Artist Relations Assistant
After leaving school, working in a factory, and then returning to study, I thought that BTEC Diplomas were my limit - getting into the music industry was only going to happen through luck (and possibly my personal interest/activities). However, I checked for any related courses and found an HND in Music Industry Management, got accepted and then after two years studying still sought to go further. Not wanting to get a degree in an identical field, I found (1997) the new Events Management course offering another area of study but which could be applied to a chosen topic. Another opportunity for a music associated higher qualification.
After leaving University I subscribed to Music Week (having referenced it when studying) and applied for anything music or events related - often sending my cv and covering letter to the address shown, no matter the position. Having left education in June 1998 my first (record label) interview was with EMI in October, the interview was on Wednesday and I started work the next Monday!
At EMI my main tasks involve answering the phone ("Hi, I wonder if you can help me? I'd like Robbie Williams to come and sing at my 8 year old daughter's Birthday party), as well as being responsible for a large majority of the gig tickets, this being fundamental to artist relations. We send out gig guides to the company, order/distribute tickets, oversee any Access All Area passes required by staff, as well as take on the responsibility of an after-show party. Having been here over two years I now look after a few of my own events which can include album launches, showcases, artist diaries & itineraries, after-show parties, label dinners etc.. I deal with all the subsidiary labels under EMI (so a really eclectic mix of music) together with contact at all levels, a combination of internal and external: assistants, directors, artists and managers.
For info on specific EMI departments click below
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