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 Holly Glanvill, Founder & CEO of Glued Digital. Since launching Glued Digital last year, Holly has already built an impressive client roster, including the likes of Soft Play and The Last Dinner Party.
What’s your current role in the music industry?
I bring artist’s campaigns to life within the social and digital world. I run a boutique agency - Glued Digital - which is just myself, specialising in social media and audience strategy.
What does your general day to day look like?
Planning activations to build audiences, editing and creating content plans, monitoring fan engagement, chatting with artists and their teams - lots of exciting stuff!
What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?
I networked and made friends within the industry by running social campaigns for events and friends’ bands. Teaching myself how to edit content early on came in super handy.
What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?
During studying at uni I asked all the tutors for leads on internships, and one came back with some details on a digital marketing start-up he was about to launch and asked me if I wanted to get involved. He took me in and I learnt a lot during this process, which in turn opened more doors for me.
Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?
If anything, it’s become more accessible. With communication at our fingertips, being proactive and unafraid to make connections and ask questions is key.
Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?
Show proactive interest. Find contact details for the people you want to work with and express your enthusiasm! Offer to help on others’ projects and collaborate.
What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?
Attend events and shows. Connect with people who share your interests across all the creative industries. Keep expanding your network - building relationships is crucial, and you never know when you might help each other out.
How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?
The digital landscape is now the primary space for reaching and growing audiences, which is perfect for my role. To stay ahead, I keep an eye on what other creators are doing and always find time to get creative and experiment. Success in content creation often comes from trying different approaches until you find what works for a specific artist.
What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?
The digital landscape will continue shaping the industry. To prepare, immerse yourself in the digital space, and leverage the tools available to enhance your creativity.
What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Invest in a good laptop, the functionality will speed everything up!
Horizon Music Jobs