SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY Q&A

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY Q&A

Welcome to our new series of Q&A's with music professionals from all walks of the industry. The idea of this series is to provide you with advice and insights into working in the UK Music Industry.

Tony Platt is a freelance Music Engineer/Producer based in the U.K. His career in the music business started at Trident Studios in London but he made his name as an engineer at the now legendary Island Studios and has worked in most of the best studios around the world recording some of the best artists including Bob Marley, AC/DC, Buddy Guy and more recently The Bad Plus.

Q1. What made you want to get into the music industry?

Mostly just a desire to do something that entailed music and tape
recorders



Q2. How did you begin your career in music?

I got a job as a tea boy at Trident studios beofre moving on to
Island Studios as a tape operator


Q3. What was your first experience of success in the industry and how did you build on it?

My first realisation that I had done something that had been noticed
was when a person i knew from school stopped me in the street to tell
me he had seen my name on a Bob Marley album - and he liked the
album! I didn't build on it because I had no concept of self
promotion in those days. It was very much a case of good work got you
noticed.


Q4. How has networking with other musicians and in the music business helped you?

In later years networking has been essential - people need to know
you are there



Q5. What sort of networking do you find the most effective for you?

I share a project studio within a larger complex which enables me to
meet people just by going to make a cup of tea - you see tea features
again! Being a member of the Music Producers Guild is useful too.


Q6. Are you a member of any music industry organisation or professional body and how has it helped you?

I am a member of Music Producers Guild and JAMES (Joint Audio Media
Educational Services). Both these help me to keep in touch with the
trends and attitudes that drive the industry



Q7. What would you recommend as the most effective method of breaking into the industry or gaining experience?

This depends very much on who you are. I think the most effective way
nowadays would be to take a course and use the time there to build
yourself a profile and portfolio.


Q8. What would you describe as the best thing about working in the industry?

Music

Q9. What's the best bit of advice you have even been given about working in music?

Work with it - don't fight it.


Q10. Who do you admire most in the industry?

I can't honestly come up with just one person - there is a list that
still gets added to year by year.

For more information on Tony please view his UK Music Jobs profile by clicking here;

http://uk.music-jobs.com/fview1.php?uid=753139&type=&start=&position=0&search_uid=&uploads=

For more information on Tony and his work visit his website by clicking here;

www.platinumtones.com

Send to a friend | Digg this! | Del.icio.us | Added by: Matt Williams (22/05/2008)