The music industry is notoriously hard to break into. But it's not impossible — you just need the right strategy and a willingness to graft.
TL;DR
Volunteer at festivals, intern at small companies, build a portfolio of work, network at industry events, and demonstrate value before asking for opportunities. The music industry values doing over credentials.
The Reality of Music Industry Hiring
Let's be honest about how the music industry works. Most jobs aren't advertised publicly. They're filled through word of mouth, internal recommendations, and personal networks. This isn't ideal — it perpetuates privilege and limits diversity — but understanding the reality helps you navigate it.
The good news is that the industry has become more transparent about this problem and more intentional about widening access. Organisations like UK Music, Creative Access, and the PRS Foundation actively work to create pathways for people from underrepresented backgrounds.
The other reality: the music industry is smaller than most people think. The entire UK music industry employs roughly 200,000 people, and the number of roles at major labels, management companies, and live music organisations is relatively limited. Competition is fierce, and standing out requires more than just loving music.
Practical Entry Points
Volunteering at festivals is one of the most accessible entry points. Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Download, and dozens of smaller festivals need volunteers for everything from stewarding to artist liaison. While you're there, you meet people, learn how events work from the inside, and can demonstrate reliability and enthusiasm.
Internships at small companies are more valuable than internships at major labels. At a 5-person indie label or management company, you'll learn everything — from A&R to marketing to accounting — because there aren't enough people for specialisation. At a major label, you'll spend three months making coffee and organising a cupboard.
Start creating a portfolio of relevant work. Write reviews for a blog (start your own if necessary). Make content for local artists. Organise a gig night. Run a playlist. These tangible examples of initiative and competence matter more than qualifications in an industry that values doing over credentials.
Networking Without Being Awful
Networking has a terrible reputation because most people do it terribly. Thrusting business cards at strangers and sending LinkedIn messages that say 'I'd love to pick your brain' is not networking — it's imposing on people.
Good networking is building genuine relationships over time. Attend industry events — Music Week, The Great Escape conference, AIM Indie-Con, In The City — and have actual conversations. Be interested in people, not just what they can do for you. Follow up with specific references to your conversation, not generic 'great to connect' messages.
Online networking is increasingly important. Engage meaningfully with industry professionals on social media. Comment on their posts with substance, share their work, contribute to discussions. Being consistently visible and thoughtful in online communities creates recognition.
Offer value before asking for anything. If you're good at social media, offer to help an artist or small company with their content. If you can write, pitch to contribute to industry publications. When you've demonstrated that you add value, opportunities follow naturally.
Career Paths People Don't Know About
When people say 'I want to work in music,' they usually mean A&R, management, or marketing. But the music industry is vast and includes roles that are equally rewarding and much less competitive.
Sync licensing coordinators work with music supervisors to place tracks in TV, film, and adverts. It's a growing area with relatively few trained professionals. Music data analysts work with streaming platform data, audience insights, and marketing analytics — a blend of music knowledge and technical skills that's increasingly in demand.
Royalty administration and rights management is technically demanding but essential work. If you're detail-oriented and can handle complex data, there are always openings. Music technology companies — from Spotify to Bandcamp to plugin developers — hire for roles that combine music knowledge with tech skills.
Live music operations — stage management, production management, tour management — requires practical skills and physical stamina but offers some of the most exciting work in the industry. And music therapy is a growing field that uses music professionally in healthcare settings, with proper training programmes and career structures.
The key is to be open-minded about what 'working in music' actually means. The industry needs more than just A&Rs and managers.