If you think that the best way to further your music career is by just checking on the Jobs Board once a week, then you really are missing out. UK Music Jobs has many tools to aid you on your journey. This blog and my wise words being one of them of course and also, the members directory is a great place to network. We all want to have contacts in the industry, and here are a few suggestions how to get started, along with some great member profiles…

Artists & Musicians – you should constantly be checking out other artists & musicians! Inspiration is everywhere, listen to the music that other people in your genre (and outside it) are making, look at the way they promote themselves, take tips on their promo shots and demo tapes. Of course, there is also the huge possibility of collaboration. Merging backgrounds and experimenting often create some of the most interesting and successful records in history. (Roxy Music anyone?)

Check out Maria Alessandra Dangelo or Simon Noble

Producers & Engineers – The competition is fierce for any kind of studio work, and you need to keep on top of your game. Look at some strong profiles and try to improve your own. Keep your CV up to date, and adding a picture and a sample of your work will help encourage companies and members who browse the profiles. Looking at your peers you may notice some new or updated courses you can check out – there may be some great certificates / extra qualifications you can learn right on your doorstep and then add to your achievements.

Check out Mark Stevenson or James Kerr

Journalists & New media – whilst looking for work, why not try interviewing some of our talented bands? Why not get in touch with an established producer and offer your help on a music video or press releases? Maybe a fellow journalist’s profile will give you a clue as to how they got started and how you can gain some experience, or open your eyes to new companies that may require some kind of written skills.

Check out Joe Ward

However you decide to start networking, remember to update your own UKMJ profile – people are much more likely to interact if your page has photos / links / press clippings / list of achievements / uploaded documents. Check out my own profile for examples.

Remember, these are just my own ideas that I have thought up to help you – the UKMJ network is there for you to use in any way you can, and by doing so you will improve your networking and chances of finding your way through this crazy industry, maybe even with some new acquaintances!

Lee.

PS - Why not start getting involved with a comment if you find this helpful / ludicrous / interesting / obvious / etc. You may draw my attention and find yourself in one of my future blogs!

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?

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.

To view Tony’s UK Music Jobs profile please click here;http://uk.music-jobs.com/fview1.php?uid=753139&type=&start=&position=0&search_uid=&uploads=