Making it in the music industry and the importance of good connections

University of Birmingham record label New Street Records ran a successful music speaker event to help students learn more about getting into the music industry. Four speakers came on to campus on the evening of 30 January to help share their unique professional knowledge as well answer questions.

Tour manager - Emma TranterRadio 1 Producer - Kemal MermutluA&R manager - Hamish ThomsonMusic Legal expert - Amedeo Caupuccio

First of all a word about the event organisers, New Street Records who bring something quite unique to the table.  A start-up business made up of over 30 current students and alumni working together to help promote local musical talent across the University and surrounding area. A fine example of taking the idea in your head and turning it into a working reality for the benefit of others. 

On the night Adam and Ellie from New Street gave questions to the panel of four. Emma Tranter, tour manager and photographer for Australian DJ's Nervo - put her successful experiences down to working as hard as she possibly could.  Her passion lies in Photography but she has talked about the connections she has made and the opportunities that have opened up to her.  When she isn't travelling to different parts of the world you will find her at the University of Birmingham working on her IT Masters.

Radio 1 Producer Kemal Mermutlu gave advice for anyone looking to get into radio and also the importance of finding the right connections to get what you want.  The man "who brought Diplo to Radio 1" and the same man who has worked on the Annie Nightingale show had a lot of questions from UoB students who were interested in becoming artists or producers themselves.  The message was generally about the importance of channeling your time getting to the right contact.  "Don't waste your time spending £100 on Facebook advertising, find the right contact and channel your efforts to the right people (sic)".


There was also the chance to hear from Hamish Thomson - an artist manager and A&R talent scout.  Interesting to hear how genre's were key to individual's success - rock bands and groups in general are finding it hard to break through whereas "Grime" acts were in great demand and solo artists more marketable right now than groups.  You could easily argue that market trends in any sector has a bearing on your ability to find an opportunity, not just in music. Amedeo Capuccio from Sound Advice represented the legal side of music and has worked with Cat Stevens - talked about commercial agreements between artists and agents and answered legal questions.  

So in summary..  Don't be afraid to pursue something you are passionate about. The music industry is of course a competitive place but focusing your efforts on making the right connections can help you get where you want to be.  Linkedin is of course a handy way to make connections and it is never too early to build up your network whilst you are studying.

If you have a great idea you would like to try, the Careers Network, B-Enterprising team can help you make your own work experience and there is funding available to turn an idea into a working reality.  Visit the B-Enterprising homepage here

written by Bob Lee