Jobs

[thebigcheese]

I didn't really know where else to put this, but... as someone who's just getting started in the recording business, what's a good job to start with? I've been taking audio classes at school and I do my own recording in my spare time and in the long run I would like to have my own small studio, like I'm sure many of you do, but I'm not really sure what sort of jobs I should be looking for now (junior in college right now). Maybe some of you can share your experiences? Thanks.

 

[Tifstorey]

Depending on what you want to do, the bottom line for most people who want to 'break into the industry' is just getting your name out there and doing as much as you can. If you've got a local studio, try to become a runner there, even if it's just an afternoon a week. Try to make as many contacts as you can, Do as much as you can and do what your doing already and just keep learning.

 

[mikemorgan]

As a Junior in college, what's your major?

 

[mikeh]

If you are interested in the recording end (engineering, producing, etc.) you will likely have to start on the ground floor - probably for very little or no pay. Making coffee, buying donuts, cleaning toilets, etc. - if you do that for a few months maybe you can become an assistant engineer (setting up mics, running cables, etc.) - if you do all those things well, stay out of the way, keep you eyes and ears open and you mouth shut - maybe you'll get a chance to engineer a couple of low profile sessions. If you do that well, maybe you will climb up the chain.

The industry has always been hard and it is much harder now than ever (I started as a musician in the 60's and started in studios - as a musician not as an engineer - in the early 70's - so I've watched over 40 years of changes).

There will always be some opportunities for a select few - but I know a lot of really good engineers that are lucky if they make more than $15,000-$20,000 in a given year (normally a lot less) - with crappy hours, no insurance, etc. etc.

But if you are serious and dedicated and talented - then get your name out there and take any opportunity that comes along no matter how trivial it may seem. Pay your dues and maybe you can be one of the fortunate few.

Also keep in mind - there can be many other jobs in the "recording industry" - everything from tour support, advance work (setting up radio interviews, etc.) and even things like accountants and bookkeepers - you can work in the recording industry and not be an engineer.

 

[thebigcheese]

Well, I'm less interested in just being in the recording industry than doing the whole recording/mixing thing. I figured it would be easier these days, considering I could just set up my own smaller recording studio. Is it normal for most of you to hold another job to make ends meet?

My major is Visual Media. I thought I wanted to go into TV, but it's just become less and less fun over the years, so I'd rather stick with something music related. I've been thinking about trying to get a job as an audio guy at a TV station, but we'll see.

 

[mikemorgan]

Well, I'm less interested in just being in the recording industry than doing the whole recording/mixing thing. I figured it would be easier these days, considering I could just set up my own smaller recording studio. Is it normal for most of you to hold another job to make ends meet?

My major is Visual Media. I thought I wanted to go into TV, but it's just become less and less fun over the years, so I'd rather stick with something music related. I've been thinking about trying to get a job as an audio guy at a TV station, but we'll see.

This is why I asked. Yes, we all have other jobs, or are simply un-employed. It takes a certain amount of clout to make any money as an independent mixer/engineer. An audio production assistant for a TV station probably makes more money to start, and it's a way-cooler title. How about getting involved with foley production? It seems like a few years as a TV Audio producer would give you better cred than ten years of mixing in your basement.

 

[thebigcheese]

This is why I asked. Yes, we all have other jobs, or are simply un-employed. It takes a certain amount of clout to make any money as an independent mixer/engineer. An audio production assistant for a TV station probably makes more money to start, and it's a way-cooler title. How about getting involved with foley production? It seems like a few years as a TV Audio producer would give you better cred than ten years of mixing in your basement.

Hmm... alright, thanks. This has given me some good information. I was starting to think I was going to get to quite my day job once I opened up my studio, but I guess not... oh well. Such is life, yah?

 

[MISTERQCUE]

If you are interested in the recording end (engineering, producing, etc.) you will likely have to start on the ground floor - probably for very little or no pay. Making coffee, buying donuts, cleaning toilets, etc. - if you do that for a few months maybe you can become an assistant engineer (setting up mics, running cables, etc.) - if you do all those things well, stay out of the way, keep you eyes and ears open and you mouth shut - maybe you'll get a chance to engineer a couple of low profile sessions. If you do that well, maybe you will climb up the chain.

The industry has always been hard and it is much harder now than ever (I started as a musician in the 60's and started in studios - as a musician not as an engineer - in the early 70's - so I've watched over 40 years of changes).

There will always be some opportunities for a select few - but I know a lot of really good engineers that are lucky if they make more than $15,000-$20,000 in a given year (normally a lot less) - with crappy hours, no insurance, etc. etc.

But if you are serious and dedicated and talented - then get your name out there and take any opportunity that comes along no matter how trivial it may seem. Pay your dues and maybe you can be one of the fortunate few.

Also keep in mind - there can be many other jobs in the "recording industry" - everything from tour support, advance work (setting up radio interviews, etc.) and even things like accountants and bookkeepers - you can work in the recording industry and not be an engineer.

What HE said!

Again, re-read this post by mikeh!