November 16, 2024

Mastering Systems and Rejecting Chaos

Mastering Systems and Rejecting Chaos

Mastering Systems and Rejecting Chaos

Chronicling the tools and rules that facilitated the rollout of AUSAR’s debut album

Chronicling the tools and rules that facilitated the rollout of AUSAR’s debut album

Chronicling the tools and rules that facilitated the rollout of AUSAR’s debut album

💡 Select any link below for an inside look at our operations.

💡 Select any link below for an inside look at our operations.

The music business is filled with unmastered tracks of talented people—mere rough cuts of their potential. The most impactful artists recognize this and zealously dedicate their time to building, not only their sound, but their back-of-house—their systems, strategy, and cultural positioning—to mix, equalize, and compress their talent into something more resonant. This has been my obsession; and as the manager for Chicago rapper and songwriter AUSAR, this is what I focus on.

Together, AUSAR and I have created a sustainable and meaningful relationship with his audience, as opposed to solely concentrating on increasing his views, streams, and followers. And along the way, it’s helped us build a community of friends—both personally and professionally—strengthen partnerships with major brands that elevate our vision, and embark on new ventures (understanding that while financial success is not causally wrought from good systems, the spirit of enterprise is inherently worthwhile).

Of course, this journey has been nothing short of grueling. The stories I’ll unravel and the tools you'll glimpse were forged in the crucible of hard-earned lessons. Over the course of a year and a half, we juggled day jobs and our personal commitments, often prioritizing a planning session or workshop instead of nurturing a bond with our loved ones. But the fruits of those sacrifices stand as markers of our triumphs.

The music business is filled with unmastered tracks of talented people—mere rough cuts of their potential. The most impactful artists recognize this and zealously dedicate their time to building, not only their sound, but their back-of-house—their systems, strategy, and cultural positioning—to mix, equalize, and compress their talent into something more resonant. This has been my obsession; and as the manager for Chicago rapper and songwriter AUSAR, this is what I focus on.

Together, AUSAR and I have created a sustainable and meaningful relationship with his audience, as opposed to solely concentrating on increasing his views, streams, and followers. And along the way, it’s helped us build a community of friends—both personally and professionally—strengthen partnerships with major brands that elevate our vision, and embark on new ventures (understanding that while financial success is not causally wrought from good systems, the spirit of enterprise is inherently worthwhile).

Of course, this journey has been nothing short of grueling. The stories I’ll unravel and the tools you'll glimpse were forged in the crucible of hard-earned lessons. Over the course of a year and a half, we juggled day jobs and our personal commitments, often prioritizing a planning session or workshop instead of nurturing a bond with our loved ones. But the fruits of those sacrifices stand as markers of our triumphs.

The music business is filled with unmastered tracks of talented people—mere rough cuts of their potential. The most impactful artists recognize this and zealously dedicate their time to building, not only their sound, but their back-of-house—their systems, strategy, and cultural positioning—to mix, equalize, and compress their talent into something more resonant. This has been my obsession; and as the manager for Chicago rapper and songwriter AUSAR, this is what I focus on.

Together, AUSAR and I have created a sustainable and meaningful relationship with his audience, as opposed to solely concentrating on increasing his views, streams, and followers. And along the way, it’s helped us build a community of friends—both personally and professionally—strengthen partnerships with major brands that elevate our vision, and embark on new ventures (understanding that while financial success is not causally wrought from good systems, the spirit of enterprise is inherently worthwhile).

Of course, this journey has been nothing short of grueling. The stories I’ll unravel and the tools you'll glimpse were forged in the crucible of hard-earned lessons. Over the course of a year and a half, we juggled day jobs and our personal commitments, often prioritizing a planning session or workshop instead of nurturing a bond with our loved ones. But the fruits of those sacrifices stand as markers of our triumphs.

In fact, our patience, planning, and missteps helped us grow AUSAR’s monthly Spotify listenership from 4,500 to 30,000, amassing over half a million streams for his debut album and sustaining double-digit engagement across his socials. Moreover, we generated approximately $10,000 in merchandise sales, all while orchestrating standout appearances at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival, On The Radar Freestyle Series, WGN's Daytime Chicago, CBS News, and the Joyce Wrice tour. These efforts not only broadened his audience but captured the applause of creatives like Timbaland, Foggie Raw, 9th Wonder, and RCDWorld.

In fact, our patience, planning, and missteps helped us grow AUSAR’s monthly Spotify listenership from 4,500 to 30,000, amassing over half a million streams for his debut album and sustaining double-digit engagement across his socials. Moreover, we generated approximately $10,000 in merchandise sales, all while orchestrating standout appearances at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival, On The Radar Freestyle Series, WGN's Daytime Chicago, CBS News, and the Joyce Wrice tour. These efforts not only broadened his audience but captured the applause of creatives like Timbaland, Foggie Raw, 9th Wonder, and RCDWorld.

In fact, our patience, planning, and missteps helped us grow AUSAR’s monthly Spotify listenership from 4,500 to 30,000, amassing over half a million streams for his debut album and sustaining double-digit engagement across his socials. Moreover, we generated approximately $10,000 in merchandise sales, all while orchestrating standout appearances at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash Festival, On The Radar Freestyle Series, WGN's Daytime Chicago, CBS News, and the Joyce Wrice tour. These efforts not only broadened his audience but captured the applause of creatives like Timbaland, Foggie Raw, 9th Wonder, and RCDWorld.

Engineer Your Ways-of-Working

Engineer Your Ways-of-Working

Engineer Your Ways-of-Working

Yet, no matter the accolades, artist management is still a grind. It involves updating metadata forms for sync-licensing, pitching to booking agents, reviewing contracts, and upending the fun parts of your weekend to bury your friend in 450 lbs of rubber mulch and trophies for his album cover. This is precisely why I’m impassioned about systems; they are the tools (e.g., group chats, gantt charts, Google Docs) and rules (e.g., workshops, daily check-ins, commitments to one’s core values) that reign the chaos. 

Yet, no matter the accolades, artist management is still a grind. It involves updating metadata forms for sync-licensing, pitching to booking agents, reviewing contracts, and upending the fun parts of your weekend to bury your friend in 450 lbs of rubber mulch and trophies for his album cover. This is precisely why I’m impassioned about systems; they are the tools (e.g., group chats, gantt charts, Google Docs) and rules (e.g., workshops, daily check-ins, commitments to one’s core values) that reign the chaos. 

Yet, no matter the accolades, artist management is still a grind. It involves updating metadata forms for sync-licensing, pitching to booking agents, reviewing contracts, and upending the fun parts of your weekend to bury your friend in 450 lbs of rubber mulch and trophies for his album cover. This is precisely why I’m impassioned about systems; they are the tools (e.g., group chats, gantt charts, Google Docs) and rules (e.g., workshops, daily check-ins, commitments to one’s core values) that reign the chaos. 

DEFINING THE NORTH STAR

DEFINING THE NORTH STAR

DEFINING THE NORTH STAR

The right system will anchor an artist's vision, whether it's for an album or digital product, and translate that vision into tangible plans for the team. It’ll ignite new ideas internally and serve as a beacon for external partners. 

In fact, one of the most effective tools I’ve used, at the onset of any project or initiative, is a creative brief. This document captures a project's story and aesthetic, outlines key themes in a few impactful words or phrases, and defines its intended outcome or impact. For example, during the planning phase of AUSAR’s debut album, I Now Know (INK), our creative brief guided our team as we brainstormed all sorts of marketing ideas for the rollout, from influencer partnerships to digital activations. With a creative brief in hand, everyone could meaningfully contribute in a way that aligned with AUSAR’s vision while being collectively energized by the diversity of ideas. Yet, what I loved most about this collective effort was that it cultivated a profound sense of ownership over AUSAR’s rollout, underscoring how vital it can be for managers and artists to actively involve their folks in the creative process. By doing so, your team (like ours) gets the chance to co-author their narrative and résumé, transforming their involvement from an obligation, or volunteer effort, to a shared sense of purpose.

The right system will anchor an artist's vision, whether it's for an album or digital product, and translate that vision into tangible plans for the team. It’ll ignite new ideas internally and serve as a beacon for external partners. 

In fact, one of the most effective tools I’ve used, at the onset of any project or initiative, is a creative brief. This document captures a project's story and aesthetic, outlines key themes in a few impactful words or phrases, and defines its intended outcome or impact. For example, during the planning phase of AUSAR’s debut album, I Now Know (INK), our creative brief guided our team as we brainstormed all sorts of marketing ideas for the rollout, from influencer partnerships to digital activations. With a creative brief in hand, everyone could meaningfully contribute in a way that aligned with AUSAR’s vision while being collectively energized by the diversity of ideas. Yet, what I loved most about this collective effort was that it cultivated a profound sense of ownership over AUSAR’s rollout, underscoring how vital it can be for managers and artists to actively involve their folks in the creative process. By doing so, your team (like ours) gets the chance to co-author their narrative and résumé, transforming their involvement from an obligation, or volunteer effort, to a shared sense of purpose.

The right system will anchor an artist's vision, whether it's for an album or digital product, and translate that vision into tangible plans for the team. It’ll ignite new ideas internally and serve as a beacon for external partners. 

In fact, one of the most effective tools I’ve used, at the onset of any project or initiative, is a creative brief. This document captures a project's story and aesthetic, outlines key themes in a few impactful words or phrases, and defines its intended outcome or impact. For example, during the planning phase of AUSAR’s debut album, I Now Know (INK), our creative brief guided our team as we brainstormed all sorts of marketing ideas for the rollout, from influencer partnerships to digital activations. With a creative brief in hand, everyone could meaningfully contribute in a way that aligned with AUSAR’s vision while being collectively energized by the diversity of ideas. Yet, what I loved most about this collective effort was that it cultivated a profound sense of ownership over AUSAR’s rollout, underscoring how vital it can be for managers and artists to actively involve their folks in the creative process. By doing so, your team (like ours) gets the chance to co-author their narrative and résumé, transforming their involvement from an obligation, or volunteer effort, to a shared sense of purpose.

THE DANCE OF AUTHORITY & INCLUSIVITY

THE DANCE OF AUTHORITY & INCLUSIVITY

THE DANCE OF AUTHORITY & INCLUSIVITY

Although democratizing our marketing exploration was crucial, it was equally important for AUSAR and our associate creative director (ACD) to have the final say. I recognized that our movement lived and died by the momentum of AUSAR; if he didn’t believe in an idea, the rollout would fail. I also wanted our ACD to know her input was cardinal.

To grant them the autonomy they sought while also considering the input of our homies, I built and facilitated an evaluation exercise to assess the team's ideas and quantify each with a composite score. The most promising ideas were (1) visualized on a prioritization matrix, mapping projected-impact against level-of-effort, and (2) strategically placed on our rollout timeline, which showed everything leading up to and after the album’s release.

Still, we needed to see the details.

To effectively manage the granularities of our rollout, I developed two tools. The first was a project release tracker outlining the essential business components of distributing and releasing a record. The second was a detailed rollout plan of the marketing activities—the creative side that AUSAR’s audience sees. While these tools might appear rigid, they actually provided our team with greater flexibility. It curbed our use of heroic language like, “Let's do the best we can”, and provided clarity on where we could shift capacity, prioritize tasks, and, when faced with the impossible, make informed sacrifices to our business or marketing efforts.

Although democratizing our marketing exploration was crucial, it was equally important for AUSAR and our associate creative director (ACD) to have the final say. I recognized that our movement lived and died by the momentum of AUSAR; if he didn’t believe in an idea, the rollout would fail. I also wanted our ACD to know her input was cardinal.

To grant them the autonomy they sought while also considering the input of our homies, I built and facilitated an evaluation exercise to assess the team's ideas and quantify each with a composite score. The most promising ideas were (1) visualized on a prioritization matrix, mapping projected-impact against level-of-effort, and (2) strategically placed on our rollout timeline, which showed everything leading up to and after the album’s release.

Still, we needed to see the details.

To effectively manage the granularities of our rollout, I developed two tools. The first was a project release tracker outlining the essential business components of distributing and releasing a record. The second was a detailed rollout plan of the marketing activities—the creative side that AUSAR’s audience sees. While these tools might appear rigid, they actually provided our team with greater flexibility. It curbed our use of heroic language like, “Let's do the best we can”, and provided clarity on where we could shift capacity, prioritize tasks, and, when faced with the impossible, make informed sacrifices to our business or marketing efforts.

Although democratizing our marketing exploration was crucial, it was equally important for AUSAR and our associate creative director (ACD) to have the final say. I recognized that our movement lived and died by the momentum of AUSAR; if he didn’t believe in an idea, the rollout would fail. I also wanted our ACD to know her input was cardinal.

To grant them the autonomy they sought while also considering the input of our homies, I built and facilitated an evaluation exercise to assess the team's ideas and quantify each with a composite score. The most promising ideas were (1) visualized on a prioritization matrix, mapping projected-impact against level-of-effort, and (2) strategically placed on our rollout timeline, which showed everything leading up to and after the album’s release.

Still, we needed to see the details.

To effectively manage the granularities of our rollout, I developed two tools. The first was a project release tracker outlining the essential business components of distributing and releasing a record. The second was a detailed rollout plan of the marketing activities—the creative side that AUSAR’s audience sees. While these tools might appear rigid, they actually provided our team with greater flexibility. It curbed our use of heroic language like, “Let's do the best we can”, and provided clarity on where we could shift capacity, prioritize tasks, and, when faced with the impossible, make informed sacrifices to our business or marketing efforts.

Understanding that many artists and managers grapple with similar complexities, I've made a free version of the “Project Tracker” available for you to download and customize. It provides a blueprint for everything an artist should consider before and after releasing a song and illustrates a timeline-view by task or owner.

Of course, many of the tools we use aren’t just for organization’s sake—they’re critical for understanding where we’re going. These tools have laid the groundwork for the successful launch of AUSAR's singles and albums—most notably “Don't Date Rappers”.

Understanding that many artists and managers grapple with similar complexities, I've made a free version of the “Project Tracker” available for you to download and customize. It provides a blueprint for everything an artist should consider before and after releasing a song and illustrates a timeline-view by task or owner.

Of course, many of the tools we use aren’t just for organization’s sake—they’re critical for understanding where we’re going. These tools have laid the groundwork for the successful launch of AUSAR's singles and albums—most notably “Don't Date Rappers”.

Understanding that many artists and managers grapple with similar complexities, I've made a free version of the “Project Tracker” available for you to download and customize. It provides a blueprint for everything an artist should consider before and after releasing a song and illustrates a timeline-view by task or owner.

Of course, many of the tools we use aren’t just for organization’s sake—they’re critical for understanding where we’re going. These tools have laid the groundwork for the successful launch of AUSAR's singles and albums—most notably “Don't Date Rappers”.

POWERING A MULTI-TIERED ROLLOUT

POWERING A MULTI-TIERED ROLLOUT

POWERING A MULTI-TIERED ROLLOUT

Just steps from the infamous O-Block, AUSAR and I hosted an ersatz-kickback and video shoot that brought together some of Chicago’s best artistic talent. Our friends not only got to meet new people, but they became the faces of our "Don't Date Rappers" artwork and merchandising campaign—the latter of which I visually designed from initial exploration to concept refinement (in addition to all of AUSAR's creative assets). Everyone involved promoted the merch on social media during a soft launch tied to the radio-length version of the record, leveraging their networks to amplify AUSAR’s reach and integrating his fanbase with theirs. Soon after, we unleashed a flurry of additional video content that relied on the participation of AUSAR’s followers—all of which built up to the album’s release, which featured an exclusive, extended version of the track. 

We used this same community-led amplification strategy for AUSAR's next two singles, cross-pollinating markets and co-creating content and events with our audience, peers, and music industry colleagues to support his releases. Doing this ensured that AUSAR’s full community of supporters didn’t feel like they were partaking in a monologue (with us directing content at them), rather, they were fully engaged in a conversation as active creators of the content we produced. As Beyonce once said, “[They were] the visuals baby.”

Just steps from the infamous O-Block, AUSAR and I hosted an ersatz-kickback and video shoot that brought together some of Chicago’s best artistic talent. Our friends not only got to meet new people, but they became the faces of our "Don't Date Rappers" artwork and merchandising campaign—the latter of which I visually designed from initial exploration to concept refinement (in addition to all of AUSAR's creative assets). Everyone involved promoted the merch on social media during a soft launch tied to the radio-length version of the record, leveraging their networks to amplify AUSAR’s reach and integrating his fanbase with theirs. Soon after, we unleashed a flurry of additional video content that relied on the participation of AUSAR’s followers—all of which built up to the album’s release, which featured an exclusive, extended version of the track. 

We used this same community-led amplification strategy for AUSAR's next two singles, cross-pollinating markets and co-creating content and events with our audience, peers, and music industry colleagues to support his releases. Doing this ensured that AUSAR’s full community of supporters didn’t feel like they were partaking in a monologue (with us directing content at them), rather, they were fully engaged in a conversation as active creators of the content we produced. As Beyonce once said, “[They were] the visuals baby.”

Just steps from the infamous O-Block, AUSAR and I hosted an ersatz-kickback and video shoot that brought together some of Chicago’s best artistic talent. Our friends not only got to meet new people, but they became the faces of our "Don't Date Rappers" artwork and merchandising campaign—the latter of which I visually designed from initial exploration to concept refinement (in addition to all of AUSAR's creative assets). Everyone involved promoted the merch on social media during a soft launch tied to the radio-length version of the record, leveraging their networks to amplify AUSAR’s reach and integrating his fanbase with theirs. Soon after, we unleashed a flurry of additional video content that relied on the participation of AUSAR’s followers—all of which built up to the album’s release, which featured an exclusive, extended version of the track. 

We used this same community-led amplification strategy for AUSAR's next two singles, cross-pollinating markets and co-creating content and events with our audience, peers, and music industry colleagues to support his releases. Doing this ensured that AUSAR’s full community of supporters didn’t feel like they were partaking in a monologue (with us directing content at them), rather, they were fully engaged in a conversation as active creators of the content we produced. As Beyonce once said, “[They were] the visuals baby.”

Executing a campaign of this scale required thoughtful investment. Aside from ensuring that we budgeted for essentials, like our props for our video shoots, mixing fees, the listening-tour (which took place in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta), we made sure to designate line-items for targeted ad spends on AUSAR’s social media and Spotify. We leveraged all of AUSAR’s social and streaming analytics to identify cities where his audience was most active, focusing our ad spend there and tailoring each message based on the evolving demographic data.

Throughout this journey, we’ve employed tons of tools and remained laser-focused on execution, though we’ve understood that enduring success demands more than short-term management; it requires a commitment to deeper, long-term strategies and partnerships. Outside of short-term governance, artists and their managers must orchestrate moves that are, in truth, slower and less immediately rewarding, but invaluable in the long run.

Executing a campaign of this scale required thoughtful investment. Aside from ensuring that we budgeted for essentials, like our props for our video shoots, mixing fees, the listening-tour (which took place in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta), we made sure to designate line-items for targeted ad spends on AUSAR’s social media and Spotify. We leveraged all of AUSAR’s social and streaming analytics to identify cities where his audience was most active, focusing our ad spend there and tailoring each message based on the evolving demographic data.

Throughout this journey, we’ve employed tons of tools and remained laser-focused on execution, though we’ve understood that enduring success demands more than short-term management; it requires a commitment to deeper, long-term strategies and partnerships. Outside of short-term governance, artists and their managers must orchestrate moves that are, in truth, slower and less immediately rewarding, but invaluable in the long run.

Executing a campaign of this scale required thoughtful investment. Aside from ensuring that we budgeted for essentials, like our props for our video shoots, mixing fees, the listening-tour (which took place in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta), we made sure to designate line-items for targeted ad spends on AUSAR’s social media and Spotify. We leveraged all of AUSAR’s social and streaming analytics to identify cities where his audience was most active, focusing our ad spend there and tailoring each message based on the evolving demographic data.

Throughout this journey, we’ve employed tons of tools and remained laser-focused on execution, though we’ve understood that enduring success demands more than short-term management; it requires a commitment to deeper, long-term strategies and partnerships. Outside of short-term governance, artists and their managers must orchestrate moves that are, in truth, slower and less immediately rewarding, but invaluable in the long run.

Develop Resilience for the Slower, Longer Harvests

Develop Resilience for the Slower, Longer Harvests

Develop Resilience for the Slower, Longer Harvests

This same ambition for partnership found its footing in our work with Sprite, where we set to position AUSAR as more than another paid ambassador, but as a reflection of the brand’s ethos. To actualize this vision, we introduced Me & My Friends—a content network under the SpriteWay® banner that reimagined conventional content formats with a fresh, conceptual twist.

This same ambition for partnership found its footing in our work with Sprite, where we set to position AUSAR as more than another paid ambassador, but as a reflection of the brand’s ethos. To actualize this vision, we introduced Me & My Friends—a content network under the SpriteWay® banner that reimagined conventional content formats with a fresh, conceptual twist.

This same ambition for partnership found its footing in our work with Sprite, where we set to position AUSAR as more than another paid ambassador, but as a reflection of the brand’s ethos. To actualize this vision, we introduced Me & My Friends—a content network under the SpriteWay® banner that reimagined conventional content formats with a fresh, conceptual twist.

Our mission was to honor the brand’s legacy, evolving it beyond a stage for artist exposure into a conduit that equipped Black artists with the tools to build their own platforms, starting with AUSAR. We wanted to pivot from Sprite’s traditional macro-influencer marketing model to a more consistent, unfiltered, and low-cost human narrative dominated by the micro-influencer.

The account and project managers at Havas (who housed the Sprite account and the SpriteWay project) loved our idea. Though just as the ink was settling, Sprite closed its account with Havas and, with that, our vision dissolved. Yet, even with this setback, we secured a win on Pigeons & Planes' Elevator Pitch series, shot a music video with Uproxx, and, more importantly, forged genuine friendships with our partners at Havas, who we’ll continue to build with in the future (no matter where they go).

Our mission was to honor the brand’s legacy, evolving it beyond a stage for artist exposure into a conduit that equipped Black artists with the tools to build their own platforms, starting with AUSAR. We wanted to pivot from Sprite’s traditional macro-influencer marketing model to a more consistent, unfiltered, and low-cost human narrative dominated by the micro-influencer.

The account and project managers at Havas (who housed the Sprite account and the SpriteWay project) loved our idea. Though just as the ink was settling, Sprite closed its account with Havas and, with that, our vision dissolved. Yet, even with this setback, we secured a win on Pigeons & Planes' Elevator Pitch series, shot a music video with Uproxx, and, more importantly, forged genuine friendships with our partners at Havas, who we’ll continue to build with in the future (no matter where they go).

Our mission was to honor the brand’s legacy, evolving it beyond a stage for artist exposure into a conduit that equipped Black artists with the tools to build their own platforms, starting with AUSAR. We wanted to pivot from Sprite’s traditional macro-influencer marketing model to a more consistent, unfiltered, and low-cost human narrative dominated by the micro-influencer.

The account and project managers at Havas (who housed the Sprite account and the SpriteWay project) loved our idea. Though just as the ink was settling, Sprite closed its account with Havas and, with that, our vision dissolved. Yet, even with this setback, we secured a win on Pigeons & Planes' Elevator Pitch series, shot a music video with Uproxx, and, more importantly, forged genuine friendships with our partners at Havas, who we’ll continue to build with in the future (no matter where they go).

The deeper lesson here is that long-term success is about planting seeds, even when some don’t sprout. Not every idea will bloom, and not every connection will lead to a tangible outcome. But the effort to nurture your relationships remains essential. You’ll meet many people along the way—some will become lifelong friends, while others may never reappear on your journey. What is important is your will to keep learning and growing. AUSAR and I remain committed to this mindset and continue to farm new ideas and plans all the time.

In fact, we recently planned for a tour across 10 cities in the Midwest. A key part of the strategy was leveraging AUSAR's partnership with SoFar Sounds and scheduling additional shows near SoFar HQs. This would allow us to tap into both student audiences and local music fans who are likely to be present at small venues, community festivals, other college organizations, and local radio stations. And though the initial dream of a 10-city tour remains a guiding light, as of recently, we’ve had to recalibrate our approach.

The deeper lesson here is that long-term success is about planting seeds, even when some don’t sprout. Not every idea will bloom, and not every connection will lead to a tangible outcome. But the effort to nurture your relationships remains essential. You’ll meet many people along the way—some will become lifelong friends, while others may never reappear on your journey. What is important is your will to keep learning and growing. AUSAR and I remain committed to this mindset and continue to farm new ideas and plans all the time.

In fact, we recently planned for a tour across 10 cities in the Midwest. A key part of the strategy was leveraging AUSAR's partnership with SoFar Sounds and scheduling additional shows near SoFar HQs. This would allow us to tap into both student audiences and local music fans who are likely to be present at small venues, community festivals, other college organizations, and local radio stations. And though the initial dream of a 10-city tour remains a guiding light, as of recently, we’ve had to recalibrate our approach.

The deeper lesson here is that long-term success is about planting seeds, even when some don’t sprout. Not every idea will bloom, and not every connection will lead to a tangible outcome. But the effort to nurture your relationships remains essential. You’ll meet many people along the way—some will become lifelong friends, while others may never reappear on your journey. What is important is your will to keep learning and growing. AUSAR and I remain committed to this mindset and continue to farm new ideas and plans all the time.

In fact, we recently planned for a tour across 10 cities in the Midwest. A key part of the strategy was leveraging AUSAR's partnership with SoFar Sounds and scheduling additional shows near SoFar HQs. This would allow us to tap into both student audiences and local music fans who are likely to be present at small venues, community festivals, other college organizations, and local radio stations. And though the initial dream of a 10-city tour remains a guiding light, as of recently, we’ve had to recalibrate our approach.

(Top Left) AUSAR at 2023 Summer Smash Festival, (Bottom Right) AUSAR Chicago's Listening Session at Promontory, (Top Right) AUSAR's Listening Session at Audiomack Studios in New York, (Bottom Right & Left) AUSAR's Playbills for the Chicago Listening Session

(Top Left) AUSAR at 2023 Summer Smash Festival, (Bottom Right) AUSAR Chicago's Listening Session at Promontory, (Top Right) AUSAR's Listening Session at Audiomack Studios in New York, (Bottom Right & Left) AUSAR's Playbills for the Chicago Listening Session

As we plan for 2025, we’ve adopted a more agile strategy: one show per month in any untapped market across the U.S. This streamlined model allows us to stretch our budget, expand beyond the prairie, and keep our day-jobs (which fund most of our operations). And like other pivots we’ve made in the past, this switch-up merely reflects our understanding and willingness to always reassess and evolve while maintaining our sights on our goals. In other words, even though the “how” might change—our “what” and “why” remain steadfast.

As we plan for 2025, we’ve adopted a more agile strategy: one show per month in any untapped market across the U.S. This streamlined model allows us to stretch our budget, expand beyond the prairie, and keep our day-jobs (which fund most of our operations). And like other pivots we’ve made in the past, this switch-up merely reflects our understanding and willingness to always reassess and evolve while maintaining our sights on our goals. In other words, even though the “how” might change—our “what” and “why” remain steadfast.

As we plan for 2025, we’ve adopted a more agile strategy: one show per month in any untapped market across the U.S. This streamlined model allows us to stretch our budget, expand beyond the prairie, and keep our day-jobs (which fund most of our operations). And like other pivots we’ve made in the past, this switch-up merely reflects our understanding and willingness to always reassess and evolve while maintaining our sights on our goals. In other words, even though the “how” might change—our “what” and “why” remain steadfast.

As we forge ahead, AUSAR and I remain dedicated to crafting experiences that reflect his artistry, speak directly to the heart of his listeners, and offer a legacy that lingers long after the final note fades. Guided by our North Star—good ideas, good business, and flawless execution powered by exceptional systems—we know that success isn’t just about the loudest applause; it’s about the seeds planted in silence.

But the final lesson, the one I hold closest, is this: mastering chaos requires not only the discipline of systems, but also the wisdom to know when to break them. Sometimes, you have to let the low-hanging fruit fall and embrace the beautiful, chaotic mess that creativity thrives on. After all, the greatest art isn’t found in perfect order—it’s also born from the courage to abandon it and create anew.

As we forge ahead, AUSAR and I remain dedicated to crafting experiences that reflect his artistry, speak directly to the heart of his listeners, and offer a legacy that lingers long after the final note fades. Guided by our North Star—good ideas, good business, and flawless execution powered by exceptional systems—we know that success isn’t just about the loudest applause; it’s about the seeds planted in silence.

But the final lesson, the one I hold closest, is this: mastering chaos requires not only the discipline of systems, but also the wisdom to know when to break them. Sometimes, you have to let the low-hanging fruit fall and embrace the beautiful, chaotic mess that creativity thrives on. After all, the greatest art isn’t found in perfect order—it’s also born from the courage to abandon it and create anew.

As we forge ahead, AUSAR and I remain dedicated to crafting experiences that reflect his artistry, speak directly to the heart of his listeners, and offer a legacy that lingers long after the final note fades. Guided by our North Star—good ideas, good business, and flawless execution powered by exceptional systems—we know that success isn’t just about the loudest applause; it’s about the seeds planted in silence.

But the final lesson, the one I hold closest, is this: mastering chaos requires not only the discipline of systems, but also the wisdom to know when to break them. Sometimes, you have to let the low-hanging fruit fall and embrace the beautiful, chaotic mess that creativity thrives on. After all, the greatest art isn’t found in perfect order—it’s also born from the courage to abandon it and create anew.

Holla at me

Holla at me

When I’m not mindsmithing or building things, I’m channeling my inner Obi-Wan with Figma’s latest features—“Measurement & Annotations in Dev Mode” is my new favorite—and managing Chicago rapper and songwriter, AUSAR.

I’m currently listening to Ryan Beaty’s Calico, Trapital by Dan Runcie and Camila Cabello’s C,XOXO. Listen along and let me know what you think—or just reach out to say what’s up.

When I’m not mindsmithing or building things, I’m channeling my inner Obi-Wan with Figma’s latest features—“Measurement & Annotations in Dev Mode” is my new favorite—and managing Chicago rapper and songwriter, AUSAR.

I’m currently listening to Ryan Beaty’s Calico, Trapital by Dan Runcie and Camila Cabello’s C,XOXO. Listen along and let me know what you think—or just reach out to say what’s up.

Made with ☕️ and lots of Harry Potter reruns using Framer.

Made with ☕️ and lots of Harry Potter reruns using Framer.