We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zach Gordon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zach, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self- care is very important to me, and being able to take care of myself is what helps achieve my goals and feel successful. I am a big movement person. I love to get my daily step goal in for a bit of physical exercise, and that gives me a sense of accomplishment every day when I am able to hit my goal. I also practice breath work, meditation, and sometimes journal a bit to clear my mind, as well as to find guidance is decisions. Finally, another big self- care act for myself is staying consistent with hobbies, I love what I do for work, but every now and then I need to find time to escape from the day to day. My hobbies mainly include drumming, cooking, and fishing. Overall, self- care is beneficial for everyone, and to me, I believe it is necessary for those that truly strive to work and be involved in their industry on a high level.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My main goal is to help artists achieve success through their art and their craft. Mainly, I work with artists from a business perspective. Much of the work I do is often behind the scenes of a new single including promotional planning, release strategy, content creation, playlisting, and more.
I created my company BagTalk Talent Co. in 2021 with the goal of helping artists make their dreams come true and meet their goals artistically. My favorite thing about what I do is coming across an artist who is so passionate about their craft, it’s infectious. When artists’ are that passionate, it makes me want to put in the work that much harder to deliver a great product and to be a key part in what makes their song, album, or project come to life. We have also hosted a multitude of events, including Athens Rap Fest in 2022, a rap festival in Athens, Ga that placed spotlight on talented rap artists from all over the SouthEast. This upcoming year, we are striving to make our first jump into country music, as well as get involved in more sports related projects.
In mid 2022, I created a new company, StreamDrive. StreamDrive’s goal and vision is to be the lead playlisting provider for independent artists by delivering copious genuine streams to an artist’s new release. In 2022 alone, we were able to assist a multitude of artists by producing over 250,000+ extra streams for artists. This year we are on a steady pace to beat our 2023 stream goal, and have more incredible products in the works.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I believe that there are more than just three essential skills that one may need to succeed in the real world. However, only giving three, I think that the most important qualities or areas of knowledge to know are 1. How to network, 2. Communication and Understanding, and 3. To have a hobby.
Networking is one of the most important things that someone should know how to do. First, one needs to understand the power of networking. It is hands down of the most important tools, especially in the entertainment industry. When I first got my start, I called on an old friend from early college who I had a good relationship with, and he allowed me to sit in on his studio sessions. Today, that same friend, PunchMeInJay, landed a placement with BabyFace Ray. To this day, I still practice the standard networking techniques and tidbits that I have learned along the way.
Communication, as well as understanding, will get you very far in your relationships. Being able to have discussions about work, and stuff outside of work, and having an understanding of conflicts, as well as how you can help out.
I am a firm believer that everyone needs some sort of hobby to keep their sanity. Whether it is something artistic or even collecting stamps, having that one thing that you care to do in your free time to take your mind off the daily stressors of life and work will do wonders for you. For me, I try to get behind my drumset at least four days a week. I often experiment in the kitchen, and I have become quite the cook doing so. I also do find time to play sports with my friends, primarily softball once a week in a local park league.
Some words of advice I would give is to Never Never Never Give Up. The quote is originally by the late Prime Minister of England, Winston Churchill. However, I know this quote from my dad who constantly would tell this to me when things got hard. I personally love this quote so much because it is so simple, yet so impactful. Churchill spoke this quote to the British militia during World War II, at a moment where it was imperative for them to not give up. Every day is a battle. Some battles are easier than others, but at the end of the day no matter the battle, you can Never Never Never Give Up.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
By far my dad. I am very blessed to have the relationship I have with him because he is so smart, talented at business, and is a highly respected individual. I got to see my dad creative something great, and make his dream come true as a self- made man. When I was younger, he would constantly bring me around his office where I would play CEO if a business with a few hundred employees. I would take meetings, strategize (we only sold video games and thats it), and just eat all the snacks out of the vending machine. However, the old man did teach me a few things along the way. He taught me that no dreams are too big, hard work pays off, and most importantly, pressure makes diamonds. My dad has always taught my brothers and I that there is an art to business, and has always tried to push us to create our own businesses.
To my dad, thank you for everything and being my biggest inspiration, my biggest supporter, and my biggest fan. You’re the greatest to ever do it! I love you pops.
Contact Info:
- Website: bagtalktalentcompany.com
- Instagram: @bagtalkzach
- Other: streamdrive.tech @streamdrive @bagtalktalentco [email protected]
