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The music industry offers more career opportunities than ever before. With roles spanning artist management, record labels, marketing, live events, publishing and music technology, there are countless ways to build a career doing something you love.
To help navigate your options, we’re breaking down some of the industry’s most exciting careers, what they involve, and the types of people who tend to enjoy them most.
How to choose which music career is right for you
Rather than going by job titles, it can be helpful to start with what genuinely interests you and exploring the career paths that align with that. Take a scroll through the sections below and check out any that sound most like you…
You’re always the first to discover new artists
Career Area: A&R, Talent Discovery & Record Labels
A&R Manager
If you’re that person who’s always introducing your friends to new music, a career in A&R (Artists & Repertoire) could be a great fit. A&R managers discover emerging artists, help shape their careers and work closely with record labels to develop new releases. It’s a role that combines a great ear for music with relationship building, creativity and commercial awareness.
Related careers
- A&R Scout: Identifies emerging artists and keeps track of new music and industry trends.
- Label Manager: Oversees the day-to-day running of a record label, from releases to artist relationships.
- Label Partnerships Manager: Builds relationships between labels, artists and industry partners to support releases and growth.
- Talent Booker: Finds and books artists for appearances, festivals and venues.
You get a buzz from helping others succeed
Career Area: Artist Management & Development
Artist Manager
Artist managers work closely with musicians to help build successful, long-term careers. They coordinate opportunities, negotiate with industry partners, oversee projects and support artists through every stage of their journey. If you enjoy working with people, solving problems and helping others achieve their goals, artist management could be the perfect career.
Related careers
- Artist Development Manager: Helps artists refine their sound, image and long-term career direction.
- Artist Relations Manager: Builds strong relationships between artists, labels, brands and industry partners.
- Artist & Label Services Manager: Supports independent artists and labels with releases, distribution and career growth.
- Day-to-Day Manager: Keeps an artist’s schedule, projects and communications running smoothly.
You’re creative and love talking about music online
Career Area: Music Marketing, PR & Social Media
Publicist
Every successful artist has a story to tell. Publicists work with artists, labels and the media to build their profile, secure press coverage and create excitement around new releases. If you’re interested in storytelling, communication and the fast-moving world of digital media, this could be the career for you.
Related careers
- Community Manager: Builds and manages fan communities across digital platforms.
- Social Media Manager: Plans content and social campaigns to grow an artist’s audience.
- Playlist Promotion Manager: Helps artists secure playlist placements on streaming platforms.
- Digital Marketing Manager: Creates digital campaigns using social media, email and paid advertising.
You live for going to gigs and festivals
Career Area: Live Events & Touring
Booking Agent
Booking agents connect artists with live performance opportunities, securing gigs, tours and festival appearances. They negotiate with venues and promoters, helping artists reach new audiences while building successful touring careers. If live music is where you feel most at home, this is an exciting way to be part of the industry.
Related careers
- Tour Manager: Oversees every aspect of an artist’s tour, from travel to logistics.
- Promoter: Organises and markets concerts, tours and live music events.
- Festival Coordinator: Supports the planning and delivery of music festivals.
- Venue Manager: Oversees the day-to-day operation of live music venues.
- Production Manager: Coordinates the technical side of live performances and events.
You’re interested in the deals behind the music
Career Area: Publishing, Licensing & Rights Management
Song Plugger
Song pluggers help great songs find the right artists. Working closely with publishers, producers and record labels, they pitch songs for recording opportunities and help connect songwriters with performers. It’s a role that combines creativity, networking and a strong understanding of the commercial side of music.
Related careers
- Publishing Manager: Oversees songwriter relationships and music publishing catalogues.
- Repertoire Manager: Manages publishing catalogues and develops songwriter partnerships.
- Licensing Manager: Secures permission for music to be used across other media.
- Rights Manager: Protects and manages music copyrights and intellectual property.
- Sync Manager: Places music in films, television, adverts and digital media.
You love exploring what’s next for music
Career Area: Music Technology, Streaming & AI
Music Data Analyst
Streaming platforms generate huge amounts of data, and music data analysts use those insights to help artists, labels and businesses make better decisions. By analysing audience behaviour, listening trends and campaign performance, they play an increasingly important role in shaping modern music careers.
Related careers
- DSP Partnerships Manager: Works with streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Streaming Strategy Manager: Develops strategies to grow artists’ audiences across streaming services.
- Music AI & Innovation Specialist: Explores how emerging technologies are changing the music industry.
- Digital Distribution Manager: Ensures music is delivered to streaming services around the world.
You’re an entrepreneur at heart
Career Area: Entrepreneurship & Independent Music Business
Independent Label Owner
Independent label owners discover artists, release music and build brands on their own terms. Running a label means combining creativity with business skills, making decisions about everything from marketing and distribution to artist development and partnerships. It’s an ideal career for people who want to build something of their own.
Related careers
- Artist Consultant: Advises artists on career strategy and professional development.
- Independent Promoter: Organises live events and builds relationships with artists and venues.
- Music Consultant: Provides expert advice to artists, labels and music businesses.
Kick start Your Music Business Career
If a career in music business sounds like the right fit, LCCM’s BA Music Business Management course offers the opportunity to explore the industry in depth. You’ll learn about areas including artist management, marketing, live events, publishing, record labels and music technology, while working alongside musicians, producers and other creatives in a collaborative environment that reflects the way the industry operates IRL.
