What We Can Learn From Kygo

Posted by BIGLIFE on June 28, 2014

photo-5
Whenever meeting an artist for the first time, you never know what you’re going to get. You go into with a certain trepidation and understanding that these artists could be a giant twat. It’s often hard to reconcile that idea, because it’s hard to separate the man from the music. So many times you’ll find that your favorite producer or artist makes great music, but isn’t the best person to be around.

Behind every great artist is an even greater manager, and under Myles Shear’s tutelage, Kygo has grown impressively, graduating from the blog world in an extremely short amount of time. Just a few months ago, Diplo invited Kygo to contribute a mix on BBC Radio 1. Hell, even Coldplay called him for his remix services. Not only is Kygo a great artist, he’s also a great human being. But this post isn’t about Kygo. It’s about what you can learn from his meteoric rise, and how you can apply it to your brand.

I took away two key points from this weekend about the Norwegian natural:

photo-7

1.) The manager is only as good as the music.

You know bloggers? That’s good. Now get the music posted. No manager is greater than his music. If you don’t have the music to back up those fancy personally written blog e-mails, you’re dead in the water. Does your music have replay value? If you can make bloggers feel personally invested in your band, as all good artists and managers do, you’re on your way. Fans love supporting artists when they feel valued.

2.) Always remain humble.

It’s easy to get a big head when you have million of plays on Soundcloud. When I spoke with Myles, he drove home how important it was for his team to remain humble despite all the success he’s amassed. Not always an easy task when Diplo is knocking on your door. Many artists often lose sight of the fact that fans pay your bills, and each and every one of them should be treated with dignity and respect. When the fans you meet feel you’re humble, they’ll talk. They’ll tell their friends they went to your show and you even took the time to take a picture and talk to them. It pays to be humble.

photo-6

Kygo and Myles instinctively understand these key points, and have made them a priority as they continue to grow as human beings, managers, and artists. Much can be learned from these two. I can’t wait to see where the next six months take them. What I do know is that we’re behind them all the way, and will be cheering them on from the sidelines as they continue to usher in a new sound all their own.

Thank you Myles and Kygo, for showing us an unforgettable weekend in Dallas and Austin.