Before joining ACM to study and complete a Music Business Cert HE and Degree in 2013, Simon Parker’s passion for music took him from self taught bedroom musician to drummer for Guildford band Black Iris. For six years Simon played a lot of shows before deciding that his passion lay in understanding the music business.
ACM caught up with Simon to find out what he’s been up to and the impact that ACM has had upon his developing career in the music industry.
What motivated you to come and study at ACM?
I have a number of friends who have studied at ACM and you only have to do minimal research on the place to realise what a fantastic institute it is. The lecturers here, the guests they get in, the employment rate of leaving grads from the business school speak for themselves, so I felt it was my best opportunity to learn the business and develop a music industry career.
What was the best part about studying at ACM?
I’d say the lecturers. Their wealth of knowledge and experience is just amazing and you can learn so much if you just listen. Plus they’re always willing to help, and even come out on the odd night out!
Tell us about what you’ve been during your time/ since leaving ACM?
At at the start of this year I spent 3 months at Spinefarm Records, Universal’s metal label, where I got some great experience and really enjoyed my time there. After that I joined The Noise Cartel, one of the leading rock/metal PR companies in the UK. Originally, only there for 1 month part time, I was asked to step up to fulltime for the next 3 months and possibly longer, and amazingly in October I landed a year long paid placement at Sony!
Who have you been working with?
Some of the bands I’ve gotten to do stuff for are incredible. I did a bit on Volbeat in the run up to their release of Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies at Spinefame and bits and bobs on Turbogeist, The Treatment, Killing Joke, Vamps.
At The Noise Cartel it’s mostly media reports at the moment, but they work Asking Alexandria, The Defiled, The Darkness, Crossfaith, Children of Bodom, Iwrestledabearonce and a huge number of great acts.
What’s been your proudest moment/career highlights so far?
Probably pitching a marketing idea on my first day at Spinefarm and getting the go ahead to run with it which was pretty cool. I also had the privilege of meeting Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria and The AvD from The Defiled on the same day at The Noise Cartel I’m a fan of both bands so it was pretty awesome! That said, landing a paid gig at a major label is pretty incredible.
So what’s on the horizon for 2013?
Hopefully I’m going to settle well at Sony and learn a massive amount about working in the industry, and, fingers crossed, when my year is up there’ll be a permanent job waiting for me.
Do you have any advice or tips for our current ACM students?
Work hard, network and intern as much as you can, and don’t worry about doing unpaid work - what you don’t get financially you get back in experience and contacts. You won’t get a job in the industry without experience and knowing people, which you do by interning. Once you’re working, just work hard and people will reward you for it.
All of the placements I got have came from being in the right place at the right time, coupled with hard work. Spinefarm I got when label manager Leo did some stuff for ACM, because I was at Spinefarm I got recommended for the job at The Noise Cartel, which in turn was a massive help in getting me the Sony job.
ACM would like to thank Alumni Simon Parker for getting back in touch to update us on his recent work and wish him the very best for the future.
For more information about Simon Parker follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.
