Music

The music industry is huge and continually changing. So, if you want to work in it you’ve got to be focused! First off, decide what you want to do – songwriter, producer, or industry exec are just a few jobs that might float your boat.

Create something that you feel is an honest reflection of you

Jordan - Rizzle Kicks

A good place to start is to get an overview of what kinds of jobs are out there and what they entail: like A&R, sales, distribution, plugging, and marketing - head to Careers in Music for a good overview of these jobs

Then get researching people doing your dream job and match up your skill sets with theirs. For example, if you want to be a producer you need to be sure that not only are you nifty with editing software but that you have built up good relationships with bands and artists that want you to produce their music.

Likewise, if you want to be a blogger you can’t just sit in your room and type up reviews, you’ve got to get out to gigs, meet bands and let them know that you are writing about their music and it’s in their interest to keep you in the loop with the things they are doing.

And finally, tell people this is what you want to be doing! By letting the relevant people know that you want to be the next Kanye West or Simon Cowell you’ll put yourself on people’s radar and next time they need someone to help out (probably for free at the start) they’ll know to give you a call…

If MAKING music is your thing then head over to BBC Introducing now for all the insider info, blogs, events, and videos that you can feast your eyes on.

As with all jobs, a little bit of work experience goes a LONG way so put yourself forward to help out at any event that will help you make contacts and get the right skills. It’s good to think outside the box with this. For example, say you want to be a plugger, why not try to help out or even try to organise a battle of the bands in your local area? Not only will this help you get to know up and coming bands and develop those key relationsips which will help you build up your contacts book.

Contacts are crucial so if you know what you want to do get in touch with people doing it and offer up your services. There’s a fine line between being pro-active and being annoying so be sure to always be polite and show evidence of your passion and hopefully someone will give you a break as everyone knows how new people bring new ideas and that’s what the industry is all about.

Have a look at these links to see the real range of jobs you can do in the music industry:

Working in A&R, Sound Engineer, The reality of being a blogger

Love all things creative and musical, then a career in Music could be for you. You can start out by getting advice from our Twenty-Something music Industry insider, real insights from a young person working in the business today. Find Cherish's profile here.