Any advice for landing a job at a record label?
Question by Anthony T: Any advice for landing a job at a record label?
I’m in college, and having a hard time choosing a major.
Ideally, I’d like to work in the business side of the music industry. Marketing/promotion for artists, scouting talent, managing artists, negotiating contracts, working for a record label, whatever it may be. Eventually, I’d like to move to Nashville and work there. Maybe doing A&R stuff.
Is it necessary to get a degree to work in this field? How can I go about getting my foot in the door with a record label? Any advice?
Best answer:
Answer by isawmarty
Everyone gets into the business in a different way. I will give you advice that worked well for me.
1. Do a serious analysis of your skills and your likes and dislikes. Remember, this is something you’re going to be doing for fifty years! Zero in on one, maybe two, things. Your list up there is all over the place, so find one.
2. Once you find your niche, I’d recommend either phoning or taking a trip to Nashville to talk to a professional in the field you chose. This is what I did, and I ended up with an internship. You may not land a job, but you WILL make connections, and most of the “behind-the-scenes” people are willing to give advice.
3. When you find an area, remember that you do NOT have to go to Nashville. It’s not the only recording center in the country; and (much as they like to think otherwise) it’s certainly not the only hub of country music around. You may find more work (and more rewarding work) in a place that’s “under the radar.” Consider places like Memphis or Chicago, which have always had a bustling blues scene; or places like Austin, Bakersfield, and Branson, hotbeds of traditional country music (versus the mass-appeal pop stuff that Nashville makes).
4. Most large towns have a Musicians’ Union local. Even though they are specifically geared toward the musician instead of any other aspect of the music profession, they may be able to give you some information and pointers.
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