Adam Ramey is a Musician and Entrepreneur from Arizona. He founded the hard-rock group Dropout Kings and went on to achieve Billboard Chart success as well as numerous record deals for his group. Adam’s marketing agency- PUSH Digital Marketing, launched in 2020 and is focused on helping musicians and brands to thrive. They have gone on to reach over $10,000 USD in the first month of conception.
Visit Adam on Social Media at www.instagram.com/adam_ramey
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
Honestly, I was never good at anything as a kid, and that really bothered me. I was also really distraught because I never really knew what I wanted to be when I got older. All I really knew was that when I closed my eyes and imagined what I wanted my future to be like, it was always me on a stage. That really stuck with me. It drove me to manifest those thoughts into reality. I honestly think I made that happen and I’m a firm believer in law of attraction. I loved music, and I loved metal and rap, so at the time Linkin Park was massive and I became obsessed and inspired by them. They’re really my biggest influence I’d say. They really inspired me to do what I do now.
2.) If you could compare yourself to someone who is already established in your line of work, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other everyone else who does what you do?
I would say probably Fronz because we’re both in a similar type of band and we’re entrepreneurs. I get compared to him a lot already, actually. I respect him a lot anyway and he truly inspires me and I have a strong relationship with him. So, it means a lot, the comparison.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the work that you do? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming an entrepreneur?
Honestly, the thing that took my business over the edge, was taking the “leap of faith.” What made me take the jump was this virus. I was running a gym, and doing marketing on the side. I hated my job, but it was “safe,” so I thought. Until the virus. The gym shutdown and all of a sudden I was unemployed and that really scared me/motivated me. Marketing soon became my bread and butter because it had to be. That’s what become my ultimate pivoting point. One of my favorite quotes is the obstacle becomes the path. In this case, that’s literally what happened.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to create? What is your process?
I don’t prepare, I just wait. Creativity comes in waves for me, I never force it. If it’s there, it’s there, and it flows for a while, then it stops. I extract from it, what I can, when I can. When it stops flowing, I rest for a while, and wait for it to come back.
5.) Unfortunately many industries are full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
My biggest driving force is knowing I’m not owed anything. I need to work for what I have/can get. You control your reality and only you can change it if you don’t like where you’re at. By being uniquely myself, I create a brand promise that consumers can still relate to and identify with. That’s the key.
6.) Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? What makes one better than the other? Are you able to make a living with your art? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your business? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in the creative industry?
It depends on the terms and the ethics of said company. A large corporation has its benefits as well as detrimental aspects. It’s always a double-edge sword to some degree, as most things are. I am able to make a great living off of my art INDIRECTLY. Diversifying is key here. For instance, I have built-in credibility and social proof for my marketing company because of my music career. Without that, it would’ve been impossible to get the company where it is now. I’m able to do what I do because I take chances. You should too. I would also advise creatives to be uniquely themselves. No one can be you after you’ve been it. They can only try and replicate it. Making that your biggest asset. Sounds cliché, but it’s very true.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the creative industry and how artists are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy?
I honestly think it revolutionized it. When have you ever been able to hand select a demographic that will resonate with your music all while sitting at your own home? Never. And they can survive, yes. By hiring out independent PR companies and digital marketing consultants/companies. Either that, or they need to learn to adapt to survive in the current market landscape.
8.) Typically, entrepreneurs who try to create products and/or services for mass consumption for the general public and make more money are seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure that what you offer stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I’d say that it really depends on the person and the product. I wouldn’t call it selling out, I’d call it buying in. If you find a lane that’s producing profit, and if the product is actually a good product, then I see nothing wrong with that. I’m all about delivering for every client and teaching a man to fish rather than catching the fish for them. I stay true to my brand by informing others and ACTUALLY helping them build their brand WHILE arming them with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I want to be the Dr. Dre of music marketing in 5 years.