CEO's Fireside: Cutting Through The Noise In 2026

April 17, 2026

Cutting through the noise in 2026 will determine what your 2027 looks like.

You want to know what is so funny. In a world of AI, I actually miss writing down my own thoughts and sharing knowledge with you guys directly from my brain. So this is me just typing, and each Friday I’ll drop some free game here.

For those who may not know me, my name is Karmen Rydem, CEO & Director of The Camp Agency, and I have been working in marketing in both corporate and non-traditional industries for the past 14 years. However, I always find my way back to music and production.

I started out with my own music blog in 2014, called KarmenRydem.com, interviewing artists from K Camp to being the first to book Megan Thee Stallion in Atlanta. I have planned shows, festivals and events in the underground music scene to corporate dinners with Fortune 500 Company founders. I’ve worked directly with Amazon, running merchandising and design at events with over 60,000 people. I have run and managed campaigns for brands like Herradura Tequila and Sprite. I have helped build teams and infrastructure in the places that matter, helping companies increase their dollar line.

I have been the gap in places brands and talent may not see, and this is why I feel fit to write this fireside on getting clear on cutting the noise.

If you are still with me, thank you.

Here is what cut the noise means.

Cutting the noise means knowing exactly what you want by deciding what success looks like to you. Making a decision means choosing a direction and committing to it.

Once you do that, you can then plan ahead towards what that looks like. Think through your options. Think about what you want your day to look like. Ask yourself how someone who lives that life spends their day.

Do you need a team? Hire a friend or cousin. Hire an intern. Hire a team. Acquire a company. The list goes on and on with how you can do it. But be clear on what is required right now.

Here is what you do next:

Decide what success looks like for you.

Write out two categories, Needs and Requirements, on a piece of paper.

On the Needs side.

Write out everything you know you need to be successful (organized, sober, healthy, money, wise, discerning, and more).
Write out everything you need to get you to your goal (photographer, creative director, design partner, distribution, film or more videos, investor, marketing plan, and more).
Add any other needs you see fit.

On the Requirements side:

Write out a list of what you need to do in the next 30 days, find a team, find a photographer, get a plan, talk to PR, get a sponsorship, throw a tour, and more.

Now hold on to that list and look at it every day. Make a point to check off 1-2 tasks per week.

But please remember, there are no results without action. Take the steps you need to take to meet each goal. Some days you’ll give 20, some days you’ll be 100 - but each day do something.

Here at The Camp Agency, we work directly with talent and brands to bridge the gap and help them meet their goals.

We help artists cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves their music career forward.

We specialize in:

Strategy, rollout planning, release timing, monetization direction, content strategy.
Creative and visuals, cover art, rollout graphics, brand identity, content kits, EPKs, decks.
Web and digital presence, artist websites, landing pages, and digital assets to support releases and branding.
PR and media exposure, blog features, interviews, media placements, write ups.
Opportunities and exposure, events, performance opportunities, DJ outreach, platform features, network access.
Ongoing support and guidance, feedback, adjustments, and direction as things move.

If you need help cutting through the noise and actually moving with intention, set up a call with us.

What happens when you cut through the noise?

When you cut through the noise, you now have the ability to make the things you want to happen - actually happen. But also remember, there’s times we don’t know what we don’t know. This is when we can seek some new knowledge.