Pitfalls for Young People Entering the Music Industry
Along with 20 creative music practitioners in the South West Music Industry, we are compiling a resource to recognise and be aware of pitfalls in the Music Industry. We are hoping to help young people either avoid these pitfalls or deal positively with them, when they encounter them.
This is in development at the moment, but will include a simple to read graphic, especially for Neuro Diverse young musicians. It will also include testimonies and examples of experiences young people have had.
Safeguarding
- How to recognize exploitative approaches and attitudes. Recognizing and strategy regarding exploitative exposure techniques (pay to play and play for exposure etc.).
- Sexual harassment.
- Attitudes to dress code and expectations, especially for young women.
- Helplines you can call to get support if you have run into pitfalls and had negative experiences.
- Safety when traveling (share location/ safe night travel).
- Self-worth and personal boundaries
- Alcohol and drug offers, prevention of drink spiking. .
- Health and safety in a venue.
- Safety and social media contact.
- Media waiver forms.
- Professional development and mentoring, how to source safeguarded mentors and educational professionals.
Financial
- Securing the contract is a member of MU/Equity.
- Transparency of pay, Knowing what to charge/understanding how to negotiate fees.
- Understanding Copyright, producer points and Industry acronyms.
- Self-employment/ freelance/ taxes/ what you can claim for HMRC (resources for self-employment/ legal aid.)
- Media waiver forms
- Security of instruments (leaving instruments with friends and gigs)
- Behaviour (Professional conduct) including how fast to confirm gig bookings
Practical
- What to look for and ask about in relation to your tech support and backline.
- Recording studio etiquette knowing your role as the artist/ practice room etiquette.
- Understanding a rider.
- Request etiquette and approaches.
- Vocal care for your genre.
- Physical well-being (manual handling, carrying amps and bags/ heavy instruments and equipment. Ear care in electric sets).
- Noise control in shared social environments.
- Pushing boundaries in regards to set times and these can be negotiated and extra sets.
- Understanding access needs.
- Screened auditions/ etiquette.
- Online auditions & online competitions.
- Why you need to be careful with Paid Spotify providers. Spotting the fakes and how to analyse your traffic to see if it has come from a data centre in Buffalo to trick algorithms to understand the smoke screen and mirror to promotion. My Sphera - good practice curator for playlist on social media great industry black book networks - good practice.