Gerard Longo is the founder and CEO of Underground Music Collective. We talk about what it really takes to build a creative platform with longevity, from being intentional with your time and energy to knowing when to say no, clearing distractions, and building a community that actually supports growth. Gerard shares why this past year has been the most impactful of his life and how focus, alignment, and purpose have helped Underground Music Collective evolve.

We also dig into the realities of today’s music industry, including why artists need to “know enough to be dangerous” on the business side, how collaboration beats competition, and why old-school networking and showing up still matter. Gerard breaks down the balance between art and business, the value of building complementary teams, and what New Orleans’ creative spirit gets right compared to more corporate music cities. This conversation is packed with perspective for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful without losing the soul of the work.

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. 

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