Careers in the Music Industry

Onstage

Lead Vocalists – Reads, writes, and interprets lyrics and is often the main focus in the band or as a solo artist in the studio, performing live, in interviews, and is often the person who will be contacted to book gigs and recording sessions unless the band or artist has a manager.

Backing Vocalists – Reads and interprets lyrics the band or artist has written and accompanies them creating an atmospheric feel to a song or to strengthen parts of the song.

Lead Guitarist – Reads, writes, performs, and interprets written music while working closely with the rhythm guitarist and performs “solos” that contrast with the rest of the song, sometimes the lead guitarist may appear in interviews with the vocalist.

Rhythm Guitarist – Reads, writes, performs, and interprets written music working with the lead guitarist, sometimes the rhythm guitarist will appear with the lead guitarist in interviews.

Bass Guitarists – Reads, writes, performs, and interprets written music creating the rhythmic and melodic foundations of a song along with the drummer.

Drummers – Reads, writes, performs, and interprets written music, the drummer provides a time reference for the rest of the band and is often the starting point when writing or recording new songs.

Keyboardists/Pianists – Reads, writes, performs, and interprets written music accompanying symphonies and can also create an atmospheric feel to a piece of music, often for practicality reasons the keys are recorded in the studio and then used as a backing track during live performances.

DJs – Mixes, records, and plays recorded music either to be played as a backing track for a band/artist or as a solo performance.

Off stage

Artist Manager - Artist managers are responsible for daily business duties, sending demos, booking gigs and studio/practice time for the artist using emails, phone calls, and social media.

Promoter – Organize, market and manage live music events working with other colleagues at the venue, promoters will talk to the bands booking agents to book the artist for a show and vice versa

Booking Agent – Works closely with either the band/artist or a venue to match the band/artist with an appropriate venue to reach specific audiences.

Accountant – Manages, organizes, and informs the band/artist of financial situations.

Sound Engineer – Mixes, finalizes, edits, records, reproduces, and achieves a specific sound chosen by the band/artist and producer by regulating the volume, sound quality, and separation of instruments in a track.

Lighting Engineer – Sets up, operates, and maintains lighting and special effects equipment and uses this to match the atmosphere of different parts of the performance and to ensure the band/artist can be seen by the audience.

Merchandiser – Promotes, distributes, and publicizes the band/artist and their products.

Producer – Edits, records, and books appropriate session musicians whilst working with the band/artist to achieve the desired sound.

Session Musician – Backs a band or artist during live performances and in the studio working with the artist and producer to create the desired sound and can also cover for musicians during studio time if someone is missing.

Photographer – Shoots and edits photos of the band/artist from live performances, photo shoots, and interviews, the photos can then be used for promotional material and merchandised products.

A&R – Scouts for new artists for the label and oversees the band/artists work to optimize the commercial success of the finished product for the label whist supporting the band/artists vision.

Stage Manager – Signs in artist/bands and their crew and ensures a smooth and efficient transition for the band/artist when joining and leaving the stage.

VJ – Displays background images and visual effects and announces the next band/artist during the live performance.

Art Designer – Works with the band/artist to design artwork that could then be used on merchandise, event posters, and social media.

Poster Designer – Uses images sent from the bands/artists manager on posters using editing software to promote live music events.

Tech Support – Sets up, maintains, and organizes the bands/artists instruments and equipment for recording sessions and live performances.

Roadies – Unloads (during load-ins) and loads (during load-outs) the bands/artists instruments and equipment ready for live performances.