Music Industry Blueprint: From Punk Rock to Professor with Billy O’Connell

Billy O'Connell is an Artist Manager and Professor of Music Industry Studies at Loyola University, and he joins us to break down what it really takes to survive and thrive in the music business. From working rock clubs in New York at 16 to booking punk legends in LA and managing artists at Sire Records, Billy shares the real stories behind his rise and the hard-earned lessons that shaped his career. We talk about professionalism, grace, and why kindness is still one of the most underrated assets in a small, fast-moving industry.We also dig into what today’s artists must understand: copyrights, revenue streams, marketing cycles, and why no one is coming to “rescue” you. Billy lays out the blueprint—create awareness, build connection, then convert—and explains how AI and new technology aren’t the enemy, but tools to leverage. As a professor actively building student-run record labels and live music labs at Loyola, he’s focused on preparing the next generation with real-world, hands-on experience. This conversation is a masterclass in longevity, strategy, and staying human in an evolving industry.Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com