Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kay Cote. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

When I launched Amplify EDM, becoming an event company wasn’t even part of the plan. The original vision was simple: create a platform to connect music industry professionals and highlight local talent. We threw free DJ parties as a way to foster connections and celebrate creativity. These gatherings were fulfilling, but I started realizing that if I wanted to sustain this dream, I needed to take a bold step forward.

That step came when the CEO of my day job approached me with an unexpected opportunity: help plan an annual gala for a nonprofit. At first, I was hesitant. This was a big leap from what we’d been doing, and doubts began to creep in. Could I handle a project of this scale? What if I wasn’t ready? To gain clarity, I consulted a friend in the events industry and leaned on my team for support. Finally, I decided to go for it and put together a proposal.

The moment we received the deposit was unforgettable. I’ll never forget telling my team, “We got it! Let’s plan a party!” That deposit wasn’t just our first dollar; it was a symbol of hope, validation, and proof that our hard work could grow into something sustainable. The fears and doubts I’d carried transformed into energy and excitement. That moment marked the realization that event planning wasn’t just something we were good at—it was our calling.

Earning that first dollar changed everything. It reminded me that money is more than a transaction; it’s a resource that allows us to create, inspire, and bring people joy. For other creatives, I want to say this: trust in your abilities, take bold steps, and know that the first opportunity can open doors you never dreamed possible. That first dollar is more than income—it’s a milestone that shows you’re on the right path.

Kay, 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?

As a kid, I was an entertainer at heart, always finding ways to bring joy to an audience—whether through youth gymnastics, choir, or school plays. The spark to create experiences that make people come alive has been with me for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve combined that passion with a knack for entrepreneurship, crafting projects rooted in community building, creativity, and communication.

When I moved to Austin in December 2022, I was searching for something new to ignite my passions. Austin’s vibrant music scene, particularly in EDM, pulled me in almost immediately. What began as a creative dream I once thought was destined to remain a hobby quickly transformed into a career-worthy pursuit. Within months, I found myself immersed in the industry, ready to dust off old aspirations and turn them into something tangible.

That’s how Amplify EDM was born. At its core, the business is about providing a platform for performers and delivering unforgettable experiences for our clients. From live podcasting events and DJ parties to B2B company celebrations, we focus on creating moments of joy, connection, and excellence. But beyond the events, Amplify EDM is about purpose: supporting artists and giving them opportunities to shine.

As an artist myself—emcee, entertainer, and vocalist—I understand the challenges of growing in this industry. That’s why Amplify EDM is built on a mission to connect event seekers with incredible local talent, helping artists find their audience and thrive. Living in Austin has provided the perfect foundation for this vision, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built so far. Amplify EDM isn’t just a business; it’s a movement to celebrate creativity and build community, one unforgettable event at a time.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media has been an ongoing challenge, but it’s also been a rewarding journey. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t about chasing trends or massive followings—it’s about building genuine connections. One mantra that’s guided me is, “We can be for anyone, but we’re not for everyone.” This mindset has helped me embrace a micro rather than macro presence, focusing on quality over quantity.

Many of my social media connections start at events, whether virtual or in-person. At one of our live podcast events, Sessions, a guest gave me a simple yet powerful tip: remind your audience to follow and subscribe. It seems obvious, but I had been so focused on creating content that I forgot this basic step. Since then, I’ve made it a point to mention our socials during recordings and at the end of every event, and it’s made a noticeable difference in engagement.

I’ve also learned a few key strategies along the way:

Be Authentic: It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing, but staying true to your unique voice is what draws the right audience. Your perspective is your superpower—lean into it and let your personality shine.
The Power of One: Instead of trying to speak to everyone, imagine you’re talking to your best friend. Picture them in front of you and communicate in a way that feels personal and real. This shift not only makes your content more engaging but also allows your authenticity to come through.

Lastly, social media is an incredible tool for networking. After meeting someone in person, I immediately follow up with a message on Instagram, referencing where we met or something we discussed. If there’s potential for deeper collaboration, I’ll send a link to schedule a chat. This small act of follow-up turns casual introductions into meaningful relationships.

For those just starting out, remember this: focus on building genuine connections, not just followers. Be yourself, speak to individuals, and use social media as a tool to nurture relationships. Growth will come, but more importantly, so will the right people who resonate with your vision.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

A thriving creative ecosystem starts with community support. One of the best ways society can uplift artists and creatives is by showing up—attending local events and engaging with the talent in your area. Platforms like Posh.vip and Eventbrite are great resources for discovering local happenings. When you find an artist or performer who resonates with you, take the time to connect with them. Follow them on social media, stay updated on their next performances, and ask questions like, “Where do you usually play?” or “What other events would you recommend?” Small actions like these go a long way in building meaningful relationships and supporting the creative community.

Making an impact doesn’t require grand gestures. It starts with putting yourself out there and becoming part of the community. When I moved to Austin, I didn’t know anyone, but I took a leap by attending events alone. I sought out gatherings similar to those I loved back home, and despite my initial nerves, I found people to be incredibly warm and welcoming. One of the first events I attended was Riser Networking. Connecting with its founders led to opportunities for collaboration and creating experiences together, which enriched both my personal journey and my creative work.

Yes, stepping into new spaces can be intimidating at first, but once you take that first step, it becomes easier. Today, I can walk into an event solo and find familiar faces while continuing to grow my network. Every connection builds momentum, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth for both artists and the communities they serve.

If you want to help artists thrive, remember this: be the change you want to see. Attend events, engage with creatives, and foster relationships that strengthen the ecosystem. Together, we can build a world where creativity flourishes and artists feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amplifyedm.com
• Instagram: @amplifyedm @thekaycote
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amplifyedm/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylacote/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amplifyedm
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kayla-cot
• Other: Catch our podcast on Youtube as well as Spotify and Apple Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/67DInYvw0xC6oMgntWgLkR?si=2f2a15b01ce24e09 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ampedcast/id1730253192

Image Credits
Miguel Muzquiz