Carving Out a Career in the Music Industry

A Mathew Knowles Production

The music industry is more than just talent in the booth. An artist is surrounded by a team that works to bring that sound to life.

What can you do?

Want to work in the industry, but lack talents in front of the mic? No problem, there are so

many parts to the life cycle of music— there’s bound to be something for you!

PublicistA Musician’s Right Hand

Roles and Responsibilities

A career here is truly one where you work up the chain

Often start by running errands

Eventually you are responsible for the artist’s public image

Schedule interviews, maintain social media presence, issue statements, etc.

You need great writing and communication skills

A&RThe Biggest Critic

What’s the Job?

A&R works to develop an artists talent throughout career

Finds them the best producers and collaborators

They also seek out new talent to bring to the label

EngineersThe Mixing Master

Taking the Board

Tech forward job

Edit the audio to actually make it sound… great!

Need an excellent working knowledge of digital workstations and an ear for balance

Requires the patience to piece together layer upon layer to make the master track

ProducersLarge and in Charge

Now it gets tricky…

There are two kinds of producers: executive producers and record producers.

Record Producers: An Overview

Responsible for overseeing the overall recording process

Brings a vision of what the album should sound like

May bring their own musical insight to help the artist

Must work closely with sound engineers during mixing phase

Executive Producers: Big Boss

Oversees all aspects of sound production, publicity, touring, and A&R

Pretty much every aspect of the creation of a record or album has the exec’s prints on it.

Immensely challenging job, but is surrounded by qualified and well informed advisors

PublishersBringing in the Benjamins

The Cherry on Top

After a record is made, publishers are responsible for negotiating royalties

They also handle use of the music for film or advertising

Distributes money to all members involved with the project, from the artist to the producers to the executives

There’s a place for you in the industry!

— Mathew Knowles

Thanks for watching!