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Are you looking to pursue a career in the music industry? Check out these five essential careers in music business! They keep the music industry moving.

HOW TO GET INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

The music industry has needs that go beyond the music itself. In today’s music job market, it takes business professionals to elevate music into a cultural phenomenon.

The music business is a vast, complex industry. It employs millions of people across different career paths. Everything from event production planning to music law.

However, it’s difficult to make a decent living in the music industry. Succeeding in music requires various disciplines, strategies, knowledge, and experience beyond creating or performing music. Versatility is key to a sustainable career in music!

Pursuing a career in music business opens doors to more opportunities. Plus, learning and practicing the business side of music is essential in this competitive industry.

Are you passionate about music and want to find a music related career path? Consider these five entry level music business careers:

5 PROMISING CAREERS IN MUSIC BUSINESS

This list of five career paths are perfect for those ready to pursue the hustles of music business.

1) ARTIST MANAGER

Behind each successful artist is a hard-working and talented manager. An artist manager plays a significant role in shaping an artist’s career.

An artist manager represents and serves as an advisor to their artists. They find opportunities, represent their interests, oversee day-to-day schedules, negotiate contracts, counsel them on career decisions, and more.

Artist managers are also the middleman between the artist and the music industry. They work on behalf of the artist, handling the business and professional development of their career. This allows the artist to maintain their mental health and focus on creating their art.

Depending on a manager’s style, they can also become a mentor to the artist. For example, teach them music business skills, music production techniques, mental health management, and more. This guidance will help the artist reach their full potential.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Apply music business experience and strategies
• Help guide the artist development process
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Advise and guide career decisions
• Negotiate record label and licensing contracts
• Create marketing and merchandising strategies
• Manage day-to-day schedules and activities
• Oversee budgeting and money management
• Build relationships with record labels, music distributors, event promoters
• Handle music licensing, music publishing, and performing rights
• Plan and organize tours, events, and interviews
• Collect royalties, revenues, fees, and other payments
• Oversee the production and distribution process
• Help improve the mental and physical health of their artist

2) TOUR MANAGER

A tour manager (TM) travels with an artist and ensures the tour runs smoothly. They organize, plan, and manage various touring logistics.

The responsibilities of a tour manager change depending on the size of the tour. But certain aspects of being a TM remain consistent across any tour.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Arrange travel plans
• Confirm reservations
• Manage tour finances
• Arrange transportation
• Make lodging arrangements
• Manage the tour schedule and set times
• Coordinate equipment needs, soundcheck, and set times
• Ensure everyone gets where they need to be on time
• Deal with promoters, venue managers, ticket agents, etc.
• Coordinate media and marketing coverage
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Demonstrate excellent leadership skills
• Work under pressure and meet demands
• Implement time management and organizational skills
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Another essential aspect of being a tour manager is keeping everyone happy and healthy. Touring is a demanding and stressful lifestyle. A good TM will make sure everyone is performing at their best.

3) BOOKING AGENT (TALENT AGENT)

A booking agent’s primary responsibility is to book gigs for their clients. They’re the point of contact for talent buyers interested in booking an artist.

Booking agents also facilitate the logistics involved in securing live performances or appearances. This includes securing venues, negotiating details, arranging equipment needs, organizing hospitality, managing finances, and more.

Agents work closely with promoters, venues, festival organizers, record labels, and managers. They make sure the artist plays dates and venues that align with their capabilities, goals, and artistic profile.

Like a manager, a great booking agent will also build connections in the music industry. They can also work independently or for a booking agency that represents a roster of artists.

Moreover, having industry connections allow booking agents to advance their clients’ music careers. These advantages are also a big reason artists sign with a particular agent or agency.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Search for new talent to represent
• Find and secure live performances or appearances for artists
• Locate and secure appropriate venues for artists
• Negotiate artist fees, contract terms, set times, and guest lists
• Develop connections with talent buyers, venues, and promoters
• Arrange hospitality, transportation, and hotels
• Arrange equipment needs, soundcheck, and other technical requirements
• Liaise with the artists’ management team to agree on logistics and goals
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Manage ticket sales and related finances
• Manage marketing and promotional strategies
• Coordinate media coverage, appearances, and interviews
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Implement time management and organizational skills
• Help increase the artists’ exposure within the music industry

4) RECORD LABEL MANAGER

A record label manager coordinates and oversees operations at a record label. They implement a release schedule, manage contracts, coordinate marketing strategies, manage royalties, and more.

A label manager also guides the entire musical project from early planning to the release. They work with the A&R department, the label’s artist roster, management teams, and digital music distribution services.

However, the manager’s role varies depending on the size and budget of the record label.

For example, at a smaller, independent label, the manager can serve as A&R and various other roles. With a major label, the manager focuses on more big-picture planning.

A major label will have separate departments for A&R, marketing, design, distribution, and more. This structure allows the manager to delegate smaller tasks to individual departments.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• Develop and maintain relationships with the label’s artist roster
• Manage the entire music project from planning to release
• Maintain and update a release schedule
• Distribute and manage artist contracts
• Manage the label’s budget, artist royalties, and various fees
• Oversee the different departments depending on the size of the label
• Delegate tasks to the departments and ensure timely delivery of release assets
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Manage the digital music distribution account
• Plan the release strategy and monitor analytics
• Manage marketing and promotional strategies
• Coordinate media coverage, appearances, and interviews
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Implement time management and organizational skills
• Oversee non-music relate aspects of running a business

5) A&R REPRESENTATIVE

A&R stands for “Artists & Repertoire.” It’s the A&R’s job to find and curate new talent for record labels.

You may want to also read “WHAT IS AN A&R IN THE DIGITAL AGE”

A&R’s continually search the internet for up and coming artists. They also talent scout at various shows and festivals. That’s how they stay up-to-date with what sounds and styles resonate with the music community.

The first part of the A&R rep’s job is finding artists they want on their roster. Then they approach them with a record contract offer and convince them to sign.

The A&R will also help facilitate the recording and production process. It’s their job to give them the platform that best fits the particular artist’s needs.

Also, an A&R is most valuable to a label when they identify artists ready for success. The next big thing!

Up and coming artists are much more open to contracts. Plus, it’s a massive boost for business if the label finds a huge star early in their career.

Whereas artists who established huge success have more leverage. This makes it more challenging to secure a record contract.

Professional Skills and Duties:

• In-depth knowledge of musical trends, movements, and styles
• Have an exceptional ear for music
• Talent scout and oversee the artistic development of artists
• Network with industry professionals and create a contact list
• Maintain an artist roster and a release schedule
• Understand and manage artist contracts
• Manage and oversee budgets of new music projects
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Liaison between the artist and the record label or publishing company
• Spend time listening to music, scouring clubs, watching social media, reading music blogs
• Represent an artist’s interests within the record label
• Help guide the artists’ subsequent career
• Find music collaboration opportunities
• Organize promotional and marketing efforts
• Supervise the entire recording process

CONCLUSION

The music business requires more than musicians to advance. While the musicians get most of the attention, there are roles in the music industry equally vital.

Someone on the business side of things could have a significant effect on the future of music. As long as they have an unwavering work ethic and the right skills.

That effect can take various forms. For example, a great manager could develop the next Wizkid. A talented agent could secure an all-star lineup for the next Afro Nation. While the next wave of A&R reps will find the new generation of hit makers.

The End.

Oh Wait! Before you leave, check out the most recent music release Sweetness (feat NIK) by 3Li Barzini and Alewa House

Do you know how to network in the music industry? This guide outlines five music industry networking tips that will help you find success and opportunity.

WHAT IS MUSIC INDUSTRY NETWORKING?

Music industry networking is standing toe-to-toe with opportunity. It’s shaking hands and locking eyes with the future you want. It’s stepping into the room as someone unknown and leaving the room as someone everyone wants to know. Also, it’s a conquest, a strategic game of words, and a play of chess with fate. Furthermore, it’s perhaps the most instrumental part of a blooming career.

Moreover, networking reveals who you are – and who you want to be. It tests you to either show your flush of cards or hold onto them in the secret of your own producing Batcave. It can also define you as a behind-the-scenes producer or the next main stage headliner.

Networking in the music industry might be exciting — and an excuse to step into the peaking sunlight for the first time in weeks — but like any derivatives of creativity, it’s an art you must learn to master in this competitive industry.

This guide offers a few tips that might help you ace your first networking experience and set you apart from, well, everyone else.

1) ATTEND WITH INTENTION

Music industry networking isn’t playing. It’s also not an excuse to see your favorite artists and drink more than your body weight. If you go to a show to have one — or seven — too many shots and join the sea of headbangers, then you didn’t network. You simply attended.

Networking within the music industry begins with both intention and initiative. Liquid courage never hurt anyone, but remind yourself why you’re there: to talk with industry professionals about your career. You are the walking representation of your music. If you’re slurring your words and spilling your drink on a top-tier agent’s favorite Gucci shirt, then I can guarantee they won’t be asking to stay in contact with you — unless they want $40 for that button down.

2) APPROACH IS EVERYTHING

Piggybacking off intention is an approach. Your approach will determine if the next five minutes will burn up or fizzle out. As much as your ego may will it, never start the conversation with your accomplishments. Instead, begin with genuine talk and clear communication. Too many times have aspiring artists tanked a vitally crucial face-to-face conversation by listing off their accomplishments like they’re reading down a grocery list. You might be the G.O.A.T., but don’t gloat.

Additionally, credentials are everything in an industry where you have to prove yourself an asset to its longevity. However, credentials also have their time and place. Approach the professional, be friendly, and be yourself. If your nerves are still getting the best of you even with your liquid courage perspiring in your palm, then here are a few examples to help break the ice:

“Hey, how are you? My name is ______ . How’s your night going?”

Or, if you know who they are, then approach them with a little more complimentary cushion. For instance:

“Hey _____, nice to meet you. My name is _____, and I thought to introduce myself. I’m a (insert genre here) producer and a big admirer of your impact on the industry. How’s your night going?”

At the end of the day (and at the other side of your rabbit hole of social anxiety), remember that you are a stranger. Like any stranger, you would approach at a nightclub, restaurant, music studio, or wherever you’ll find yourself on a Friday, be mindful of what constitutes as an aggressive advance. Instead, be sincere, be open, and be polite. Ask about them, why they are here, and if they come to this location often. Parallel your approach to how you would first interact with someone you’d want to escort to the dancefloor. After all, both methods require the same string of courage.

Genuine conversation and sincerity in your advance will determine whether or not that agent will want to hear your spiel — and dance with your destiny.

3) KNOW YOUR BRAND LIKE THE BACK OF YOUR HAND

The most vital gem to your pitch – much less, your whole music career – is your brand. Who are you? What do you stand for? Who do you stand for? Why are you even doing this? Why are you in the middle of a crowded dimly-lit nightclub on a Sunday night, standing in front of powerhouse music agent, cringing at your own voice and trying to breathe despite your racing heart? What is the tangible, concrete representation of your music that will speak influence, longevity, and an undeviating amount of cash flow? Why did you sign up for this — and voluntarily?

Agents, managers, or promoters might ask these questions a bit differently, but they’ll still require the same roll of answers. Your best bet for tackling all these questions at once is in a short 3-4 sentence summary. Be concise, be direct, and speak with confidence. If your brand revolves around emulating the sound of the ocean, you could say something like this:

“My name is Oceanic because I want to make waves in my listener’s lives through my upcoming Deep House E.P. Every song has tropical additives, bringing different and stylistic elements to a long-standing genre.”

After introducing your brand, you could follow up with:

“I already have support from _____ and _____, and will start releasing music by the end of this month.”

Concise and straightforward lets them know that you have support in the now and are planning to keep chiseling at the future with new releases. Wax on, wax off. Suave on, pride off. Also, whatever your time period is in releasing music, it’s good to make clear that you have longevity. You’re not about to burn out — you’re a wildfire that can’t be put out.

4) READ BODY LANGUAGE LIKE A PROFESSIONAL

UCLA research has shown that only 7% of communication is based on the actual words we say. As for the rest, 38% comes from tone of voice, and the remaining 55% comes from body language. If you’re not paying attention to the 55% when you’re speaking to someone, then chances are, your efforts could be going in one ear and right out the other.

A creative professional knows that observance should always come before impulse, while an amateur will approach at any cost. Without creepily staring for too long, the professional will take notice of the manager, agent, or artists’ posture. Are their shoulders collapsed forward, or do they stand in an upright position? Are they surrounded by people, and already invested in long conversations? Do they look nervous or stressed? Are they on the phone?

As an artist and a music industry professional, you should be reading their body language long before you ever step foot in front of them. Why? Because there’s nothing worse than approaching someone who didn’t want to be approached in the first place. A professional knows that the next best thing to a mobile “Do Not Disturb” sign is a clenched jaw, a tightened neck, a furrowed brow, or a nose deep in an iPhone. When the coast is clear, and the professional makes their move, then they are ready to read the obvious gestures of reception versus resistance. Below are further examples:

RECEPTIVE BODY LANGUAGE

• Moving or leaning closer to you
• Relaxed, uncrossed limbs
• Long periods of eye contact
• Genuine Smiles
• Engaging in the conversation

RESISTANT BODY LANGUAGE

• Moving or leaning away from you
• Crossed arms or legs
• Looking away or around them for someone else
• Feet pointed away from you, or towards and exit

Music industry professionals know these signs. They also know when the negative body language occurs, they can either think on the spot and adjust their pitch. However, if the other party still resists, then the professional politely excuse themselves, thank them for their time and move onto the next person, undaunted and ready to conquer.

5) KNOW WHEN TO CLOSE

Considering they haven’t started crossing their arms yet or looking for an out of the conversation, you may proceed to ask for their contact information to keep in touch. Regardless of how the conversation is going, this is the close. This closing approach is also the way to end a conversation while you’re ahead. It’s often better to ask for the treasure at the end of the long, and possibly drab exchange. Below are some examples of casual ways to close the conversation and get your hands on that business card:

“It was so nice talking to you. Any chance we can stay in touch, and I can send you my new releases?”

“Hey, thank you so much for your time. I’m really interested in staying in contact. Do you have a card?”

“I would love to talk with you sometime outside of this crowded nightclub. Can we exchange information?”

Music industry networking is where professionalism meets practice and action. Try drafting your spiel and practicing aloud. Also, consider performing your pitch with your friends and family to become more comfortable. You could even try reading their body language in casual conversation. When you feel you’re polished and ready, pick out events that align with your type of music and to get prepared to start talking like the professional you are.

That's it! Fin. Except you want to listen to Jeje life by Warchild