Gilli (pronounced as with a “J”) Moon is an Australian, Hollywood-based, singer/songwriter who has a passion for emotional songs, evoking connection, self-introspection, and personal empowerment. One of the first known “Indie Artists” of the millennium, she has pioneered a successful independent music career, with her own record label as well as a champion for thousands of independent artists who follow in her footsteps.
She has a string of songwriting awards, cuts, and credits to her 25-year career span. She has worked with other highly respected prominent artists including: Placido Domingo, will.i.am, Erykah Badu, Rickie Lee Jones, Simple Minds and more.
Please tell us a little bit about your music club – what is it all about?
I am offering a music club for my fans to really experience my music in a way that’s all-consuming. These days, just streaming music on a streaming platform like Spotify is not as immersive as being able to get all the new music I release, plus bonus items from my back-catalog, supporter-only specials, and access to supporter-exclusive messages. I also provide private shows for my music club subscribers.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started?
I am Australian and came to Los Angeles around 20 years ago. I’ve always loved performing since I was a little girl. Singing, writing, dancing, acting. But it wasn’t till I went to New York for a trip in my early 20s that I fell in love with music and songwriting. When I finally made it to LA, I set myself up as my own record label, Warrior Girl Music, and started to record and release music. I’m now 8 albums in! I’ve spent the last 2 decades touring worldwide, cultivating a following, and continuing to release content regularly. I guess I was DIY before it was even a term. I love what I do.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
Believe in yourself and your dream. I realize this is such a generic thing, but if you do not have a belief in your own self-worth, then you will not be able to survive the grueling business that is the music business. This is a skill. You have to discipline yourself to focus on your dream and be relentless about it, defying everyone and everything that may get in your way.
I believe you need to be business savvy. It’s not just talent that will help you succeed. You have to be prepared to do the hard work, which means networking, marketing yourself, knowing the ins and outs of the business and just being organized. I have a self-coined saying, “optimism + organized = opportunity”. Opportunity is created and earned, not by just being musically talented.
Another skill to have is being a strong relationship builder – being able to cultivate a circle of influence around you that can help you get to where you need to be.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
I’m always creating. It’s what I do. I’m building my coaching business The Creative Warrior Academy as well as my artistry. I’ve recorded 8 albums, written 3 books, and own a podcast. As I create, I always give back, including my non-profit songwriter’s organization, Songsalive!
How do you separate yourself from other artists?
I decided long ago that I was not going to follow in other artists’ footsteps who just wanted to get a record deal. I felt like I needed to own my own destiny and carve my own path. I wanted to have creative control over what I create. This meant I needed to follow the path least travelled, by starting up my own record label and figuring out my own strategies to get my music out there and get noticed.
While it indeed is a less traveled road and challenging at that, it’s indeed the most rewarding. So, in going this path, I became known as the “Queen of Indie”, and this set me apart from other artists who were just trying to get deals. I have been ‘that artist who knows how to do it on her own.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
I’m always making mistakes. The first mistake is thinking I couldn’t make mistakes. It’s important to be humble and just get back up and try again.
If I could have a time machine and go back to the beginning of my career, I would say to myself: you are right. Keep doing this. I really feel like I was ahead of my time in music making and indie music business ideas.
When I was young, I was rebellious. I think that the lesson is that I needed to learn how to also be open to ideas, and not retaliate. Collaboration is key to success, and when I was young, I was not a team player.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
I don’t see life as challenge, but opportunity. To unpack this question, you would want to start with my childhood. I write about this in my (Amazon published) book ‘Just Get Out There‘ which is a book I wrote for artists and musicians to learn the ropes of the business. You see, I grew up on an isolated mountain-top in rural Australia, on solar power and a house build by my parents from the forest’s wood and stone. Living in a self-sufficient lifestyle as a child was a challenge. Nothing else has ever been as challenging.
What are you learning now? Why is that important?
I just finished releasing my 8th music album. It has been a 10-year journey. While I did put out some singles, and was building my coaching business in this time, I felt like the biggest learning curve was how the music business has changed so much in a short amount of time.
My next learning challenge is to bring who I am to television as a host. This is an extreme learning curve but I’m up for the challenge. I have a lot to give, and I want to expand it to the largest audiences.
If you started your business again, what things would you do differently?
I would not replace my past. I really feel like I own every fall, failing, success and learning journey. I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
- I am BIG on social media. Growing your Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook for growth.
- I also love my Yamaha USB mixer and Rhodes PodMic right now for my virtual performances.
- And I’m a big lover of Simplero, the best automation tool to grow your business through email list management. They are an indie company like me and I love what they’ve done to support creative businesses like me.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
Organize your productivity. Calendarize it. Create a schedule for the week that you can stick to. Time management is everything in completing creative tasks.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
I think you’ve felt this by now, but I really am inspired by staying creative AND believing in your dream. Be relentless in your vision, and fuel your greatness by defining success on your own terms and believing in yourself
How can readers get in touch with you?
Readers can get in touch with me visit my site gillimoon.com and creativewarriorcoaching.com or for Artist Coaching, one-on-one consultations readers should check out: artistdevelopmentcoach.com. In terms of social media, my Twitter and my Instagram.
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