By Lauren Armao
The music and entertainment industry is one of the most lucrative career fields. However, while you might think that it’s a difficult industry to break into, there are actually a number of ways you can get involved… even if you’re still in high school or college. Here are just a few:
#1. Write/shoot for a publication
This is one of the easiest things you can do to get a start in the business while underage. You won’t get paid, but you’ll gain connections, experience, and a general knowledge of the business of music as well as journalism. Writing articles every week can help you better your grammar and develop your writing style, and contributing as a photographer will help you build up your portfolio and your press contacts. There’s a ton of smaller publications looking for contributors… including Melodic! Or, if you have a more entrepreneurial spirit, start your own!
#2. Work/intern at a music venue
If you’re 18+ and live near a local venue, you might want to stop by and ask if they’re hiring. Working at a venue will give you a more up-close look at the business of live music and show promotion, and if you do your job well, you can walk away with a few great references from people in the business to put on your resume. Plus, you get to watch live music while you work… I rest my case.
#3. Join a street team
Got time on your hands, a form of transportation, and a passion for a certain band or record label? Joining a street team might be right up your alley. Street teams are groups of people that a record label recruits to help promote certain bands on that particular label. As a street team member, you’ll be sent posters, stickers, and other promotional materials you’ll need to put up around your city and hand out before shows. Street team members can also be eligible for special perks, like free concert tickets!
#4. Work with local bands
If you’re an artist (graphic design, photo, video) or pursuing a business-type profession (public relations, management, etc) consider reaching out to local bands to ask if they’d be interested in your services. You could offer to take some promotional photos for them, run their instagram, or design their next album cover. Whatever you’re good at, someone can use your help!
#5. Work at a record store
There’s a lot more that goes into owning a record store than you may think, and working at one can help you gain valuable knowledge about owning a business, the distribution side of the music industry, and some good customer service. Plus, it can give you a chance to be exposed to many different types of music and albums that you wouldn’t otherwise have found.
#6. Support your local scene
Even if you aren’t able to participate in any of the ways above, it’s important to remember that you’re contributing to the industry every time you buy concert tickets, stream or buy music, and post on social media about your favorite artists. Every city has their own little corner of the music industry, and I highly encourage everyone to explore their home city’s musical history. People: support local bands, buy tickets to their shows, and shop at independent record stores!
