As part of our 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.
As part of our 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.
This week, we caught up with Naomi Bressani, Head Of Digital at Republic Of Music.
Read the full Q&A with Naomi below 👇
What’s your current role in the music industry?
I head the digital department at Republic Of Music, an independent music distributor. My role focuses on ensuring our artists and labels have the best support.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
No two days are the same! My role balances big-picture strategy with day-to-day tasks. I make sure we’re staying ahead of industry changes, setting up campaigns effectively and giving our clients the best possible service.
What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills?
I started as an intern at Republic Of Music with little industry experience but a huge curiosity about how things worked. I quickly realised how important the digital side of the business was and focussed on learning everything I could in that space.
The digital world is always evolving and I saw it as an opportunity to grow in an area that wasn’t going anywhere.
What early opportunities were particularly valuable?
One of my first big learning experiences was working on research for the ‘Music City Project’. It helped me understand how different areas of the industry connect and gave me a chance to network with professionals early on.
Coming from a creative background, it also gave me a better grasp of the business side of things, which has been invaluable in my career.
Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?
Absolutely! There are many new roles now, especially with how quickly technology is shaping the way people consume music. The industry is constantly evolving, which means there are always new opportunities for people entering the space.
Are there specific internships, projects, or initiatives you’d recommend to newcomers?
There are great community-driven groups on Instagram, like Young Adult Music Social (YAMS), that create supportive spaces for networking. Mentorship programmes are also a great way to learn from someone who’s been in your shoes.
And if you’re not sure where to start, go to gigs, research who’s running the event and reach out to people for a chat - it’s a great way to build connections naturally.
What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?
Be yourself and focus on building genuine relationships. The best connections I’ve made weren’t forced, they happened naturally over time! Also, be mindful of people’s time and energy; being thoughtful always leaves a good impression.
How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and how do you stay ahead?
The industry moves fast and it can be hard to keep up! I find that talking to industry peers helps me get a feel for where things are heading. Being open-minded and adaptable will help you along the way!
What trends or changes do you see coming, and how can early-career professionals prepare?
AI and regulations – AI is already changing the industry and keeping an eye on how it’s regulated will be important.
Emerging markets – There’s a lot of growth happening globally, meaning more career opportunities.
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) and fan engagement – Artists are focusing more on building direct relationships with their fans, which is creating new ways to work in the industry.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
It’s totally fine if you don’t have everything figured out. Focus on what excites you and brings you fulfillment, and trust that it will lead you in the right direction.