Ahead of the FEEDBACK music conference in Sydney on Monday, three members of the rather esteemed list of guest speakers let us know how they got into this crazy industry of ours and offer small nuggets of advice for those of you looking to gain entry into music as well.
JOSH PYKE
Who are you and what do you do?
Josh Pyke. Singer and Songwriter, performer, sometimes a producer. Odd jobs man.
How did you get your start in the industry? What was your first paid/unpaid job?
Playing gigs in the early days are almost always unpaid. I also did production at gigs, was a lugger at festivals, worked in A&R at a publishing company and wrote for a street press.
Your number one piece of advice for someone wanting to get into the music industry, that perhaps you wish you were told before you entered it?
It’s different if we’re talking about getting into this industry as a musician or on the business side. As a performer, I’d say no one will ever care more about your music than you do, so go out and make your own opportunities. From the business side, I’d say that you can’t mix up passion and professionalism, and even though your working in a fun industry, it’s still a business.
Do you have a “favourite gig of all time”?
I played the Glastonbury festival a few years back and that was probably my favourite. It was amazing to play at but also as a punter it’s an incredible festival to go to, so I kinda checked two boxes in one go!
Photo: Alex Ormerod
WINSTON McCALL
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Winston; I handle vocals and crowd control for Parkway Drive.
How did you get your start in the industry? What was your first paid/unpaid job?
This has been my only job in the industry. I never really got a start, the band just fell into it. What started as a small project with no goals simply grew organically into the form we have today.
Your number one piece of advice for someone wanting to get into the music industry, that perhaps you wish you were told before you entered it?
Do it because you love it. That’s all I have ever done; I if it all went to hell, I could honestly say that I would leave fulfilled. If you do this planning to get rich, you’re going to be disappointed pretty damn quickly!
Do you have a “favourite gig of all time”?
Not really. I enjoy pretty much every gig I play or see. It’s very unusual for me not to enjoy live music. The most impressive gig I have witnessed was Rammstein’s set at Download Festival 2013. That was pure entertainment.
LEANNE DE SOUZA
Who are you and what do you do?
Leanne de Souza – MANAGER (Thelma Plum, The Medics, The Painted Ladies & Liam Gerner)
How did you get your start in the industry? What was your first paid/unpaid job?
I set up my first music business as a booking agency in Brisbane in 1992, putting $20 in a business bank account, worked for myself and my artists ever since.
Your number one piece of advice for someone wanting to get into the music industry, that perhaps you wish you were told before you entered it?
Relationships matter, respect them.
Do you have a “favourite gig of all time”?
The Medics’ Big Day Out 2013 Melbourne show – for my own artists’ shows.
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FEEDBACK: A Music Conference for Young People is being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Monday, June 9th. Head to www.vividsydney.com/ideas.
