Music connects the world and enriches the lives of billions of global citizens. It’s also a crucial component in modern life for a growing number of people. The global recorded music industry has seen steady growth in popularity over the last few years, reaching more than $19 billion in revenue in 2019.
With numbers like that, it’s no wonder that so many music fans are looking to break into the industry. But not all of us were gifted with a beautiful singing voice or spent years developing skills on a professional instrument. The reality is that most music fans don’t have the chops to make it as a studio musician or popular touring act, but there are other avenues that you can take.
Fortunately, the music industry is a massive machine that requires myriad components in order to operate smoothly. From the ground crew setting up the stage at a festival to the promoter or music manager behind the scenes, there are plenty of career options out there for music fans who aren’t musicians. By developing your skill sets and putting yourself out there, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a long career in an industry that you love.
Breaking into the Music Scene
When it comes to working in the music industry, passion for music can go a long way. Take that mindset and integrate it with a skill that you already have, or would like to develop. For instance, if you enjoy writing, consider pursuing a career in music journalism or promotion. Those who are more technical may be better suited for jobs in sound engineering, recording, and/or streaming services.
No matter what music profession you ultimately pursue, you will likely be asked about your knowledge and passion for music during the interview process. What’s more, for long-term gigs, such as an album’s promotional campaign or multi-state tour, your potential employer may want to know that your personality and style are good matches with the rest of the crew.
In this way, interviews for jobs in the music industry are similar to traditional interviews. Some may even include behavioral interview questions, which typically require an in-depth, narrative response. Just be yourself, and be sure to emphasize your interest in music while looking for common ground between yourself and the interviewer. If he or she mentions a particular band, for instance, try to share a story about music within the same genre.
Production, Management, and Media
In the music industry, self-starting is possible, but it’s ultimately a social world. Once you ace your interview, get ready to be swept away in attempts to make connections to fans, producers, promoters, and other artists. Here, the fact that you’re not a musician can be an asset, at least where various non-musician skill sets are concerned.
The ability to write a great song doesn’t mean that a talented musician can navigate the complexities of production or sound engineering, for example. And in our digital world, music producers and engineers need to be well-versed in modern technology, especially apps and streaming platforms. Streaming music from a smartphone has become one of the most popular forms of listening, and modern music promotion must embrace the platform to attract and retain fans.
Music promotion involves much more than just streaming, however, and your social media skills may come in handy as you dive into the music industry. Those who are social media-savvy and have good people skills may be well-suited to work as a music manager. Managers have a variety of duties that may include booking shows and appearances, negotiating contracts, and looking out for the best interests of the artist or band.
Legal and Financial Considerations
It’s not all glamour and excitement for those working in the music industry. Music managers may also end up having to talk to lawyers. Legal issues are unfortunately prevalent in the music industry, ranging from payment disputes to claims of copyright infringement.
And make no mistake — there’s big money on the legal side of the music industry. In December 2018, a California federal judge found musicians Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams liable for copyright infringement, to the amount of $5.3 million. The case regarding the hit song “Blurred Lines” involved several record labels and dragged on for numerous years.
Lawyers for musicians have additional duties beyond dealing with copyright infringement claims and contract negotiations. Numerous famous musicians have rap sheets, from Johnny Cash to Justin Beiber and Snoop Dogg. Rapper Mayhem Mal is among those musicians who have been arrested over the years, but Mal was jailed for his music itself. Convicted of allegedly threatening to kill police officers in one of his songs, Mal and his lawyers claim that he should be protected by the First Amendment.
The Last Note
As we can see, the musicians themselves are just a small part of the complex machine that makes up the music industry. Lawyers, music journalists, sound engineers, promoters, and more are also integral to the process of making and sharing music with the world.
Courtesy of Maggie Potter