Working in the music industry

[bjf1377]

I'm in my junior year in college working on a secondary education major. I've been going through the motions and just doing what I need to get things done, but I've been kinda thinking that its not what I truely want to do with my life.

But something clicked last night. I was catching myself listening to all different aspects to the songs by this local band, from lyrics to each instrument individually/as a whole to the recording quality. Then I realized that I would absolutely love a job in the music industry. Nothing involving being in a band because I have no talent along those lines. More along the lines of producing, managing, or working for a label. So now I'm sitting here wondering if I should just go with the flow and stay with teaching, or go with something I would love to do (music industry).

Does anyone here have any insight into the music business or work in it and knows how difficult it is to get some in-roads?

[JiggidyJames]

Re: Working in the music industry

Stay away from it.

It was f'd up eight years ago and it's even more f'd up now because there's less money going around. I know guys in the industry 30 y/o still living at home. And not only that, you go into it wide-eyed, you won't last. It's really rough.

You could always do something on the side, but as a teacher I'm sure that'll be harder.

If you wanna produce, go to school for it. You can get an internship at a studio as a way in. That's the road most take and it's your best bet. But you have to have skill. Management, you have to be a true hustler and constantly be on the grind. Working for a label sucks...you'll eventually start to hate music.

I thought I knew sooo much when I got into it, but the way labels work behind the scenes, it'll make you sick when you first find out how it really is. But if it's your dream, go for it. But prepared to work a loooooong time for nothing.

[CMH]

Re: Working in the music industry

Lets put it this way. The company I work with started off as a music label. They now produce events for non profits and fund raisers and make more money in that than they ever were making in music.

The way the music industry works is pretty much dead. They missed the digital boat and are paying hard for it.

It's not an easy industry to get into and the people already in it are very shady.

Plus, most of the top jobs are being taken by people that have experience and success making music.

[CMH]

Re: Working in the music industry

I want to say, however, that if it's what you want to do then you should go for it. Hard work and dedication will take you places. It may not be the best place but it'll be a place.

Just have that backup.

I would even suggest that you do a lot more research on it and see what steps you can take in the business world to get into music. If you want to get involved in the management of it then you don't necessarily need to stuy music. Just need to be a smart businessman with strong networking skills and a few people that can push you in the right direction.

Obviously, easier said than done.

[bjf1377]

Re: Working in the music industry

I'll be honest, I'm not as concerned with the amount of money I can pull in as I should be. I mean, teaching definitely doesn't always pay well around NE Ohio unless you want to go to Cleveland Public schools. My professors have pretty much said if you want to be guarenteed a job, you have to go to NC, CA, or NV, and honestly NC and NV aren't places on my "want to move there" lists.

So honestly, either way I'm gonna be busting my butt for not much money for a while

[3rdAnswer]

Re: Working in the music industry

I plan on being in the music industry as an independent artist. I know it's hard work, but I'm willing to at least take the shot.

That's all it really takes....you just have to WANT to take the shot, and not be too upset if it doesnt work out like you want it to. At least you know you tried.

[KingV2k3]

Re: Working in the music industry

Stay away from it.

It was f'd up eight years ago and it's even more f'd up now because there's less money going around. I know guys in the industry 30 y/o still living at home. And not only that, you go into it wide-eyed, you won't last. It's really rough.

You could always do something on the side, but as a teacher I'm sure that'll be harder.

If you wanna produce, go to school for it. You can get an internship at a studio as a way in. That's the road most take and it's your best bet. But you have to have skill. Management, you have to be a true hustler and constantly be on the grind. Working for a label sucks...you'll eventually start to hate music.

I thought I knew sooo much when I got into it, but the way labels work behind the scenes, it'll make you sick when you first find out how it really is. But if it's your dream, go for it. But prepared to work a loooooong time for nothing.

Great post!

As a 30 year vet in the field, with no backup plan, I'd say get the degree as a backup...

It's really falling apart quickly, with no sign of a turnaround...

Freinds of mine, also with no backup plan, getting spit out into the 'straight world' at or near 50 with no skill set that's relatable to the mainstream job market...

Ugh...

No one could have talked me out of it when I got 'the calling' (lol), but those were different times!

[mgoblue]

Re: Working in the music industry

My friend's brother in LA wants to be a lawyer in the Entertainment industry...he had to take a 50% price cut from his corporate lawyer job to become a gofer for some big lawyer. It's crazy hard to get into that business...If it's truly your passion, I'd say go for it, but you really have to care, more than a "Oh, I like music, that'd be cool!" mindset. Do you even understand what people in various jobs do? Just wondering how far you've thought about this. I'd think long and hard before making a life change like this into such a crazy and unstable industry (especially with digital downloads looming).

[headrulz101]

Re: Working in the music industry

I'm currently in the industry as an artist. I guess I'm at the point in time where my big break could be coming up, as I have a meeting with EMI Canada, Warner Bros Canada and Sony BMG Canada. Yes, it is hard hard hard work and extremely tough in the industry (especially for myself, as I am a singer/songwriter) and it is very important to have a backup plan. I know that if all fails, I will be heading back to university (I'm still at a young age) and/or I will open up a restaurant (which is another goal in my life) with my brother (there are already 4 restaurants in the family business).

Though, I must say, I got "in" by winning a songwriting competition (which had a great prize!), and that is how I made my "connections." These connections also got me a jam session with John Mayer (awesome guy!), so that was no doubt a confidence booster.

Now, working as a producer, could be tough, as you are looked upon how many "hits" you have produced. So really, you're going to have to work up the ladder (any job is like that though!), but I think you are on the right track (you're starting to "hear" the music). Going to school for this is pretty much the right path (you can work as an intern at a label), but others have made it without the schooling (these are the "born" producers).

Finally, if you really really want to do it, do it. Yes, it is a tough road and money may be short, but I rather be short on money than have regrets on my death bed. The worst question: "What could I have done?" Get ready to travel a lot though. I'm constantly moving between Montreal (family), L.A. (have a condo), New York (condo) and England (hotel) for business.

[CMH]

Re: Working in the music industry

Yea, I see this the way I see my TV/Film writing goal.

I know it's hard work and it's going to be a long road. I'm 26 right now and I seriously don't see a real break for at least another 10 years. Really. I see myself writing on television shows as a nobody for at least a decade before someone would have the confidence to give me a bigger shot. But I understand that reality.

And I've put myself in the position to have the connections that can get me through the door. That can get one of my tv spec scripts read and seriously considered.

But you have to really want it. And you have to accept the long road. That being said, I think if you really want to do it, and you try to do it, you'll make it. After that, you determine your success.