Career Profile

Mel Cheng – One Louder Entertainment

What made you want to work in artist management? Whilst I was studying at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM), I started managing a Melbourne band called Dirt Farmer, who I still co-manage to this day. I had various jobs and internships in the industry – before, during and after my degree – but was most attracted to the variety and diversity of work I had within artist management roles. I really enjoy working closely with artists and being involved in their creative processes.

What kind of training did you have to do to get into the field? One of my first experiences was selling CDs on the road for a very young Lisa Mitchell. From there, I met her managers, who gave me random work opportunities and my entrance into the industry.

I studied a Bachelor of Music in Arts Management at AIM. I developed an interest in entertainment law from my AIM studies and went on to complete a Juris Doctor degree at UNSW. Whilst I was studying I did several internships, including an internship at One Louder Entertainment, where I am now the assistant manager. One Louder is the management company for Ball Park Music, Paul Kelly, Sarah Blasko and Kate Miller-Heidke.

What would a typical day at work involve? My work is varied – no day is the same! It depends on the project I am working on, or the artist I am working with, at the time. One day I could be coordinating the advertising for a tour, and another I could be pulling parts together for a CD release. I also lecture at AIM in entertainment and intellectual property law so throw that in the mix!

What's the best thing about your job? Working with interesting and lovely people and artists who I really respect.

What's the most challenging aspect? The most challenging part of the job is not the actual job but things I do to keep immersed and up to date in the industry. Some weeks I may be out every night seeing gigs, which is fun and exciting, but can also be really tiring, especially when you have to get up for work the next day.

What skills or attributes do you need to be good at the job? At the most basic level, I would say good communication skills and good organisation skills – you are constantly talking to people and meeting deadlines. The industry is constantly changing so you need to be flexible, adaptable and be able to think on your feet. I also think that in this day, it is an advantage to have a foundation in business – understand the basic principles of accounting, marketing and management. I also cannot iterate enough how important good networking skills are – I've received most, if not all, my work opportunities through people I know.

Do you have any advice for readers aiming to become an artist manager? Learn everything and work hard! Be willing to do everything and anything (within reason) and don't be afraid to ask questions. Be open-minded and nice to people – anyone you meet could be a potential career opportunity.

The Sydney AIM Campus is hosting an Open Day 10am-3pm Saturday 17 August. AIM will be holding an information evening between 6pm and 8pm at the Intercontinental on Collins Street Melbourne Wednesday 28 August. The first term of the Melbourne AIM campus at 120 King Street in the CBD, applications for which are now open, will commence Tuesday 28 January 2014.