Renowned music producer Tuo Clark joins ASU’s popular music program
From his early days in the music business selling over 50 million records worldwide to becoming a nine-time Grammy-nominated music producer, Tuo Clark has solidified his reputation as a key figure in artist development and talent discovery as one half of the renowned production duo Da Internz. He has worked with global superstars like Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj and has championed artists such as Big Sean, Jeremih, Jeezy and more as senior vice president of artists and repertoire for Def Jam Records.
Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre welcomes music producer Tuo Clark as faculty associate into its popular music program.
"We are beyond thrilled to have Tuo on the popular music team,” said Erin Barra-Jean, assistant professor and director of the ASU popular music program. “The music industry doesn't have a blueprint, and I am looking forward to watching the impact he will have on our students’ lives and their success in an industry he mastered."
Clark said he was inspired to become involved with the program after participating as a panelist at the ASU Popular Music Industry Career Conference this past spring.
“When I walked into the classroom, I was inspired that there were so many students in the class — there was a line going out the door,” said Clark. “I started clapping as I walked in and asked everybody to clap with me, and they did. Their enthusiasm renewed my passion for music, and I was so encouraged since the music industry is so different from when I started my career. In that moment, I knew my purpose was to share everything I have learned with the students and help them navigate the incredible resources available to them in the program.”
Clark’s exceptional journey into the music industry began in 2009 in Los Angeles. He spent the first couple of years learning the real world of music production, he said, until his first big break came with the opportunity to work with Justin Bieber.
“My life changed, and my career just took off,” he said.
From his early days in the music business selling over 50 million records worldwide to becoming a nine-time Grammy-nominated music producer, Clark has solidified his reputation as a key figure in artist development and talent discovery as one half of the renowned production duo Da Internz. He has worked with global superstars like Bieber, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj and has championed artists such as Big Sean, Jeremih, Jeezy and more as senior vice president of artists and repertoire for Def Jam Records.
He will be teaching music industry studies in ASU’s popular music program.
Clark’s interest in music production began in the early 2000s, when his mother brought home a computer that was being recycled by her employer. He installed the recording program Cool Edit Pro (now called Adobe Audition) and started recording and burning CDs for friends and people in his neighborhood. He began charging $15 per hour for his services and realized he could pursue a career in music production.
He said it is important for upcoming artists to have the proper education on the back-end aspects of music production. He believes social media has created a misconception by making artists believe that if they make a record, they will be discovered and everyone will love them. He sees social media as a great outreach for launching a career but says that, from a business perspective, students need a better foundation than a trial-and-error approach.
Clark views his role in the program as a bridge between the academic theory and the realities of the music business. His teaching focuses on hands-on workshops in which students will gain practical insights and learn all aspects of the music business as a manager, executive, financial administrator, promoter and artist. Students will collaborate on various music production projects from conception to finished product.
“It's about working hands-on and being cohesive instead of understanding theory alone,” he said. “You may be a great retainer of information, but you also have to be able to complete the project. It’s one thing to know something; it's quite another to do it.
“I am excited for this opportunity to be part of the popular music program, and I am even more excited to not only hear the students’ voices but to actually share my experiences and the knowledge I have acquired to provide the proper steps students can take to be successful.”
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