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When people think about the music industry, they often picture the singers on stage, DJs behind the decks, or performers under the spotlight with the crowd’s full attention.
While that side of the industry is full of fame and glory and certainly appeals to many, the music industry offers much more than just the roles that take place on stage. There are countless opportunities behind the scenes that often provide more predictability, comfort, and sometimes even greater financial stability. These roles are just as cool in their own way.
So, in this article, we’ll break down the top 10 coolest jobs in the music industry that pay well and don’t require you to be the front-facing personality.
Music Producer
Being a music producer is arguably one of the hardest fields to break into on this list, but I wanted to start with it for exactly that reason. The music industry is incredibly competitive, and unlike more conventional careers, the path to success isn’t clearly laid out. However, if you know the right steps to take and aren’t just guessing about your next move, your chances of success are much higher. That’s why I want to highlight how rewarding and cool being a professional music producer can be in this industry.
To help you navigate those crucial first steps, we’ve put together an incredibly high-value e-book that breaks down everything you need to know to become a professional music producer. The initial stage is always the toughest to manage, and that’s why we’ve shared everything I’ve learned from over a decade in the industry, all condensed into this single book. You can grab it on Amazon for just a few bucks.
DSP Programming or AVIT
DSP (Digital Signal Processing) programming and AVIT (Audio Video Information Technology) are career paths where you can merge technical skills with your passion for music. These roles are essential for the development and maintenance of modern audio systems, whether in music production software or live sound environments. If you have a background in software engineering, transitioning into DSP or AVIT can be a smooth and rewarding process. You’ll be working on the algorithms that power audio effects or ensuring that audio and video systems run smoothly during live events.
The cool thing about DSP programming or AVIT is that these roles are integral to the functioning of the music industry, yet they often fly under the radar. The demand for these skills is high, and the work is often well-compensated. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly impacts the quality of music and live performances. If you love problem-solving and have a knack for technology, these roles offer a stable and fulfilling career path.
Live Sound Engineer
Being a live sound engineer is one of the most hands-on roles in the music industry. As a live sound engineer, you’re responsible for the audio quality at concerts and events, ensuring that everything sounds perfect in real-time. This role requires quick thinking, deep technical knowledge, and a passion for live music. The thrill of making sure a show sounds great, and the immediate feedback from the audience makes this job both challenging and rewarding.
One of the coolest aspects of this job is the variety of environments you work in—from small clubs to massive stadiums. You’re always on the move, adapting to different venues and equipment. It’s a job that demands flexibility and creativity, but if you thrive in high-pressure situations and love the energy of live music, being a live sound engineer is one of the most exciting paths you can take in the industry.
Music Technology Company Engineer
Working as an engineer for a music technology company is a fantastic way to be at the forefront of the industry. Whether you’re developing software like DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) or designing innovative hardware for music production, this role allows you to merge technical expertise with creativity. Companies like Avid, PreSonus, or Roland are always on the lookout for engineers who understand both music and technology.
What makes this job cool is that you’re creating the tools that artists and producers rely on to make music. You’re not just participating in the industry—you’re helping to shape its future. Plus, working for a music tech company often means being involved in cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in music production. If you’re technically inclined and passionate about music, this is a rewarding and impactful career path.
Marketing for Music
Marketing is crucial in the music industry, and as a music marketer, you’re the one crafting the narrative around an artist or a release. This involves creating digital campaigns, managing social media, and working with PR teams to get the word out. It’s a role that blends creativity with strategy, requiring you to stay on top of trends while also thinking outside the box to engage audiences.
What’s exciting about music marketing is that it’s constantly evolving. You get to experiment with different platforms and strategies, all while working closely with artists and labels. It’s a dynamic role that keeps you on your toes, and when a campaign takes off, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. If you love music and have a flair for promotion, music marketing is a fantastic way to make an impact in the industry.
Content Creator for Independent Labels
As a content creator for independent labels, you play a vital role in how artists are perceived by their audience. You might be creating social media posts, promotional videos, or designing graphics—essentially anything that helps build the artist’s brand. Independent labels often give content creators a lot of freedom, allowing you to be innovative and experiment with different formats and styles.
The cool part about this job is the creative control you have. Unlike larger labels, where processes might be more rigid, independent labels often encourage new ideas and fresh approaches. This is your chance to be directly involved in an artist’s journey, helping them connect with fans in authentic and engaging ways. If you’re creative and enjoy telling stories through different media, being a content creator for an indie label is a rewarding role.
Studio Musician
Studio musicians are the unsung heroes of many hit records.
These highly skilled performers are called in to play on recordings, often bringing a unique touch to a track. Studio musicians are crucial in bringing a song to life, whether you’re adding a bass line, drum track, or vocal harmonies. This role requires top-tier musical ability and the flexibility to adapt to different styles and artists.
What’s cool about being a studio musician is the variety and the opportunity to work with a wide range of artists. Each session is different, keeping the job fresh and challenging. It’s also a great way to stay connected to the music you love, without the pressures of being a front-facing artist. If you’re a talented musician who enjoys working behind the scenes, this is one of the most rewarding jobs in the industry.
Sync Licensing Specialist
Sync licensing specialists play a critical role in getting music placed in movies, TV shows, ads, and video games. This job involves matching the right music to the right project, and negotiating the deals that make it happen. It’s a job that blends creativity with business savvy, and when you land a great placement, it can be a major boost for the artist involved.
The appeal of this job lies in its diversity and impact. You get to work on a variety of projects, each with its own unique requirements, which keeps things interesting. Plus, successful placements can introduce music to new audiences in powerful ways. If you have a good ear for music and a knack for making deals, sync licensing is a dynamic and influential career path.
Music Product Manager
Music product managers work behind the scenes at a label to ensure that each and every release goes smoothly. That includes interfacing with the artists, making sure press gets lined up and, most importantly, that the music gets sent into distribution at teh appropriate time.
They help develop and promote all of the music on the label, and working behind the scenes in the music industry while still being able to work every single day with artists that you’re passionate about can be a pretty great gig!
Radio DJ/Producer
Being a radio DJ or producer is all about connecting with listeners and sharing your love of music. As a DJ, you curate playlists, interview artists, and keep the audience engaged. As a producer, you’re the one behind the scenes, making sure the show runs smoothly and that the content is top-notch. It’s a job that requires a mix of creativity, technical skills, and a deep passion for music.
The cool thing about radio is its intimacy. You’re not just broadcasting to a mass audience; you’re creating a personal connection with each listener. Plus, radio is still one of the best platforms for discovering new music, and as a DJ or producer, you’re at the forefront of that discovery. If you enjoy sharing music and connecting with people, radio is a fantastic way to make a mark in the industry.
Music Journalist/Writer
Writing about music gives you a front-row seat to the industry. As a music journalist or writer, you get to interview artists, review albums, and explore the stories behind the music. It’s a role that requires a deep love of music and a talent for storytelling. You’re not just covering the latest releases; you’re also diving into the culture, history, and impact of the music you love.
What’s cool about being a music journalist is the access it gives you. Whether you’re attending exclusive listening sessions or getting a behind-the-scenes look at a major tour, you’re always at the center of the action. Plus, you get to shape how music is perceived by the public, which is a powerful responsibility. If you have a passion for music and a way with words, music journalism offers a unique and fulfilling career path.
These gigs can be hard to come by these days as media outlets are nowhere near the dime-a-dozen level that they were even a decade ago. But if you are a decent writer, know how to write for the internet (which is a skill in its own right), and can learn about search engine optimization, then you are a big leg ahead of many other people going for this same coveted, albeit antiquated, gig.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
