Having a career in the music industry is something many young people aspire to but most will have no idea about where to begin to try and take this ambition forward. That’s where events like the Liverpool Phil’s Industry Career Day is a real help.
Taking place this year on Sunday 22 March at the Phil itself, they have a line up packed full of industry experts who will provide insights into the music industry, how it works, and how you can develop a career in it.
Of course when most people think of the music industry they probably think immediately of the big name DJ/producer/artist that is all over social media, has huge figures on Spotify and is filling large venues across the world. Unfortunately the reality is that only a relatively small number of artists will reach these dizzy heights of fame and fortune. Many working musicians have portfolio careers where they still make their original music but have to do other things alongside this to make sure they can pay their rent and eat.
However, the music industry is made up of many more career options than being a musician. If you look at a live show, for example, as well as the people on stage there are a whole bunch of people making the event happen – from sound engineers, lighting engineers, road crew, venue managers, venue staff through to the likes of riggers and caterers (on larger shows). That’s before we even begin to think about the jobs in recording studios, rehearsal rooms, record labels, publishers, music education and music tech etc.
And the music industry doesn’t stand alone – all the creative industries including music/film/tv/gaming etc. are closely linked and many people who start out ostensibly working in the music industry will end up working across many sectors. I went to school with a lad who was originally a musician in a band that formed at school, he went on to play in some successful bands with record deals, worked for a short time at a record company, and has ended up becoming one of the most successful film composers today.
On a much less glamorous note my own career is an example of how careers in the music sector are rarely straightforward. I started as a music journalist when I was 18. I realised that sadly I was a rubbish musician but that I could write a bit. This meant that some stupid people in London would pay me to write about music and it also meant I would get free records and put on guest list at gigs. Result! I built my networks through this early role and as a result got asked to DJ occasionally (which I did very badly), got asked to manage a band which I did (again badly) before spending a few years in music academia. I eventually ended up becoming the Curator at the British Music Experience where my industry contacts came in handy, before taking on my current role.
The careers event is sponsored by locally based company Sentric who are an amazing example of how you can build a career and a globally successful business in the music industry from Liverpool. I first met Chris Meehan, one of the founders of the business when he had a start up business while still studying at LIPA. Chris and his co-founders have gone on go build an incredibly successful publishing business with a global reach but with its HQ still firmly based in Liverpool with over 100 employees.
Production company Ad Lib will be running sessions at the event too and they are another great example not just of what can be achieved from a base here but also of the amazing range of jobs that can be found within the sector.
I first met founder Andy Dockerty over 30 years ago when he was a sound engineer with a van and a PA. Now the company that he set up employs over 200 people from its base in Knowsley and is one of the most well regarded names in Europe for audio, lighting, video, staging and rigging.
Ad Lib have produced a great video which sets out some of the career opportunities in the sector
https://kinoportal.adlib.co.uk/auth/fast-lane/2428baaf-d6be-49d6-b846-95e354367bed
There are some great speakers on the day too including the likes of Natasha Hamilton (ex Atomic Kitten and founder of Morpho Records) and Guy Chambers, the Liverpool-born songwriter behind global hits for Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Mark Ronson.
If you already know what you want to do in the music industry there will be people here to guide you. If you aren’t sure then there will be plenty of opportunities to find out about the range of opportunities.
For just £10, aspiring music professionals can access one of the most comprehensive music careers events in the UK, packed with expert insight, practical advice and direct access to some of the biggest names in the industry. Sponsored by Sentric, the event welcomes major organisations including BBC, EMI North, UK Music, Universal Music, PPL, PLASA, Adlib and Small Green Shoots, offering attendees rare access to professionals working across every corner of the music industry.
Across the day, participants can take part in panel discussions, hands-on workshops and live demonstrations, covering essential topics such as:
- Music industry myth busting
- Building your career as a music creator
- Building your brand, social media and building your fanbase
- Music distribution and getting your music heard
- Music broadcasting
- Working in Artist Development
- AdLib music tech showcase
- How to stay healthy, creative and sustainable in Music
Taking place at Liverpool Philharmonic, the event is split into two sessions. The morning is targeted towards under 18s whilst the afternoon session is for 18+, perfect for those in higher education or early on in their career. Find out more about which session is right for you here.
This year will also see the return of the Music Careers Marketplace where attendees will have the opportunity to chat to representatives from leading music organisations and employers. The Music Careers Marketplace will be specially tailored across the morning and afternoon sessions, but organisations and employers such as BBC, Help Musicians, Future Yard, Glyndebourne Academy, JAMES, LIPA, Music Mark, Musicians’ Union, PPL, RNCM, UK Music & Discover! Creative Careers, Young Sounds UK, City of Liverpool College, Edge Hill University, LMA, SAE & ICMP and DITTO.
Kev McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music
