- in Podcast by Bobby Owsinski
Episode 599 – From Corporate To Creative With Amani Roberts
What does DJing a nightclub have in common with running a business?
On this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Amani Roberts (aka DJ AMRo) breaks down his journey from Marriott executive to DJ, author, and professor.
Through stories from his book DJ’s Mean Business, Amani shares how timing, adaptability, and reading the crowd all translate into skills for surviving the ever-changing music industry.
From music publishing basics to what AI still can’t replicate, this episode is packed with real-world insights for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Why R&B groups disappeared from the mainstream
• The connection between DJ sets and business growth
• What every artist should know about music publishing
• The biggest misconceptions about gear and DJing
• How AI fails to match human connection on the dance floor
• Why the imperfections in music are what make it timeless
• The reality of teaching Gen Z students post-pandemic
• How to protect your business and brand as a creative
• Essential advice for aspiring music industry professionals
• The #1 mindset shift that helps creatives actually finish things
BEST MOMENTS:
00:00:12. “You walked away from corporate comfort to chase a sound that changed everything.”
00:01:15. “In 1996, the Telecommunications Act was supposed to diversify radio. It did the opposite.”
00:04:01. “It was my thesis in grad school. I was deciding between this and why there are no longer any saxophone solos.”
00:05:01. “There was a week in July 1997 where 14 out of 20 songs on Billboard’s Top 20 were R&B groups.”
00:08:23. “You gotta figure out how you’re going to market yourself. Grow your email list. Learn the business.”
00:12:36. “Each 15 minutes of a DJ set relates to growing a business.”
00:14:27. “Reading a crowd is only acquired through being in person and being around people.”
On this week’s podcast episode, Amani Roberts (aka DJ AMRo) breaks down his journey from Marriott executive to DJ, author, and professor.
Through stories from his book DJ’s Mean Business, Amani shares how timing, adaptability, and reading the crowd all translate into skills for surviving the ever-changing music industry.
From music publishing basics to what AI still can’t replicate, this episode is packed with real-world insights for creatives and entrepreneurs alike.
Find out more about Amani here.
You can also hear it at Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Mixcloud, Spotify, Deezer, TuneIn Radio, or RadioPublic.
Also, a video version of this podcast is now available on YouTube as well.
