Whether you're a rising artist or a music brand ready to scale, I help turn your content into momentum with paid social strategies that actually work. No gimmicks, no guesswork — just expert setup, clear systems, and proven results.
"As an artist, I know from first hand experience that trying to navigate the music industry on your own is a daunting challenge. My goal is provide clarity, direction, and set you up with a music business that’s ready to grow."
Hi, I’m Elliot Tousley — co-founder of De Novo Agency, musician-turned-marketer, and someone who knows firsthand what it feels like to promote music without a map.
From 2010 to 2018, I toured around New England chasing the dream with my friends, learning the hard way how to build an audience in the digital age. In 2017, I launched De Novo to help artists like me grow without relying on shady playlists or empty promises. What started as a side hustle turned into a movement — and then a full-service agency.
By 2021, I’d grown a second digital marketing agency that served clients outside the music industry. I scaled it, sold it in 2024, and returned full-time to De Novo with more experience, more tools, and one clear mission:
Help musicians and music companies grow smarter, faster, and with confidence.
Today, I work directly with artists and music teams to launch custom marketing strategies built on transparency, education, and trackable results.
What I Do
Whether you're an artist trying to build a loyal fanbase or a brand trying to cut through the noise, I offer strategy, execution, and honest insight to help you grow with confidence.
Audience Growth for Musicians
Using paid social and platform data, I help musicians pinpoint the right target audience and turn attention into real engagement. It's not about going viral — it's about building a fanbase that sticks.
Digital Strategy for Music Companies
From ad campaigns to conversion tracking, I help music companies streamline their digital marketing, clarify their messaging, and scale what’s working. Strategy and execution — without the fluff.
1-on-1 Music Marketing Consulting
Not ready for a done-for-you package? I offer consulting sessions for artists and professionals looking for experienced advice, a second opinion, or a quick reset on their current plan.
I take pride in making marketing make sense — whether you’ve run ad campaigns before or you’re on Day 1. I’m not here to confuse you with buzzwords or upsells. I’m here to be your strategic partner.
Unlike most marketing consultants, I’ve lived both sides:
I was a working, independent musician for nearly a decade — and I’ve also built, scaled, and sold a digital marketing agency from the ground up. That means I know how to “speak both languages” — the creative and the analytical — and translate your goals into a strategy that performs.
Since 2018, I’ve personally worked with hundreds of musicians and overseen thousands of campaigns. I’ve spent over $250,000 of my own money testing and running ads — first learning on my own brand before applying that knowledge for others.
Now, after exiting the agency I built, I’ve come back to focus full-time on the music industry — but with the freedom to only work with artists and companies where we’re truly a great fit. No churn-and-burn tactics. Just honest, effective work with long-term results in mind.
Gain expert insights, practical tips, and strategies to navigate your music career successfully. Download now and empower your journey in the music world.
My Cuttin' Thru Podcast w/ Industry Insiders
Tap Into 10+ Years of Music & Marketing Experience
From indie artist to agency founder — I’ve lived both sides. If you’re ready for a strategy built with you, not just for you, I’d love to chat.