2012
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Portsmouth, but have lived in the USA, Oman, then London and eventually Southampton for university. I now live in London.
Why did you choose the course?
I actually started University in London doing a BSC in Physics w/Aviation. I completed the first year, and on the off chance bought a book called 'The Gorilla Guide to the Music Industry' and after reading it cover to cover in 2 hours I dropped out the next day.
Searching through UCAS led me to the Music Promotion course at Solent, and after a few phone calls and a huge argument with my family, I was off to Solent!
Best bits about the course?
There were several good things about the course. The classes varied quite nicely, and were never huge or impersonal, I got to know everyone on the course within about 5 days, but then again I never know when to stop talking.
I learnt a lot about the past as well as the future. Researching into popular music and theories of popular music gave me a good grounding and taught me new ways of looking at music. The digital & interactive media element was invaluable, as the skills I learnt there I use every day in my job; I'd be a mess without it!
The balance between work and play was good. One thing you will never be taught on any course is how to network. It's probably almost as important as having a degree, I've never really got anywhere post Uni by applying for things, it's from knowing people and presenting yourself to prospective partners, employers, clients in the right way. The course gave us the time to go out and do this, and it is totally imperative to getting into the industry.
Best things you’ve done since graduating?
I guess the best things I've done since graduating were setting up Flatpack (my record company), and getting my first paid industry job with Big Life Management in London.
Flatpack has been up and running for a year now and recently turned its first profits. In July I’m staging a label showcase at RoTA @ Notting Hill Arts Club with the potential of a regular night in Camden. Nothing really beats that moment of pride every time one of my artists gets confirmed for a wicked show or festival, or even gets a good review in the music press. I'm a sucker for that!
James’s advice: “For the label you need discipline, so I have a set routine. You need to be cheeky, and not be scared to ask for the odd discount or blag into an event. Networking is definitely one of the most important aspects of the music industry, so you have to be ready to talk to anyone and be approachable. Apart from that, it seems nowadays you need to know the music scene inside out, a bit of business theory and be completely literate when it comes to social networking”.