How To Break Into The Music Industry

This week Blasko and Mike dissect Paul Resnikoff’s article “The Young Persons Guide to Getting Into The Music Industry” via Digital Music News.  #1. Meet Anyone and Everyone You Can In This Business. Before you’re desperate for a job, before your loans are due, and before you need something from people, it’s critical to start meeting people who are actually working in the industry.  You will be investing heavily in your future network, one that will pay very rich dividends down the line.  So take a bus, ride your bike, take a Southwest flight, or just Skype it if you must, but get in front of as many people that are willing to chat. #2. Mentally Prepare Yourself for How Extremely Difficult This Business Is. This is an industry in extreme flux, and one that has seen a massive pie-shrink over the past 15 years. But that doesn’t meant there aren’t jobs and opportunities.  It also doesn’t mean you shouldn’t accept the challenge, simply that you should consider your risk appetite and ability to stomach extreme uncertainty.  #3. Chart Your Course, But Avoid the Obvious Choices. If you want a job at Spotify, fine.  But understand that everybody wants a job at Spotify, and Apple Music, and Shazam, and SoundCloud.  These are fun, hip, and connected environments that will impress your friends, but not if you can’t get in.  Do a little extra homework, and you’ll find all sorts of less obvious opportunities, which means less competition and greater chance for advancement once inside. #4. Read Everything. Of course, read Digital Music News everyday!  But also read everything else you can access, including publications and sites covering industry, music, culture, scenes, whatever. #5. Try to Get Real Industry Experience, Paid or Unpaid. There’s a huge amount of debate over whether unpaid internships are worth it (or even ethical).  If you’re slaving away on errands and busy work without meeting anyone or learning anything, then you’re definitely wasting your time.  But usually that’s not the case, especially if you’re taking initiative and getting college credit. #6. Develop a Mentor Relationship. So, how to you find a great, life-changing mentor?  Oftentimes universities have mentor programs, though you can also seek them out as you expand your professional relationships.  Typically there’s something you have in common, especially if you’re in the same field.  In the best case scenario, you have a great friend and ally in the professional world and beyond. #7. Learn How to Interview Like a Rockstar. For starters, get the basics straight or you won’t even be considered.  Resumes need to perfect and polished, cover letters triple-checked and polished. Also, double-check all of your social media accounts, and either shut down accounts or make them private.  Some people don’t care about some risqué pictures, other people totally care.  Then, make sure you survive quick online checks like a search on Google. After that, you need to start learning how to interview effectively, because like test-taking, successful interviewing is part talent, part learned.  Learn the most typically-asked questions, determine how to present yourself most effectively, and practice techniques for relaxing if you get nervous.  Email any questions or comments to [email protected] Find Blasko on Twitter and Instagram: @blasko1313 Find Mike Mowery on Twitter and Instagram: @mikeoloop ManageMental is part of the Jabberjaw Media Network. www.jabberjawmedia.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices