EDM Jobs That Are Hiring Right Now

For as long as you can remember, you’ve been into EDM. The way the music makes you feel, the energy of a live show, and the people that you’ve met along the way. It all just speaks to you. In fact, you may be wondering if there’s a way you can make a career in the Electronic Dance Music industry. Or maybe you attended an Electronic music production school like the Recording Connection program and you already know what you need to do next.

Either way, the short answer is yes! There are plenty of opportunities for those who have an expansive knowledge of the genre (and other genres as well), are adept at writing or photography, understand the power of social media, and have a whole host of other skills or experience. EDM is a worldwide phenomenon which means it has many career options besides making the music itself.

Five In-demand EDM Jobs Hiring Right now

While there are jobs to be had in EDM, just really, really, really liking the music probably won’t be enough of a resume to start a career. Even if you do have a special skill set, how will it translate to the music industry? We hope the following blog post gives you a few ideas of how to earn a living in one of the most expansive areas of music today.

1. Become an EDM Artist

Yes, this seems pretty obvious. But with the proliferation of affordable digital audio workstations, stronger computers, and obtainable gear, becoming an EDM artist is more accessible now than ever before. However, that accessibility means you’ll need to work that much harder to get noticed in such a crowded marketplace.

It goes beyond your skills as an artist, which in and of itself will take time to develop. You’ll also need to become a tireless self-promoter, manager, booker, and more. Networking and making connections alone will be a full-time job for those just starting out. It’ll be a grind, but if you’re determined—and have music that’s worth listening to—you may find yourself making some real money.

2. Live Sound Engineer

A live sound engineer needs to be able to set up gear, arrange pre-recorded material, instruments, and vocals. They need to be creative of course, but they’ll also need to understand the technical aspects of sound in a live setting. No two venues are the same, and there are vast differences between performing in a small space or at large outdoor festivals.

As an engineer, you’re able to set your own schedule and work with other artists as well. In fact, you may not create any music of your own, making a career out of ensuring other artists sound their very best no matter where their concerts are being held.

3. Video Producing and Editing

Do you have a unique perspective on the world around you? Do you have experience working with lighting, camera angles, and digital film? Can you anticipate where the next great shot is coming from? You may have what it takes to document professional DJs on film, record huge festivals, produce video shorts for EDM social media personalities, or provide shots for commercial sponsors.

A videographer is one of the ancillary ways to make a living while still being immersed in the EDM environment. These skills are easily transferable to other industries as well, meaning you’ll always have a job if you’re willing to work for those opportunities. Beyond the technical aspects, you’ll also need to be able to communicate both with your clients and the subjects to create shoots that people are willing to pay for.

4. Tour Manager

The best tour managers are the ones who can work with EDM artists, venue managers/owners, transportation providers, and the adoring fans who spend their hard-earned cash and schedule their lives around your band. You’ll need to deal with a range of personalities, keep your wits about you when things go sideways, and love being on the road.

The skills you develop as an EDM tour manager will transfer to other types of music as well. So much of being a good tour manager is being able to schedule, put out fires, understand booking, and basically answer all the questions at every tour stop. This experience, and the solid connections you make, will help you branch out into other areas of the industry as well.

5. Blogger/Personality

There was a time when working at Rolling Stone was just as impressive as being a member of the band the magazine covered. And while the medium may have changed, there is still a place at the table for those who understand the music and can talk about it with a wide audience.

Being an EDM blogger or personality means you actually need to have a personality, though. Do you have a distinct voice that speaks to fans of the genre? Are you able to create relationships with those on stage and the people who got them there? Are you determined enough to get to the shows, make the calls, and schedule the conversations you need to become a voice of the genre? Then you can become a part of EDM without playing a single note of music.

There are plenty of other opportunities, too. Managing a venue, a show booker, holding any number of jobs in a recording studio, or any other job that puts you in a position to work in the EDM genre. And if you work on the skills you need while making as many connections as you can, you may find yourself with a career on your hands.