David Billingsley Launches Minnesota’s First TikTok Creator Network
Twin Cities musician and music educator David Billingsley is helping artists take control of their careers through CLAB, Minnesota’s only TikTok Creator Network. Backed by TikTok, CLAB trains and empowers diverse creatives to grow and monetize their digital presence.
Local music teacher launches state’s only TikTok Creator Network
“We’re off to see the Wizard!” said David Billingsley, Twin Cities musician and Grammy-nominated music educator, as he prepared to head to Culver City, California, home of TikTok’s U.S. headquarters and the historic MGM Studios where “The Wizard of Oz” was filmed.
This past June, Billingsley and a close group of collaborators celebrated a new partnership with TikTok, one he says has transformed his life and artistry and could open doors for countless other creatives in Minneapolis and beyond.
The partnership comes as more artists turn to digital platforms and emerging tools such as generative AI and smart distribution to build sustainable careers and connect with global audiences.
A musical legacy
Billingsley, a classically trained pianist based in Minneapolis, is best known as a touring keyboardist for Stokley of Mint Condition. He’s also an independent artist with a discography that honors his family’s legacy.
His albums include “Hymns From Grandma’s Living Room” (2020) and “House of David” (2020), the latter dedicated to his late father. He followed up with “Hymns From Mama’s House: Family Reunion” (2022), a tribute to his mother after her passing.
“It still receives spins to this day,” Billingsley said. “People love those songs.”
Earlier this year, he released “Just for Kids,” a project created in collaboration with his children, Cadence, Kaden and Sarah, featuring soulful renditions of childhood classics like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”
Billingsley also serves as the music teacher at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, succeeding longtime educator Mark Cappechi, who held the role for 35 years.
From MSP to TikTok fame
For the past two years, Billingsley has performed regularly at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP); a gig he describes as a spiritual calling.
“I just always walked past that piano,” he said. “I traveled a lot, and it felt strange. Like, why is that piano just sitting there like that? God called me to that piano.”
While playing at MSP, Billingsley crossed paths with celebrities including Chance the Rapper and comedian Mike Epps, but it was livestreaming that shifted his trajectory.
“I began streaming, waking up at 4 a.m. faithfully to catch the train to the airport with zero followers,” he said. “Driven by grief, passion, and bold ideas, I built something real from playing piano at the airport to sharing moments on TikTok. I now have more than 14,000 followers and a fan base.”
Introducing CLAB
This spring, TikTok reached out to Billingsley with an opportunity to establish an official Creator Network, designed to onboard diverse artists, entrepreneurs and creatives into the platform’s creator economy.
He named it CLAB, in honor of his late mother, Carol Louise Adell Bostic. Pronounced like “collab,” the initiative offers onboarding, training and support for creators looking to grow their platforms and monetize their work.
CLAB is currently Minnesota’s only TikTok Creator Network. On July 8, TikTok named it a Top Program Partner for its outstanding recruiting and impact.
“At CLAB, we’re not just teaching you how to stream,” Billingsley said. “We’re providing the blueprint to build a creative life on your own terms, whether you want to quit your nine-to-five, travel the world, or make real money from your art.”
The program is free and fully supported by TikTok.
Streaming with purpose
Billingsley believes platforms like TikTok are no longer optional; they’re essential for artists hoping to thrive in the digital age. “We’re on the frontier of a brand-new horizon, a new way of life and industry,” he said.
His mission with CLAB is to empower creators to think critically and boldly about their careers and how they reach audiences. “The real talent ain’t shining,” he said. “People aren’t letting their lights shine. They think they are, but they’re not reaching the world at all.”
Amid ongoing discussions about a possible U.S. sale of TikTok, Billingsley views the CLAB Creator Network as a timely platform to help creators launch and grow.
Signing up for CLAB Creator Network is free. Billingsley encourages any creatives interested in joining or learning more about CLAB to visit: www.billingsleymusic.com/clab.
Tiffany Johnson is a contributing writer with an arts and culture focus.