Three years of tears, exams, research and definitely lost the plot on many occasions. I finally graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Journalism… so now what? Some companies say I don’t have the ‘relevant’ experience and others think I am perfect but don’t want to pay me. So what is an unemployed music journalist to do? Guess it’s time to make my own job.
It Started So Well
As most of you know, I have been a DJ for Hard Rock Hell Radio for 4 years which set me on this path that I am now walking down. Since working for them, I have gained valuable insight into how this industry works, both good and bad. I had a bit of an inkling of how things worked before thanks to my brother and my best friends being involved in the industry. I think until you are involved in it yourself and for various outlets, you don’t begin to see the highs and lows of it all.
I am blessed that I haven’t had many bad experiences so far and from learning on the job at various events, and working for different people, I have gained my own knowledge and customised myself to how things could work for me, providing I play my cards right.
After 2 years, I gained a second show with Scotland Rocks Radio which allowed me to explore the heavier side of rock music because as you know, I like varying genres of music as well as rock. From my time with both radio stations, I seemed to have gained quite a few contacts, got to know many bands and I hope a nice little spot within this industry that I love so much. I am not talking the big leagues here but to be honest, the smaller festivals and crowds are more of a family rather than a money hungry corporate establishment (not throwing shade but people will understand what I mean).
I have wrote a few articles and had interviews for HRH Mag as well as creating a program for Call of the Wild Festival with big Papa John, while writing some of my own pieces for this blog on the side, but as of yet, not done anything solid. I have graduated but now can’t find a job that is suited to myself.
I tried writing for local newspapers and I nearly got a gig with the local BBC radio but I don’t think my style would have suited them too much. I have been told I have a big personality… so trying to stick to the constraints of matter of fact writing and performing probably isn’t for me anyway.
Where does this leave me? Music is my passion, talking about music is a therapy of sorts to me, going to small festivals whether that is working or being a punter, is a wonderful experience for me and it makes me feel accepted. So what is a girl to do?
I’m a Bum
Basically I’m a bum. I spend my days scrolling, listening to music and fell into a horrible rut with my mental health. For those who don’t know… it’s a bit of a self abusing circus roaming around my head. I am taking steps to try and combat that and I am winning the fight… most days anyway.
There has been a few people who have told me just to leave that part of my life to the weekends, just keep it as a hobby. But I’m getting too old to keep sticking to hospitality which now post pandemic is rather soul destroying. Yet again my age comes into play with hospitality jobs. Think about it, why hire me at £10.42 when you can get two 18 year old an hour for the same price, experience doesn’t mean shit.
I understand I am going to have to get a mediocre job so I can pay my rent and put food on the table, believe me, I have been trying but the computer says no. Luckily, I have a brain and saved up a fair bit of money, which is slowly dwindling and I have a interest free student overdraft (would rather not use it), but hopefully something will come along soon.
To keep myself busy, I am still hosting my two shows but then I decided to create my own talk show on YouTube called “In the Sewers”. I talk to bands on the circuit and introduce them to a new audience. It’s a basic talk show really, the thing I have loved is chatting to the bands, the response I got (over 40 bands applied) and the fact that people are watching it. For September I had over 620 views and gained 32 followers. It doesn’t sound like much but it’s a start.
For now I’m solo
Sadly all this work that I am doing, isn’t bringing in any dough, hence why people are telling me to get real and ditch the hobby. I’m hoping at some point money is going to come my way, people will see my worth because I don’t want to sound like a bitch but… my time isn’t free. Not after four years of grafting and a degree later. I’ve had so much smoke blown up my arse that I could give the flying scotsman a run for its money. But sadly they stop shovelling coal when gold comes into play.
I have some compere gigs next year but I would like people to see my worth. Fingers crossed I get a job to support the roof over my head and put food in my stomach (going on a diet wouldn’t hurt tbh) and I can save up enough money to go to plenty of gigs over the course of the summer.
On that note, go check out my stuff people!
GlamRat 