Retraining for new roles in the music industry – with Music Ally COO Patrick Ross
Nov 8, 2024
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Patrick Ross, COO of Music Ally, discusses the fast-evolving music industry and the need for professionals to adapt. He highlights the impact of recent layoffs and the shift towards smaller, agile companies. Upskilling and continuous learning are emphasized as crucial for navigating this transition. Patrick explores the importance of digital marketing skills and innovative strategies, advocating for a decentralized approach that empowers aspiring artists and industry workers. The conversation is filled with insights and encouragement for those looking to reinvent their careers.
The music industry is undergoing significant changes with a shift towards decentralization, allowing artists more control over their branding and marketing strategies.
To thrive in the evolving job market, professionals must upskill proactively, emphasizing practical abilities over formal qualifications to enhance their employability.
Deep dives
Shifting Landscape of the Music Industry
The current state of the music industry is characterized by significant structural changes and a trend of workforce reduction among major companies, with headcounts dropping by 10 to 25 percent. This shrinkage has led to a scattering of highly skilled professionals seeking new roles, which is more challenging now compared to previous years. The dynamic environment pushes individuals to assess their unique skill sets rather than relying solely on formal qualifications, emphasizing the need for adaptable skills that can meet the evolving demands of the industry. As professionals navigate job searches, they are encouraged to focus on showcasing practical abilities, as employers increasingly prioritize applicable skills over educational credentials.
Importance of Upskilling and Diverse Skill Sets
In response to the challenges faced in the industry, there is a growing emphasis on acquiring new skills and continuously evolving one's professional capabilities. Individuals who have been successful in securing positions often take the initiative to learn relevant skills independently, such as digital marketing techniques or software proficiencies, which allows them to stand out in a competitive job market. For example, one candidate illustrated this by self-educating on digital marketing tools to enhance their appeal for a marketing role, demonstrating the importance of proactive learning. As professionals find themselves in a niche area due to lengthy tenures at large organizations, diversifying their skill sets becomes crucial to remain relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing landscape.
Decentralization and the Future of the Music Industry
The music industry is witnessing a move towards decentralization, where smaller companies and freelancers are gaining traction by providing specialized services tailored to specific artist needs. This shift allows for a more personalized and dynamic approach to marketing and campaign execution, with artist teams choosing collaborators that best fit their creative vision. The trend indicates that artists now have more control over their branding and marketing, empowered by technology and access to diverse resources. As a result, the landscape is becoming more collaborative, with successful campaigns often relying on a mosaic of partners that contribute unique skills and creativity to enhance the artist’s vision.
Ep. 163: The jobs market in the music industry is changing fast: it's not just artists who are decoupling from the traditional industry businesses, it's the industry workers too. Not only have various major players laid off significant percentages of their workforce, but some artists and teams are seeking smaller, nimbler companies to do niche tasks. So we got Music Ally COO Patrick Ross on the show to chat about what this means for people: how to up-skill, re-train and branch out; how to recognise the opportunities this brings. Spoiler: now is a better time than ever to learn new abilities and make them into a creative career.
