7 answers
Abigail
Student
Richland, Washington
3
Questions
Asked
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What's something you like about having a career in the music industry?
While I'm working on starting a music career, I want to figure out some things people like about their job in the music industry.
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7 answers
John Graham
Music Producer
57
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Abigail!
I'm an independent musician (piano / keyboards), producer, and audio engineer. The things I like most about being in music are:
Working with other music professionals on a project that comes out well. My last album had 49 creative contributors from 18 countries, and I loved auditioning and working with every one of them.
The personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment when completing a project I feel good about. I love songwriting, arranging, recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and developing art and credit packages for distribution. Even though there are many steps to each of those aspects, I love it when everything comes together.
Learning something new. It's great when I'm able to grow my abilities and proficiency with every project. I also watch and listen to other talented professionals in the business and their stories, methods, and techniques.
Getting that feedback from my listeners. It's always wonderful to hear when someone enjoyed one of my songs, but I'm also happy to get constructive criticism so I can improve over time.
Good luck on your musical journey - and never give up on what brings you joy!
I'm an independent musician (piano / keyboards), producer, and audio engineer. The things I like most about being in music are:
Working with other music professionals on a project that comes out well. My last album had 49 creative contributors from 18 countries, and I loved auditioning and working with every one of them.
The personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment when completing a project I feel good about. I love songwriting, arranging, recording, editing, mixing, mastering, and developing art and credit packages for distribution. Even though there are many steps to each of those aspects, I love it when everything comes together.
Learning something new. It's great when I'm able to grow my abilities and proficiency with every project. I also watch and listen to other talented professionals in the business and their stories, methods, and techniques.
Getting that feedback from my listeners. It's always wonderful to hear when someone enjoyed one of my songs, but I'm also happy to get constructive criticism so I can improve over time.
Good luck on your musical journey - and never give up on what brings you joy!
Dan Radlauer
Music Composer/Producer
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Any career in the arts is both rewarding and challenging. The rewards, both artistically and financially come from doing a great job and successfully collaborating with a client or other artists. The challenge is marketing yourself and monetizing your talent and skillset.
Almost all the people I work with, be they clients or other musicians and composers, are like me - passionate about what they do. I am blessed to get up every morning excited about working in music... and this after 40 years of both success and failures in the business.
Develop your skills. Create demos to share with potential clients or collaborators. Say yes and worry about compensation later (if possible)
Almost all the people I work with, be they clients or other musicians and composers, are like me - passionate about what they do. I am blessed to get up every morning excited about working in music... and this after 40 years of both success and failures in the business.
Dan recommends the following next steps:
Carlo Villegas
1
Answer
Updated
Carlo’s Answer
Hey Abigail!
I'm a Music Producer and Audio Engineer who has helped start a recording studio in my hometown (Guam), started my own business (Carlo V. Music LLC), and worked at a recording studio that is in partnership with Warner Music/Atlantic Records (Burbank, CA). I've been working on music since 2018 and have been continuously growing as an independent service provider.
The one thing that I truly enjoy is being involved in the process and watching it grow from an idea to a physical product. Every time I start a new project, I try to do something different. I'm constantly keeping my ears and eyes open for any new ideas that pop out. Another satisfying thing is watching an artist grow their brand. I've worked with artists who have no discography and no idea where to start. I enjoy guiding them, being honest, and being open to their ideas.
Working at a label studio, I've been surrounded by huge, well-known artists every single day (literally 5-days a week, 8 hours a day). And every little thing I do, whether it's make a coffee, or grab a pencil and pad, is a contribution to their creative process. Even though there are huge artists, my treatment of independent artists is the same. It's not about working with the best of the best. It's about collaborating with talented people who love what they do. I've done so many passion projects because I believe in them. Whether I get paid for it, or not, the most important thing is what I learned during the process. New ways to communicate, new ways to produce/mix, and even new ways to negotiate.
I'm a Music Producer and Audio Engineer who has helped start a recording studio in my hometown (Guam), started my own business (Carlo V. Music LLC), and worked at a recording studio that is in partnership with Warner Music/Atlantic Records (Burbank, CA). I've been working on music since 2018 and have been continuously growing as an independent service provider.
The one thing that I truly enjoy is being involved in the process and watching it grow from an idea to a physical product. Every time I start a new project, I try to do something different. I'm constantly keeping my ears and eyes open for any new ideas that pop out. Another satisfying thing is watching an artist grow their brand. I've worked with artists who have no discography and no idea where to start. I enjoy guiding them, being honest, and being open to their ideas.
Working at a label studio, I've been surrounded by huge, well-known artists every single day (literally 5-days a week, 8 hours a day). And every little thing I do, whether it's make a coffee, or grab a pencil and pad, is a contribution to their creative process. Even though there are huge artists, my treatment of independent artists is the same. It's not about working with the best of the best. It's about collaborating with talented people who love what they do. I've done so many passion projects because I believe in them. Whether I get paid for it, or not, the most important thing is what I learned during the process. New ways to communicate, new ways to produce/mix, and even new ways to negotiate.
William Moody
Freelance Musician
6
Answers
Downers Grove, Illinois
Updated
William’s Answer
The most important thing about music career is enjoying playing live to people either small club inside or big outdoor festival...it makes up all the rehearsal and business aspects worth the trouble.
Joseph Gelvin Agualada
Full Stack Music Producer
2
Answers
Naga, Bicol, Philippines
Updated
Joseph Gelvin’s Answer
I work as an Independent Music Producer and also do freelance work as a mixing and mastering engineer. In my free time, I love producing music that resonates with me and playing guitar in a band just for fun. We do gigs, meet fellow musicians, and it’s such a rewarding way to express my creativity and connect with people while staying true to who I am. Plus, I enjoy deep conversations about life and art with others in the music scene.
What I love most about my career is the chance to collaborate with creative, like-minded people who are passionate about growing and pushing their craft. Whether it's music, podcasts, film, or TV, helping others develop their content and elevate it to a professional level brings me so much fulfillment. Using my skills in service of others is a lifelong passion for me.
I truly believe that everyone is a creator at heart. It's an innate part of us, and all it takes is a little spark of creativity and the desire to make something meaningful.
What I love most about my career is the chance to collaborate with creative, like-minded people who are passionate about growing and pushing their craft. Whether it's music, podcasts, film, or TV, helping others develop their content and elevate it to a professional level brings me so much fulfillment. Using my skills in service of others is a lifelong passion for me.
I truly believe that everyone is a creator at heart. It's an innate part of us, and all it takes is a little spark of creativity and the desire to make something meaningful.
Dylan Labon
Musician
10
Answers
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
I am an independent cello teacher and a former marching band instructor. My favorite aspect of teaching music is seeing the joy in each student as they develop their skills and learn new songs. Truly, there is no similar feeling. Additionally, teaching, even in the fine arts, is an evergreen job. There will always be new students and a need for well- rounded, passionate educators to guide them.
Thank you!
Abigail
Napinder Gill
Singing
4
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Napinder’s Answer
It's simple - "Passion". Be it in any career, without passion, it's just another job. If you think, eat and breath music; then yes! it's certainly for you. Irrespective of how competetive it is. The greatest reward for a performer is to enjoy an appreciation of the audience, for a music producer to make the beats, and for an audio engineer to get the best equalizing results from the green room.