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Conversations with Carlos Beltran

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Beltran.

Hi Carlos, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I attribute my career in music and entertainment to two people my older brother and Phil Collins. I was introduced to music through the movie Tarzan. I became a huge fan of the soundtrack at a very young age and discovered through my brother in later years that the musical genius behind it was the great Phil Collins. I then decided playing drums was what I wanted to do. My passion for music grew throughout middle school and high school starting my own band and eventually realizing I could get paid to do what I love. It had its challenges at first, I was always the “black sheep” of the family, both my parent’s medical doctors, my sister a psychologist and my brother a corporate attorney and me the rebellious rockstar, a career in music wasn’t something my dad was fond of, but eventually came around and realized there was no changing my mind. After graduating high school I moved to Los Angeles and attended Musicians Institute to pursue a career in music. I always loved the idea of working and touring for an artist or famous musician so I would continuously submit myself for auditions and try and network and play at the bars and coffee shops in or around Hollywood while using my brothers ID to get in. Thankfully I landed many sessions and great opportunities with well-known artists but I quickly realized I wanted to be more involved in the “business aspect”, So I quickly shifted my focus and my career to Music Business. I learned the ins and outs of the business as well as how to manage and market music while also learning the BTS of Event and Concert planning. I met various managers and label heads as well as producers who would mentor me in the various ways you can be involved with an artist other than just as a musician. I began dabbling in concert and event promotion and quickly realized I enjoyed doing it, the logistics, the organization as well as the social aspect.

Fast forward to my life now… I’ve always considered myself a hustler, and despite our global pandemic have been able to continue a career in entertainment. I’m still very much actively playing music as well as doing management for the entertainment department at the San Diego Zoo and have recently re-introduced myself again into event promotion. My goals for 2022 is organizing various events and eventually a festival.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think it depends who you ask, most people have told me it seems like I’ve had it easy. It definitely has not been a smooth ride and I think a lot of people can agree with me in general. Pursuing a career in entertainment will never be easy. You’re always told to get “a real job” and you’re definitely told NO way more times than you’re ever told YES, but in my experience, you learn a lot more from the no’s than you do anything else. You’re constantly having to reconsider and reevaluate. Some of the bigger struggles that I faced were learning to budget myself and also learning to face and accept rejection, at the end of the day as musicians in one way or another, we’re all competing to get a gig but we’re also a big community and I think learning to support each other is the biggest key to success.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I play drums professionally and have done so for many years. I think it’s what I’m best known for and I can thankfully say it is a big part of my income. With that said, I do a lot of things. I specialize in logistical organization in any form. Whether it’s with the San Diego Zoo as an Entertainment Manager or as a Concert and Event Promoter. I’m most proud of having done it all. I’ve grown to learn both sides of the coin as both the entertainer as well as the businessman side. What sets me apart? Attention to detail and hustler mentality. I’m always open to collaborating and learning from others. I consider myself to be easy to get along with and great to work with.

Any big plans?
My plans are to create and grow constantly as a musician and a businessman. I’ve realized that although I love and have a passion for playing music, I do see myself starting a family and settling down. I wouldn’t want the only way that I’m able to provide for them is being away (touring or playing shows). That’s why I see myself being more involved in event and concert promoting in the long run. I’m excited for the challenges that will come as well as for the growth.

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