In this episode of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Jamie Crawford-Walker, CEO of CameraSeat and daughter of entertainment icon Jesse Collins. Jamie shares her unconventional journey into business and marketing, from an initial pre-law path at Boston College to an unexpected start at Epic Records, where she found herself working with DJ Khaled just two weeks in. She unpacks the power of claiming what you want, building relationships with major artists, and crafting individualized digital strategies for superstars like DJ Khaled and Ludacris. Jamie offers insider insights on album rollouts, using TikTok for marketing, and why engagement trumps follower count. She also dives into industry gatekeeping, label showcases, and the ongoing debate of major labels vs. independent careers. For aspiring music executives and artists, Jamie delivers invaluable advice on navigating challenges, vetting talent, and making an impact in the ever-evolving music business.
About Today’s Guest:
Jamie Crawford-Walker is a creative director, content creator, and digital marketing expert, developing some of the most influential campaigns. Raised in Berlin, Germany, Crawford-Walker moved to the US in 2012 to pursue a career in the music industry. In 2016, Crawford-Walker nailed her first gig at Epic Records. While at Epic, she worked on DJ Khaled’s albums God Did, Major Key, and Grateful, which all debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. She also played a key role in some of Khaled’s biggest Hits, including “I’m The One”, “Wild Thoughts,” and “I Got The Keys”.
In 2019, she left Epic and launched her digital agency CameraSeat, which provides various artists, athletes, actors, and TV producers. Her clients over the years included Alicia Keys, HER, DJ Khaled, P!nk, Marsai Martin, Asap Ferg, Gunna, Quavo, and Buju Banton. Jamie has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking content strategies and exploring new avenues to reach fans.
Jamie has played an integral part in the We The Best Team, serving as head of Digital Strategy and Creative over the last 3 years. In addition, Jamie has branched out into the TV space, coming on as a producer on Cardi B’s hit show “Cardi Tries” and Becky G’s Facebook watch talk show. As an advisor to Jesse Collin’s Entertainment, she is actively involved in curating and developing social highlights for TV’s biggest award show moments.
Her unique position of working with talent on the Music and TV side has allowed her to create her niche for digital strategy and content needs. She’s an expert in the Content and Artist Relations space. Sitting in the center of Entertainment’s brightest stars, she has been able to push her artist to #1 in the US and globally.
Key Points from this Episode:
-
Welcome back to the On Impact Podcast
-
Introducing today’s guest, Jamie Crawford-Walker, CEO of CameraSeat
-
On being the daughter of an icon, Jesse Collins
-
Discovering her path to business and marketing from a false start as a pre-law student at Boston College
-
Jamie’s surprising start at Epic Records
-
Working with DJ Khaled just two weeks after starting her first role at Epic
-
Claiming what you want in life and setting goals
-
Building relationships with major artists
-
Jamie’s approach to individualized digital strategy for superstars
-
Working with DJ Klahed on the GOD DID process and what it means to be in album mode
-
The best resources for understanding how the market is moving
-
Why it’s more important to build a community and engagement than chasing followers
-
On being a social media producer for Cardi B
-
As a young executive, how do you vet employees and contractors?
-
Using TikTok for marketing artists
-
Challenges and navigating when things don’t go your way
-
Gatekeepers in the music industry
-
Showcases at major labels and impact on decision-making of executives
-
Is it better to work for the big labels or on your own as a creative executive?
-
Should artists pursue a deal with a major label or go independent?
-
Jamie’s advice for those considering a career in the music business
Mentioned on the Show:
Thank You!
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their life and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.