When asking the question, “How do you sell music on iTunes?” one of the best things you can do is look to the already successful. The more tips, the more stories, the more advice you can learn from those around you, the more prepared you’ll be to hit it big time.

And today, at SongCast, we’re casting the spotlight on the ever-dedicated Adam Young.

Who (pun indented), you might ask, is Adam Young?

Young is the singer, the songwriter, and the multi-instrumentalist behind the band Owl City. Remember that little ditty called “Fireflies”?

(If not, we have no idea where you were back in 2009 when you could not turn on a radio without it trickling through your speakers.)

So what exactly do you have to learn from Owl City’s Adam Young? Three big, big things. Bust out that notebook; there will be a quiz.

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment: If it weren’t for a kid with a knack for experimenting, an alleged bout of insomnia, and an interest in producing electronica, Owl City may have never come about. By experimenting, not only with different styles, but with different instruments and sound effects, Young shot to fame in a matter of years.

2. You don’t need to start big to make it big: One interesting fact about Adam Young is that he began his music career close to home – well, in his home. Actually, in his parent’s home. Young dreamed up, composed, and self-released his music from his parent’s basement. He’s since gone quadruple-platinum. Enough said.

3. Self-promote: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: take advantage of social media. Back in the late 2000s, Young created a MySpace for his music – and it was here that it began to take off. After taking to social media, making more music, and building a strong base of followers, Young was approached by none other than Universal Republic for a record deal in 2008.

So the next time you find yourself asking the question “How do you sell songs on iTunes?” look to those who started small and made it big. And hey – why not head back to your parents’ place for a little inspiration?