Embarking on a career in music is often seen as a risky move, especially if you don't have any industry contacts, or you're not able to work for free. As a charity, we're working to reduce those barriers.
But that doesn't mean a career in music is impossible.
From artists and producers to music marketers and journalists, now more than ever the next generation are finding smart, unconventional ways around these barriers to do it themselves.
Our new report found that if you want to create a sustainable career in music, you need to have multiple skillsets.
That's why we've partnered with young creators working in the music industries right now to bring you useful resources to help you build a career in music. Check them out below.
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went Freelance
By Manoel Bolutife Akure
Freelance graphic designer, photographer and musician Manoel shares 10 things he wish he knew before he went freelance.
How to do it yourself (DIY)
How To Be An Artist Manager
As part of Commission Mission, Tina Edwards talks to music industry professionals on tips and advice for managing an artist
Bicep share how to start and sustain a career in music production
Electronic duo Bicep share their tips on a long career in music production, ahead of Youth Music and Charanga's new competition for electronic music tracks produced on VIP Studio Sessions.
How You Can Prepare For A Career In Freelance Music Journalism Post-COVID
Nobody knows what music journalism will look like post-COVID. With eight years of freelance music writing, James shares his top tips for preparing for the aftermath.
A beginners guide to hosting a great virtual festival
Want to host a virtual festival? Read this roundup from Madeline on everything you need to consider to get started.
Live in Lockdown: advice for new DJs
Live in Lockdown is a series of interviews with young DJs and producers about their experiences getting into DJing, how their careers and creativity has been affected by lockdown and their advice for new DJs.
The Importance of Identity in Cultivating a Stand-Out Brand
"Sometimes it takes a lot of guts as an artist to say, ‘I want to do what I feel’, as opposed to what might feel safe in the market." - Lorna Blackwood.
How to navigate the music industry as a POC
(and convince your parents it's a good idea)
"Whether you’re contemplating what’s next for you after graduation, or you’re ready to ditch your 9 to 5, here’s a guide to what the industry is really like as a person of colour and some key points to navigating it (and maybe even convincing your parents it’s a good idea)."
Creating a music brand: Where to start and how to stand out
by Liz AKA IRIDIS
Musician Liz aka IRIDIS, has been managing her music brand for a few years now. Check out her advice on where to start when developing a brand for your music, how to create an online persona, and how to make your brand stand out in the music industry.
Top tips for staying creative and productive during lockdown
Freelance visual content producer Amos Mukomebero (WalkWithAmos) shares a day in his life under lockdown, how coronavirus has changed his life and affected his work (the good and the bad!), and his top tips for staying creative and productive.
How to maintain professional boundaries when you work in music
As part of Commission Mission, freelance journalist Jemima Skala writes on how to maintain professional boundaries when you work in music.
Being your Own Boss: How To Go Freelance Without Freaking Out
No steady income and daily routine can be overwhelming, but Kate's got you sorted. Here are some ways to turn a nightmare scenario into your dream job.
Stuck In A Rut? Here’s The ULTIMATE To-Do List To Get You Going Again!
Struggling to stay motivated in lockdown? Bolu Bello has you sorted with her top ten tips to get yourself out of a rut.
Want to be featured on our site? Pitch to us!
We're still growing this section of our website, and we're looking for young people working in the music industry to share their tips and knowledge, or interview music industry figures with theirs. Pitch us your idea in our online form.