Meet Stacey Morales | Founder of 1520 Vision Music Industry Mentorship Program | Touring Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacey Morales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacey, what do you want people to remember about you?

I aspire for my legacy to be a testament to my dedication to reshaping the industry’s perception of younger individuals and fostering the growth of the next generation. Through my initiative, 1520 Vision, I aim to make a lasting impact on the music industry by providing mentorship and support to emerging talents. I want people to remember me for the following key points:

1. Investing in the Next Generation:

Through 1520 Vision, my mentorship program, I am actively investing in the future of the music industry. I want people to recognize the significance of nurturing and guiding young talents to ensure a sustainable and thriving creative landscape.

2. Changing Industry Perceptions:

I envision being remembered as someone who challenged stereotypes and shifted the industry’s perspective on younger professionals. By demonstrating the capabilities of the youth, I hope to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

3. Equal Communication and Respect Across Levels:

A crucial aspect of my legacy is promoting a culture of open communication and mutual respect within the industry. I believe in fostering an environment where professionals at all levels communicate on equal footing, recognizing that everyone’s journey started from a humble beginning.

4. Accessible Mentorship and Support:

I want to be remembered as someone who actively engages with anyone who is just starting their career, providing them with a support system and a source of guidance. I aim to bridge the gap by being approachable, offering advice, and encouraging questions, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

In essence, I hope my legacy will be defined by a passion for nurturing talent, breaking down barriers for younger professionals, and creating a community where individuals across the music industry can proudly say, “I met you through 1520 Vision.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career began because I was a fan. I went to my first K-POP concert ever which was Got7’s “Eyes On You” Tour at the Kia Forum. I had meet and greet benefits, floor seats close to the stage, it was headed toward being the most perfect night. I was only focused on seeing my bias Yugyeom and witnessing my #1 favorite boy group live.

K-POP shows are unlike anything I have ever experienced. The fan culture and attention the idols give to fans is curated so well and there’s a reason why it’s successful. After Got7, I knew I had to see more and witness more live.
The more K-POP shows I saw, the more I started to notice the volunteers or workers at each show. I noticed that there would be relatively the same people at each show and the shows would be at different venues so that was my first instinct
“Oh, people are traveling or going to show to show with different artists. How do I do THAT.”

Once that thought crossed my mind, I did not stop until I was in that space and I knew all there was to know about working for artists and fans that I was so passionate about.

Of course, I did not get a touring job just because I decided to. I did my research and invested in myself to ensure that my name and voice were being heard in this industry that I was so new to and knew nothing about.

I acquired my mentors and showed them the passion I had to make a difference in this industry. I told everyone my goal which was to work in the K-POP touring industry and bridge East Asian/AAPI acts to other parts of the world and assist in bringing more to Mexico.

Through developing my network with every opportunity that was presented to me, I was able to end up in the position I have to this day which is working in touring with the exact artists I love.

Through my journey, I understood the difficulties of navigating an industry that is brand new to you and not having many resources available. I saw how the music industry may act toward newcomers or how bright, doe-eyed students may not understand how to approach professionals and have it affect their first impression.

I wanted this next generation to take over the industry with pride and a sense of community to bring each other up and create opportunities for one another, so I created the 1520 Vision Mentorship Program to do exactly that. I am proud to say many students and career-changing hopefuls have greatly benefited from the program and gotten their first full-time jobs, first live event opportunities, great touring gigs, and the confidence to pursue the career of their dreams.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many mentors I would love to give a shout-out to because so many people had an impact on my growth as a professional and a human being.

First off, Thank you to my family who may not fully understand the industry I am in, but they love that I am happy doing what I love.

Ashlee Rackthai – She gave me my first ever volunteer opportunity to help out at a KPOP concert and that was where my love for live events was born. I owe it to her for giving me that open door.

My personal mentors in touring; David 5-1, MJ, Isabella, and Lalo. Thank you for putting my name out there and seeing the potential in me to do better as a professional. Thank you for your trust and support.

All the mentors, mentees, professionals, interns, and students that follow 1520 Vision – you all made it what it is today because you supported the vision. I cannot thank you all enough for investing in each other, let’s keep it going.

And thanks to my Lord Jesus, who with Him — I can do all things and He has blessed me in ways I could never thought possible. Praise be to Him.

Instagram: @1520Vision | @staceymorales

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceymorales/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/1520-vision/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/staceyontour