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Toyota and UPROXX have teamed up for Next Forta series that puts emerging creatives in the passenger seat of the All-Electric C-HR. Joining the creatives in the driver’s seat is Grammy-nominated DJ, producer and songwriter Illenium, ready to talk creativity, big dreams, and how to build a career that lasts. Singer, songwriter and producer Otis Kane left his show with tips on getting to the Next Gear: how audiences grow city by city, and how you know when a song is really ready to take off.
“Having time with Illenium and the Toyota C-HR was really amazing. Something happens when you drive in the car with someone having a conversation. Because you’re not looking at each other, you just get an opening and you’re not judging each other’s looks and feedback. So I feel like I got to discover Illenium’s bag of extra mystery and get to know the car so we could get to know each other a bit break down.—Otis Kane
We went through the entireconvo and pulled out every piece of advice worth writing down. Unlike Illenium’s conversation with Naomh Moire and Toreno Winn, this edition, presented in partnership with Toyota, is aimed at creative people who are more established in their careers. That gray area between beginner and professional.
This is everything Otis has come away with, from someone who has already moved into the Next Gear.
Has grown an audience
Streams are not always the best measure of growth.
“I’d look at streams as an important part of things, but my natural focus came on the business side, let’s do a cool new major show here and see if we can do the tickets there.
A smaller book than you can fill.
“It’s always wise to play smaller venues than you might. If you think you can go do a thousand people in every major city in the United States, I’d say first go do 500 and just blow them out. I always say go lower.”
Take support slots.
“Go support someone. I thought at the beginning of my career: get in front of as many people as you can.”
On social media
There is no trick.
“There’s no magic cure or answer to social media. Just be on it, and engage with those people who are listening to music and buying tickets to shows… So talk to them.”
Appreciate the followers early.
“It’s so important to create those connections, because from a longevity perspective, these are the people who are going to be there six records later.”
Be personal, and try to really connect.
“You can put yourself out there more than ever, and you’re in full control of it. It’s not held by someone you have to please. So try to make it as personal as possible.”
High production value is not everything.
“Film all your studio sessions. Put a camera in the background. Or get someone else who you collaborate with a lot, and just have a coffee and put a camera to the side and talk about what you’re working on. No need to put it up on a pedestal.”
Notified when the song is ready
Take some time away from it.
“If I’m in a session and I’m writing it, I have to take four days off… When you’re in the studio writing for ten or twelve hours… you’ve listened to it too much. Time off is really important for a scene.”
Get feedback from your inner circle.
“If everyone is unanimous, this is a banger … then I’m in time to go.”
Beware of getting it wrong.
“There are moments where we all think it’s the one, but then it’s not. There’s never a perfect answer.”
Not taking yourself too seriously
Not all presentations need to be emotional.
“There are times when you take everything really seriously, and it has to be perfect. And then there are times where it’s like, let’s just have fun. I’m a DJ at the end of the day. Everything doesn’t have to be crazy, tell terrible stories.”
Know your place.
“Read the room… at the end of that day the work.”
Working in a team
Keep the team tight.
“I’ve had the same team since day one, and they’re all at this point like brothers and sisters. That goes from creative director all the way to management to an agent. I wouldn’t be 1,000% here without them.”
Don’t expect a flawless team.
“Remember human beings, and there will always be violations.”
Be involved in everything.
“Sandy [Illenium’s Creative Director] and I’m so aligned that it just feels like a partnership… I can never say ‘go do a cool show.’ I have to be involved in all aspects.”
Found a reason
Remember why you started.
“Fourteen or fifteen years ago I almost died, and music really helped me get out of it… So I feel like my purpose is to give just that to other people – whether it’s to give a crazy show where people can escape, or give an album musically where people can find peace.”
Having a reason makes the rest easier.
“Every artist benefits from having a purpose. When you take that and think about your brand and what you stand for, that’s really important. And it frees you up to be yourself.”
Getting to the next gear
No one is going to outwork you.
“At the end of the day, you’re in charge. No one will work harder for you than you.”
Reinvest in yourself.
“Reinvesting in yourself is huge.” Put the travel money back into production and social instead of taking it home.
Give back by thinking of yourself as a platform.
“There are so many talented people. How do they break through? I want to find some way to do that tastefully, and be supportive, and bring up the next generation…
