Can you tell me what production management company you work for?
I work for Eastside events, we are based in the North of England but are National promoters.
How long have you worked for them for?
I have worked for Eastside for over 3 years now.
How did you get into production management?
I first got into production management when working as Venue Manager for both Newcastle & Northumbria University 10 years ago, I studied Music & Engineering at Newcastle University and Music Production at Newcastle college before moving into the industry.
What do you think it takes to be a successful production manager?
To be successful in this role you need to be extremely organised and have good technical knowledge of, sound, lighting, artist liason, ticketing, promotion and advertising. My job takes me all over the country with large scale artists from the music industry so you have to be prepared to travel and work unsocialable hours constantly. Advancing shows and events as thoroughly as possible is also key in this industry, anyone working in this sector will know that communication and giving accurate technical specifications to tour managers and touring parties is key to the success of the show. Problem solving and overcoming issues that may arise on the day of the show is also essential so I always make sure I am prepared to any eventuality that may occur well in advance of any performance.
What’s the most problematic aspect of being a production manager?
The most problematic aspect of being a production manager is making sure you have ability to deal with situations or issues on the day of a show if they arise, you always have to keep a cool head and ensure you handle problems in a calm and collected manor, even if everyone around you does not.
What are the Pros and Cons of production management?
Pros:
Working in a sector that is fast paced and highly rewarding, meeting world wide established artists and musicians with in the music industry.
Bringing artists and musicians to a live music venue
Promoting and Building an artist up from small capacity venues to arenas (Ed Sheeran 2009 – Current)
Fantastic amount of job satisfaction seeing an audience relate to an artist or show you have advanced and sold for.
Traveling to new places across the world to work with artists and musicians
Cons:
Being away from family and friends for long periods of time
Dealing with highly stressful situations which are sometimes out of your control, ie an artist’s cancelling a show due to illness or equipment / technology hindering a performance
Working highly unsociable hours.
James Lay
Events & Production Manager Eastside Events
[email protected]
07754 036 233
This interview with James Lay was really helpful in my understanding of production management and the skills it takes to professionally have a career in the music industry. I found James Lays answers relatable to my project, working with musicians in Ballyhoo Music Sessions and promotion and advertisement of my project. Communication skills throughout any kind of managerial job is key to a successful project. Communicating with musicians and the public is an aspect that is making my journey run smoothly.
James Mentioned about a Con being artists cancelling shows, and having one of my artists cancel on me for recording hindered my process as I had to find someone else to step in.
Having connections with people in the music industry itself makes it easier to network and apply yourself into the industry. I'm hoping after university to keep on networking with people and creating a names for Ballyhoo Music Sessions.
I work for Eastside events, we are based in the North of England but are National promoters.
How long have you worked for them for?
I have worked for Eastside for over 3 years now.
How did you get into production management?
I first got into production management when working as Venue Manager for both Newcastle & Northumbria University 10 years ago, I studied Music & Engineering at Newcastle University and Music Production at Newcastle college before moving into the industry.
What do you think it takes to be a successful production manager?
To be successful in this role you need to be extremely organised and have good technical knowledge of, sound, lighting, artist liason, ticketing, promotion and advertising. My job takes me all over the country with large scale artists from the music industry so you have to be prepared to travel and work unsocialable hours constantly. Advancing shows and events as thoroughly as possible is also key in this industry, anyone working in this sector will know that communication and giving accurate technical specifications to tour managers and touring parties is key to the success of the show. Problem solving and overcoming issues that may arise on the day of the show is also essential so I always make sure I am prepared to any eventuality that may occur well in advance of any performance.
What’s the most problematic aspect of being a production manager?
The most problematic aspect of being a production manager is making sure you have ability to deal with situations or issues on the day of a show if they arise, you always have to keep a cool head and ensure you handle problems in a calm and collected manor, even if everyone around you does not.
What are the Pros and Cons of production management?
Pros:
Working in a sector that is fast paced and highly rewarding, meeting world wide established artists and musicians with in the music industry.
Bringing artists and musicians to a live music venue
Promoting and Building an artist up from small capacity venues to arenas (Ed Sheeran 2009 – Current)
Fantastic amount of job satisfaction seeing an audience relate to an artist or show you have advanced and sold for.
Traveling to new places across the world to work with artists and musicians
Cons:
Being away from family and friends for long periods of time
Dealing with highly stressful situations which are sometimes out of your control, ie an artist’s cancelling a show due to illness or equipment / technology hindering a performance
Working highly unsociable hours.
James Lay
Events & Production Manager Eastside Events
[email protected]
07754 036 233
This interview with James Lay was really helpful in my understanding of production management and the skills it takes to professionally have a career in the music industry. I found James Lays answers relatable to my project, working with musicians in Ballyhoo Music Sessions and promotion and advertisement of my project. Communication skills throughout any kind of managerial job is key to a successful project. Communicating with musicians and the public is an aspect that is making my journey run smoothly.
James Mentioned about a Con being artists cancelling shows, and having one of my artists cancel on me for recording hindered my process as I had to find someone else to step in.
Having connections with people in the music industry itself makes it easier to network and apply yourself into the industry. I'm hoping after university to keep on networking with people and creating a names for Ballyhoo Music Sessions.