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We recently connected with Jason Hollis and have shared our conversation below.
Jason , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve immersed myself in the dynamic world of artist development and music production. My journey has been fueled by a deep passion for music and a commitment to helping artists achieve their fullest potential. From helping propel The Fray to overseeing the Pink Spiders’ bi-coastal bidding war, I’ve learned the power of self-belief and vision.
Working alongside industry legends like Justin Timberlake and Pharrell, and collaborating with A-List talent and renowned brands, I’ve honed my ability to deliver exceptional results. Serving as the music director for 32 episodes of the Motown Magic Netflix Children’s Series and pioneering YouTube’s first branded music show, “Best. Cover. Ever.,” featuring top-tier artists like Katy Perry and Keith Urban, have been pivotal in building my self-esteem. These experiences have taught me that success comes from preparation, dedication, and a clear vision.
One of my proudest achievements is my involvement with The Eighth Room, one of Nashville’s iconic music venues. Formerly known as Douglas Corner, this 150-seat venue channels the raw essence of Max’s Kansas City and the notorious Viper Room. Recently featured by Town & Country Magazine as one of the top venues shaping today’s culture, The Eighth Room exemplifies the kind of impactful music experiences I strive to create. Being part of such a culturally influential space has reinforced my confidence and belief in my work.
My global reach, from fostering relationships with Asian music communities to producing records across the US, UK, and AU markets, has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of diverse cultures and markets. This global awareness has further enhanced my confidence, knowing I can adapt and thrive in various environments.
Ultimately, my confidence and self-esteem are the result of my extensive experience, the successes I’ve achieved, and my unwavering commitment to continuous learning and growth in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my role as an artist development manager and producer, I’ve been deeply immersed in the music industry for over 20 years. My work involves discovering and nurturing talent, overseeing production processes, and collaborating with top-tier artists and brands to create groundbreaking music projects. What excites me most about my job is the ability to shape the careers of emerging artists and watch them transform into stars while building products and brands in the process.
One of the most special projects I’ve undertaken is the transformation of Douglas Corner Café into The Eighth Room, a 150-seat music venue in Nashville that has quickly become an iconic spot. Recently featured by Town & Country Magazine as one of the top venues shaping today’s culture, The Eighth Room channels the vibrant history of legendary music venues like Max’s Kansas City and the Viper Room. It’s a place where past meets present, with antique bricks and 106-year-old beams that tell stories of musical legends who have graced the stage.
What makes The Eighth Room truly unique is its blend of historical charm and modern flair, thanks to my wife Erin’s exceptional design vision. From vintage chandeliers to Versace wallpaper and licensed Andy Warhol prints, the venue is a visual masterpiece. We’re open four nights a week, featuring events like our popular “Rednecks & Rockstars” karaoke night on the first Tuesday of every month, where you might catch a surprise performance from a famous musician.
Beyond The Eighth Room, my work extends globally. I’ve built strong relationships with music communities in Asia and produced records across the US, UK, and Australia. This international experience has broadened my perspective and allowed me to bring a diverse range of influences to my projects.
As for what’s new, we’re thrilled about several exciting developments at The Eighth Room. We’ve landed branded partnerships with Mill Creek Brewery and Ajax Turner to develop our own Eighth Room American Lager and canned water. We’re also launching our own vodka, as well as branded room scent sprays, candles, and original rock ‘n’ roll artwork. Our vision is to align more with a lifestyle brand than just a venue, creating a unique and immersive experience for our patrons.
Ultimately, my work is about more than just producing music; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the industry and helping artists reach their full potential. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I’m passionate about continuing this journey and making a difference in the world of music and entertainment.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Q: Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my 20-year journey in the music industry, three qualities have been particularly impactful: Vision, Adaptability, and Collaboration.
1. Vision: The ability to see potential where others might not is crucial. This was evident when my wife Erin and I transformed the historic Douglas Corner Café into The Eighth Room. Recognizing the venue’s rich history and envisioning its future as a vibrant music hub was key to our success. My advice for developing vision is to immerse yourself in your field. Study the greats, understand the history, and look for opportunities to innovate. Don’t be afraid to dream big and think outside the box.
2. Adaptability: The music industry is constantly evolving, and being able to adapt is essential. From working with industry legends like Justin Timberlake and Pharrell to collaborating with emerging artists globally, I’ve had to stay flexible and open to new ideas. Early in your journey, embrace change and be willing to learn. Seek diverse experiences, whether it’s producing records across different markets like the US, UK, and Australia, or exploring new technologies and platforms. Adaptability will keep you relevant and resilient.
3. Collaboration: Success in this industry often hinges on the relationships you build. Collaborating with A-List talent, renowned brands, and high-tech firms has been a cornerstone of my career. Our partnerships, such as with Mill Creek Brewery and Ajax Turner for developing our own Eighth Room American Lager, showcase the power of working together. To improve on collaboration, focus on building genuine relationships. Networking is important, but so is being a good listener and a team player. Always look for ways to add value to others’ projects as well as your own.
Q: Advice for those early in their journey:
Develop Vision: Start by setting clear goals and identifying role models in your industry. Read extensively and stay curious about new trends and technologies. Visualization exercises can also be powerful; picture where you want to be in five or ten years and map out the steps to get there.
Enhance Adaptability: Embrace continuous learning. Take on projects that push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s learning a new software, understanding different musical genres, or even venturing into new markets, the more you expose yourself to, the more adaptable you’ll become.
Foster Collaboration: Build a strong network by attending industry events, participating in online communities, and collaborating on projects with peers. Be generous with your knowledge and time; the more you give, the more you’ll receive in return. Remember, collaboration is about mutual benefit and creating something greater together.
Ultimately, the combination of vision, adaptability, and collaboration has not only defined my career but has also shaped my approach to new ventures, like launching our own vodka and branded lifestyle products. These qualities will serve anyone well, no matter where they are on their journey.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a deep-seated belief in my potential, coupled with an unwavering work ethic and the importance of acknowledging achievements.
Work Ethic: From a young age, my parents emphasized the value of hard work. They taught me that success doesn’t come overnight but is the result of consistent effort and perseverance. Watching them juggle multiple responsibilities and still find time to support my interests showed me the importance of dedication. This work ethic has been a cornerstone of my career, driving me to push boundaries and excel in the highly competitive music industry. Whether it’s transforming Douglas Corner Café into The Eighth Room or collaborating with top-tier artists, the work ethic they instilled in me has been my guiding force.
Acknowledgement: My parents were always there to acknowledge my efforts and achievements, no matter how small. This recognition was crucial in building my confidence and self-esteem. They celebrated my victories and provided constructive feedback on my failures, helping me learn and grow. This practice of acknowledgment is something I carry with me today. It reminds me to celebrate milestones, both big and small, and to recognize the efforts of those I work with. It’s a vital part of fostering a positive and motivating environment, whether in the studio or at The Eighth Room.
Belief: Most importantly, my parents believed in me. Their belief was unwavering and unconditional. They saw potential in me even when I doubted myself. This belief was like a safety net, giving me the courage to take risks and pursue my passions. It’s what allowed me to envision big projects, like producing records across the US, UK, and Australia, and launching innovative ventures like our own Eighth Room American Lager and branded lifestyle products. Their faith in me has been the bedrock of my journey, fueling my drive to achieve and inspiring me to believe in others as fiercely as they believed in me.
In essence, the combination of a strong work ethic, consistent acknowledgment, and, most importantly, their steadfast belief in my potential, has been the most impactful gift from my parents. It’s shaped me into the person I am today and continues to influence every aspect of my professional and personal life. I strive to honor their legacy by instilling these same values in the artists I work with, ensuring that belief in oneself remains at the heart of everything I do.
Website: https://Eighthroom.com
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itshollis/
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