What if the songs artists love the least become the ones fans can’t live without?
In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Amani Roberts, DJ, professor, author, and creative powerhouse, to explore where real innovation happens in the music industry—beyond technology, beyond distribution, and deep into the creative process itself.
Amani takes us behind the scenes of some of the most legendary R&B hits, revealing how experimentation, last-minute decisions, and creative risks have shaped the soundtracks of our lives. From Earth, Wind & Fire collaborating with magician David Copperfield to transform live performances, to Kool & The Gang reinventing their sound to reach #1, we unpack the unexpected ways music evolves.
But this conversation goes beyond music. Amani shares lessons on creativity, reinvention, and ownership that apply to any industry—whether you’re leading a business, building a brand, or creating something from nothing. We also dive into the business of music today, from the rise of streaming and catalog sales to how artists are navigating a world where music is consumed differently than ever before.
If you’ve ever wondered how collaboration, risk-taking, and even rejection fuel the biggest breakthroughs, not just in music but in innovation at large. This episode is for you.
Guest Details:
Name: Amani Roberts
Title: Author, DJ, Professional Speakers
Company: The Amani Experience
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Roberts is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, DJ, and educator with approximately two decades of experience in the music industry. He is the author of “DJs Mean Business: One Night Behind The Turntables Can Spin Your Company’s Success” and “The Quiet Storm: A Historical & Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion and Pain of R&B Groups.” Amani hosts Adventures in Business with his co-host Mandi Granziano, a podcast and live-streaming show where they explore the intersections of creativity, business, and music
Amani’s expertise is underpinned by his academic achievements, including a Master’s in Music Business from Berklee College of Music (he achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA) and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration focusing on Hospitality Management from Howard University. He further honed his DJ and music production skills at Scratch Academy in Los Angeles. His extensive experience includes working with major brands such as Marriott, 7-11, Twitter (X), and Sherwin Williams, and he’s a sought-after speaker on topics like unlocking creativity, the music business, and the music genre of R&B.
Amani’s credibility is further underscored by his recognition within the industry. He is a ForbesBLK community member and has been honored with numerous awards, including being named a BizBash Top 500 in 2020 and receiving the 2022 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award from California State University, Fullerton. He is also a three-time Marriott Chairman’s Circle Winner.
Amani’s work has been featured in People Magazine, Yahoo! Finance, Forbes, Meeting Professionals International Magazine, and iDominate Speaker Magazine. He is a member of the National Speakers Association and actively contributes to the hospitality and music industries through his involvement with various boards and organizations. Over the course of his career, Amani has generated over $1 million in revenue and spoken to thousands of professionals across the globe in cities like Toronto, Cancun, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Through his company, The Amani Experience, he continues to inspire others to take risks, find joy in creativity, and align their passions with their professional pursuits.
