As music continues to evolve and transform before us, so do the ways that we consume it, interact with it and share it. Between streaming and social media, new self-starting opportunities have been created for artists unlike any other before, while also bringing to the table unfamiliar challenges and barriers to entry that come with internet-first culture. Thus, for many students and music lovers, pursuing a career in the music industry is of viable interest and you don’t have to be the next Billie Eilish or Lil Nas X to do so. However, for many young people looking to get their foot in the door, questions like "who do I need to meet?," "what kinds of jobs can I do?" and "where do I really even begin?" still persist.
Yesterday, Jan. 24, the GRAMMY Museum's Clive Davis Theater hosted a series of "Careers in the Music Industry," each focused on moderating the discussion and facilitating Q&A’s between industry professionals and students interested in pursuing careers in music. The day’s first panel featured several artists and industry professionals from Sony/ATV Music Publishing who offered insight into their work and beginner's advice for building a career from the ground up, on your own terms. Panelists included A&R and Business Affairs Assistant Kelsey Reddick, Singer/Songwriter Giveon, "Work" and "10 Bands" GRAMMY-nominated Producer turned Executive Sevn Thomas and Creative Marketing Manager of TV and Film Sync KK Salamin.
Go Inside The Official 2020 GRAMMYs Gift Lounge
The panelists discussed their backgrounds, and how landing where they are in their careers took serious commitment and more often than not, some serious finesse. For each guest, it was their love of music that helped them continue trying to pursue careers in music, even when it may have seemed impossible at times. The first thing you can do for yourself is putting yourself out there, they offered. "You can’t do what we’re doing from the couch," said Salamin. "It’s about staying patient and keeping faith," said Thomas.
Re-emphasizing the importance of patience, hard work and following your own path as an artist, Giveon offered that constantly working on your craft is the best step in building up to your goals. "Success is when preparation meets opportunity… There’s no formula to do this, this and this, and you're an artist. There wasn’t anywhere that I could go get an internship and I would become an artist," he said. "All I could do was work on my craft, get better and two years later here I am signed to Sony.” He continued, explaining that manifesting his own goals as an artist has been one major key in his career development. "Anything you want, no matter if you know how to get to it, just say I will have it."
The sentiment was one that rung thoroughly throughout each panelists response when asked what advice they’d offer to a student, whether pursuing a career in music or otherwise. "Work very hard. Have a focus and go for it relentlessly," offered Thomas. "Everyone’s path is different, it’s never a straight line," said Salamin. "It’s about being persistent… Being absorbed by music, if you love it you will be excited by it every day." Further cosigning the commentary, Reddick added: "There is no ceiling. Speak what you want into existence."
The second panel of the day, moderated by Candace Newman, CEO and Founder of LIVE OUT L!VE, featured a group of women in the industry whose positions and roles spanned the likes of performing artists, managers, philanthropy and live events, including Tour Manager Eboni Gentry, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Live Entertainment Producer Melanesia Hunter, Artist Manager at SAL&CO/Maverick Dina Sahim and Singer/Songwriter Sabrina Lentini.
Emily Lazar, Linda Perry & Other Powerful Industry Women Talk Inclusivity In Music
The panelists offered information about some of the best resources for young women who want to get involved with the music industry both on stage and behind the scenes. Making use of social media is key, they explained, as a tool for reaching out and connecting with support systems throughout the music community. Mentioned by Lentini, the Women’s International Music Network is an anchor in bringing women throughout the industry together for events and opportunities to perform, network and support one another. Further, Newman’s own organization LIVE OUT L!VE is constantly working to create access and opportunity for women in the touring space with events, shows and meetings year-round. For more information, visit the organization’s homepage here.
Be sure to stay tuned to GRAMMY.com throughout the week for your behind-the-scenes pass into 2020 GRAMMY Week events, including the 2020 GRAMMY Awards airing live on CBS tomorrow, Jan. 26, featuring performers Lil Nas X, Billie Eilish, Lizzo and more.
