Starting on International Women’s Day, we sit down with four Defected staff members to discuss their experience in the music industry, providing insight and top tips for young creatives.
This project forms the basis for a series of upcoming events and opportunities hosted by Defected, encouraging, teaching and assisting young people and people from underrepresented backgrounds to work in the music industry - coming soon in 2024.
AMANDA HAMILTON
EVENTS, PRODUCTION & GLITTERBOX CREATIVE MANAGER
‘My motivation to enter the music industry stemmed from a desire to prioritise enjoyment and fulfilment in my career.’
Describe your typical workday at Defected.
Sounds cliché, but I really don’t have a typical workday. My role is really varied and different depending on the time of year - I manage the production for all of our events globally across all brands and drive the creative and brand aesthetic for Glitterbox, as well as managing all of our performers whilst also managing our events and travelling a lot of the time. In the Winter months, my role can be really creative, planning our campaigns and production, and then in the Summer, it can get a little chaotic with all of the travelling.
What inspired you to work in the music industry?
I’ve always loved electronic music. I wasn’t brought up with musical surroundings, and I’m not entirely sure where the interest came from. It certainly wasn’t from any friends or family I had in the suburbs of Glasgow, and so it wasn’t ever really a career choice that seemed possible for me. However, after a couple of seasons working in Ibiza, I knew that the corporate life really wasn’t for me. I suppose my motivation to enter the music industry stemmed from a desire to prioritise enjoyment and fulfilment in my career above all else. Pursuing a profession in a field that I am passionate about simply made the most sense to me.
What is the best part of your job?
Travelling to events all over the world and seeing ideas come to life.
Can you tell us about an obstacle you’ve overcome in your career?
Navigating diverse creative opinions is consistently a challenge. I'm continuing to learn that overcoming this hurdle involves preparation, working in more focused groups while maintaining confidence in my own perspective.
Favourite record?
Evans Pyramid – ‘Never Gonna Leave You’ (Joakim & Max Pask House Mix)
Who is your industry role model?
Annie Mac.
What is your top tip for other women, female-identifying and NB people wanting to work in this industry?
Take the time to really consider where you most want to work and reach out to the people who work there - they might be able to offer advice or, better yet, experience. Always ensure your approach is respectful and not intrusive. Engage with the team, showcase your capabilities, and with dedication, perseverance, and a bit of luck, your efforts might just pay off.
MILLIE WATTS
A&R AND PUBLISHING ASSISTANT
‘It’s important to keep reminding yourself of how much you have learnt and grown so far and to not compare yourself to others.’
Describe your typical workday at Defected.
No day is the same here which is why I love it so much. Releases and artists have everchanging needs and wants - so you never really know what to expect.
What inspired you to work in the music industry?
I grew up in a small village in Somerset and to be honest there wasn't a lot else to do but listen to music. Friends of mine would set up rigs in fields and host nights at local venues which is when I fell in love with dance music, in particular drum & bass. Going to Glastonbury is also a rite of passage for kids growing up in my area. Given this was my first experience of live music, I think it opened up a whole new world to me, which I have been obsessed with ever since.
What is the best part of your job?
Sounds cheesy but it’s definitely the people I’m blessed to work with. I have a multitude of boss women and men around me who are really sick at their jobs, and that’s inspirational for someone like me who is fairly new to the industry.
Can you tell us about an obstacle you’ve overcome in your career?
I have been extremely blessed as I haven't experienced any major setbacks to date. However, one thing I think we all have dealt with in some degree is imposter syndrome. Doubting yourself and your ability is pretty common in this industry. It’s important to keep reminding yourself of how much you have learnt and grown so far and to not compare yourself to others.
Favourite record?
Such a hard question! Off the top of my head it has to be Voodoo by D’Angelo. My favorite tune from the album is probably ‘One Mo’Gin’ or ‘Devil’s Pie’. Timeless.
Who is your industry role model?
I would say my role model is someone who needs no introduction, Gilles Peterson. He is responsible for championing so many genres and artists on the fringes of electronic music consistently over the decades, which has ultimately shaped the musical landscape we know today. Big up Gilles and your service to the industry!
What is your top tip for other women, female-identifying and NB people wanting to work in this industry?
Start DJing and producing. Keep your ear to the ground. Reach out to people and put yourself in rooms. Have the courage to introduce yourself to people in the industry and get as much advice as possible. Use social media to show what you're about. And lastly don't give up, if you have the passion and work ethic things will work out.
CAT COOK
LABEL MANAGER
‘At first I thought my non-musical background was a disadvantage, but over time I’ve come to realise it’s not essential in order to thrive in this industry.’
Describe your typical workday at Defected.
My role is to manage the marketing campaigns across the Defected label family (26 labels and counting!) That involves working closely with artists and managers and devising marketing initiatives/content strategies to promote releases. I also handle commissioning music videos and artwork on certain projects that allows me to flex my creative side.
What inspired you to work in the music industry?
I’ve always had a passion for dance music and followed that through into my late teens eventually ending up in the clubs and finding my feet on London dancefloors. I honestly couldn’t see myself working in a 9-5 working in a career I have no interest in, so working in music was a must.
What is the best part of your job?
I thrive working with other creative minds and collaborating with artists on visual ideas or concepts, and bringing those to life is always a highlight. Hearing a record you were involved in being played around the world, in some of the most iconic dance spaces, is pretty special.
Can you tell us about an obstacle you’ve overcome in your career?
The classic impostor syndrome; at first I thought my non-musical background was a disadvantage, but over time I’ve come to realise it’s not essential in order to thrive in this industry. It’s all about having the confidence in my knowledge, and now I have full self-belief in what I do.
Favourite record?
Marshall Jefferson vs. Noosa Heads – ‘Mushrooms’ (Salt City Orchestra Out There Mix)
Who is your industry role model?
Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy.
What is your top tip for other women, female-identifying and NB people wanting to work in this industry?
Follow music industry professional networks such as The Cat’s Mother, Little Pink Book, Ladies Music Pub and keep an eye out on entry level roles on Doors Open, or specific companies you’re keen to work at. Persistence and showing ambition is vital while also being respectful in your approach.
MARYANNE VILLANO
FINANCE MANAGER
‘Keep putting yourself out there and don’t give up.’
Describe your typical workday at Defected.
Overseeing everything finance and money related across the company! From making payments to checking income, reporting, and helping staff.
What inspired you to work in the music industry?
It happened by chance and luck, and it’s something I am grateful for. I worked in a few different environments when I first started out, mostly corporate, and that path wasn’t for me. There weren’t many opportunities to work in the music or events industry in my hometown of Melbourne so I never thought it was an option. But now that I’m here I love working in this environment with creative people.
What is the best part of your job?
The people! Working with a creative, hardworking and talented team - and seeing how it all comes together in the end is so rewarding. I work in an operational role, but listening to our music, attending events and working with inspiring people makes it all worthwhile. I also love a good spreadsheet!
Can you tell us about an obstacle you’ve overcome in your career?
Relocating from the other side of the world and then trying to gain UK experience. Also changing from corporate to industry based. I worked in many different organisations for short periods to try and find my passion and I finally found somewhere for me!
Favourite record?
Janet Jackson – ‘Together Again’
Who is your industry role model?
Alicia Keys - she's a talented songwriter and has worked hard to get to where she is today. She motivates people to be themselves and speaks up for what she believes in through her music.
What is your top tip for other women, female-identifying and NB people wanting to work in this industry?
Keep putting yourself out there and don’t give up. If it is your passion keep trying. Research companies you’re interested in and send them your CV. Once you get your foot in the door show them what you can do and work hard! Grow your career from there and be kind to others.
Keep a look out for more events and opportunities from Defected in 2024, encouraging, teaching and assisting young people and people from underrepresented backgrounds to work in the music industry.
