In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, few have managed to disrupt the status quo as effectively as Talya Elitzer. As the CEO and co-founder of Godmode, a GRAMMY-nominated artist development company, Talya Elitzer has been instrumental in shaping the careers of genre-defying artists like Channel Tres, JPEGMAFIA, and Yaeji. Her innovative approach to artist development and marketing has set new standards in an industry often criticized for its traditional and sometimes outdated practices.

From Capitol Records to Godmode

Elitzer's journey into the music industry began at Capitol Records, where she served as a Senior A&R executive. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in launching Billboard-topping releases for artists such as Katy Perry, Sam Smith, and Beck. However, Elitzer soon recognized the limitations of the traditional label model. She observed that many labels functioned like venture capital firms, making numerous bets on artists based on data points and hoping one would succeed to offset the others' failures. This approach often left artists, particularly young ones, ill-prepared for the pressures of the industry.

Frustrated by the lack of collaboration and support for emerging artists, Elitzer transitioned to Godmode, a company she co-founded to offer a more holistic and artist-centric approach. At Godmode, she combined the roles of label, management, creative collaborator, and studio hub, providing artists with the resources and support they needed to thrive both creatively and commercially.

The Disruptive Philosophy of Godmode

One of the core philosophies at Godmode is the belief that "creative decisions are business decisions." Elitzer emphasizes that the way artists conduct their business and market their art is an integral part of the artistic experience. This perspective challenges the traditional separation between the creative and business aspects of an artist's career, advocating for a more integrated and cohesive approach.

This philosophy has led to the development of sustainable operations for Godmode's artists, enabling them to maintain creative integrity while achieving commercial success. Artists like JPEGMAFIA, Channel Tres, and LoveLeo have benefited from Godmode's comprehensive support, resulting in multi-million dollar touring, branding, and merchandise operations. These ventures have been bolstered by joint partnerships with major labels such as Universal, Warner, and Sony, demonstrating the effectiveness of Godmode's model.

Mentorship and Guidance

Throughout her career, Elitzer has been influenced by several mentors who have shaped her approach to artist management. Her first job out of school was in the WME mailroom, where she assisted Sam Kirby. While the experience was challenging, it taught her invaluable lessons in handling the daily onslaught of communication and the importance of making artists feel comfortable, safe, and seen.

Elitzer also emphasizes the significance of collaboration and seeking help. She often encounters artists who feel that unless they are doing everything entirely by themselves, they are somehow a fraud. Elitzer reassures them that this is not the case, encouraging them to focus their vision and feel comfortable asking for help to produce quality work.

Advice for Aspiring Industry Disruptors

Elitzer's journey offers several key lessons for those looking to make their mark in the music industry:

  1. Embrace Collaboration: Recognize that seeking help and collaborating with others is not a sign of weakness but a strength that can lead to better outcomes.

  2. Align Passion with Projects: Only take on projects or clients that resonate with you. If you're not passionate about the work, it will be challenging to inspire others to be.

  3. Understand the Business Side: Acknowledge that business decisions are inherently creative. How you manage and market your art is an extension of your creative expression.

  4. Prepare Artists Holistically: Ensure that artists are equipped not only with creative skills but also with the knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of the industry.

The Future of Artist Development

Looking ahead, Elitzer envisions a future where artist development is more personalized and supportive. She advocates for a model that nurtures artists' growth both creatively and professionally, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to succeed in an increasingly complex industry.

Through her work at Godmode, Talya Elitzer continues to challenge traditional norms and set new standards in artist development, proving that with the right support and vision, artists can achieve both artistic fulfillment and commercial success.