Clinton Sparks grew up tough in Boston, robbing houses and having numerous run-ins with the law... so his life today as a Grammy-nominated music producer, award-winning DJ, and entrepreneur was a surprise... even to him. He's a DJ, producer, and entrepreneur who has collaborated with icons like Lady Gaga, Pitbull, and Akon, and is known for discovering DJ Snake.

So how did this Bostonian -- with no industry contacts -- take his childhood dreams of breaking into the music business and make them into a reality?

"Get Familiar" is Clinton's tagline, a way in which he would encourage fans to "lean in and learn more" about the interesting artists whose careers he would help launch on the radio... so today, we turn that "get familiar" mentality back on Clinton himself. 

As one of the most well-loved, well-respected, and hugely successful people in the music industry, Clinton takes us through his journey to greatness and leaves us with some of the best in-your-face advice we've received on this show so far -- ideas on: 

1) how to overcome imposter syndrome, 2) how to get out of your own way and smash limiting beliefs, 3) how to become well-liked in any industry, 4) how to stand out and get noticed, 5) and how to overcome the trauma of your past to stand in the light of your future.

Plus you don't want to miss his epic behind-the-scenes stories... like how DJ Snake almost quit before his big break... or the drama behind his song with Lil Jon, “Turn Down for What” ... trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Jamie introduces Clinton Sparks.

[02:43] Jamie describes her visit to Clinton’s home outside of Los Angeles.

[06:05] Clinton expresses gratitude for the life he built and states how he is no longer chasing happiness but instead, defending it.

[07:04] Clinton and Jamie begin to discuss his childhood and upbringing in Boston.

[10:33] Clinton recounts when he first fell in love with music and describes its significance for all of us.

[12:08] Clinton begins to talk about his criminal past and reveals when he decided to turn his life around. 

[16:12] Clinton explains the start of his career in the music industry.

[21:32] Clinton talks about making connections during his time in the radio business.

[24:09] Clinton describes what it’s like to produce music with major artists like Lady Gaga, Pitbull, and DJ Snake.

[25:40] Clinton reveals how DJ Snake almost quit music and spills the drama between DJ Snake and Lil Jon. 

[28:42] Clinton explains how important it is to focus on yourself rather than comparing yourself to others and how knowing this early on helped him tremendously.

[31:30] Clinton talks about some of the biggest things he notices that hold people back.

[35:04] Clinton describes why he chose not to be defined by his circumstances so that he could build the life of his dreams. 

[36:03] Clinton and Jamie discuss how wealth alone does not equate to happiness.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[17:34] Clinton describes his purpose to add value to all* through his music. 

[27:44] Clinton uses DJ Snake’s success story to stress to listeners that if you continue to believe in yourself and your dreams, success will find its way to you.  

[33:34] Clinton emphasizes his mindset for moving on from trauma and not letting it become an excuse for why you can’t move on in life. 

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Make sure to follow Jamie @jamiehess on Instagram for news & updates, and visit our companion Instagram account @gratitudeology for a sneak peek into the personal moments discussed on the show.

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Thank you to Clinton Sparks for sharing your truth with us today. Follow Clinton on Instagram @clintonsparks.

Check out Clinton’s audiobook at: 

https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Big-Music-Business/dp/B08MVCGB7Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

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The Gratitudeology Podcast theme music is by HYLLS, performed by Nadia Ali @thenadiaali 

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