As part of our new Horizon Future Leaders series of interviews, we are connecting with the music industry’s next generation of leaders to gather candid advice and insights into their career journeys.
Horizon is CMU's weekly newsletter that brings you a hand-picked selection of early to mid stage career opportunities from across the music industry, paired with insights and advice. Whether you're looking for your first job in music or you're ready to take a step up, Horizon is here to help you find your dream job faster. Horizon is focused on highlighting the best and most exciting roles we've seen and is made for people who are building their careers with ambition.
Getting started and progressing your career in the music industry can often feel overwhelming. Despite the wide range of positions and opportunities available, early-career professionals often face a daunting array of challenges. From the frustrating cycle of needing experience to be able to get the roles that help you build experience, to often intense competition from like-minded peers, the barriers in music can sometimes seem higher than in many other fields.
At CMU we spend a lot of time trying to explain and demystify the music business, and our Horizon newsletter is dedicated to helping the next generation of music leaders build and progress their careers. Our new series of Q&A interviews, Horizon Future Leaders, talks to rising professionals from across the industry: to hear firsthand how they started out and what they have learnt along the way, sharing practical tips and advice for anyone looking to build and own their future in the music business.
👉 In this Q&A we caught up with Sofia Jönsson, Label Manager at !K7 Music’s Berlin office.
What’s your current role in the music industry?
I’m a Label Manager for !K7 Music.
What does your general day to day look like?
I focus on coordinating with labels and our internal teams, advising on campaign strategies, marketing plans, release schedules and manufacturing processes.
What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?
I started with an internship at FatCat Records in the UK, working twice a week while finishing my last year at uni, which eventually led to a full-time role at the label. I also made it a priority to surround myself with people who shared my interests and ambitions outside of interning, which definitely helped my network.
What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?
The internship was pivotal, as it gave me a firsthand look at how record labels operate. Getting to see behind the scenes how a crucial part of the industry is managed, whilst learning from industry veterans, was invaluable.
Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?
Given the rapid evolution of the music industry, new opportunities continually emerge. Being proactive in asking questions and articulating your needs will help in finding the best opportunities for yourself.
Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?
Here’s a selection of orgs and initiatives that I would recommend:
- Small Green Shoots
- Saffron
- Big Team
- YUAF
- Black Ticket Project
- Orbit
- Refuge Worldwide here in Berlin is also excellent for building community and offers numerous projects and initiatives to connect with the industry in various ways.
What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?
Aim to be consistent and reliable in your work, and hone your skills in connecting people and facilitating mutual support.
How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?
The emphasis is increasingly on storytelling. Highlighting broader themes behind the music can enhance the release experience and connect with audiences more deeply. Developing strong skills in communicating the vision for a release will help you stay ahead.
What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?
While social media is a powerful tool for connecting and sharing music, I equally understand the general dislike a lot of creatives feel towards it. I would focus on harnessing it to create a community or audience that is equally strong both on and offline.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Trust your gut!
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