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I'm Billy O'Connell

I’m a former major label exec with 30+ years in Artist & Label Relations, trusted by legends from Lou Reed to the Ramones. I’ve also spent 16 years as a university professor, teaching and mentoring new music professionals.

I’ve worked across recording, live music, and strategy—with artists like Pixies, PETEY, L7, G-Eazy, Kristin Hersh, and companies like Sire, 4AD, Def Jam, and Roc Nation.

These days, I help self-managed artists and creative entrepreneurs make smart decisions—fast. My Substack, Mind Over Management, offers a view into how I approach these issues, but the real work happens person-to-person, one-on-one.

You’ve got AI tools. That’s great. But tools don’t ask difficult questions. They don’t draw on decades of lived experience. And they don’t help you decide what matters most right now—based on your goals, your audience, and your resources.

If you’re looking forward to offloading the management of your career to someone else, I’m not your guy. 

But if you’re ready to engage, take control, and grow with purpose & intention—let’s talk.

And yes, I can tell you what I do. But I’d rather you hear what others say. 

I can help you with:

Album / Single Release Plans • Artist Development • Audience Growth (Attracting and Retaining Fans) • Band Dynamics: Therapy/Coaching • Branding • Brand Partnerships/Sponsorship • Building A Team • Business Structure/LLC Registration • Career Strategy • Contracts • Copyright • Creative Direction • Distribution/Streaming • Email Lists • Grammy Awards • Live Streaming • Marketing/Social Media Mgmt • Mastering • Mental Health • Merchandise • Mindset Coaching • Networking • NFTs • Performance Anxiety • Promotion • PROs (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, SoundExchange) • Publicity • Publishing & Admin Deals • Radio & Playlist Promotion • Record Deals • Recording/Production • Self-Booking Shows and Tours • Song And Recording Feedback • Sync Licensing • TikTok • Touring • Vinyl • Web3/Metaverse • Website Design • YouTube Promotion…and more.

what you get

A 30-minute 1:1 session (Zoom or phone) 

• A follow-up summary with reflections and next steps

• Optional resource or tool suggestions based on your situation

• Clarity, perspective, and a plan

who I work with

Working artists and independent creative professionals who seek continual improvement, steady achievement of goals and a greater awareness of the health and outlook for their businesses.

• Artist-entrepreneurs

• DIY Musicians, producers, and creatives in transition

• Creative founders juggling vision and business

• People building something real who need clear thinking and grounded support

reading list

A helpful intro to the development theories and techniques used by me – and the meaning behind them.

Testimonials

“Anyone who has spent time in the music industry knows the importance of having role models and others to look to for guidance, especially in their formative years. It's become increasingly difficult to trust and connect with others as the waves of musical trends, buzzwords, and platforms come and go. I've learned so much from Billy about the importance of knowing your values and how they align with the values of others in this tumultuous industry. I consider him one of my closest confidants in this business and frequently look to him for guidance. I'm thankful to call Billy a mentor and close friend who I return to for advice, brainstorming, and reassurance my entire professional career."
Christoph Andersson
Producer, G-Eazy, Dej Loaf, Afrojack, Olivia O’Brien
"Billy's clear focus and perseverance make him an invaluable ally in the ever changing landscape of the music industry.He instills confidence, reliability and trust and as "one of the good guys" stays consistently just far enough ahead of the curve to affect real change in a positive way for his artists and those touched by his visionary endeavors."
Robert Fagan
Executive Producer/Partner Blue Hats Creative/Artist Manager, L7
"Billy’s impact on my life began when I was his student at Loyola, and continues on in my professional pursuits. Not only is his keen insight into the music industry an invaluable resource, but his drive and passion for connecting and sharing value with others inspires me to be a better version of myself. He has helped me in understanding trends, refining my vision for my business, and providing me with resources that I would not otherwise have access to. I cannot recommend him enough."
Tom Schachte
Digital Strategist at Patton & Schachte
“Billy is one of the most important mentors I have ever had. Ever since I started working with him, he has been one of the people whose opinions I trust the most when it comes to the decisions I make for my career. Besides his extraordinary knowledge and background, there is a calm confidence and grounded strength that he brings to the work that we do together, and that energy has had a huge impact on the way that I create my art and share it with the world.  I feel incredibly lucky to have him as a friend, advisor and close confidant, and his influence on my life has been tremendous. If you’re thinking about working with Billy, just do it.”
Abby Diamond
Performer, Composer, Artist Entrepreneur
“Billy O’Connell’s extensive experience in the music industry in label and artist management, tour production and ground-breaking entrepreneurial ventures has given him a wealth of knowledge to impart to his clients. He provides excellent counsel and is truly a valuable resource for anyone in the music business.”
Lynne Arriale
Jazz Pianist, Composer & Educator
"Billy has an intimate knowledge of the album cycle, a nuanced approach to developing relationships with markets, and charisma out the ass. A lethal combination to have in someone fighting in your corner."
John Culbreth
Producer, Trumpet Player; Naughty Professor
"Billy is simply the best.
He’s that extremely rare combination of deep, seasoned experience across nearly every facet of the music industry—and an enormous heart. Billy brings laser-sharp focus, proactivity, and drive to everything he does, yet always with kindness, care, and attentiveness to each client’s unique situation and reality. Working in the music business can be challenging. Navigating its many layers can easily become time-consuming and inefficient without the right guidance. But with Billy by my side as my business advisor, I find myself moving forward with clarity and confidence, rooted in the integrity and philosophy I truly believe in, and achieving the goals I’ve always dreamed of."
Sandy Chen
China-focused Music Business Professional
“Billy didn’t just teach me about the music industry—he transformed the way I think, work, and lead. His mentorship has been one of the most meaningful influences in my life, and I carry his wisdom with me every single day.”
Johnny Geraghty
Agent Assistant at WME