Meet Trailblazer Jacy Dawn Valeras

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacy Dawn Valeras.

Jacy Dawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and attended my very first concert in 1988 to see my childhood idols, Sharon, Lois & Bram perform in Boston. From the moment they walked onto the stage, I knew that I wanted to be in the music business, just like them. It was a feeling so strong, I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life. Growing up, I worked incredibly hard to learn every aspect of the music business that I could. I educated myself on every possible way that I could make money and become successful first, as singer and songwriter and later as a music business executive.

In my teens and into my twenties, I was incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to perform on the same bill as many of my musical heroes. Opening for artists like LeAnn Rimes, Wynonna, Martina McBride, Vince Gill & Amy Grant and so many others – that gave me the positive affirmation that I was on the right track. When I was 16, I was performing with a group of girls and we were asked to sing for the President of the United States. That was really what catapulted me into thinking I really should continue this career path.

I was always incredibly fascinated by the business side of music, and looking back over my career, it is really what was always driving me the most. Everything from promoting my shows to creating a fan club, editing videos of my performances and learning how to design my own website excited me above everything else. I was always destined to continue in that area of the business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
You know, although it has been a difficult journey, very difficult at times, I don’t think I would have wanted to do it any other way. Each and every let down and pit fall that I had, taught me a valuable lesson. I have been disappointed on more than one occasion by people in the business that I once held in very high regard, but because of them, I have become stronger and have placed much more value on the way I treat others, and the way I conduct my business with them – especially artists that are just starting out in their musical journey.

Recently, I decided to take a step in helping these young artists to avoid some of the roadblocks that I have hit, and seen many of my friends hit. I created a YouTube Channel with new videos each week, educating young artists on different aspects of the music business. Everything from Social Media tips to how to become a great and well respected co-writer. I talk about productivity tips and even teach new songwriters about how to protect themselves. It has been wonderful so far, and I absolutely love working with new and aspiring artists.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Platinum Circle Media – what should we know?
Since going into the music business full time, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest artists in country music, many of whom were my idols growing up. Learning the ins and outs of record labels and how every aspect of the music industry worked really helped me to form the decision to launch my own company and in 2012 I did just that!

I created Platinum Circle Media to help artists on every level with branding, content creation, website design, marketing, social media management and artist development. I now work with a huge roster of artists from the brand new ones, just started out, to award-winning artists who have sold millions of albums. It has been truly incredible.

I think the thing that sets us apart from our competition is that I have taken the approach of helping artists on every level and budget. When an artist is just beginning their career, looking for gig opportunities and releasing their first single, this is the most important time for them, because it is their first reveal to the world and their potential fan base. They need to be presenting themselves in a way that puts them in line with the major artists who have been doing this for years. My company works incredibly hard one on one with these artists to make sure they are being presented in the best way, through branding and through all possible social media and online outlets. We also know it can be difficult to afford these kinds of things when you are just starting out (I know, I was there once too!) So, we try to work within every artist’s budget to make sure we can help them make the best possible impression on the world.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Absolutely! I was raised by wonderful parents who really encouraged me to follow my dreams, especially in the music business. I have an incredible sister who was always there to help in every aspect of my life and in my career. I also credit my very first musical influences, Sharon, Lois & Bram with instilling the desire in me, when I was a little girl to want to become musical. Growing up, having positive role models to look up to, really instilled a sense of confidence in me that I could become whoever I wanted to be, as long as I stayed focused and worked really hard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jacydawnvaleras.com & www.platinumcirclemedia.com
• Email: jacy@platinumcirclemedia.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jacydawnvaleras
• Facebook: Facebook.com/jacydawnvaleras
• Twitter: Twitter.com/jacydawnvaleras
• Other: Youtube.com/jacydawnvaleras

Image Credit:
T3 Photography

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