For this year's International Women's Day, we spoke to Anna Moulson who founded the independent live music promotions company 'Melting Vinyl' in 1997. Anna revealed how she entered into a career in the live music and events industry, the obstacles that she has faced plus much more...
Tell us about your route into the music industry:
I came down to Brighton as a northern import from Yorkshire 20+ years ago with the intention of being a live music promoter. I'd been a regular gig-goer up north and wanted a change, I didn't want to go abroad but somewhere different and Brighton seemed very welcoming and cosmopolitan. There was a scene around a venue called the 'Freebutt', it no longer exists now as a venue, I got involved with the scene, started to get to know grassroots artists, then moved on to artists from out of town I liked and started dealing with artists' agents and growing my business.
What does your job role entail, day today?
A lot of emails, research and planning, sending offers to agents for artists, putting tickets on sale, listening to a specialist radio programme/looking at sites for artists research, checking social media and planning new posts, budgeting/finances and managing staff. In non CV19 times, I'm out seeing a lot of gigs, my own and others.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most, and why?
When the artist is on the stage and the audiences and venues are happy, it's job done.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Introducing so many womxn to the music industry through my internships/employment in my company, working with some amazing artists such as St Vincent, growing with Brighton's live music scene, it's one of the largest industries in this city now.
During your career, do you personally feel you've had to fight any battles because of your gender? How did you overcome it?
The industry is tough for all of us, but the close-knit male community in the industry is hard to penetrate, I've had to be persistent.
Is it important for you to give as much exposure to female artists as you can?
We do promote quite a few talented female artists and programming balance is important to Melting Vinyl. It's all about womxn seeing role models they can identify with on stage/organising the gig that will partly readdress imbalances.
In your time working as a woman in the music industry, what have you considered to be your most valuable lesson?
To keep networking and getting to know everyone, it's always better to make a change on the inside.
What do you feel that women bring to this industry that men can't, or haven't?
I think womxn work more collaboratively.
Who is your favourite female artist or female-fronted band at the moment?
Anna Meredith, a Scottish pop, electronic composer, she sounds fresh and new.
If you want to see more of this content then check out our captivating #IWD Q&As from 2020 here!
Keep up to date with your favourite artists, priority bookings and exclusive offers from See Tickets:
Comments are closed.