Expert Career Consulting for Independent Artists
Build a focused music career strategy with one-on-one guidance from Brandon Egerton, former EMI/Motown A&R executive and founder of Sideman Music Consulting.
Whether you are preparing a release, refining your artist brand, making business decisions, or trying to determine your next move, VAM gives you access to clear, experienced feedback and an actionable plan.
Is Artist Development Consulting Right for You?
You make good music but lack a clear career or release strategy.
You are unsure how to position your artist brand.
You need informed feedback before investing in a release, marketing, manager, producer, or team.
You want to understand what industry decision-makers may notice first.
You are tired of generic online advice and want direct, one-on-one guidance.
You are preparing for your first serious release, a career relaunch, or a more professional next phase.
Virtual Artist Mentor - 1-on-1 Session
1-on-1 Major Label-level advice to transform your career.
Sometimes you just need to sit and talk it through with someone who’s actually been in the room. Someone who's overseen major-label projects with proven success and knows firsthand what separates the artists who succeed and those who don’t.
This session is that moment.
1-on-1 Major Label-level advice to transform your career.
Sometimes you just need to sit and talk it through with someone who’s actually been in the room. Someone who's overseen major-label projects with proven success and knows firsthand what separates the artists who succeed and those who don’t.
This session is that moment. A direct, major-label-level conversation focused on your questions and your career. Real direction and trusted advice.
Your Virtual Artist Mentor Session includes:
- A private one-on-one Zoom consultation with Brandon Egerton. 60 minutes in length.
- Discussion tailored to your goals, questions, challenges, and opportunities.
- Direct feedback on the priorities most likely to move your career forward.
- Practical next-steps guidance shaped by major-label A&R, artist development, project-management, and music-business experience.
Upon purchase, you will receive an email to schedule your Virtual Artist Mentor Session.
This is strategic consulting and career guidance. It is not a guarantee of label placement, management representation, streams, income, a recording contract, or legal advice.
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Brandon Egerton has worked on 200+ major-label projects with artists including CeCe Winans, Kierra Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, and The Clark Sisters — recognized with 18 GRAMMY® nods, 26 Billboard #1s, and 13 RIAA Gold/Platinum certifications. He is also the Education Director of Audio Arts at Full Sail University.
Virtual Artist Mentor - Career Diagnostic
Get an Honest, Expert Read on Where Your Music Career Really Stands
A personalized, 360-degree assessment of your career and a written roadmap for what to do next.
Most artists don't need more content advice. They need someone who's sat on the label side of 200+ major releases to tell them, plainly, what's working, what's missing, and what to do about it. That's what the VAM Career Diagnostic is all about.
Get an honest, expert read on where your music career really stands.
A personalized, 360-degree assessment of your career, followed by a written roadmap for what to do next.
Most artists don't need more content advice. They need someone who's sat on the label side of 200+ major releases to tell them, plainly, what's working, what's missing, and what to do about it. That's what the Virtual Artist Mentor Career Diagnostic is all about.
What's Included:
Music Feedback — up to 3 songs, evaluated the way an A&R exec would evaluate them for signing, sync, or release readiness
Preliminary Consultation (Zoom) — a live working session on your goals, your catalog, and your current strategy
Written Career Diagnostic Report — a documented breakdown of strengths, gaps, and a prioritized next-steps plan (not generic advice — specific to your music and your stage)
Follow-Up Consultation — a second session to walk through the report, answer questions, and adjust the plan
Who This Is For:
Independent artists who've released music but aren't seeing traction
Artists preparing to pitch labels, sync licensors, or investors
Artists who've done the DIY route and want a professional gut-check before investing further
Process:
Submit — Send your 3 songs + a short background questionnaire
Consult — 45–60 min Zoom session to discuss your goals and current strategy
Diagnose — You receive your written Career Diagnostic Report within 10 business days
Plan — Follow-up session to walk through findings and lock in next steps
FAQ:
What if my music isn't "industry ready"? — That's exactly what this session is for. The report tells you where you stand and what closes the gap.
What genres do you work with? — Most of my background is working with Gospel, Christian, and R&B/urban contemporary music. However, much of the advice and guidance provided is relatable and adaptable to any genre of music.
What's the turnaround time? — 10 business days from song submission to report delivery
Can I book more sessions after the follow-up? — Yes, Virtual Artist Mentor 1-on-1 sessions are available for purchase at a discounted rate for Career Diagnostic clients.
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Brandon Egerton has worked on 200+ major-label projects with artists including CeCe Winans, Kierra Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, and The Clark Sisters — recognized with 18 GRAMMY® nods, 26 Billboard #1s, and 13 RIAA Gold/Platinum certifications. He is also the Education Director of Audio Arts at Full Sail University.
Virtual Artist Mentor - Music Feedback
One of the most common phrases in industry circles is – “Can you check out my song/project?” Don’t just get a listen, get actual help. I’ll take the time to listen and also provide you with feedback in written or audio form.
One of the most common phrases in industry circles is – “Can you check out my song/project?” Don’t just get a listen, get actual help. I’ll take the time to listen and also provide you with feedback in written or audio form. Includes 3 songs.
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Brandon Egerton has worked on 200+ major-label projects with artists including CeCe Winans, Kierra Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, and The Clark Sisters — recognized with 18 GRAMMY® nods, 26 Billboard #1s, and 13 RIAA Gold/Platinum certifications. He is also the Education Director of Audio Arts at Full Sail University.
Guidance From a Music Industry Insider
Brandon Egerton brings over 27 years of music-industry experience, including work as an A&R executive with EMI Music/Motown Gospel. Through Sideman Music Consulting, he helps artists turn uncertainty into an informed, practical career strategy.
SIDEMAN DIY ARTIST READINESS SERIES
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does an artist development consultant do?
An artist development consultant helps an artist clarify their direction, strengthen their positioning, make better strategic choices, and prioritize the steps that support long-term career growth.
Is this service only for signed artists?
No. Independent and developing artists can use consulting to improve their readiness, release planning, brand, and understanding of the music business before major opportunities arise.
What should I prepare before my session?
Bring links to your music, social profiles, current release plans, relevant materials, and a short list of the decisions or challenges you want to discuss.
Can you guarantee a record deal, management deal, playlist placement, or streams?
No. Consulting provides experienced strategy, feedback, and education; outcomes depend on the artist’s music, execution, team, timing, market, and many other factors.
Is the session virtual?
Yes. The Virtual Artist Mentor session is conducted one-on-one through Zoom.
Can we discuss a single, EP, or album release?
Yes. You can use the session to discuss release timing, positioning, preparation, next steps for a specific project or anything you want. The time is yours.