We recently connected with Elijah Salgado and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elijah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
When I reflect on how my journey began, it takes me back to my high school years, around 15 to 16 years old, as a freshman or sophomore. Just like countless others, I carried a dream within me, and that dream fueled my relentless pursuit of experience in the music industry. Whether it meant being a flyer distributor for shows or working with booking agencies and management firms, I eagerly embraced any position that would broaden my understanding.
To expand my knowledge, I even ventured into audio engineering, setting up a makeshift studio in my bedroom to record and support local talent. Through these diverse experiences, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how the entertainment business operates.
Countless years of unwavering dedication and hard work have led me to proudly establish my own Agency firm today. With the invaluable support of my exceptional staff and team members, I now have the privilege of making a positive impact on people’s lives. I must admit, there were numerous moments when the lack of financial reward tempted me to give up. However, I persevered because my passion and commitment to this business surpassed the pursuit of money.
Ultimately, dedicating nearly a decade to my passion and hobby has proven to be an immensely gratifying journey. It has always been driven by my profound love for this industry rather than mere financial gains.
Elijah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey into music began when I teamed up with my best friend, Deven Goff, during my sophomore year of high school. It was through this collaboration that our shared love for music blossomed. However, prior to immersing myself in the world of music, I faced significant challenges during my upbringing, much like many others. From navigating the foster care system to shouldering the responsibility of supporting myself since the age of 16, music became a source of solace that provided respite from life’s problems and negative thoughts.
I completed my education in Somerset, a small country city located just outside San Antonio. At the age of 17, I took a leap of faith and moved to the bustling city of San Antonio, where I simultaneously pursued my musical dreams while independently sustaining myself. Being my own guardian proved to be a formidable task, but it instilled in me a resilient mentality that shapes my approach to business today.
Throughout the years, there were moments of uncertainty, unsure if my endeavors in music would unfold according to plan. After all, for many, working in music remains a hobby or a mere dream. Nevertheless, I remained resolute in my commitment to achieving success, regardless of whether it brought small or substantial gains.
Now, nine years later, I consider myself blessed to work with immensely talented composers on a professional level. Through my company, I provide exceptional services to support their growth, ranging from worldwide royalty collection to strategically placing their sound in the hands of renowned artists, resulting in significant success. I take pride in solving various challenges, whether it’s delegating songs or fostering connections with other influential figures in the music industry. Witnessing individuals flourish and succeed is an incredible honor and a driving passion of mine. I am grateful to have a heart that genuinely celebrates the victories of others. When my team members triumph, I too experience a sense of accomplishment.
I take immense pride in the fact that my team comprises Gold and Platinum record music producers. Together, we have achieved massive success, earning placements on the Billboard charts and garnering RIAA-certified awards for the songs we have created. I firmly believe that anyone can achieve similar heights with unwavering dedication and passion. It requires countless nights of prayer and taking risks, but the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling when one commits to the long-term hustle of this field of work.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I had the pleasure of meeting my co-founder and business partner through a fortuitous series of events. As an independent pioneer for many years, I faced numerous challenges while managing a substantial roster of 40 producers and clients, in addition to overseeing four record labels. Along the way, I was fortunate to encounter remarkable mentors who played a significant role in shaping my journey. One such influential figure is Noah Rankin, a man with whom I share a deep connection, rooted in our shared beliefs in God and our passion for music.
It was during this time that I was truly blessed to cross paths with Abraham Seebaran, who would eventually become my co-founder, business partner, best friend, and older brother figure. Together, we established BackEnd Music Group, our company, and embarked on an incredible journey. Within the span of just one year, we swiftly expanded our operations and made connections in over seven regions worldwide. This remarkable growth and success are undoubtedly attributed to Abraham’s invaluable wisdom and exceptional work ethic.
His guidance and contributions have been instrumental in our ability to achieve significant milestones and propel our company to new heights. The synergy between us has proven to be a driving force behind our rapid scaling and accomplishments. I am truly grateful to have Abraham by my side, as his partnership has played an integral role in our journey towards massive success.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One valuable lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that everything in life must be achieved rapidly. We often have an inherent desire for instant gratification, but through experience and time, I realized the importance of embracing a slower pace. The saying, “The quicker things come, the quicker things go,” serves as a constant reminder. It reminds me of the fable of the turtle and the hare, where we learn that great accomplishments require patience and endurance.
In our journey towards milestones and dreams, it is common to find ourselves admiring the success of others. However, this admiration can sometimes negatively impact our mindset. Instead, by focusing on our own progress and taking each step deliberately, we open ourselves up to the possibility of achieving significant success. It is through this deliberate approach, embracing the journey and learning from each experience, that we can realize our true potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backendmusicgroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justelitx/?hl=en
Image Credits
Image credits are given to Diante Speed Instragram @MachSpeed365