Declassified Music Industry Survival Tips
A Little Background
For the past decade, I’ve dedicated my life to working in the music industry.
From running merch for local bands at 15 years old to helping run Justin Timberlake’s VIP experience at age 24.
When I was younger, I had very few friends who were actually interested in making something of themselves in this industry. It was hard to find people who took me seriously, especially as a young female who was labeled as “just a fangirl.” Even finding a college was tough because back in 2012, “music business” was barely a major.
So..
If you’re finding yourself in this same position, I’m here to help. Here are my tips to finding success in the music industry as a non cis-male.
Stop treating others like your competition.
It can be extremely hard not to treat people as competition when they get a job instead of you, especially if you’re in the same position as them (photographers, roadies, interviewers, etc.) But at the end of the day, treating someone else like an enemy isn’t going to help you. It’s much easier to build your not only your network, but make friends when you decide to lay that mentality to rest. I’ve heard people say they dislike someone because they got a job over them.
Why not be happy for someone’s success? Supporting someone else’s success can go a long way.
NETWORK.
I get it, talking to strangers can be intimidating sometimes. But if you see someone doing your dream job, why wouldn’t you want to pick their brain?
As usually the only female person in my crew, it was really cool to have young people come up and ask me about my job since they don’t see a lot of non-males on tours. It’s also super easy to shoot someone a DM or email asking if they could answer some questions you have.
There’s even Facebook groups, like Girls Behind The Rock Show, which is specifically made for networking within the industry. I’ve grown my network, gotten hired for jobs, and the best of all – made so many friends! I love being able to grab a coffee with people when they’re on tour in my city, or me on tour in theirs.
Don’t let others box you out
At the end of the day, some people are just jerks. You will run into that in every aspect of your life. Some people are just stuck in their ways and don’t like when newbies come onto the scene.
You can’t let that kind of attitude get between you and your work.
As a woman, I have been treated as if I’m a wimp who can’t carry a box of merch and roll a big road case without a “strong man’s help.” If you’re hired for a job, it’s because you have the skills to complete that job. That is someone no one can take from you.
Use being a “Fangirl” to your advantage!
I can not stress this enough!
I was labeled as a fangirl from the get go, from people within the industry and not. When I was younger, I thought it was embarrassing. Especially as someone who wanted to work for bands as an adult. But being a fangirl got me into this career and has helped me understand my jobs much better.
As a magazine owner, I was able to get insight into the artists I worked with better than anyone because I was a fan of them. I’ve been told by artists they specifically wanted to do interviews with me because they knew I “got it” when it came to their music.
As a merchandise manager, I met the band I toured with because I was a fan of their music and saw them so much, we became good friends. The “fangirl” mentality is meant to make people excited about music feel silly, when in reality – it’s pretty much a superpower.
You gotta love what you do
I know a lot of people who got into the music industry because “I love music!” I hate to break it to all of you, but it has to be more than that.
Loving music is great, but you practically have to eat, live, and breathe this industry. You can be working 14 hours days, no breaks, and have to wake up early as hell and do it all over again (Yes, I have literally done this). You will have some days where you will want to completely throw in the towel, but if you love your job – all of it’s worth it at the end.
I’ve had days where it’s been a complete mess, but I’d get onto the bus with everyone and off to the next city, and it all just goes away. Because I’m doing a job I love while traveling the country with my second family.
Conclusion
Overall, being in the music industry can be tough, but when you love your job and the life you’re living it because of it – it’s all completely worth it.
I’ve made amazing friends over the years, whether I was on tour or just working in my home state. I have worked with some of the coolest people, and have some artists on my resume I literally could have never dreamed of being on there.
It’s easy to look at someone else’s success and feel defeated, I know, I’ve been there. This industry can chew you up, spit you out, and expect you to be back to work the next morning.
But I started busting my butt at 15 years old, slinging merch at local venues to make it to where I am today. I would have never in a million years told that 15 year old to give up, despite any backlash I was given.
So I am here to tell you – as long as you love this industry, are willing to work hard (sometimes harder than others), and ignore whatever petty nonsense this industry throws at you, you’ll be able to achieve great things.
