Music Publishing

April 3, 2008 10:14 PM

How do I get a music publishing job in Nashville, TN? I'm a musician and aspiring songwriter interested in starting my own music publishing company. I've got a business degree, and I'm interested in learning about the legal side of the music business by getting a job doing it. How do I do it? Suggestions welcome.
posted by locoindio to Media & Arts (1 answer total)

Alright, first off, stay away from the newspaper ads. They only advertise jobs people don't want (and create maximum compitition for them). Here's how you do it. But here's the fine print first: it takes tenacity and you've got to be willing to fight. Here goes: 1) research the scene and figure out the companies that you would like to be like 2) If these companies are HUGE then this strategy won't work, however if you find some companies that are reasonably sized (small enough to be somewhat accessible) then you should be fine. 3) Call them up and ask to speak to the person who works there that does the job you want to do someday 4) You won't get to speak to them 5) You'll either get their assistant or the main operator will stop you right there 5) Whoever you get be very respectful (they are the gatekeeper) 6) expalain that you're a student (if true-or say you're just getting started if not) and you REALLY RESPECT what the company does and want to do it yourself in the future 7) Ask who the person is who does what you want to do 8) Ask to schedule an appointment to speak to that person (in person--not on phone!) 9) If you're lucky enough to be transferred to this person then do the same thing: explain you're REALLY IMPRESSED with the job they do and want to someday do it yourself and would it be allright to meet them and get their advice for how to do this. 10) This person should be flattered (if not then you're talking to too big of a person or too big of a company) 11) They will want to help you out (wouldn't you if someone came to you and said the same thing?) 12) While on the phone, schedule a time to come to their workplace and meet them 13) Don't be surprised when they say they're super busy and can't meet until MUCH LATER (possibly 3 monthes) 14) Don't be surprised when they cancel the meeting right before: just re-schedule 15) Don't be surprised when this happens multiple times (these are busy people and you will be super low priority) 16) Finally that day will come and you arrive at their studio 17) Dress exactly like them (blue jeans for blue jeans, suit for suit, etc) 18) they'll tell you a lot of really good stuff 19) they'll tour their facility 20) Arrive with 5-10 GREAT questions that have the goal of making you look organized, intelligent and a wonderful person to work with 21) At the end of your meeting, go away if the place is no place you want to work with 22) However, if you like what you see, at the end of the meeting ask if they have any opening positions (or internships) 23) Your person will look at you and think, "Shoot. this is the kinda person I would hire." Even if they don't have an internship program, you're making it easy for them to get cheap quality labor. 24) If they're in the right position you've got a GREAT chance of landing a job right there 25) While in the job, continue to ask questions about obtaining your dream 26) with experience, switch to a higher profile position at a higher profile company after a couple years (and stay in great communication with the original job) 27) When you know everything you need to know, and aquire the right financial backing, then leave whereever you are and start your own business 28) Don't take the key performers with you when you do this (The music biz is a small world and you don't need people mad at you when you're starting out).
posted by Murray M at 8:26 AM on April 6, 2008