Tag: music career

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Industry News News

How To Save Your Music Career [Video]

music career success

It’s incredibly easy to lose your way in entertainment, but we can save your music career in five questions or less.

There is no easy way to admit you made a mistake. We humans pride ourselves on knowing what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. We lead focused lives spent chasing goals that we believe will bring us some sense of purpose or satisfaction in life. We create not because it’s a choice but because we don’t know any other way to live. Our souls ache to be recognized by others, and we do whatever performative tasks we can to get their attention. It’s a mess of best intentions, countless trials, endless failures, and hard-fought victories. It’s…It’s a lot. But it’s the only way most of us know how to live.

The vast majority of people would rather suffer than admit they made a mistake. Many of us are one or two small changes away from leading the lives we dream about, but we struggle to get out of our way. We double-down when we need to step back. It’s human nature, and it sucks.

But you can do better. By answering the five questions asked by host James Shotwell in the latest Music Biz video, you can change the course of your career. In 10 minutes or less, we can help you reevaluate your goals, reset your expectations, and give you a renewed passion for the things that matter most. Check it out!

Questions to ask:

  • Are your goals your own?

Many of the goals we pursue are achievements that other people tell us to chase. We spend our entire lives being told that we need to make a certain amount of money, achieve a certain level of financial security, start a family, own a home, and a billion little things in between. Those things are good to have or achieve, but they won’t necessarily make you happy. What do YOU want?

  • Do you have specific goals?

Many musicians tell me they want a hit song, but what does that mean? Do you want to go viral online, or do you want to top the Billboard charts? Do you want a billion streams or a million album sales? When you say you want a hit song, what result are you seeking? What will this ‘hit song’ do for your career? Be specific.

  • Do you have a plan to achieve your goals?

The only way you can achieve your goals is by having a plan. You need specific, step-by-step instructions to get from where you are to where you see yourself in the future. Nothing is as simple as booking a tour or writing a hit song. You need to think harder about your goals and how to achieve them. What can you do today to ensure you are closer to your destination tomorrow? Make to-do lists, track your progress, and again—BE SPECIFIC.

  • What is your support system?

No one is an island. The individuals who find success in music do so because they have a support system that uplifts them. You may have friends or contacts that you associate with, but is their presence in your life positive? Are you surrounded by people working toward their goals and supporting one another, or are those near you lost in drugs and flights of fancy?

  • Why do you quit things?

When the going gets tough, you give up. Why is that? What is it about the hurdles you encounter that you feel are impossible to overcome? Do you lack knowledge? Confidence? Figure out what is holding you back and put in the effort to change. You are capable of growth in ways you cannot imagine, but it’s up to you to change. Nobody can do the work for you.

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Job Board News

Music Industry Job Board (October 28, 2019)

New opportunities:

Coordinator, Music Programming (SiriusXM – Nashville, TN)

Works with members of the music programming team to create superior radio programs as needed. Supports creative processes, content development and production. Exercises both creative abilities and technical skills. Edits materials and operates an audio board. May be assigned to more than one program and perform slightly different functions across channels.

Music Writer (Apple – Culver City, CA)

Apple Music’s copy team is looking for a writer to join our fast-growing Editorial team as we expand our coverage. This candidate will be responsible for crafting everything from thorough album copy with artist interviews to short promotional tags. Expertise in particular genres is crucial, but so is versatility and flexibility and the ability to write at a fast pace. Understanding the connection between current artists and their influences is key, as is being able to layout those connections to a user. A particular interest in current hip-hop and R&B is a plus. We believe that strong, informed writing sets Apple Music apart from its competitors. The Apple Music copy team is responsible for all of the words that appear across Apple Music—from playlist descriptions to album commentary to artist interviews to promotional display copy and all points in between. We provide important context for the music on the service and its features.

Director, Brand Management (Bravado – Santa Monica, CA)

Bravado is currently looking for a Brand Management Director to join the Brand Management team and oversee a number of Bravado’s contemporary artist brands. This individual will work with the unique needs and challenges of our clients to deliver full-service product management and marketing support in a variety of categories including strategic planning, brand development, consumer marketing and creative development. This person will be the central owner of the brands and will work cross-functionally with sales, licensing, direct to consumer and operations teams to develop creative plans and ensure they are executed flawlessly across the globe.

Coordinator, Digital Marketing (Sony – NYC)

Work with digital project managers to execute highly impactful, customized campaigns.

Coordinator, Marketing (BMG – Los Angeles, CA)

Your primary mission is strategizing and coordinating album releases and campaigns by creating timelines, digital and standard marketing plans, assist in playlist pitching, asset management, webstore management and social media management for a rock-oriented sub-label. You will support the product manager and label manager as needed. Additional responsibilities will include formulating creative and meaningful content, track follower growth, work with online and physical retailers around album releases and utilizing targeted ads/boosted posts and album scheduling.

Social Media Assistant (iHeartMedia – NYC)

The Social Media Assistant for iHeartRadio will work closely with the Sr. Director of Social Media Strategy and Audience Engagement to execute the day-to-day programs that grow engagement, brand recognition, brand affinity, and ultimately drive listenership and revenue. The ideal candidate will be well versed in the best practices of existing and emerging social networks.

Director, Social Media and Content (Ticketmaster – Hollywood, CA)

Ticketmaster is looking for a strategic, creative and results-oriented leader to join our growing Brand Marketing team. You are a social media aficionado, a seasoned storyteller, and passionate about content and breakthrough creative. You are excited about the chance to grow at an evolving organization and have extensive experience driving brand building initiatives. You possess a “can-do” attitude and are not afraid to navigate a complex and fluid environment. You think editorially and have a keen understanding of what it takes to deliver the right message at the right time in the right place. You are a natural born leader, but someone who understands the importance of collaboration and teamwork, all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You are knowledgeable about what’s current, but even more excited about what’s next. You leverage data and insights to optimize your plans and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty. You perfectly balance strategy and scrappiness.

Assistant, Digital Marketing and Revenue & Commercial Accounts (WMG – Los Angeles, CA)

This position would assist the SVPs of two Departments: Fan Engagement/Digital Marketing and Commercial Accounts/Revenue. Websites, email, social media, influencers, and more – the Fan Engagement/Digital Marketing department oversees all these vital consumer touchpoints. We do more than take great #selfies! We oversee all of the ways artists communicate with their fanbase online, be it a meme that made you laugh, a tweet that made you cry, or an ad for an album you can’t live without. Our mission is to acquire, engage, and retain fans with clever digital strategies and compelling content. In a complex and ever-changing music marketplace, the Revenue & Commercial Accounts team are the wizards of it all. Our team is responsible for driving revenue for our artists in a demanding and varied ecosystem. We oversee all the ways fans consume music, from streaming services like Spotify and Apple to physical retailers and everything in between.

Product Marketing Manager: Spotify for Artists, Content Promotion (Spotify – NYC)

We’re looking for a passionate and seasoned product marketing manager to join the Creator Marketing team in New York – a cross-functional group dedicated to helping artists and their teams thrive. You’ll help shape the products we build for artists, labels, managers, and publishers. And you’ll bring these products to market to maximize their impact. Ultimately, you’ll be a key part of a team reimagining the way artists and their teams leverage the Spotify platform, share their art, and build their careers.

This role specifically focuses on content promotion products we are building to help music marketers reach listeners and fans with creative, engaging, performant promotional formats.

GOA Music Artist Representative (GOA – Franklin, TN)

GOA Music is seeking candidates who are well organized, detailed oriented, and outgoing with strong communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable talking on the phone and working in an office environment. To be considered for this position, candidates should adhere to company values for GOA, Inc., have a strong work ethic, and aim to creatively grow the Music division.

Marketing Manager, Integrated Marketing (TouchTunes – NYC)

A marketer who is passionate about growing a business by acquiring new customers through the execution of integrated awareness and lead generation campaigns with experience in Paid Media, SEO, E-mail and Content Marketing, Lead Generation, Segmentation, Marketing Analytics, etc.

Advertorial Content Project Manager (Townsquare Media – NYC)

The Project Manager for Advertorial Content will oversee Townsquare’s local digital marketing campaigns involving Digital Endorsements and Sponsored Social Mentions created by our radio stations about local businesses. The Project Manager’s key duties will be interacting with and coordinating among multiple teams to effectively set up, launch, execute, and track Advertorial campaigns. The measures of success for the role include success rate of campaigns, profit margin and renewals.

Manager, Partner Requirements (Sony – NYC)

As a manager on the Operations Team, you are crucial in executing on a value proposition that drives client satisfaction and revenue. You will be responsible for ensuring The Orchard remains a top-tier partner at digital service providers, helping us stay on track in our quest to consistently improve our operations. You are driven, methodical, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously. You’re great with Excel, and not only are you able to analyze large data sets, you also think strategically and come up with recommendations once you review your results.

Business Operations Project Manager (Eventbrite – Nashville, TN)

The Business Operations Project Manager is an integral member of the Revenue Operations team. This position requires applied knowledge of project management frameworks and tools to optimize the planning and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives. This is a critical role and includes high-level visibility and interaction with stakeholders across the organization globally. The role requires an understanding of the business need for each project and the ability to make ongoing decisions based on what’s best for the organization, even if that means challenging senior stakeholders on critical success factors.

Operations Manager (4Wall Entertaiment – Nashville, TN)

While every day is different at 4Wall, you will be responsible for providing oversight, coordination, supervision, planning, administration, training and logistical support to the Nashville location. This role requires superior organizational skills that help in driving continuous improvement surrounding operations, clients, and employees. You will build rapport with both internal/external clients and strive to maintain business commitments that allow fulfillment of defined service agreements and will build a high-performance team by exercising superior judgment and the proper balance of command and control.

Strategy & Operations Lead, Personalization (Spotify – NYC)

We seek a Strategy & Operations Lead to help us grow, organize, and nurture the team working on personalization. You will play an active role in shaping the new music economy. Our organization of engineers, designers, and product managers are located between New York, Boston and Stockholm.

Social Media Coordinator (Indicate Media – New York, NY)

Indicate Media Public Relations seeks a creative, motivated, and organized individual with outstanding social media and writing skills to work with our technology / financial client accounts as well as execute an internal social media strategy. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated and have a track record of social media execution. Intelligence and strategic insight will be paramount to this position. Indicate is a boutique company operating in a fast-paced industry, so we are seeking applicants who are agile, hardworking, and ready to collaborate with the team to ensure we produce great results for our clients.

Assistant Director, Entertainment Media and Communications (UJA Federation of New York – NYC)

The Assistant Director of the Entertainment, Media & Communications Division will be responsible for engaging professionals within different areas of the media space, around the mission of UJA.

Social Media / Marketing Coordinator (Blade – NYC)

BLADE is seeking a Social Media/Marketing Coordinator interested in building a career in a high-growth, fast-paced, innovative company. You will wear many hats and be responsible for supporting multiple functions across BLADE’s Marketing organization, including social media posting, community management, content creation, influencer and PR relationship management. The ideal candidate must be highly organized and detail-oriented and have the ability to learn new skills quickly.

Executive Assistant to EVP Repertoire & Marketing (BMG – Los Angeles, CA)

You live by the words of trustworthiness, organization, and dependability. Everyone will recognize you as the prime go-to-person for just about anything, and your abilities have never disappointed anyone. Managing the lives of the company’s decision-makers is not an easy task, but then you showed up and made it seem like cake.

Music Program Facilitator (UCLA – Los Angeles, CA)

The Music Program Facilitator will develop an engaging Music curriculum and progressive lessons, with references to the National Core Art Standards, within a unit tailored to meet the needs of a broad range of music development levels for students ages 4-12 at UCLA Lab School; develop appropriate follow-up practice at home for the various age groups and language levels; communicate with parents, either through our website, email and/or in writing, the units of study and additional resources providing opportunities for parent engagement with their child bridging home to school; identify and utilize resources appropriate to support the music program; utilize the classroom environment to support music development.

Part-Time Music Researcher (BMI – Eagle, CO)

Occasional part-time hourly work with hours ranging from 0-25 hours per week depending on availability of assignments. Work consists of music and market research in businesses in various states. Assignments include onsite research in businesses during late evenings, including weekends, and may require travel and overnight stay. Assignments also require completion of detailed reports following on-site visits.

Senior Account Executive, Music & Entertainment (Berk Communications – New York, NY)

If you’re fearless and looking for a career growth opportunity with an agency that has best-in-class clients and a fun, entrepreneurial work environment, then Berk Communications is the place for you. We are seeking a super motivated and talented Senior Account Executive to work on our Music and Entertainment business. We’re a team of innovative and creative thinkers seeking new ways of doing things… developing solutions nobody has considered and pushing the boundaries of expected thinking. As an integral part of the account team, the candidate must have solid writing, research and media relations skills. The candidate must have experience contributing to creation of communications plans that meet client objectives; building relationships with clients, media and other influencers; and consistently producing high quality work. The ideal candidate will have experience servicing music and entertainment clients and have established contacts in both spaces.

Personal Assistant (Tuff City Records – NYC)

Company president needs a personal assistant to complete organizational and secretarial tasks, at both the company office and his home office. Excellent organization skills required. Must be tech savvy. Experience as a personal assistant is an absolute prerequisite. Knowledge of music industry a BIG plus.

Director Music Licensing (20th Century Fox – Burbank, CA)

The Walt Disney Company is seeking a Director, Music Clearance for Twentieth Century Fox Television (TCFTV). This position is responsible for all music copyright and music licensing functions for the TCFTV Music Department, servicing the creative and clearance needs of designated television series as assigned.

Music Consultant (Ability Now Bay Area – Oakland, CA)

Do you love music? Do you love sharing your love of music with others? Do you like helping others explore their creative self and experience new and exciting things? Then we want you!

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Artist Advice Business Advice Editorials News

The Best Career Advice That No One In Music Takes Seriously

The best advice for avoiding burnout and developing your career requires the least amount of work.

We live in the ‘motivation age.’ Whether it be in books, on podcasts, or plastered throughout social media, there is no shortage of people shouting into the void about maintaining forward momentum. They tell us to sleep eight hours a night, exercise daily, eat clean, and hustle — always hustle. 

Want to get your dream job? Hustle. Want to get ahead in your career after landing that great gig? Hustle. Want to have a spouse and a family? Well, you better hustle so hard that you can afford the time away from hustling required to do all those goals that have nothing to do with work.

If you’re working in entertainment today, you have probably spent a Saturday morning or Sunday evening checking emails when you should have been doing something with family and friends. You have likely worked ten or twelve-hour days when you’re only required to do eight. You have chased the approval of superiors to a fault because you fear something bad will happen if you take even one day for yourself. 

I have been this person more times than I would like to admit. My partner has been this way, too. We are always struggling to balance work and life outside of work. More often than not, work takes priority.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that tells us such thinking is bad for our mental and physical health. You can push your brain pretty far, but eventually, your brain starts to push back. The creativity that once flowed like water becomes a slow drip. The spreadsheets that once felt straightforward suddenly feel complicated. What is easy feels exhaustingly difficult.

“There is a lot of research that says we have a limited pool of cognitive resources,” says Allison Gabriel, an assistant professor of management at Virginia Commonwealth University who studies job demands and employee motivation. “When you are constantly draining your resources, you are not being as productive as you can be. If you get depleted, we see performance decline. You’re able to persist less and have trouble solving tasks.”

The law of diminishing returns is a phrase used to refer to a point at which the level of profits or benefits gained is less than the amount of money or energy invested. All humans have this point, and most of us are doing all the wrong things to increase the longevity of our productivity. We do more and more when we should be doing less. We fear asking for time off because we feel to do so is admitting weakness. We tell ourselves we are undeserving of rest because there is more to be done.

Everyone’s story is different. The vacation time afforded to one person may be far greater or less than the next. Whatever your case happens to be, use these steps to get ahead by getting away:

Experience life outside work:

When Scooter Ward of the rock band Cold finished his last album cycle, the legendary musician had the opportunity to record something new. Ward chose instead to take some time to experience life. In an interview on the Inside Music Podcast he explained his decision by recognizing the role everyday life plays in creative pursuits. “My music is inspired by what is happening in my life. You can grind it out on the road or in the studio nonstop, but eventually, all you’re doing is writing music for other musicians stuck in that situation.”

Sometimes people lose sight of why we work. You don’t have a job because it’s the cool thing to do. Careers can be exciting, but they are not (usually) the main source of joy in our lives. People work so that they can afford to spend time with friends, care for a family, and travel the world. Living life without feeling tethered to work is key to our longterm happiness. Don’t lose sight of what really matters.

Take a vacation.

You do not need to visit another country or spend a ton of money to take a vacation. For some, vacations take place in the homes they otherwise never see because they are working around the clock. Others may use time off to try new hobbies. Find what fits your budget, set an away message on emails, and do your best to do as little as possible that puts a strain on your brain.

Set boundaries with your job by setting aside at least one day or evening a week that is work-free. 

The wheels of business never stop turning, but you should. You are legally afforded time off.  However, it is on you to take full advantage of that allowance. If you do not draw a line with work it will follow you everywhere you go. You should be able to eat dinner without keeping your phone on the table. You should be able to wake up and not immediately check your emails. You have to separate your life from your career because, in time, the job will pass and the business will roll on without you. When that day comes, what will you have left? Will there be people in your life? Animals? Will you have an existence that continues without the tether of work or will you have given your precious time on this planet to help someone make more money?

Take short play breaks during the week.

Sometimes the break your brain needs does not require time off or hours away from your work. Sometimes all you need is five minutes to grab a cup of coffee without checking your phone or go one a walk. If you want to check your social media or play a mobile game, that’s fine too. Take a few moments to yourself whenever you feel brain strain setting in and you will be amazed at how fast you recover.

If you don’t feel like you can take five minutes to do something without checking your work emails or answering a text, please reconsider the boundaries you have set at work. There are very few jobs where every message is a life or death scenario that needs immediate attention. I’m not encouraging you to slack off, but you have to take care of yourself.

Take naps

Finding time to rest in the middle of the day is harder for some than others, but it is a worthwhile affair for all. Carve out time when you’re working through the weekend to decompress on your couch or in your bed. Take thirty minutes to rest and recover. Your body will thank you.

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Haulix Job Board News

Music Industry Job Board (April 8, 2019)

The music industry is growing, and it needs people to helpm build the future of entertainment. If that describes you, our job board is waiting.

New openings:

Artistic Production Manager (The Philadelphia Orchestra Association – Philadelphia, PA)


The Artistic Production Manager reports to the Vice President of Artistic Planning and works closely with the Music Director, serving as a central resource for information and creativity across all departments of the POA.

Coordinator, Royalties (Round Hill Music – Nashville, TN)

The Coordinator, Royalty Services primary responsibility is to assist in the processing and analysis of the company’s music publishing royalties. The Coordinator will prepare electronic royalty data files and convert other files types, including paper statements, utilizing Microsoft Excel for ingestion into Counterpoint/Vistex’s iMaestro. Additionally, the Coordinator will assist in other royalty department processes, such as client statement preparation.

Administrative Assistant (UMG – Santa Monica, CA)

We are looking for an Administrative Assistant to provide support the EVP Chief Revenue Officer, located in Santa Monica, CA. The ideal candidate will come from Music or Entertainment and have previous experience supporting an EVP, President or other high-level executive. Experience supporting more than one senior executive is ideal, but not required. Must be very efficient and highly detail-oriented; multi-tasking and working on tight deadlines in a high-pressure environment is crucial. No task is too small and no challenge too great. A “can-do” attitude and passion for the music industry are essential.

Assistant, Music Crossover (CAA – Los Angeles, CA)

CAA is seeking an Assistant to support an Agent in our Music Crossover department based in Los Angeles, who focuses on placing music talent in the TV & film space. The ideal candidate should be motivated, quick-thinking, and has an interest in entertainment (with strong emphasis on the music industry and talent representation within TV & film). The individual should be a master of all things administratively related, a polished communicator, and able to interface directly with all clients and C-level industry executives while remaining poised during all encounters (in-person, phone, email, etc.).

ACC Network, Music Coordinator (ESPN – Bristol, CT)

Maintains, records, and supplies the flow of music from the in–house music archive to the producers for on-air usage, is involved in the input of music cue reporting and coordination of cue sheet tracking, and helps coordinate music shipments in and out of the Bristol Campus.

Coordinator, Music Programming (SiriusXM – NYC)

Works with members of the music programming team to create superior radio programs as needed. Supports creative processes, content development and production. Exercises both creative abilities and technical skills. Edits materials and operates an audio board. May be assigned to more than one program and perform slightly different functions across channels.

Marketing Manager (Spotify – Los Angeles, CA)

The Music Marketing team plays a critical role in defining and driving Spotify’s promotional strategy around new and existing content, focused on the holistic music experience. As part of the Music Marketing team you will help build and shape the marketing strategy across new album releases, individual artists and Spotify’s original and programmed content, driving growth of Spotify’s playlist brands, support overarching growth opportunities for the company and strengthen our connection with consumers. This position requires experience and passion for the music and entertainment industry with a firm pulse on some of the top mainstream genres, such as Pop, Rock, emerging, and support of independent artists. This position will support the development of global playlist brand strategies aligned to holistic genre plans tied to audience growth, lead artist co-promotion marketing campaigns; driving strategy, campaign planning, execution, production, and delivery of integrated and interconnected brand and artist stories.

Assistant, A&R (WMG – NYC)

Job responsibilities include (but are not limited to) managing all administrative aspects of work for an SVP of A&R, as well as more detailed project management and independent projects on various levels. Requires an intelligent, flexible, proactive, organized and independent person who is willing to engage in typical administrative/clerical duties as well as more complex project work related to all aspects of the record-making process.

General Manager (Music Venue – Portland, OR)

Long established music venue in Portland is seeking a new General Manager!! We have a very professional and well-established crew and we are now looking for someone to lead the team into the future. The individual must have a pedigree of leadership and be able to demonstrate the successful management of a club that incorporates bars, security and venue management. The successful candidate will join a small but close knit management team and be offered a competitive salary and full benefits including paid vacation, paid medical benefits and a company funded 401k plan. Please send us your Resume and tell us about how successful you have been in your career so far and what attributes you will bring to our organization indicating desired salary level.

Director of Marketing (Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts – Lafayette, CO)

The Director of Marketing’s key responsibilities will be to develop and implement strategies to maximize Festival attendance, Center enrollment and overall earned income while also working to elevate awareness, public perception and recognition in local, national and international markets. Additionally, this individual will ensure brand identity and project an image of professionalism and excellence by overseeing design and content development for the organization’s websites, all print and digital marketing materials.

Music Production Instructor, Online Department (Los Angeles Film School – Winter Park, FL)

Online Faculty are industry professionals, developing and teaching a curriculum that integrates technical knowledge with artistic exploration and creativity to provide an immersive learning experience for students. Our online learning environment utilizes interactive and web-based media with a variety of video content, project work and assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, instructor-led live sessions, and significant one-on-one student interaction. Online faculty are expected to provide supportive coaching and mentoring to students, helping students learn and grow in a holistic manner.

Music Industry Transportation Rental Associate (Bandago – San Francisco, CA)

Bandago is seeking enthusiastic, articulate candidates with a strong work ethic for an Associate position at our San Francisco location. We also service the East Bay with a new location near the Oakland Airport. Associates serve as the face of the company, handling customer service, completing detailed contracts, and expediting maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The position requires punctuality, attention to detail, and excellent customer service and communication skills. Ideal candidates will have basic automotive maintenance knowledge and experience in the rental and music industries.

Creative Services Manager (Live Nation – Hollywood, CA)

Live Nation Merchandise is seeking an ambitious and talented Creative Services Manager to join their team of music merch masterminds. This position will manage multiple design projects for artists, bands and brands spanning tour, retail, web, VIP, and licensing. The ideal candidate is strategic, thoughtful and hyper-organized. With a background in graphic design, they have a passion for music, culture, design and fashion. He/she thrives in a collaborative environment and is able to step up and lead as needed. This person has great ideas and the drive to make them happen. His/her taste level and communication skills are second to none. Dynamic, smart and fast moving, the Creative Services Manager is ready to be challenged and inspired every day.

Coordinator, Global Brand Licensing (WMG – NYC)

No day is the same on this team as we serve a diverse roster of artists and coordinate with a multitude and varied list of outside partners. Due to the small nature of the team, everyone has a voice and the ability to contribute ideas. In a changing landscape, this is an opportunity to learn many aspects of the music industry beyond just the music; an opportunity to touch and feel an artist’s vision; an opportunity to see ideas come to life and the fans appreciation in real time.

Director of Marketing (Likk – Los Angeles, CA)

As Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy you will take an independent leadership role and be responsible for the creation and implementation of strategic and tactical plans for all marketing activities; including but not limited to: brand strategy, digital engagement, advertising, email marketing, demand and lead generation, and project management. To be considered, you should exhibit a successful history of directing brand strategy and execution, digital marketing proficiency, using data to inform and support your decisions, and a willingness to be hands-on with execution.

Partner Manager, Apple Media (Apple – Culver City, CA)

The people here at Apple don’t just create products – they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple and help us leave the world better than we found it. We’re growing and urge you to apply. We believe the role would place you in a highly-energized environment with some of the most talented creative individuals in the industry where you would be inspired to share your years of experience along with providing extraordinary support for the team. Come be a part of one of the fastest growing businesses at Apple. Apple’s Internet Software & Services team is seeking an experienced, thoughtful and entrepreneurial individual with a passion for media and entertainment to help massively grow its services business including Apple Music. You will be supporting the IS&S team’s global growth efforts with a focus on managing existing strategic partners. In collaboration with Apple’s product, engineering, marketing, and legal teams, you’ll develop solutions for some of the most complex partnership challenges. The role requires a highly motivated and experienced team player with great attention to detail who is able to work with multiple internal and external teams to meet hard deadlines. The candidate needs to be a self-starter and able to develop and manage partnerships with 3rd parties to distribute and market Apple’s media and entertainment services.

Music Teacher (Montessori Educational Centers – Omaha, NE)

Group Teacher for Montessori preschool music program needed starting Aug 1st! Montessori Educational Centers is hiring qualified music instructors. A college degree in music is NOT required. Many of our best teachers are performers who have 10+ years of experience, are great with children and have an outgoing personality. Mutli-instrumentalists are encouraged to apply. We love teachers who can teach some musical theory, instill the love of music and have a super great time with the children! We have nine locations in Omaha! It’s a great position for talented musicians who are looking for steady day work and who have a love for working with children. Flexible work schedule that you choose. To apply, please send your resume or an e-mail telling us why you’d be a good fit for our company. Include your teaching and performance experience.

Music District Artist Development Manager (Bohemian Foundation – Fort Collins, CO)

We are looking for a motivated and creative Artist Development Manager to join the Music District. The Artist Development Manager develops and supports musicians and the Art of Music. The role will design programs and events that foster music creation and excellence while working with the Business Manager to create professional and career opportunities for musicians. The role will manage artist residencies, instructors teaching at the Music District, curriculum development and instruction, content creation related to the Art of Music, and more.

Senior Marketing Manager (Urban & Latin), Music Marketing (Spotify – Los Angeles, CA)

The Music Marketing team plays a critical role in defining and driving Spotify’s promotional strategy around new and existing content, focused on the holistic music experience. As part of the Music Marketing team you will help build and shape the marketing strategy across new album releases, individual artists and Spotify’s original and programmed content, driving growth of Spotify’s playlist brands, support overarching growth opportunities for the company and strengthen our connection with consumers.

Head of Music Partnerships, Instagram, Media Partnerships (Facebook – NYC)

Instagram is looking for a Head of Music Partnerships who is passionate about music, Instagram, and the intersection of the two. This position will lead Instagram’s Music partnerships efforts globally, working closely with Facebook’s Music Partnerships team to build and execute strategies and programs to drive high impact and authentic use of Instagram among artists, influencers, and the music ecosystem as a whole. The right person will handle day-to-day operations and partnership management, field and prioritize incoming requests, troubleshoot partner issues, and improve partner performance. This work will require cross-functional engagement with colleagues across verticals and regions, and is located at Instagram’s New York City or Los Angeles office.

Analyst, Enterprise Music (Warner Bros – Burbank, CA)

Warner Bros. seeks an Analyst to join its Music Department. In addition to the responsibilities below, we are implementing an Enterprise Music Database and need a smart, motivated, self-starter with strong people skills to contribute to conversion and entry of data into the new system.

Assistant Program Director (iHeartMedia – Springfield, MA)

Shadows and supports Program Director in all aspects of the radio station’s on-air experience including talent, content, tone, programming, production, sound & theme, and online presence.

Head of Music and Voice (PHMG – Chicago, IL)

The Head of Music and Voice is a unique role that requires an exacting combination of commercial ingenuity and artistic flair. With previous experience in the creative music industry or in an advertising agency, you’ll equally balance the needs of the business, the client and the creative talent. And as a true people person, you’ll have the innate ability to liaise with people at all levels – as well as the confidence to present to leading company figures.

Manager, Artist Audience Insights (Capitol Music Group – Hollywood, CA)

Capitol Music Group is looking for an Artist Audience Insights manager. This role will design, conduct, and deliver standard and custom audience reports to key stakeholders throughout the company. Utilizing both internal and external tools, they will be accountable for deciphering what is important, meaningful data, and then communicating the story in a way that allows the business to make decisions based off these reports.

Manager, Experiential Brand Marketing (Pandora Media, LLC – New York, NY)

Pandora’s Experiential Mission is to create the most innovative, engaging and culturally relevant LIVE events that turn the sound on for music fans – driving incremental ad revenue, brand love and loyalty for Pandora and its advertisers. This Manager role will be partner with our Brand Marketing team. We are looking for a seasoned experiential pro with expertise in all event types. It’s critical that you understand Pandora’s marketing objectives and can translate those into events that will foster thought leadership, drive industry relationships, revenue and infuse the power of music. This position requires a curious, self-motivated individual that is passionate about music and pop-culture, and has solid event production experience in technology and music events.

Content Innovation Associate (Sony Music Entertainment – Culver City, CA)

The associate will have the opportunity to apply technical and creative expertise and contribute to emerging content projects that support Sony Music’s various global businesses, and will be responsible for supporting projects.

Manager, Artist & Label Marketing (Spotify – Nashville, TN)

The Nashville Artist & Label Marketing team at Spotify works to transform the music industry value chain by driving innovative and fruitful partnerships with artists, managers, and labels in Nashville, and internally through Spotify-driven initiatives. Utilizing on-platform promotion and off-platform marketing, the Artist & Label Marketing team sits at the center of an artist’s campaign with Spotify to build the most engaging experience for our users while staying true to an artist’s creative vision. Alongside building key relationships with external partners, responsibilities encompass work across many of Spotify’s key cross-functional verticals including original content, editorial, content and creator marketing, licensing, and others.

General Manager (Sony Hall – New York, NY)

Looking for an individual who has great leadership skills. Who can work well with a team of other managers. Must have great hospitality skills.

Manager Digital Content, MSG Productions (The Madison Square Garden Company – New York, NY)

The Manager Digital Content will co-create and execute the editorial strategy for social media, mobile, and web for the Rockettes and Rockettes Productions (Christmas Spectacular, new attraction), and Radio City Music Hall. S/he will help create the overall digital strategy in partnership with the Marketing/Brand leads and Digital Director; maintain the editorial calendars for the above brands; identify compelling content opportunities/stories; and work with the rest of creative team on execution to meet goals for engagement, ticket sales or partnerships. The full brand digital eco-system includes MSG.com, Rockettes.com, Christmas Spectacular pages, New York pages, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.

Vice President, Marketing (Sony Music Entertainment – Culver City, CA)

As a member of the Marketing department, this individual will plan, develop and implement innovative and effective marketing plans with a focus on Urban artists.

Media Partnerships Manager (PTTOW! – Culver City, CA)

WORLDZ is looking for a Media Partnerships Manager to join our world class team. As the Media Partnerships Manager, you’ll be responsible for growing and cultivating community membership through unique partnerships with reputable media outlets in the business, fashion, culture, and lifestyle space. You’ll establish and maintain high-level relationships with key decision makers across the media landscape.

Music Manager for Recording Artist (Christina LaRocca Music – Los Angeles, CA)

Los Angeles based international touring recording artist and songwriter with a powerful voice is in search of a manager. I am about to release a full length record and am looking for someone connected, and dedicated to finding opportunities in the world of publishing, music licensing, music supervision, and sync placements for my songs. I would also like to start pitching songs I have written to other artists as well as be invited to co-write with publishing and production companies.

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One successful musician explains what it takes to ‘make it’ today

Everyone working in music believes they know a thing or two about what it takes for someone or some group to ‘make it’ in music today, including the people behind this blog. We believe – just like everyone else – that our advice will help you get new fans, engage with those already following, and build a career worthy of your talent.

You know what most of those people, including those working on this blog, have not done? Lead a successful career as a musician.

Brian Burkheiser is another story altogether. One-part of popular alternative rock group I Prevail, Burkheiser recently took to Facebook to shed some light on how he and his bandmates found success in this crazy industry on their own terms. We hung on every word and believe you will (should) too. Enjoy:

So a lot of people always ask me how I Prevail grew so quickly. Here’s my response.

If you want your band to grow and get big, you need to be involved in every aspect of your business and constantly be looking to improve your craft.

Songwriting, performing, social media, marketing, merch, finances, etc. If it’s your baby and you really have a vision, you need to be 100% involved in everything your band is doing. There are a lot of distractions in this music scene and it’s very easy to lose sight of what your initial dreams were when you started your project if you get to caught up in all the outside commotion.

A lot of people will sneak their way in as you grow and get bigger. They’ll tell you what you want to hear in the moment, but then ultimately try to get you to follow their vision instead of yours. Don’t be bullied, if you feel strongly about something, fight for it. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in the industry is that if you don’t fight for your way, you’ll get walked all over. Industry people who are used to pushing artist around will do so if you don’t stop them. Your job is to speak up if you’re not in agreement with something.

At the end of the day, it’s your band. Sure, there are a lot of amazing people you will work with that will help grow your career. But it’s your job to separate the good guys from the bullshiters. Don’t let anyone gain too much control of your business if you don’t feel absolutely confident in them. All it takes is a couple bad moves to bring your band down in an instant.

If you want to continue to grow, never lose your work ethic and continue to grind. There will be a lot of days when you think, “is this worth it anymore?” Well, just know if you can get past those thoughts and keep fighting, you WILL succeed in this industry. Quite a bit I feel mentally and physically fried, especially when I’m out on a long tour. Touring can be a grind, especially when your trying to run a buisness at the same time. That’s where your drive will really get put to the test. How much time are you willing to dedicate to your band?

I’m not saying you can’t have fun and enjoy yourself a lot while on the road, it’s just about finding the right balance. If you are too caught up in the party lifestyle you’ll forget what got you here, but at the same time if you never give yourself a break from the business side and being a perfectionist, you’ll drive yourself mad. It will take some time, but eventually you’ll find the right balance for you.

Now the most important thing about this whole post. Your fans. Always treat your fans right. They made you. They’re giving you a chance to live your dream. Do right by them, and they will always do right by you. I’ve had so many incredible interactions with so many people the past few years and it’s absolutely what keeps me going. I get emotional thinking about how many stories I’ve been told, and how happy it makes me that someone can relate with the same stories that I’ve relayed through my music. Even on your darkest days, just know that your fans will always be by your side. Always be thankful for that.

So yeah, I know that was a novel. I just wanted to get out some advice I feel like I would have loved to have been given when starting my band.

I Prevail can be found on Vans Warped Tour all summer long. You can get a taste for their music below:

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You’ll never have it all figured out (and that’s okay)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my time in the music industry, it’s that I’ll never have it all figured out.

When I first started writing about music, I didn’t really care about getting paid. I cared about making connections in the music industry and building a portfolio. I had a lot to say and I wanted to say it, so I started a music blog. Then, for the entirety of my junior year of college, I wrote a weekly column for the school paper spotlighting different local musicians. At the end of the semester, I got a (small) check- enough to have some fun over the holidays- and I was sure I was on track to becoming a successful journalist.

Suddenly, graduation was looming and I didn’t have any full-time job prospects in the music industry. If I couldn’t get a full-time job after graduation, would I have any place in the industry at all? I ended up going on tour for six months almost immediately, which was hard work but a dream come true. When I got home I didn’t have any plans and felt pressured to seek stability, so I took an office job outside of the music industry.

I hated that job from day one, and broke down crying on the way home from my first day. I felt stifled and like I didn’t belong; my coworkers didn’t care about my passion for music and with the expectation of regular overtime and corporate event work, I had no time or energy to pursue the things I actually wanted to do.

I sunk into depression, and after just two months at the job I took a leave of absence to get proper help. I didn’t want to ever go back to that job so I started applying for positions in the music industry. No one was responding to my applications, until the day before my very last day of treatment. I had a phone interview for a part-time beat writer position for a major website. The interviewer offered me the gig at the end of our phone call, and when we hung up I emailed my boss to tell him I quit.

When I got that opportunity, I felt like someone was looking down on me. Someone was going to pay me to write about and photograph music, and it was for an outlet where I had a chance at landing some pretty major coverage! The gig wasn’t full time so I worked other jobs- tutoring, babysitting, dog walking and pet sitting- to fill in the gaps, but I didn’t mind, because doing these things allowed me to do the one thing I actually cared about.

Over the next year and a half I got to do some incredible things, like cover big festivals and interview plenty of rising stars. I photographed one of the biggest popstars in the world at a stadium full of tens of thousands of people; the two other photographers there that night were men twice my age, and as a 23-year-old woman I felt on top of the world, and completely unstoppable. If I could do this, I could do anything.

Of course, life still threw things at me. I got in a car accident- I wasn’t hurt, but my car would need expensive repairs- and then my phone broke. I emailed my boss at the pet sitting company to tell him I wouldn’t be reachable while out walking dogs, and when I refreshed my inbox, there was an email from my boss at the outlet I was writing for: I had lost my status, and therefore my pay, as a beat writer. The company was restructuring and reprioritizing how they handled editorial content, and would no longer be paying beat writers as they had been.

I was crushed. I wasn’t ready to stop writing about and photographing music, but if my writing and photography were no longer worth it to the outlet, were they worth anything at all? For years it was all I wanted and when I lost the first major opportunity I had, I questioned if it was worth it. I’d put so much time and energy into writing and photography, and formed so much of my identity around it, but suddenly the payoff was gone. I couldn’t imagine doing anything outside of music, but all of a sudden I didn’t know what my place was in it.

In a time where I felt lost and completely confused, music was what I needed most of all. I continued to run my blog and two weeks after I lost the beat writer position, I did an interview and photoshoot that reignited my passion, and reminded me why I cared about doing this in the first place. The artist was down-to-earth, incredibly open and willing to get deep in his answers. I started working retail around this time, which sucked, but I continued my writing and photography efforts in hopes of more interviews and photoshoots like that one.

In January of last year, I realized how much I missed being on tour. I reached out to a nonprofit I’d previously toured with and with less than two weeks notice, packed my bags and left for four months. I loved every second of it and halfway through the tour, got an email that I was hired to work for them on Warped Tour that summer.

Getting a job on Warped Tour had been a huge goal of mine for years, and I almost couldn’t believe I was finally doing it. It wasn’t until I got my laminate on the first day that it actually felt real. Over the summer I reached thousands of people about a cause that’s very important to me; I learned a lot about myself, touring, and the music industry; I met some lifelong friends; and I even got to see my favorite band several times. My body hurt and I was always sweaty; at the end of the tour I was exhausted but immensely proud of myself for surviving- and thriving- on such a difficult tour. Warped Tour was the best thing I have ever done.

I had every intention of returning to Warped Tour this summer- I was even offered a promotion and a raise- but sometimes life doesn’t care about our intentions. While traveling over the holidays my right knee started to hurt. I’d had three previous knee surgeries and when I went to see my orthopedist, I had assumed he’d tell me there was nothing to worry about, but from a quick examination, he was pretty sure I had torn my ACL again. He ordered an MRI to make sure, but told me I’d most likely need surgery and wouldn’t be able to do Warped Tour.

For a month and a half, I didn’t tell anyone about my knee. I wasn’t sure what was wrong and I wasn’t sure when and if I’d need surgery, so aside from some very close friends, I kept it to myself. When I found out I would for sure need surgery, I was devastated. I didn’t want to go through months of physical therapy and I didn’t want to- and couldn’t afford to- take several weeks off work (I had two jobs: one in retail, and one in the office of a music video promo company).

I told my boss in the office that I would be out for a few weeks, and I called my bosses at the nonprofit to tell them I wouldn’t be able to do Warped Tour. I felt like I was letting them down and I felt like I was letting myself down by not being able to return. They were completely understanding but talking to them made it feel real, and I cried the whole drive home. Warped Tour was such a major goal for me and to not be able to return was crushing. My entire work and financial situation was up in the air: I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to work for the music video promo company from home, I certainly wouldn’t be in shape to work retail for a month or more after surgery, and I wouldn’t have the job on tour.

But then the very next day, I got a call from one of my bosses at the nonprofit, asking if I was interested in a temporary administrative job helping to organize volunteers and local reps at concerts around the country, and find new tours to partner with and sponsor. I would be working from home part-time, and wouldn’t have to skip a beat after surgery. I immediately accepted, and quit my retail job.

Recovering from my fourth knee surgery hasn’t been easy. I couldn’t drive for three weeks so I was pretty much stuck at home. I’m a very extroverted person and when I wasn’t able to socialize, I became very lonely. I was also in a lot of pain. Even when I could walk without crutches or a knee brace, it hurt to stand or walk for more than a few minutes. I couldn’t go grocery shopping and I didn’t have the energy to go photograph concerts. I was certainly in no place to be on tour.

I’ve been diligent with my physical therapy since day one and in May, I started feeling the slightest bit better. I felt strong enough to- with my doctor’s permission, and while wearing a knee brace- return to the photo pit. It felt so good to be back, and while it may be a cliché, you certainly don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

I have two jobs that I love right now, as well as my blog and occasional freelance work, but I still don’t feel like I have things all figured out. I used to look at people older and more established in the industry and assume that they had it all figured out, but I’m starting to realize that they don’t either. And honestly? That’s so reassuring. I used to feel so inadequate because I didn’t have things all figured out, but now that I know no one else does either, I don’t feel so bad about it. Life- and the music industry- hits us all in different ways. I’ve come to the realization that I’ll never have things all figured out, but finally that’s starting to feel okay.

Molly Hudelson is a career music journalist. She is the founder of Circles and Soundwaves, one of our absolutely favorite music blogs, and she constantly doing her best to encourage the next generation of music professionals to find their own course through this crazy industry. We highly recommend you follow her on Twitter.

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