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The Red Bull Music Academy takes place once a year, but the amount of content produced and knowledge shared is pretty epic, and they do a good job of documenting and recording as much of the two-week long event as possible, and regularly posting online the produce of the recording sessions, lectures, and late night jams.
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Recently, we here at Music Jobs attended the Career Fair at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. This was our third appearance, with many more to come. As I spent the afternoon there, talking with students, I couldn’t think help but about how just five years ago I was in their place. I had graduated from my Masters program focused in the Music Business, moved to Los Angeles from Chicago, and was looking for the opportunity to get my foot in the door in the industry.
To backtrack a little bit – I officially started off in the music industry with Grad School and I worked tirelessly for two years to receive my Masters of Arts Management with a focus in Music Business. After paying my dues, taking out lots of loans, and interning, etc. I finally graduated! From there I made the trek out to Los Angeles to fulfill my music industry dreams and start my career. It’s never like it is in the movies though… However, I was lucky to land my first gig within just about six weeks of moving to LA. I actually found the job and applied for it through an online job site, which had been recommended by a professor. Another site that had been pointed out to me by this same professor was Music Jobs (oddly enough). After registering and adding in all my details, I kept my information on both sites updated. For my first gig – I was hired as the Marketing Manager for a Music Retailer. I was very excited and my new suit looked great, especially now that I’d be able pay the credit card bill for it!
Image by Dean Meyers
I found my way around quickly and did well at the company, but soon realized that this really wasn’t the place for me. My career dreams had me pointed down another path, so I kept working in the Marketing Department, learning all I could, while firing up my job hunt in the evenings (and it really is a hunt – filled with rejection and often no response whatsoever). Job hunting can be one of the most exhausting experiences.
However, I kept the faith and eventually landed a interview at an agency that represented Film and TV music composers. The agency snatched me up, and after a year at my first job I said “adieu.” I began as an Executive Assistant with the agency and moved up to Operations Manager during my time there. I gained a wealth of knowledge within the world of contracts, royalties, licensing, how to get us paid quicker, and the enormous task of making sure things were done on time and properly. In the world of deadlines no one waits for you and things move very fast.
In the background I still had my my Music Jobs profile up to date, and still received job alerts. One day, 2 years and 1 month after I had started at the agency I got a specific job alert from Music Jobs. It was for a Business Development Administrator position actually at Music Jobs. As I read through the job description, after nearly every requirement they were looking for I excitedly said “That’s me” or “I’ve done that” or “This would be perfect.” I took stock of my current job, and came to the conclusion that I felt I had mastered everything that I could learn there and that at least taking a chance on this opportunity would be well worth my while. The chance to be more creative with this position was extremely appealing.
I applied for the position at Music Jobs, got a call for an interview, dusted off my suit and made the nerve wracking drive to their offices. I met with Stu (Director of Operations for our LA office) and Matt (Creative Director for our UK offices) – a couple of super smart Brits with great music taste and a fabulous opportunity available. I got called in for a second round of interviews, which I had to create a presentation for. I knew there must be some stiff competition, but at the end of the week they called me back and offered me the position.
I was thrilled needless to say, but then I had to come to grips with leaving my current job and entering the unknown that comes with a new job at a different company… That was tough, but I got through it and looked ahead to my new adventure that awaited me.
And it has definitely been an adventure – over the past two years (nearly), I’ve found my way into a new role for me with this company. I took a chance on my dream job, scored it, and it’s a little bit like happily ever after at times (ok so maybe every now and then it happens kind of like in the movies). My takeaway to all of you still hunting for your dream job, your next gig, or your first foot in the door – don’t give up. It takes a lot of hard work, repetitive actions, and paying your dues in more ways than one. Your own path will inevitably be an ever changing path, similar to tree branches. Each new career decision might lead you down another branch or limb, opening a new path to various opportunities. And yes even back-tracking may occur. It’s all about the journey, so try to enjoy the good bits along the way.
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Last week a couple of our crew here at Music Jobs (myself and Laura) attended the Industry Fair at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. This was our third appearance, with many more to come hopefully. We joined other music industry companies to hang out in the MI Passageway, meet their students, and eat snow cones. It’s a unique experience that allows us to connect with students face-to-face, which we don’t always get to do.
Our table at the MI Industry Fair
We not only got to share the story of our site and tell them about the resources we have to offer, but we also got to tell our stories of how we got to where we are in our personal careers. We were thrilled to be included as a resource to students as they begin looking for their internships, as they graduate and take their first step in their careers, and to alumni who are a bit further along in their careers but are honing in on their dream jobs.
What were some of the best tips you received/discovered as you entered the job market right out of school?
We look forward to the next Fair, and hope to see you there!
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This post is intended to offer general ideas to independent musicians, rather than legal advice. Please consult a tax specialist with your specific legal questions.
April 15th is fast approaching, which for singers, bands, performers, and musicians across the country, is a fearful date: something about all that legal jargon and red tape just doesn’t energize a creative mind in the same way. Following Lil Wayne’s recent income tax bill for a whopping $5.6 million, we thought we should share a few last minute helpful tips, ideas, and reminders on deductibles, seeing as the independent artist can often take deductions that are normally not available to most people. Oh, and there’s additional good news this year: April 15th coincides with a District of Columbia holiday, and so all 2010 tax payments are instead due on Monday, April 18.
- Instrument purchases, rental, repair and maintenance.
- Subscriptions and purchases of Billboard / Rolling Stone Magazine and other trade publications.
- Being a service that you use to find employment, your subscription to Music Jobs is tax deductible.
- Stage clothes/makeup (but you can’t use the clothes for everyday use.)
- Remember how We Are the World 25 for Haiti and MTV’s Hope for Haiti encouraged you to donate to charity? Deduct your contributions.
- Rehearsal hall, studio, office or storage rental.
- Music Lessons.
- Memberships in professional associations and the unions.
- Website and email database setup and maintenance costs.
- Production of physical promotional materials; CDs, photos, newsletters, USB giveaways.
- Lucky/smart enough to have some professional earplugs made up? Deduct away!
- Whilst away from home, you can deduct 100% of travel and accommodation…
- And 50% of business meal expenses – while on tour, all of your meals are business meals.
- Report payments to other musicians. Legal fees are also deductible. (Note: You must send a 1099 to any independent contractor, such as the extra guitarist you hire for the tour, to whom you pay $600 or more.)
Finally, a little soundtrack to give you the motivational kick you may need 
Happy filing!
The Music Jobs Team.
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This will be my first year attending the South By South West Music and Media Conference (SXSW). I’ll be heading down to Austin to represent Music Jobs and network with a heap of other musicians, small businesses and music industry visionaries. 2010 saw over 13,000 conference participants from 49 different countries, and nearly 20,000 attending the trade show. Then you have the thousands of workshops, film screenings, and unofficial parties. It all became rather daunting, and so I turned to Martin Atkins, a SXSW regular and author of Tour:smart for some advice, tips, and general positive vibes.
I’ve been for the last 4 years straight and presented each time for SXSW – embroidering around the event with other stuff like DJing at the Red Bull party or doing something with the Austin Music Foundation.
Everyone goes – from new aspiring bands to agents managers labels and lots and lots of companies that want to sell stuff to you….it’s the full spectrum of plant life – it’s a great place to see all of the layers of the multicolored shit cake that is the music business.
The night before it all starts i’m doing Party:Smart with Austin Music Foundation and Memphis Music Foundation – some advice and some great bands – Asleep have a 15′ robot, One Eyed Doll are tremendously inspiring from all angles, and I’m going to be all over the place this time; offering free advice, hanging out, seeing some bands, seeing who is doing interesting stuff. My event (Welcome to the Music Business – You’re Fucked) is early on the Wednesday morning – 11am at the convention center. Then there is a book signing and a panel with an attorney and me (Getting Band Business Done Smart) – kind of duelling opinions about the viability of the legal position vs the street level down and dirty version (thats me!) on Friday at noon and 3:30pm respectively.
Meeting Kimberly from One Eyed Doll – she had bought Tour:Smart right when it came out and implemeted a bunch of strategies from it – making her own shirts one at a time with spray bleach! inspiring stuff for any business – it was terrific and unforgettable.
Thinking that it is going to make a huge difference – it IS, but not immediately, and its a cumulative effect – the second time will be better than the first, the third better than the second, etc. It’s a baptism of fire and you see very very quickly just what and how much you are really up against. It’s easy on the road to think that there are three other bands at the venue you are playing at, and maybe a few other shows in town that night that you are competing with, but at SXSW there are 5,000 or 6,000 bands performing many shows – it either pushes you faster and further OR back into bed to hibernate.
I have NO idea who is going to be there, I haven’t managed to plan ANYTHING other than a stop in Memphis on the way down. I was in a nasty car accident a couple of weeks ago and its kind of f*cked me up a little.
1 – This might run absolutely contrary to anything that you really WANT to do…but, drink in extreme moderation. Things happen from 10 am- including open bars – and, unless you are English, you won’t be able to pace yourself. Or, if you can, you will totally FAIL at day 2,3,4,or 5……. it’s too important to miss half of it puking in a toilet or some lovely girl’s hair.
2 – Blog/message/video constantly. Don’t wait to edit and perfect it – upload the motherf*cker immediately while people still care and are searching for hash tags.
3 – Pay attention to the streets and everyone else’s stuff. I think it’s a much better way of making an impression, or a contact, or a friend, than trying to impress someone with your really great songs – even if they are really great you aren’t getting a soundcheck and the bass player will swallow a wasp or something ……so, yeah and dont be an asshole.
If any of our members are attending this year, or thinking of going, then let us know! We are happy to meet / mingle / share advice / talk music in general.
by Lee Jarvis.
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New York’s Charles Bradley is releasing his debut album at the sprightly age of 62 years young. His ‘No Time For Dreaming’ LP hits the stores on today (January 25th), released on Daptone/Dunham Records.
The remarkable Bradley has spent the last 48 years working number of jobs while pursuing his dream, from being a cook in Maine to working in a retiremnent home in California. The whole time, he never gave up on his dream of singing and performing. As he says, “soul music gives me my roots” therefore it is something that would never diminish within him.
His first exposure to soul music came from seeing James Brown at the age of 14. Inspired, he went on to create his own James Brown tribute act. Maintaining a tribute band and playing out regularly was interrupted by the Vietnam war, but his move to the West Coast and a change of scenery had his act touring the soul venues there in no time. Moving back to New York in the 1990s and performing the tribute act at various Brooklyn nightclubs led to his meeting the head of Daptone, as well as Tom Brenneck, whose instrumental band Bradley would write and record his album with.
Bradley is living proof that age really is only a number, and that you can make progress in the music industry no matter what birthday you’re approaching. In his case, his tough years and troubles are a key part of his rasping voice. His unique sound is really coming from the heart, making for some of the most amazing soul music of recent years.
Check out the promotional video for Bradley’s debut album, and use the widget below to get a free sample of his music.
‘No Time For Dreaming’ hits the stores Today ( January 25th), on Daptone / Dunham Records. Charles Bradley is also on an extensive US and EU tour over the coming months. Check out the dates here.
by Lee Jarvis.
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Tammy Romaniuk of Media Match and Tara Duffy of US Music Jobs were invited to be guests for episode 92 of AudioNowcast, first broadcast on 27th September 2010. AudioNowcast is a regular podcast of audio professionals talking about the industry.
Topics included: the rundown on their respective websites; if Craigslist is any good for finding jobs (spoiler: Rob doesn’t think so); why independent movies are great for people looking to go in different directions; how to interview; why its important to have good hygiene (seriously); and so much more! Listen below.
The AudioNowcast panel also discussed what room correction devices are and what the panel think of them, they answer some questions on the good old NS-10′s, Rob talks about how awesomely bad his Auratones are, and monitors, monitors everywhere! You can hear the rest of the talk here.
If you have any further questions as to what we do, or how you can improve your chances of success with employers, please ask away in the comments below.
by Lee Jarvis.
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There’s a great new website out there for developing artists and bands, although it covers a wide variety of other arts in addition to music. It’s called Indie Go Go.
(Click to enlarge)
The site is unlike anything I’ve seen before, it’s quite a unique concept. The gist of the site is that it allows you to post a project that you need to raise money for. For example, look at this band using this site: http://www.indiegogo.com/shapesstarsmake. The band wants to go on tour, but in order for them to be able to do so they need a van and some additional funds in order to make their dream happen. Indie GoGo aids their efforts by giving them a unique platform to promote their cause to everyone they know and millions of people they don’t know. They customize their tiers of giving, as well as providing rewards and incentives for those who give to their cause. It’s a great way to get the help you need, raise awareness about your band, and ultimately get one step closer to actualizing your dream. (more…)
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