Learning from those further along the road can turbocharge your own journey. We spotlight two creatives who share useful insights:
Kaelin Ellis – Embrace Limits and Share Your Journey
Kaelin Ellis, a beatmaker known for sharing his process online, has turned bedroom beats into placements with Lupe Fiasco and others. He credits part of his sound to work with limited gear early on. Ellis says that using simple, toy DAWs (with only 2 tracks and few effects) “definitely helped with my process”, because it forced him to be creative. He explains, “using too many tools can prohibit your ability to expand and find your voice.” The takeaway? Start with the essentials and master them. You’ll learn more working deeply with one synth or drum machine than fiddling endlessly with dozens of plugins.
Another of Ellis’s secrets is community. He publicly shares his production sessions on social media, building a “cult following” of fans who watch his every move. This openness led to opportunities (and fans!) he might not have had otherwise. For you: consider posting studio clips or tips online. Engagement can attract collaborators or mentors and accelerate your learning.
Snow Owl – DIY Career and Collaboration
Bassist/producer Snow Owl took an independent route. Through persistence, his album “Explorations” earned a Latin Grammy nomination. He says that accolade “expands your audience and brings international awareness”, something independent artists often crave. But behind the scenes, Snow Owl emphasizes self-reliance: he’s “100% involved” in promoting his music and engaging fans on social media.
His insight for newcomers is that success today often means wearing many hats. While talent is important, building a “team of support people” (even if it’s just friends or mentors) can help you reach more ears. As one music-industry expert notes, “a good work ethic, the right team, and a few good connections will take you places… that talent alone cannot.”
In Short: Both pros highlight perseverance, learning by doing, and teamwork. Kaelin Ellis turned constraints into creativity and connected with fans online. Snow Owl balanced independent hustle with team-building and global outreach. Let their examples encourage you: keep practicing daily, share your process, and don’t shy from reaching out.
Final Tip: Every professional you admire started as a beginner somewhere. Read interviews or watch videos of producers and artists in your genre; you’ll often find actionable advice. And remember, building your network (even online) can open doors.
