What's the best way to get a job at a record label?

Question

I want to work at a record label so badly! It's so difficult. I did three years of student news/radio stuff and go to gigs three times a week on average, but I just can't seem to get my foot in the door at any labels. I want it so much! Thanks and rock on, marcbolanboy.

Answer 1

Start by demonstrating your passion for music, write for online fanzines, review records, get your name known. Also, buy a copy of The Unsigned Guide, which has the most comprehensive list of record labels, addresses and contacts. Write to them all, asking if they can offer you any unpaid work experience. It may be that you cannot afford to do fulltime unpaid work, but try to volunteer for 2 or 3 days a week. Start helping out local bands, getting them gigs, and communicating with A&R departments. Just getting yourself out there is the best thing you can do. Aim for jobs around the industry, and eventually you'll end up at a record company.

A great guide can be found at the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/industry/

Good luck!

Answer 2

Start in the mail room. Seriously. Jon BonJovi statred in the mailroom at a record label.

Many CEO's of Corporate America started in the mail room.

1. Get's your foot in the door.

2. You'll know everyone at the company.

3. You'll know everything that is going on in the company.

4. Once you get your foot in the door, then you can decide which direction you want to go. If you want to be A&R, Producer, etc. Then start finding a Mentor to help guide you.

It won’t be easy, and it will take time. It doesn't happen overnight. You've got the degree for the academics, starting in the mailroom will then give you the insights you can't get from a degree.

If you can't get into the mailroom, try to work there as a temp so you can add it to your resume. Find out who the temp companies are supplying labor to the industry. A lot of times, temp workers are hired into permanent positions.

Not sure if you tried this already.

Here is another idea. Target some executives, and contact them. Do it in a non-threatening way. Introduce yourself and tell them you would like to take them to lunch (each separately). Tell them you would like career advice. How did they get to where they are, and what advice can they give a new person trying to break into the industry.

You'll be surprised. You might end the lunch with a job offer. If not, you've just laid the groundwork with industry insiders across the record labels. Be sure to stay in touch with them.

Good Luck

Answer 3

it truly is a scoutter and also you'll't visit college for that. strategies to be a valid engineer, get a job with a label, and paintings your way up. Or start up your own label. yet it truly is extremely intense priced.

Answer 4

If you are talking about working in A & R departments (in other words, spotting talent) write and volunteer your services. I should warn you that no matter how much you want to work at a label, the music business is the dirtiest business out there.
Been there, bought the tee shirt.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Apply

Answer 6

first of all apply!! if nothing else call Randy Jackson and say Whats up DawG! Or you could be Brittany Spears next squeeze since she kicked out ol fed-x

Answer 7

Suck lots of c ock, assume the position and take it up the ****.

Answer 8

Its about who you know, who you sleep with, or you can just Intern and scheme your way up!

Answer 9

There is no such things as records they are cds