We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Itai Azoulai a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Itai thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
Itai It all began with a dream, one that seemed impossible at times. Growing up, I always had a deep love for music. I spent countless hours listening to my favorite artists, imagining myself on stage, and creating melodies in my head. But it wasn’t until I made a pivotal decision that my dream began to take shape.
The best investment I ever made in my journey as a recording artist was deciding to go to engineering school. It wasn’t an obvious choice at first. Most people might think that the best path to a career in music is through performance or songwriting. But I knew that if I wanted to stand out, I needed to understand the technical side of music production.
In engineering school, I learned the intricacies of sound design, acoustics, and audio engineering. I spent hours in the studio, honing my skills, and learning how to manipulate sound to create the perfect track. This education was invaluable, providing me with a foundation that would support my creative endeavors for years to come.
But school was just the beginning. The real game-changer came when I decided to self-teach how to mix my vocals. I spent countless nights watching tutorials, reading articles, and experimenting with different techniques. There were moments of frustration, but I persisted. Slowly but surely, I began to understand how to make my voice sound professional, crisp, and radio-ready.
The final piece of the puzzle was investing in professional gear. It wasn’t cheap, and I had to save up for a long time. But when I finally bought my first high-quality microphone, audio interface, and studio monitors, the difference was astounding. The clarity and depth of my recordings improved dramatically. It was like night and day. This gear allowed me to produce music that could stand alongside the work of established artists.
Without engineering school, self-teaching, and investing in professional gear, I wouldn’t be where I am today. These investments were crucial in transforming my raw talent into polished, professional-quality music. They gave me the tools I needed to turn my dreams into reality. Now, as I listen to my songs on repeat and see my music spreading to new audiences, I’m grateful for every step of the journey. Each investment was a stepping stone, leading me to the success I enjoy today.
In the end, the best investment I ever made was in myself—my education, my skills, and my tools. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most important investments are not just financial, but also in the time and effort we put into pursuing our dreams.
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.
Itai From Couch Surfing to Industry Stardom: My Journey
My journey into the music industry is a story of perseverance and passion. I started from humble beginnings, often sleeping on friends’ couches while pursuing my dream. Despite the hardships, I remained focused and driven.
My breakthrough came when I landed opportunities in some of the biggest studios in Los Angeles. There, I had the chance to work with platinum recording artists and even collaborate on songs with them. My skills in tracking and recording vocals, songwriting, and mixing quickly earned me recognition and respect in the industry.
In under a year, I managed to grow my social media presence significantly. My YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram channels each surpassed 50,000 followers, thanks to engaging content and strategic brand engagement. By sharing my journey and music, I built a loyal fanbase and established a strong online presence.
Today, I offer a range of services, including tracking and recording vocals, songwriting, and mixing vocals. I also specialize in brand engagement and growth, helping other artists and creators build their social media followings. My journey from struggling musician to industry professional is a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Itai The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is realizing that you are leaving a footprint on the world and contributing rather than just consuming. To create is to grow, and to grow is to live. Knowing that you have put something out into the world that has changed somebody else’s mood at one point or another is a gift and a superpower. This realization fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, as my work has the power to inspire, uplift, and connect with others on a profound level.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Itai I committed to posting every day for a year on all social media platforms, sometimes 2 to 3 times a day. Despite the initial slow growth, I stayed consistent and focused. It wasn’t until October 2023 that I saw significant results, proving the power of perseverance.
Consistency was key, but so was experimenting with new content and approaches. Flexibility allowed me to find what truly resonated with my audience.
Throughout the process, I prioritized enjoying the journey. Focusing on creating and sharing, rather than obsessing over numbers, led to organic growth and a strong connection with my followers. In the end, dedication, creativity, and passion drove my success in building a substantial social media audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://itai-merch.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itai.officiall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itaiofficial/reels/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Itaiofficiall
