Working within 'the music industry'

[Poxican]

So, I'm 23 and I've been doing the same job now for 3 years. I really enjoy it, but it's not going anywhere and the physical requirements are proving increasingly problematic on account of a joint condition.

I'm at a bit of a cross roads, whether to go back to Australia to go to Uni (as the fees system there is a little more forgiving, and living much cheaper) or to stay here and attempt to get into 'the music industry.'

Now, I know that's fucking vague, and that's part of the problem I guess. I don't have the musical ability to make music for a living, but I would really like to be involved in music on a day to day basis in some form. The idea of working in a recording studio, of doing sound design, setting up gigs, all that stuff sounds appealing, but I don't have any idea how to start on a path towards those things.

With no qualifications, no experience, and no formal music-related education, is there any chance of cracking the industry at all? Or do I need to go back to school and get qualifications?

If anyone has any experience or advice I'd really greatly appreciate it.

[holnrew]

Even with qualifications it's hard to get into. You need a lot of luck.

[jonnybradford]

Like Holnrew says you need luck and contacts. Without experience though, you will struggle. Qualifications are less of a necessity, unless you can get some real world experience and contacts whilst doing them.

I started crewing with my local university crew. Started out shifting boxes, then moved onto doing monitor and front of house mixes. At that time (some years ago) the students union put on loads of gigs, mainly for unheard of bands who didn't have their own engineer, so we got a lot of experience.
We didn't get paid much though, and when i tried to go professional, I was living hand to mouth, and in the end had to get a job - long story for another time.
Some of my mates at the time had the luck/contacts and are now working for companies like Brit Row and Neg Earth, and have toured the world.
Some other mates are still working locally, but have to take the gigs when you can get them and hope you have enough to pay the rent at the end of the month. Last year was not a particularly busy one for them.
It depends on where you are based. In London there will be a lot more work, but costs are higher.

For studio work, ask around at your local studios, see if they need a tea boy or are willing to take you as an intern to get the experience.

[musophilr]

yeh 'tis not what you know it's WHO you know. try hanging around where the musos drink - I've had my best breaks that way