Breaking into the Music Industry Pt. 1; Make It Happen

Posted by: Grayson Brulte

This is going to be an on going series featured on the G|B blog, about how to break into the industry and make your dreams a reality. From my ups and downs to those of my close friends, I am going to offer my insight on what it took for me to make it. As Kevin Liles says; �Make It Happen�. Those are the key words that you should always remember when you are trying to break into the industry. Doors are going to be shut and the end is going to seem near. But do not give up; use it to motivate and get you through the next door.

The key to breaking into the industry is to keep your head high, never say no, and make sure that you are out networking at all the key events through out the year. Such as SXSW in Austin, TX which is taking place March 9 � 18th. If you can not afford to attend, contact the event organizer and offer to volunteer in exchange for your pass.

Volunteering is one of the greatest ways to break into the industry. I (Grayson Brulte) started out volunteering at local conferences in Los Angeles which lead to an internship at Epic Records / Sony BMG. When I was at Epic, I always made sure that I was one of the first ones in and the last ones to leave. You have to PROVE yourself to the company and do what ever it takes and work hard. Even if that means coming in at 6am and not leaving till 10pm.

So many interns come and go, but the good ones get hired and go onto to do great things. During my internship, I proved myself and got hired. Just look around the industry at some of the top executives today who started out as interns; Kevin Liles, Tim Heslin and Diddy. Diddy used to commute from Washington, DC to NYC three days a week for an internship for Andre Harrell at Uptown Records. Why? Because no matter what, nothing was going to stop him, he knew what he wanted and he got it.

Remember to never burn a bridge and never look back!

If you are serious about breaking into the Music Industry, I highly recommend that you pick up the following books.

Make It Happen by Kevin Liles
How to Get a Job in the Music and Recording Industry by Keith Hatschek.