Daily Inspiration: Meet Brandon Yannotti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Yannotti.

Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
As a graduate of High Point University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, I never imagined I would be where I am today, running a Record Label and working full-time in the music industry. The road to arriving at my current role was far from traditional, however, makes for an interesting story.

In 2015, I decided that pursuing a medical career was no longer my calling and I launched a Custom Furniture business working that until October of 2019. At that point, I knew I had a bigger calling, but what? It was at that time, that Clay Sharpe, of The Lacs, reached out and asked if I would be interested in joining them on the road selling merchandise. Having an urge to travel and a love for music, I accepted the gig.

After a few months of touring as Merch Manager, I was offered a new role as their Tour Manager. Completely green to the role but eager to learn, I accepted the offer and officially began my journey deeper into the music industry. Three weeks in, the world was struck by a Global Pandemic and the touring came to a screeching halt. Having no clue what the future held, and how long the worldwide shutdown would last, I was forced to become creative with new and virtual ways to connect with their fans.

In 2017, The Lacs, along with two of their brothers, launched Dirt Rock Empire, an Independent Record Label. Dirt Rock Empire is home to several artists’ releases including The Lacs. Having limited knowledge of live streaming concerts and how to navigate algorithms to reach fans on a global level, I reached out to the label team and asked for suggestions on how to keep the “train on the tracks” for The Lacs live show component. After weeks of research and strategizing, I quickly drew a liking for the digital space.

As the global shutdown continued for what seemed like years, I began assisting the Record Label staff with various tasks. Having a passion for music and the artist’s careers and a creative mindset for marketing, I knew this team and label is where I belonged! I began to expand my horizons absorbing as much knowledge about a Record Label’s roles and responsibilities for artists and quickly began to make decisions to help further their careers.

Three months into the new role as an Assistant Project Manager at Dirt Rock Empire, I was asked if I would be interested in helping oversee all label projects.

Without hesitation, I accepted the role of Label Manager. For the last 2.5 years, I have fully engulfed myself into being a “player of the game” leveling up my professional skillsets to continue growing not only the artists and their careers, but also expanding the Record Label and the Dirt Rock Empire brand.

Our small, but dedicated team has fully supported my efforts and we all strive to be the best we can in all aspects to help further the visions of the label and artists. I’m very blessed to work with a great group of professional management teams, distributors, booking agents, radio promotion teams, publicists, staff members, and Artists.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The definition of “struggling” is important to clarify. In my opinion, to struggle/a struggle is only a temporary word and/or feeling that refers to a challenge one is facing but lends the opportunity for dedicated time to further critically process and then prevail resulting in positive self-assurance and growth. One must experience struggles to appreciate the good times.

Some of the struggles I have faced are the same everyone in the business has battled. How to navigate a Global Pandemic, how to maximize revenue streams and music releases without the assistance of touring, one of the main drivers. Thankfully that only lasted for a little less than 2 years and we are fully back to the new normal.

Other struggles include fully grasping the multilayered powers of social media platforms. Not for the social aspects but the business elements of optimal algorithms and process how to effectively market/advertise through those algorithms on the various platforms.

Another struggle is just trying to stay current with the general science of music marketing, the power of technology, and consumer consumption patterns across a variety of genres and demographics. People come from all walks of life and locations. Artists create their own art in all different forms of sounds and words.

One thing unique about music is its ability to untie and influence people. Being at the forefront of releases and delivering finished products to fans is probably one of the most exciting but scariest parts of my job.

The music industry exploded with digital releases during the shutdown, so it forced our team to think even more outside of the box with unique and capturing release strategies to help the artist’s music standout amongst the other 40,000+ songs being submitted on a daily basis.

After months, sometimes years, of planning a release and with a lot of luck, releasing music can be stressful but rewarding when done properly. I love the continuous daily challenges and competitive nature of the industry but also how supportive and respectful everyone truly is to one another.

It’s a very large industry of a small circle of colleagues working together to keep America #1 in the music industry. I’m beyond blessed to be part of the small circle and look forward to the excitement that lies ahead.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
If it involves music and entertainment, I am on it. From budgeting to scheduling, to decision making, photoshoots, and fan engagement, to being available 24/7 literally, being a General Manager of a Record Label encompasses a wide range of skillsets and personality traits.

Understanding brand marketing and how to present various brands to various demographics and have each demographic buy into the brand is a very interesting process that I find to be an intriguing part of my job.

Whether it’s writing treatments for music videos, connecting with Sponsors to align with artists, approving simple graphics/artwork or merch designs to managing employees and artist teams, being adaptive is necessary to be successful in this role.

Being able to effectively network and market strategies are must-have traits if someone wants to be successful in the music industry.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The food and people are always awesome!

In Nashville, it’s very easy to lose track of what day it is or what time it is because every day is like a Saturday. There’s entertainment around the clock. I enjoy that and being able to network while enjoying entertainment. It’s the perfect environment for music professionals.

I don’t like the traffic and potholes. Both are exhausting in themselves. Additionally, I wish there was more space for specific genres of music in Nashville.

The industry is quickly evolving and has begun to be more accepting of new styles and genres however, there are still some serious obstacles with certain genres such as Outlaw Country and Country Rap (HickHop).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dirtrockempire.com

Image Credits:
Sabrina Schmidt, Brandon Yannotti, Tammy Carolus, Whey Jenning, David Wade, Chuck Jones, Creed Fisher, Brian King, and Clay Sharpe