James Moodie

From social media to record labels. Tell us about your career so far.

I worked my way up through management, social media and streaming, and now I'm in the record label world. I started out in social media, because the industry lacked digital knowledge and tends to look to younger, early adopters — that's how I landed my first role. From there I worked at Vevo in label relations, which blew my contact book wide open. I then had a long stint at Sony-owned distributor The Orchard, in the role I'd always dreamed of. Last year, I joined Distiller Music as Managing Director, a record label, publisher and studio based in London and Bath.

So, what does a typical day actually look like for you?

There's really no such thing as a typical day. Most days involve checking in with teams, working on record deals, and helping our artists deliver new material before we take it to market. Every day brings something different, which is exactly what keeps it exciting.

What are you working on right now that's got you excited?

We've just announced a new album with Blossoms, who I've worked with on and off for a huge part of my career. They've made a monster of a new record and announced their first arena tour. It's going to be amazing.

Distiller partnered with some third-year Solent students last year and one of our artists, YONAKA, to create content and films together. All the students were fantastic and seemingly had access to industry-standard equipment.

What's been your career highlight so far?

Being involved with so many incredible artists — there are too many to mention. But being part of teams working with Blossoms, Jack White, Jorja Smith, RAYE and Skepta really stand out. There have been countless other campaigns I've loved too.

Why did you choose Solent over everywhere else?

I'd studied in London for a year, but it didn't give me the campus feel I was looking for. I wanted the academic side of university, but the social experience too, and London just didn't offer that. Solent had it in abundance.

I'd already decided to pivot to a music-based course after reading All You Need To Know About The Music Business by Donald Passman. Being a fairly average musician myself, the business side appealed to me far more. Discovering the Music Promotion degree, and knowing Southampton had its own music scene, made the decision easy.

Did your studies actually prepare you for working in the industry?

Absolutely, in two big ways. First, it taught me discipline, whether assignments were practical or academic, there were frameworks and deadlines I had to stick to. I'd always struggled with that at school, but the staff genuinely helped me manage it. Second, it gave me real access to the industry through The Joiners, Bestival and Glastonbury. None of that was degree-specific, but it was invaluable to where I ended up.

Did you get real, hands-on experience in the industry while studying?

Yes. I did work experience with The Joiners and Bestival, and both were incredible. I'm still in touch with people from those companies today. Through the Solent connection, those experiences opened doors at Blissfields, Wichita Recordings and Paradigm/Coda. It set me on my way the moment I graduated.

What's your number one piece of advice for anyone wanting to break into the music industry?

Immerse yourself in your local music scene, that's where everything starts. Every successful artist did exactly the same thing. Make connections, make friends, and remember we're all in this together