Trailblazers is an MBW interview collection that turns the highlight on music entrepreneurs with the potential to turn into the worldwide enterprise energy gamers of tomorrow. This time, we meet Justin Garza, founding father of expertise administration firm, the Dream Adopters. Trailblazers is supported by TuneCore.
Justin Garza didn’t initially got down to turn into an artist supervisor, however “the universe” had different plans.
The founding father of impartial administration firm The Dream Adopters began his profession as a singer and frontman, self-managing his personal initiatives and navigating each the inventive and enterprise sides of the trade from day one.
After “hanging up” his personal recording artist ambitions, Garza shifted into songwriting for others and have become deeply embedded within the “Los Angeles pitch session scene”.
It was there that he says one thing sudden occurred; different songwriters and producers started approaching him to ask if he’d take into account representing them.
“I took it as an indication to take heed to what the universe was telling me,” Garza tells MBW, “and I made a acutely aware choice to pursue administration.”
That call led to an entry-level position on the administration firm representing The Black Eyed Peas and Will.i.am (Grassroots Music).
These experiences helped form his perspective and finally impressed the launch of artist, producer, and songwriter administration firm The Dream Adopters, which he describes as “greater than only a administration agency”.
Right now, The Dream Adopters operates as what Garza calls a “creative-first, globally-minded boutique firm” that focuses on artist growth, publishing, and music for visible media.
The corporate has been notably profitable within the Okay-pop house, with over 120 placements and releases within the style throughout the corporate’s roster.
Current highlights embrace The Dream Adopters’ administration purchasers Melanie Fontana and Lindgren writing and producing Takedown for the hit Netflix animated function Okay-pop Demon Hunters.
The soundtrack launched at No.1 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart and is at present sitting at No.2 on the Billboard 200.
Wanting forward, Garza has bold plans for The Dream Adopters’ international growth, together with constructing a workforce of “like-minded managers” in key music markets like Korea, Japan, the UK, and Germany.
“Lengthy-term, I would like The Dream Adopters to be synonymous with innovation and artistic integrity,” he tells MBW. “I would like us to be a house for forward-thinking creators who need international attain with out sacrificing inventive imaginative and prescient.”
Right here, Justin Garza discusses The Dream Adopters’ positioning within the international music enterprise, his firm’s success in Okay-pop, and his predictions for the trade’s future.
How is The Dream Adopters positioned within the music enterprise at present?
We’re positioned as a creative-first, globally-minded boutique firm. Whether or not it’s artist growth, publishing, or music for visible media, we give attention to nurturing expertise and creating sustainable careers.
We’re not attempting to be all the pieces to everybody — we’re selective, we go deep, and we construct actual worth. Our edge lies in our means to maneuver quick, keep genuine, and faucet into a number of income streams throughout totally different music markets, particularly worldwide ones like Okay-pop.
What are your long-term ambitions to your firm’s positioning within the international music enterprise?
Lengthy-term, I would like The Dream Adopters to be synonymous with innovation and artistic integrity. I would like us to be a house for forward-thinking creators who need international attain with out sacrificing inventive imaginative and prescient.
“I would like us to be a house for forward-thinking creators who need international attain with out sacrificing inventive imaginative and prescient.”
Meaning persevering with to scale in strategic methods — increasing into publishing, tech collaborations, sync licensing, and supporting our roster with the instruments they should attain followers throughout cultures.
A giant a part of that imaginative and prescient additionally contains constructing a worldwide workforce of like-minded managers in key music markets like Korea, Japan, the UK, and Germany. I imagine having trusted companions on the bottom in these areas might be important for navigating native nuances and actually supporting artists on a global scale.
How do you determine expertise you wish to work with and signal?
For me, it’s a mixture of intuition, work ethic, and uniqueness. The expertise I’m drawn to has a transparent inventive identification, is relentless of their pursuit, and is open to collaboration. We search for individuals who aren’t chasing developments, however as an alternative, setting them — and even ignoring them altogether as a result of they’re so targeted on their very own lane.
“I’m on the lookout for unbelievable human beings at their core — individuals who function with the best stage of integrity, not simply within the artwork they create, however in how they deal with their enterprise.”
I’m particularly drawn to self-starters who’re hungry and prepared to pour every day effort into being proactive and forward-thinking. Most of all, I’m on the lookout for unbelievable human beings at their core — individuals who function with the best stage of integrity, not simply within the artwork they create, however in how they deal with their enterprise. That type of character is what builds lasting careers and powerful inventive partnerships.
Your web site notes that you’re leveraging your expertise pool to create unique music for movie soundtracks, tv, commercials, and video video games. How huge part of what you are promoting is that this at present?
It’s a rising a part of our enterprise and one we’re genuinely enthusiastic about. Proper now, sync represents round 25–30% of our exercise, and it’s increasing steadily — not simply in quantity, however within the depth of inventive alternative we’re seeing.
Most lately, our administration purchasers Melanie Fontana and Lindgren wrote and produced the tip title track Takedown for the Netflix animated function Okay-pop Demon Hunters. One other considered one of our purchasers, Curtis Douglas, served because the theatrical and soundtrack mixing engineer and vocal editor for the movie.
The venture debuted at No.1 globally on Netflix, the soundtrack launched at No.1 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart, and it’s at present sitting at No.2 on the Billboard 200. It’s an awesome instance of how our workforce can ship music that resonates each commercially and culturally.
We additionally lately contributed to Singing in My Sleep, a function movie written and directed by considered one of my closest pals, Nick Wilson, which hit choose theaters and on-demand on July 11.
Melanie and Lindgren wrote and produced 5 unique songs for the movie, Curtis engineered a number of of the soundtrack tracks, and I had the privilege of serving as the only real music supervisor and sharing government music manufacturing credit score alongside Melanie and Lindgren — who additionally occur to be my finest pals and longtime inventive companions.
Past movie, we’re additionally energetic in tv, gaming, and business work — together with sonic identification creation for manufacturers. Our workforce’s versatility permits us to ship all the pieces from cinematic orchestral cues to immersive gaming soundscapes to branded theme music that really connects with audiences. Sync and customized music work aren’t simply facet initiatives for us — they’re core to our mission of serving to expertise construct sustainable, multi-dimensional careers.
You launched Dream Room Publishing alongside Melanie and Lindgren. Inform us about how this enterprise got here to be launched, and what your ambitions are for the publishing facet of the enterprise?
I’ve been representing the songwriting and manufacturing careers of Melanie and Lindgren for nearly eight years now. Over that point, we’ve developed not simply an extremely shut inventive bond, however a deep friendship constructed on belief, loyalty, and shared imaginative and prescient. Launching Dream Room Publishing collectively felt just like the pure subsequent step — a option to take all the pieces we had been already doing and formalize it underneath a banner that really displays who we’re and what we stand for.
“Dream Room Publishing was born out of a need to redefine the inventive expertise for songwriters and producers.”
Dream Room Publishing was born out of a need to redefine the inventive expertise for songwriters and producers. It blends one of the best qualities of a powerhouse main writer with the customized, hands-on method of a boutique firm. We constructed it to be the type of place we at all times wished existed — the place writers are by no means simply “considered one of many,” however true companions in a shared journey towards inventive and business success.
The heartbeat of the corporate is our relationship — three finest pals who genuinely care concerning the folks we work with and the music we assist deliver into the world. Our providers vary from track placement and author growth to catalog administration and sync licensing, however on the core, Dream Room is about elevating inventive voices and creating an area the place folks really feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Might you inform us about your success within the Okay-pop house, what that success has stemmed from, and, moreover, share your perception on the broader alternatives you’re seeing in Okay-pop globally?
Our success in Okay-pop comes down to 3 issues: consistency, cultural respect, and collaboration. Okay-pop is likely one of the best and fast-moving music ecosystems on this planet, and it requires a novel understanding of storytelling, melody, construction, and the power to work seamlessly throughout cultures and time zones.
“Okay-pop is likely one of the best and fast-moving music ecosystems on this planet, and it requires a novel understanding of storytelling, melody, construction, and the power to work seamlessly throughout cultures and time zones.”
Throughout our roster, we’ve had over 120 placements and releases within the Okay-pop style — a quantity we’re extremely happy with. That features songs for top-tier acts, deep album cuts, and all the pieces in between. We’ve constructed robust, long-standing relationships with Korean labels, A&Rs, and artistic groups, and we’ve taken the time to actually perceive the nuances of the market — each creatively and culturally.
On a worldwide stage, Okay-pop is not area of interest. It’s a dominant pressure in worldwide popular culture and continues to open doorways for Western songwriters and producers in new and thrilling methods. The fan engagement is unmatched, and the inventive bar is extremely excessive — which makes it a rewarding house to be in. Because the style evolves, so do the alternatives: from sync and model collaborations to catalog worth and worldwide touring, Okay-pop continues to be a worldwide progress engine for the whole music enterprise.
What developments are you seeing available in the market that we must always learn about?
I’m seeing a powerful shift towards music being a part of broader content material ecosystems. Artists aren’t simply releasing songs — they’re constructing worlds. Music now intersects with gaming, trend, storytelling, social media, and even movie and TV in methods which are extra built-in than ever. Consequently, creators who can assume multidimensionally are thriving.
There’s additionally a serious push towards authenticity. Followers wish to really feel like they’re a part of an artist’s actual journey — not simply responding to a sophisticated advertising and marketing rollout. That’s influencing all the pieces from how songs are launched to how artists present up on-line.
“I’m seeing a powerful shift towards music being a part of broader content material ecosystems. Artists aren’t simply releasing songs — they’re constructing worlds. “
AI is clearly prime of thoughts in each nook of the trade. From songwriting instruments to vocal cloning and customized listening, it’s transferring quick. However essentially the most impactful makes use of I’m seeing proper now are those that assist human creativity — not change it. It’s going to be essential for creators and corporations to seek out methods to embrace the tech with out shedding the guts.
On the enterprise facet, short-form syncs like TikTok sound design and micro-placements are booming. Fan-driven platforms — from Patreon to Discord — are giving artists new methods to monetize and construct neighborhood on their very own phrases. And catalog acquisitions are evolving too, with extra give attention to youthful catalogs and hybrid-rights fashions that mix publishing, grasp rights, and sync potential.
The largest through-line throughout all of this? The artists and corporations who’re profitable are those who might be agile, collaborative, and deeply linked to their viewers.
What are the most important challenges going through artist managers at present?
The sheer quantity of noise. It’s tougher than ever to chop by and preserve artists targeted when all the pieces is occurring abruptly, on a regular basis. Managers at present must put on a number of hats — strategist, therapist, inventive director, and infrequently, firefighter.
One of many greatest challenges helps artists navigate the stress to be “on” always — to at all times be posting, selling, producing, performing. That type of tempo can take a severe toll on psychological well being and self-worth, particularly when social media metrics begin to really feel like the one measure of success.
“As a supervisor, you’re not simply constructing careers — you’re serving to folks handle expectations, keep grounded, and discover goal past the algorithm.”
There are additionally actual monetary pressures. Even artists who look profitable from the surface could also be going through inconsistent revenue, mounting prices, and uncertainty about methods to maintain momentum. As a supervisor, you’re not simply constructing careers — you’re serving to folks handle expectations, keep grounded, and discover goal past the algorithm.
Balancing short-term visibility with long-term profession constructing is essential. Viral moments are nice, however they will’t be your solely plan. The purpose is to assist artists construct one thing sustainable — creatively, emotionally, and financially.
What recommendation would you give entrepreneurs beginning out within the music enterprise at present?
Be relentless and be curious. Don’t chase developments — construct relationships, construct expertise, and construct worth. Know your numbers, but in addition know your value. And bear in mind, it is a lengthy recreation. Essentially the most worthwhile factor you are able to do is present up persistently with one thing actual to supply.
Additionally, function with integrity. Your fame will outlive your present title, job, or venture — so the way in which you deal with folks issues. This enterprise is constructed on belief and relationships, and people can take years to develop however solely moments to lose.
“Group-building isn’t nearly delegation — it’s about aligning with individuals who share your imaginative and prescient and values.”
Encompass your self with individuals who encourage you, problem you, and maintain you accountable. Nobody succeeds on this trade alone. Group-building isn’t nearly delegation — it’s about aligning with individuals who share your imaginative and prescient and values.
And at last, keep grounded in why you’re doing this. The music trade might be chaotic and unpredictable, but when your mindset is anchored in goal and repair — to the artist, to the track, to the imaginative and prescient — you’ll discover your means by the noise.
What does success seem like to you?
Success, to me, is constructing one thing that outlasts hype. It’s serving to artists and writers create work they’re happy with and maintain careers they management. It’s additionally about inventive freedom — the power to decide on who I work with, what I work on, and the way we deliver that work into the world.
It’s deeply private, too. I get to construct alongside folks I really like and belief — and that’s not one thing I take without any consideration. Having the ability to create a enterprise that displays my values whereas nonetheless exhibiting up for my household, my spouse, and my closest pals — that’s a model of success I maintain shut.
Finally, I take into consideration legacy. Not by way of accolades, however by way of influence. Did I assist folks really feel seen? Did I create house for others to thrive? Did I take advantage of no matter platform I’ve constructed to open doorways for others? If the reply to these questions is sure, then I’m on the proper path.
If there was one factor you possibly can change concerning the music enterprise, what would it not be and why?
Transparency. There are nonetheless too many layers of confusion and opacity round rights, royalties, and deal constructions. Artists and writers deserve to know precisely what they’re signing and what they’re incomes — in plain language, with no need a authorized diploma or insider entry.
“A extra clear and equitable trade isn’t simply ethically proper — it’s creatively higher.”
But it surely’s not nearly visibility — it’s additionally about equity. There’s nonetheless a serious hole in entry to data, sources, and alternatives, particularly for rising creatives and underrepresented communities. Too typically, the folks doing essentially the most important inventive work are the least protected or empowered.
The answer begins with training — ensuring creators have the information and instruments to advocate for themselves. But it surely additionally contains reimagining the fashions: extra equitable contracts, higher use of know-how to trace rights and royalties, and a shift in mindset towards true partnership, not simply possession.
A extra clear and equitable trade isn’t simply ethically proper — it’s creatively higher. When artists really feel empowered and knowledgeable, they create their finest work. And that lifts the whole ecosystem.
Trailblazers is supported by TuneCore. TuneCore gives self-releasing artists with know-how and providers throughout distribution, publishing administration, and a spread of promotional providers. TuneCore is a part of Imagine.Music Enterprise Worldwide
