Meet Jade Bird and find out more about life as a singer-songwriter and her journey into the music industry. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
Jade
I'm playing Radio One's Big Weekend. I'm on the BBC Introducing stage and I'm kind of coming up with my band and we're going to play a set. So I started writing music when I was about 12 or 13. I played the piano before that, kind of classical lessons. I started gigging when I was 14, moved to London, gigged constantly throughout school and then finally something happened when I was 18 to be able to get me on stage.
Resilience is so important. I applied to 150 festivals and none of them replied. I think one or two gave me rejection letters and that was fine. I mean, two years later, I got one back from this little festival that was like do you want to play now? I was like, no, you didn't let me play before! But I guess what it teaches you is that no one's going to say yes just because you've applied. No one is going to give you that. So it is tricky, but that's why I'd say make the most of where you are – gig in pubs, gig in clubs, gig in the rubbish competitions. You've got to just do it to get some thicker skin, it's just really important.
My career? I really want to make albums, it's something I've always wanted to do. I'd love to make coherent albums that sound, well, a great albums is ultimately what I want to make but, you know, I just kind of want to keep building and building my bands and keeping good people around me. I'd say whatever career you want to do, I think having good people around you who keep you grounded is so important. Whenever you see successful people, they always have a good team.
I think if you want to get into any career or any industry, especially the entertainment industry, you've got to be willing to work any sort of lower down jobs. You've got to do an internship or be an assistant and not get paid very much right at the start and then slowly, you know, if you're a worker, people want to work with you, you know what I mean? That's what I've learnt – you've got to work hard for the things you want.
- Jade started writing music at 12 and gigging at 14
- After moving to London, Jade kept gigging throughout her time at school and got her first break on stage at 18
- Jade has found that resilience is really important in the entertainment industry – you have to get used to rejection! Her advice is to take all the opportunities you can to gig in pubs, clubs and local competitions – they'll help you get a thicker skin and useful experience
- She believes that having good people around you that keep you grounded is so important
- Jade's learnt that, if you're a hard worker, people will want to work with you.
You've got to work hard for the things you want.
What to expect if you want to be a singer-songwriter
What will I get paid? Your income will depend on how successful you become and how much paid work you secure. Remember, a record deal doesn't necessarily guarantee success and success doesn't necessarily mean fame.Where will I work? Initially, you'll probably work a lot from home or the recording studio. You will need to travel nationally or internationally to perform.What are the working hours like? You'll choose your writing hours. Gigs are normally at night and can end very late. On tour, there will be a lot of early mornings and travel.
What qualifications do you need to be singer-songwriter?
What qualifications do I need? None in particular – passion, experience and dedication is more important, although musical knowledge and performance skills could be beneficial.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.
Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.
Emily: Production Manager for Festivals. video
Emily organises music festivals.
How to become a writer. collection
A collection of writer job profiles and information about what the role entails.
Jack: digital marketing assistant. video
Jack works at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.
