When I decided to set up my own music agency, I was managing a band at the time. We’d had a pretty bad experience with a big London-based music PR agency. So I decided to jump in and try and fix it, and the results I started achieving were really impressive.
Then soon after another band approached me, asking if I’d PR their next single, then another.
My career path
I’d always had a corporate job after leaving uni. I got into the charity sector then into corporate events. But my passion was always music. I remember attending The Great Escape Festival in Brighton seeing all the action and thinking “I really want to be a part of that”, so I made it my mission.
I was already in my early 30s at that time but did a bit of everything which opened so many doors It wasn’t until I tried my hand at PR that I knew it was my calling.
I’d found something I was naturally good at, that could utilise all of my skill set. I initially started side hustling, as I didn’t know if it was truly going to work financially. But when I’d reached my capacity, working all hours outside of my 9am to 6pm job, I knew it was time to jump ship.
When I told my commercial director of the job I was leaving to work full time in the music industry, I think he thought I was mad.
Overcoming challenges
The first one was discovering I was pregnant soon after launching myself full-time into being self-employed. I was working the notice of my corporate role, and felt a little queasy one afternoon and did a test. I knew the next nine months plus was going to be truly interesting.
I really did burn the midnight oil in order to establish myself in the music biz. Once I’d had my daughter, it was challenging as I barely took any maternity leave, I simply couldn’t afford to.
So with a baby on my lap/boob, I got back to work, taking Zoom calls and playing tag team with my partner, running up to London for meetings and events. It was scary as I felt I had to work double hard to prove myself and carve myself a reputation.
There was immense pressure from clients, that now I’d become a mother perhaps I wasn’t going to do a good enough job.
Being a woman in the music industry
It’s been mostly positive, I’ve surrounded myself with some excellent people, and made some lifelong friends. I’ve got some great cheerleaders and mentors so I’m super grateful. Thankfully I’ve not really encountered any negativity.
My advice
Keep on going, try a bit of everything. Work out where your strengths are. if you can try and get a foot in the door somewhere by starting your own thing, that could be a blog, podcast, radio show – all these things show real hustle and commitment and are more likely to get you an interview for your dream job in music as it shows real initiative.
Also, make sure you are super respectful of everyone you meet. Yesterday’s intern could be tomorrow’s CEO.
What I’d tell my younger self…
Keep going girl, stay positive and open-minded. You will get there in the end.
I’m going to be offering some mentorships during 2022 so please get in touch if you want to have a chat.
To find out more, visit: www.libertymusicpr.com