at something new when you have all that time in the van. Learn graphic design or photography/videography/marketing
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am in a band called Dropout Kings. A rap/rock band from Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve been doing music since I was 14 years old, Arizona native, My band has toured the world since it started in 2018. In 2020, I started a marketing agency called PUSH Digital Marketing during the pandemic because I lost my job due to the virus. I pivoted and took a chance because I had nothing to lose and nothing but time. It paid off in a big way and actually changed my entire life. 3 years later and I’m self-employed, my business has made 1m+ in gross revenue, I work with several of my favorite artists and major labels like SONY and Universal Music Group, I’ve helped launch several business start-ups and many other businesses spreading across a variety of industries. I have made my clients several million dollars over these last 3 years.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I’m a big fan of Pokemon, that being said, If you know the theme song, I WANT TO BE THE VERY BEST, LIKE NO ONE EVER WAS! That is my driving force. I want to create generational wealth for my family and achieve greatness to show them you can literally do anything you set your mind to. Especially to my wife and newborn son Jude.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’ve never given up, EVER. No matter how tough it got. I would get payday loans to payoff payday loans to get the money to market my band. The pandemic took my job and touring away from me, I pivoted and leveraged the situation and it changed my life in the best way. I’ve struggled with drug addiction, death, violence, and so many other things. But, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade it or change any of it, no matter how bad it may seem. As a matter of fact, Ive learned to be grateful for my problems because I know it could always be worse. It made me who I am today, and I like who I am today. Everything happens the way it’s intended to happen. It can’t happen any other way. It’s up to you to either go with it or resist it.
Contact Info:
- Website: pushdigitalmarketing.com
- Instagram: @adam_ramey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adam.ramey.71/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ramey-016228289
Image Credits
Sarah Carmody Photography Charlie Mumbles