We asked Jeremy Toy, who's a finalist for Best Producer in the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2010 (for producing the Opensouls' Standing in the Rain) what life working in the music industry is like. Turns out it's BUSY.

What is your job and who do you work for?

I have two jobs. First is lecturer/guitar teacher at the University of Auckland School of Music’s Popular Music Degree. My second is as a music producer for which I run my own business.

What does a normal work day entail for you?

Teaching guitar takes up the majority of my days this semester. This involves teaching one on one lessons to students that are interested in writing/creating music. I focus on instrumental techniques that are going to help them make song writing and live performance easier.

Production involves creating music. I do the majority of this at my home studio, tinkering away on synthesizers, guitars, drum machines, samplers trying to come up with the best possible parts for songs.

How did you get into the music industry – any specific training?

I am in the music industry by default as playing music is the only thing closest to a job that I have ever wanted to do. I am self taught when it comes to recording/producing music. I have had a few friends help out along the way.

What’s the best thing about your job?

It’s nothing like a 9-5 job. It is great to be working with songwriters at university as it constantly challenges my skills and I have to make sure I am always one step ahead of them.

The best thing about music production is the creative release you get from making music. It is very satisfying learning new techniques to craft a song.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

It is very easy to get lost in the ‘hype’ of modern music and the music industry. I have to always remind myself that my own music doesn’t have to sound like what is currently ‘cool’ in the mainstream. When we get mainstream music rammed down our throats from advertising / radio / television it is hard not getting caught up in the hype of it all. The music industry is a bit of a game of sorts. It is very competitive and there is much pressure to succeed. This pressure can cause one to lose perspective on the real reason we all play and write music - ‘to be creative and tell a story’. Unless of course you are in it for the money and the fame, then none of what I said is relevant.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into your field of work?

Be happy with every little thing you create. Take the role of Cooper in Twin Peaks as a role model, enjoy your coffee.

Why do you love music and why is it important to you?

Music is the great universal language. I grew up listening to music all day around the home, it helps you get by.

Lovemusic went over the divider to take a peek into the world of Ashton Henty, Executive Assistant for CEO, Campbell Smith. Ashton's is a job that's all about balancing projects, thinking on your feet and multi-tasking! We talked to Ashton about how he got into the role and what it involves...

What is your job and who do you work for?
Executive Assistant for Campbell Smith CEO of RIANZ, CRS Music Management and organiser of Big Day Out NZ.

What does a normal work day entail for you?
No such thing as a normal day, each day is very different.
There are some regular things I do such as paying invoices, picking & dropping things off, processing orders for Bohrunga.com.
But then there are things that come up depending on what we are working on such as looking after artists like Boh Runga, Brooke Fraser and Scribe, organising gigs, publicity and creating merchandise.

How did you get into the music industry – any specific training?
I studied advertising at AUT in the Bachelor of Communication Studies and during university I worked as a media runner for the Big Day Out twice. I then became the Big Day Out publicity assistant.
After that I worked as a barman for a couple months but kept in touch and then was asked if I would be interested in my current job. So here I am.  

What’s one common misconception people have about the music industry that you’ve found to be a myth?
That all musicians are rich. New Zealand musicians generally have other full time work that they need to balance with their art. You need to be passionate about music.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Working on tour with artists, it’s like a mini holiday even though you are still working.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?
Balancing the many projects we are working on.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into your field of work?
Show an interest, get out there. Put on a gig or play if you’re in a band, think of friends who could help. Someone with a camera could shoot a video or a friend with an interest in photography could take band photos. Get creative.

Why do you love music and why is it important to you?
Simply because music can be anywhere, anytime and has the ability to change how you feel. It’s important because life would be boring without it. Movies would be silent, parties would be awkward and no one would dance.

Find out about RIANZ

FInd out about CRS Management

Check out Big Day Out Auckland

Lovemusic talked to Petrina George, Manager - Member Services for APRA. APRA looks after songwriters, composers and music users, in short, they promote the value of music, license music users and distribute royalties to music writers. They're a vital and important part of what keeps the NZ music industry ticking!
We talked to Petrina about her role at APRA...

What is your job and who do you work for?

My role is Manager-Member Services and I work for APRA.

What does a normal work day entail for you?

I am mostly at my desk, answering emails and phone calls. 
The majority are from APRA members in regards to their royalties, the details we need from them, along with general questions.
I also have a lot of contact with non-members talking about what APRA does.

How did you get into the music industry – any specific training?

It was by chance that I heard about the job. 
Before coming to APRA I was at Auckland Uni and I did a BComm/DipComm in Management and Marketing.  I also had a love of music and the arts.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Helping and getting to know the nation’s brilliant songwriters is the best thing.

Working for them and helping them with one part of their music career is a real priviledge. 
I also get to work with a huge variety of people, all walks of life, which I enjoy.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?

Time management is what I have to manage daily.  There are constant emails and queries, along with managing our seminars and education details etc.  So just trying to juggle all the various tasks I have to do would be my challenge.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into your field of work?

I think you need to balance a love for music and the ability to take care of the admin required. 
Our work is very specific to songwriters and composers, i.e. the individuals who create music, so we have very specific tasks and responsibilities to take care of.

Why do you love music and why is it important to you?

Music is one of life’s amazing miracles.  It plays such a huge part in everyday life.  It can make you dance, laugh, cry.
It can communicate when you can’t. Music makes the world go round!

For more information on APRA visit their website HERE