7 answers
Katelyn
Student
Nevada City, California
5
Questions
Asked
942 views
Advice on career to support my EDM music career! Thank you so so so much h
Hi everyone! I super love this platform and super enjoy seeing all of your advice..
I would love to get your perspective in this. I am TRULY passionate about EDM music production. My mission is music - I am currently in a separate school for music production…
I have been spending a lot of energy deciding what to major in while I’m also enrolled in normal college/u over sort at the time. I am really just trying to g to choose a major that will support my music career the best - this is why I have been on track to major in Marketing for the flexibility in location for work… but have still been confused on whether or not having a schedule like 3 12’s being a ultrasound tech would be better for me to focus more on music… I have been praying about which decision would give me the most mental bandwidth to have energy left over for music.
Thoughts?
Thank you so much! 🙏🏼🤍🪽✨
7 answers
Praveen Sekar
10
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
To support your EDM music career while managing college, consider these points:
Marketing major is a strong choice because it helps you learn how to promote your music effectively, build a fan base, and manage your brand, which is crucial in the music industry.
Flexible jobs or careers that allow you to control your schedule, like freelance music teaching, content creation, or delivery driving, can provide income while leaving mental bandwidth for music production.
A career like ultrasound technician offers good pay and a relatively fast start but may involve irregular hours and emotional/physical demands that could drain energy needed for music creativity.
Choosing a major or job with flexible hours supports creativity and innovation by allowing you to work during your peak productivity times.
Alternatively, consider music-related majors such as Music Business, Music Production, or Songwriting, which directly develop skills relevant to your EDM career and industry knowledge.
In summary, a Marketing major aligns well with your music goals by enhancing your promotional skills, and pairing it with a flexible side job can maintain financial stability without overwhelming your creative energy. Avoid rigid schedules that could limit your time and mental space for music production.
Marketing major is a strong choice because it helps you learn how to promote your music effectively, build a fan base, and manage your brand, which is crucial in the music industry.
Flexible jobs or careers that allow you to control your schedule, like freelance music teaching, content creation, or delivery driving, can provide income while leaving mental bandwidth for music production.
A career like ultrasound technician offers good pay and a relatively fast start but may involve irregular hours and emotional/physical demands that could drain energy needed for music creativity.
Choosing a major or job with flexible hours supports creativity and innovation by allowing you to work during your peak productivity times.
Alternatively, consider music-related majors such as Music Business, Music Production, or Songwriting, which directly develop skills relevant to your EDM career and industry knowledge.
In summary, a Marketing major aligns well with your music goals by enhancing your promotional skills, and pairing it with a flexible side job can maintain financial stability without overwhelming your creative energy. Avoid rigid schedules that could limit your time and mental space for music production.
Amira Gadd
Songwriter, Sync Consultant
8
Answers
Laguna Hills
Updated
Amira’s Answer
Hey Katelyn,
Love that you found your passion and you want to focus on it. In addition to the above answers, may I add that you try to volunteer at EDM festivals to get to know how the EDM world works and who are the who's behind those concerts and events. Consider internships at record labels that have EDM artists to learn about the behind the scenes, so that way you can set up yourself to success.
You majoring in Marketing is an excellent choice because Marketing skills and business knowledge are foundations that set up success in artists and DJs careers. Bravo.
My last tip is to attend conferences and events such as NAMM and SXSW and any conferences specifically to the EDM world. Try to shake it up by attending them here in the U.S. and especially EUROPE. These are networking mine golds. You never know who you'll meet to work with, collaborate with, work for and get a ping/recommendation from.
Good luck!
Love that you found your passion and you want to focus on it. In addition to the above answers, may I add that you try to volunteer at EDM festivals to get to know how the EDM world works and who are the who's behind those concerts and events. Consider internships at record labels that have EDM artists to learn about the behind the scenes, so that way you can set up yourself to success.
You majoring in Marketing is an excellent choice because Marketing skills and business knowledge are foundations that set up success in artists and DJs careers. Bravo.
My last tip is to attend conferences and events such as NAMM and SXSW and any conferences specifically to the EDM world. Try to shake it up by attending them here in the U.S. and especially EUROPE. These are networking mine golds. You never know who you'll meet to work with, collaborate with, work for and get a ping/recommendation from.
Good luck!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Katelyn
Destiny Hankerson
Athlete, Artist, and Writer
18
Answers
East Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
Wow, this is a very good question, Katelyn! I can tell you are most passionate about music, and that's what really inspires you. I won't instruct you to choose a certain major, because I feel that's a decision you would have to make for yourself, but I can give you some advice and ideas about the different paths you could choose.
I understand having some doubts about marketing, because it can be a very intense job that demands a lot of time. I myself switched from a more business-oriented major to a healthcare one, so I understand how you feel about wondering which major to choose. If you feel long and stressful hours aren't best for you, it's okay to explore other options besides a Marketing degree. But how you experience Marketing will depend a lot on the jobs you choose. Some jobs are not as stressful as others, but if you feel that Marketing isn't for you, it's okay to think beyond it.
If you want a job with a steady schedule, healthcare may be right for you. As you mentioned, you could become an ultrasound tech if that interests you! And healthcare can still offer some flexibility, because wherever you go, there will be a need for healthcare services.
Whatever you choose, know that you can still pursue music, even if it's not a full-time career. In fact, you may be happier if you take the path of being an independent artist, one who can choose her own projects and create her own musical output. Signing to a big record label may give you wealth and fame, but it can come at the cost of being true to yourself and what you really want to create. I have some knowledge about the music industry, because my parents, particularly my father, knew a lot about the music business as musicians. My Dad chose to leave the mainstream music industry because he didn't like how it focused on commercialism. He felt happier creating his own independent projects as a musician.
So, you have plenty of opportunities to choose your musical path as an independent artist. This is when you're the freest! You can try websites such as Bandcamp or Soundcloud to share some of your music, or you can even create your own webpage for it. There are plenty of free web builders out there, and I think some of them allow you to upload audio tracks.
I hope some of my advice was helpful for you! Feel free to ask me more questions if you need any other tips. I hope you have a wonderful musical journey!
I understand having some doubts about marketing, because it can be a very intense job that demands a lot of time. I myself switched from a more business-oriented major to a healthcare one, so I understand how you feel about wondering which major to choose. If you feel long and stressful hours aren't best for you, it's okay to explore other options besides a Marketing degree. But how you experience Marketing will depend a lot on the jobs you choose. Some jobs are not as stressful as others, but if you feel that Marketing isn't for you, it's okay to think beyond it.
If you want a job with a steady schedule, healthcare may be right for you. As you mentioned, you could become an ultrasound tech if that interests you! And healthcare can still offer some flexibility, because wherever you go, there will be a need for healthcare services.
Whatever you choose, know that you can still pursue music, even if it's not a full-time career. In fact, you may be happier if you take the path of being an independent artist, one who can choose her own projects and create her own musical output. Signing to a big record label may give you wealth and fame, but it can come at the cost of being true to yourself and what you really want to create. I have some knowledge about the music industry, because my parents, particularly my father, knew a lot about the music business as musicians. My Dad chose to leave the mainstream music industry because he didn't like how it focused on commercialism. He felt happier creating his own independent projects as a musician.
So, you have plenty of opportunities to choose your musical path as an independent artist. This is when you're the freest! You can try websites such as Bandcamp or Soundcloud to share some of your music, or you can even create your own webpage for it. There are plenty of free web builders out there, and I think some of them allow you to upload audio tracks.
I hope some of my advice was helpful for you! Feel free to ask me more questions if you need any other tips. I hope you have a wonderful musical journey!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Katelyn
You're welcome, Katelyn! I'm really glad you enjoyed reading it.
Destiny Hankerson
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
That’s a really cool dilemma to have! Balancing a passion for EDM music production with a practical career path can feel tricky, but you’re already thinking strategically, which is great. Let’s break down both options to see what might work best for your long-term goals and lifestyle.
Option 1: Marketing Major (Flexible Career)
Why It Works:
Flexible Work Environment:
Many marketing jobs, especially in digital marketing or social media management, can be remote or freelance. This flexibility is a huge plus if you’re touring, collaborating, or spending late nights in the studio.
Creative Skills Transfer:
Marketing requires creativity, branding, and social media strategy—skills that are crucial for building a music career and personal brand.
You can learn SEO, content creation, and digital campaigns, which you can directly apply to promoting your music.
Career Options That Complement Music:
You could work as a social media manager, content creator, or digital marketer while producing music on the side.
Being skilled in marketing yourself is invaluable in the music industry. Think about how artists like Marshmello or Deadmau5 have strong personal brands.
Mental Bandwidth:
Most marketing roles are 9-to-5, leaving your evenings free for music.
Freelance marketing work can help you build a schedule that fits your creative energy.
Option 2: Ultrasound Tech (3x12 Schedule)
Why It Works:
Compact Work Schedule:
Working three 12-hour shifts a week leaves you with four days off—plenty of time to produce, collaborate, and perform.
Stable Income:
Healthcare jobs pay well, giving you financial stability without needing multiple side hustles.
Minimal Mental Drain:
Once your shift is over, your mind is mostly free—unlike marketing, where creativity and brainstorming can spill into personal time.
Job Security:
Healthcare careers are less likely to be impacted by economic changes, unlike marketing, where freelance work can sometimes dry up.
Things to Consider:
Creative Energy:
Marketing can sometimes drain the same creative energy you use for music. You may feel less inspired to create after a long day of crafting social media posts or designing campaigns.
Work-Life Balance:
While 12-hour shifts can be exhausting, the long breaks between workdays might actually give you dedicated time to focus solely on music.
Career Longevity:
Marketing skills are transferable and versatile, but healthcare careers can be more stable if you need a consistent income while pursuing your dream.
Location Flexibility:
Marketing jobs can be done from anywhere, while ultrasound tech roles are location-based. If you plan on moving for music, marketing might offer more flexibility.
That’s a really cool dilemma to have! Balancing a passion for EDM music production with a practical career path can feel tricky, but you’re already thinking strategically, which is great. Let’s break down both options to see what might work best for your long-term goals and lifestyle.
Option 1: Marketing Major (Flexible Career)
Why It Works:
Flexible Work Environment:
Many marketing jobs, especially in digital marketing or social media management, can be remote or freelance. This flexibility is a huge plus if you’re touring, collaborating, or spending late nights in the studio.
Creative Skills Transfer:
Marketing requires creativity, branding, and social media strategy—skills that are crucial for building a music career and personal brand.
You can learn SEO, content creation, and digital campaigns, which you can directly apply to promoting your music.
Career Options That Complement Music:
You could work as a social media manager, content creator, or digital marketer while producing music on the side.
Being skilled in marketing yourself is invaluable in the music industry. Think about how artists like Marshmello or Deadmau5 have strong personal brands.
Mental Bandwidth:
Most marketing roles are 9-to-5, leaving your evenings free for music.
Freelance marketing work can help you build a schedule that fits your creative energy.
Option 2: Ultrasound Tech (3x12 Schedule)
Why It Works:
Compact Work Schedule:
Working three 12-hour shifts a week leaves you with four days off—plenty of time to produce, collaborate, and perform.
Stable Income:
Healthcare jobs pay well, giving you financial stability without needing multiple side hustles.
Minimal Mental Drain:
Once your shift is over, your mind is mostly free—unlike marketing, where creativity and brainstorming can spill into personal time.
Job Security:
Healthcare careers are less likely to be impacted by economic changes, unlike marketing, where freelance work can sometimes dry up.
Things to Consider:
Creative Energy:
Marketing can sometimes drain the same creative energy you use for music. You may feel less inspired to create after a long day of crafting social media posts or designing campaigns.
Work-Life Balance:
While 12-hour shifts can be exhausting, the long breaks between workdays might actually give you dedicated time to focus solely on music.
Career Longevity:
Marketing skills are transferable and versatile, but healthcare careers can be more stable if you need a consistent income while pursuing your dream.
Location Flexibility:
Marketing jobs can be done from anywhere, while ultrasound tech roles are location-based. If you plan on moving for music, marketing might offer more flexibility.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Katelyn
Khalil Oliver
Treatment Assistant
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Khalil’s Answer
Check out local events in LA during the summer and see what gets the crowd excited. Pay attention to the most popular songs on Spotify and Apple Music charts.
Thanks for the help.
Katelyn
Chiquria Willis
Loan Processor - Rocket Mortgage
94
Answers
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
Hello! It's fantastic to hear about your passion for EDM music production—what an exciting path! Finding a career that supports your creative dreams while offering stability is a wise and thoughtful decision.
Here are some ideas to guide your choice:
Flexible Schedules for Music:
Jobs with flexible hours or remote options, like Marketing, can give you the freedom to focus on your music. If working from anywhere and setting your own schedule appeals to you, Marketing could be a great fit.
Benefits of Shift Work:
Being an ultrasound technician with 3 twelve-hour shifts might leave you with several days off for music. Keep in mind, these shifts can be tiring, so think about whether you'll have the energy to be creative on your days off.
Skills That Help:
Marketing skills can boost your music career by helping you promote your work, build your brand, and understand the industry better.
Taking Care of Yourself:
No matter which path you choose, it's important to look after your mental health and energy. Music production needs creativity and focus, so pick a career that lets you recharge.
Looking Ahead:
Consider where you want to be in 5-10 years. A career that aligns with your music goals can be more rewarding and lasting.
Many successful artists juggle different careers before fully diving into music. Whatever you decide, your passion and hard work will lead you to success.
If you want, I can help explore other careers or study paths that balance stability with creativity.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Here are some ideas to guide your choice:
Flexible Schedules for Music:
Jobs with flexible hours or remote options, like Marketing, can give you the freedom to focus on your music. If working from anywhere and setting your own schedule appeals to you, Marketing could be a great fit.
Benefits of Shift Work:
Being an ultrasound technician with 3 twelve-hour shifts might leave you with several days off for music. Keep in mind, these shifts can be tiring, so think about whether you'll have the energy to be creative on your days off.
Skills That Help:
Marketing skills can boost your music career by helping you promote your work, build your brand, and understand the industry better.
Taking Care of Yourself:
No matter which path you choose, it's important to look after your mental health and energy. Music production needs creativity and focus, so pick a career that lets you recharge.
Looking Ahead:
Consider where you want to be in 5-10 years. A career that aligns with your music goals can be more rewarding and lasting.
Many successful artists juggle different careers before fully diving into music. Whatever you decide, your passion and hard work will lead you to success.
If you want, I can help explore other careers or study paths that balance stability with creativity.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Yes! I would love if you explored other careers - I am open to all guidance and advice! I’m all ears 💖 I love this platform so much, thank you so much everyone for listening and responding! This is so great 🙏🏼
Katelyn
It’s great that you’re open to flexible career paths to support your EDM music goals. Consider roles like digital marketing, social media management, freelance writing, tech support, design, audio engineering, or event work. These jobs offer part-time or remote options, letting you balance work and music production. Prioritize positions with flexible schedules and skills that support your creative journey—promotion, networking, and business sense. If a field stands out, I can help with next steps or resources!
Chiquria Willis
Francesco Formisano
Music producer
1
Answer
Trondheim, Sor-Trondelag, Norway
Updated
Francesco’s Answer
My suggestion is to not start all in 100% in music. An extra stable income will make you grow fast as hell.
It gives you the chance to experiment, invest, loose money (it will happen, unfortunately) and make mistakes.
Focus your spare time on it, produce, play, experiment, do all you can.
At the start all seems vague and doesn't give results, but you are gathering pieces of a huge puzzle. Then all start suddenly to make sense. Clarity will come, trust me. It only takes time and work, and an extra income source will speed up all.
I am currently doing my career as producer/dj, I am seeing results after 8 years of work and the support of a day job. So if you want EDM to be your life, make it get into your actual life gradually
It gives you the chance to experiment, invest, loose money (it will happen, unfortunately) and make mistakes.
Focus your spare time on it, produce, play, experiment, do all you can.
At the start all seems vague and doesn't give results, but you are gathering pieces of a huge puzzle. Then all start suddenly to make sense. Clarity will come, trust me. It only takes time and work, and an extra income source will speed up all.
I am currently doing my career as producer/dj, I am seeing results after 8 years of work and the support of a day job. So if you want EDM to be your life, make it get into your actual life gradually
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