In this instalment of our Featured Alumni series, we catch up with Music Production graduate Rianne Lewis!
Rianne completed a Degree in Music Production in 2014. Since then, Ri has set up Cold Flame Productions, a multi-faceted company with a specialist focus on artist development and production.
Hi Ri! Tell us a bit about your background, and why you wanted to work in the music industry?
Hailing from the multicultural metropolis of London, I am an entrepreneur and music enthusiast with a volcanic passion for each segment of the industry.
My love affair with the cultural arts began as a classically trained pianist, which gradually manifested into production, management and the music business. Consorting with all aspects of the creative spectrum has allowed me to gain a unique, intimate insight into both the creative and marketing processes of the music industry.
Tell us about what you’ve been involved with since leaving ACM?
Since leaving ACM, securing a career within the music industry has proven very difficult. With the determination to succeed, I knew I had to create an opportunity for myself which meant looking into starting my own business – Cold Flame Productions.
As the founder of Cold Flame Productions, my latest venture has seen me delve head first into the world of artist development and production.
Cold Flame Productions is a one-stop shop for undiscovered talent, highlighting world-class production and promotion from a wide range of uncharted talent working with artists such as Reload who has been championed by DJ Semtex and has also been nominated for a Rated Award along with many other achievements under his belt.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future include continuing to help pioneer and champion talent. This is something that I’m really passionate about having seen artists struggle to find their way through the industry first hand.
This in turn will help to shape the quality of music being released amongst charts, radio and streaming playlists. To celebrate the launch of Cold Flame Productions, premiering on June 29th 2017 at the Shoreditch Platform, our debut event Run It will offer fans a unique blend of Rap, R&B and UK Soul on what promises to be an exhibition of artistry from some of the future trailblazers of UK music.
How did your course prepare you for life in the music industry?
My business idea actually stemmed from my music business assignment whilst studying for my Higher National Diploma (Music Production) with Brian. Although I have adapted the idea slightly, developing and promoting artists is still at the core of my business’ objectives.
Do you have any advice for those looking to get into the industry?
Well a few things really…
If you are attending ACM and can afford to, try and live within the same area as there are a lot of workshops and events that happen outside of lectures and gigs that take place in the evening which will allow you to build closer knit relationships with your peers and also help with building a solid network of contacts.
This was something I couldn’t afford to do, so I spent up to 5 hours commuting per day. Even with the travelling, I still enjoyed my time and experience at ACM.
Be proactive in finding opportunities. Create them yourself!
Volunteer at festivals/events, be willing to travel, get in contact with people you see as integral to your network. Don’t be afraid to tweet, call and email key industry players. The worst thing they can do is not reply which even then, is not so bad!
Make the most of any opportunities you come across. Challenge yourself to making sure you leave with at least five new contacts for example from any events you attend. Check out The Big Music Project as they tend to post various opportunities and insightful articles in relations to the music industry.
Sometimes taking that first step can seem scary and daunting, but if you want something bad enough you have to pluck up the courage and work on building your confidence, as not everything will fall into your lap.
Talk to the people around you. Talk to people at gigs. Email the industry people you look up to and present your ideas to them. Get some feedback and do your research!
What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
I came across ACM after searching avidly for a course that had an insightful and practical approach to the way the information was delivered. ACM offered this, so I was happy even before I submitted my application. The application process included submission of original audio and in some cases an audition which is great for those who are not confident in submitting a comprehensive written application.
After looking around the Rodboro building, I felt good about my journey ahead at ACM, as the rooms and equipment were of a high standard.
What was the best part about studying at ACM?
The best parts about studying at ACM was the use of the SSL studio, attending the lectures, talking with some of the friendly tutors and learning vital information including the good, bad and indifferent aspects of the music business.
The practical production skills I have learned and discovered have been really helpful, especially as I like to experiment when crafting new music. The degree and HND set me up with the foundations of basic knowledge of the industry and has also challenged my way of thinking to be more analytical in my approach.
Connect with Rianne on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If you’d like to be a student at ACM to kickstart your career in the music industry like Rianne Lewis, please call our Admissions Team on 01483 500 841 or visit www.acm.ac.uk/open-days/ to book a place on an ACM Open Day today.
