Making music begins with an inspired idea for a song.

But it doesn't stop there. Every song released is a collaborative process involving lots of people with many different skills and talents. And they all share the same passion – releasing a great track.

Look behind the scenes and see what the professionals think as pro-music interviews them about how they got started, what experience and skills you'll need, how digital's changed their world and the pros and the cons of the job.

If you want to find out more about getting your demo to the finished product, click here for the A-Z of making music.

It's not just about making music, it's also about standing out from the crowds. Find out how

Songwriters

Songwriters Sophie Delila and Steve Booker on how being a songwriter isn't just about sitting at home with a pen and an idea for a song.

Founder of independent music aggregator AWAL and interactive music consultant

Denzyl Feigelson, Denzyl Feigelson, founder of AWAL and interactive music consultant, shares his insights and introduces the all-important "fourth member of the band".

Live Event and Artist Manager

Honey Bianchi renown for her work with the rock greats, shares her love of live events and up and coming band management.
Click here for Honey's top tips for making it as a band

Artist Manager

James Sandom, who manages a number of cutting-edge bands including the Kaiser Chiefs and The Cribs, on how to build a successful relationship with your artist.

Artist Manager

Nate Flagrant talks about the skill sets you need to be a manager, from his experience in managing rap artists.

Producer Manager

Stephen Budd talks about going from being a roadie for Motorhead, to creating a whole new business model managing producers.

Mix Engineer

Simon Gogerly explains how he went from making tea in Mayfair studios to winning a Grammy for his work on U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

Marketing Manager for music and video download site 7digital.com

Marketing Manager Peter Davias on how his fascination for getting music to the fans online started in his teens and how it's evolved with 7digital

Senior Editorial Director of online store eMusic

Yancey Strickler shares his passion for writing features and editorial at the store - but also for the technology that makes it all possible.

Music Store Manager

Noel Ferguson shares his experience of running an independent music store in Australia.

Music Blogger

Dave Allen of Pampelmouse on how the music blog has become the influential heir to radio.

More industry insiders

    Industry insiders talk to Pro-Music about their fields of expertise


    A&R
      Daan van Rijsbergen, A&R manager at Sony Music in The Netherlands talks about the search for new talent.
    Composers
      Luis Cobos, Spanish composer and conductor, talks through the process of composition.
    Producers
      Steve Lillywhite whose credits include U2, Talking Heads, Morrissey and The Rolling Stones, talks about the producer's role.
    Publishers
      Caroline Molko, Managing Director for Warner Chappell Music France gives a publisher's perspective.
    Record Companies
      Michel Lambot, of independent record company Play It Again Sam on signing a new act to a label.

      Dag Häggqvist, founder and owner of Swedish independent record company Gazell Records AB talks about nurturing new talent.
    Retailers
      Hans Zwitser, owner of Melody Shop in the Netherlands says it's hard but rewarding work running a small independent retail music store.
    Songwriters
      Steve Harley, singer/songwriter on writing songs and the inspiration for them.

      Robin Gibb, of Bee Gees acclaim, talks to Robert Ashton about what it takes to make a hit.

Useful Links

    Creative Choices is a website for people in, or wanting to work in, the creative industries including music. The site provides 'tools, knowledge and networks' such as a career planning kit, course comparisons, leadership best practice, case studies, blogs and 'quick guides' for creative business.
    www.creative-choices.co.uk/

    For top tips on how to make your mark in the music business, visit:
    www.makeyourmarkinmusic.org/five_ways_to_make_your_mark_in_music

    The Midi Music Company (UK) provides music education with specific reference to MIDI Technology for budding engineers:
    www.themidimusiccompany.co.uk

    The BBC One Music website has got some good guides on how to make music and an interactive game looking at the different jobs.
    www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onemusic/howto/

    The Brit School is Britain's state-funded Performing Arts and Technology School for 14-19 year olds
    www.brit.croydon.sch.uk