Music Curation

Akshay Ahuja | Founder | Big Band Theory

What is Music Curation?

A Career in Music Curation is very interesting. Understanding Why one wants to choose a Career in Music Curation is phenomenally more important than figuring out How to get into Music Curation. It is best to learn about Music Curation from a real professional, this is akin to getting it from the horse's mouth.

Founder Akshay Ahuja invested 3 years & 6 months in Music Curation. Founder Akshay Ahuja describes Music Curation as:

A music curator helps an artist with the business aspect of his/her work. Curation involves going to different venues and taking care of the live music that happens there during events. A curator understands what kind of artist would gel with what kind of venue.

How Founder Akshay Ahuja got into Music Curation?

I did my schooling from PineHall School Dehradun after which I did my graduation from Chandigarh in Bachelor of Business. Soon after that I was placed in Google where I worked for four years and learned a lot of digital marketing and strategy building there. Soon after that I formed the company The Big Band Theory.

Founder Akshay Ahuja's Talk on Music Curation

Discovering the Art and Business of Music Curation In the vibrant realm of music, curation stands as a dynamic intersection between artistry and entrepreneurship. Akshay Ahuja, the founder of Big Band Theory, epitomizes the spirit of a music curator with his compelling journey from corporate life at Google to the creative and challenging world of music curation. Through his insights, we explore not only what it means to be a curator but also the educational pathways, essential skills, rewarding aspects, and the hurdles that define this exciting career. What Is Music Curation? Defining Music Curation At its core, music curation involves the strategic selection and presentation of music acts in various venues to create memorable experiences. A music curator serves as a bridge between artists and venues, understanding the unique vibes of each space and pairing them with the appropriate musical talent. Akshay describes this role with simplicity: "We tell venues to focus on their business while we manage the live music." This clear delineation fosters a partnership where creativity thrives alongside commercial interest. Importance of Curation Music curation is critical because it enhances the quality of engagements in live music. A successful music curator must evaluate what type of music will resonate with an audience based on the ambiance of a venue and the demographic attending. For example, during one of Big Band Theory's events, Akshay noted how their choice of a rock band saw an electrifying response in a youth-centric venue—a perfect fit that resonated with the crowd's expectations. Education in Music Curation Music Business The foundation of effective music curation is an understanding of the music business itself. With increasing global interest, aspiring curators can find a treasure trove of information available online, covering not just artistic elements but also the business dynamics that make music popular. Akshay highlights the significance of understanding market trends, which is well-documented in annual reports like those from KPMG that analyze the Indian music industry, revealing vital insights into audience preferences and revenue sources. KPMG Trends Akshay recommends keeping abreast of reports from firms like KPMG which annually outline trends in the entertainment industry, including music. Such resources can provide invaluable data on shifts in music consumption—especially how live performances compare to recorded music sales—essential for making informed curatorial decisions. Youtube Tutorials In today's digital age, tutorials on platforms like YouTube offer practical and flexible learning opportunities. Akshay emphasizes their value, noting that they allow aspiring curators to explore niche topics or even general music business concepts at their own pace. This accessibility means that, regardless of experience level, anyone with a passion for music can gain valuable insights that may inform their curatorial style. Conferences Networking and learning from peers happens organically at industry conferences, according to Akshay. In addition to scheduled talks, the informal exchanges among attendees often yield rich insights and inspiration. It's these conversations with fellow professionals that can spark innovative ideas and collaborations within the music scene. Management Effective management skills are crucial in the fast-paced world of music curation. Akshay asserts that practical experience in overseeing logistics—like ensuring that artists arrive on time and venues are set for performances—is where real learning occurs. This hands-on approach shapes not only a curator's management style but also their understanding of event dynamics. Skills of a Music Curator Multitasking A successful music curator must excel at multitasking, often balancing numerous responsibilities at once. Akshay recalls managing multiple aspects of an event—from coordinating artist logistics to overseeing sound checks and ensuring marketing efforts are running smoothly. This necessity for juggling various tasks and challenges makes multitasking a non-negotiable skill in this field. Spontaneous The music industry is unpredictable, demanding quick decision-making skills from curators. Akshay stresses the importance of being able to react swiftly—whether troubleshooting sound issues or facilitating last-minute artist bookings. The ability to make informed decisions rapidly can significantly impact the success of an event. Keen Observer Observational skills allow curators to gauge responses from audiences and artists alike. Akshay points out that understanding the nuances of audience engagement throughout a performance can inform future curation choices—ensuring that the music aligns with the venue's atmosphere and audience expectations. Hustler In this landscape, being a hustler—a person who actively seeks opportunities and solutions—is vital. Akshay emphasizes that having a proactive approach leads to uncovering potential gigs and fostering relationships that might otherwise go unnoticed. Geek Technical knowledge about sound and equipment is essential for curators. Akshay describes the need for curators to become "geeks," diving into sound specifications and troubleshooting issues as they arise, ensuring that each performance delivers a high-quality auditory experience to the audience. Passion Passion fuels the drive to succeed within the music curation sphere. Akshay believes that a genuine love for music is the ultimate catalyst for overcoming challenges and achieving excellence in curatorial work. Passion inspires commitment and shapes the curatorial vision, enabling curators to explore bold ideas. Visionary Successful curators must possess a clear vision that guides their pursuits. This forward-thinking outlook helps curators understand market demands and shape events that resonate with audiences and artists alike. Akshay often ponders over how to elevate a performance to create a unique, branded experience, ensuring a lasting impact. Positives of Being a Music Curator Personality Development One of the most enriching aspects of being a curator is the opportunity for personal growth. Engaging with diverse individuals—from artists discussing their work to venue owners sharing their business strategies—allows curators like Akshay to develop a well-rounded perspective on human behavior and artistry. This exposure fosters a form of 360-degree personality development that shapes both personal and professional identity. Awareness Of The Business As curators gain insight into the business side of music, they become attuned to trends and approaches that impact their work. By interacting with various stakeholders, Akshay notes, curators can cultivate a deeper understanding of what makes music viable commercially, aiding in more strategic decision-making. Learning From Your Failures Akshay emphasizes that failure is often the greatest teacher in curation. Every misstep—be it losing a gig opportunity or facing technical difficulties at an event—provides invaluable lessons. Learning how to navigate these challenges creates resilience, preparing curators for future endeavors. Freedom With time and proven success, curators enjoy creative freedom in their projects. Akshay finds that once you establish trust with venues and artists through successful partnerships, the scope for innovation broadens, allowing for unique and ambitious curation efforts. Recognition Building a reputation within the industry brings profound emotional rewards. Akshay describes the thrill when he receives recognition for his work at Big Band Theory, asserting that such validation serves as motivation to continue improving and innovating within the field. Challenges Faced in Music Curation Understanding the Vision A clear vision is paramount, as Akshay highlights that without a laser-like focus on objectives, success can be elusive. Effective curators must determine a distinct purpose for their events to ensure their efforts resonate with audiences and establish a foothold in the competitive music landscape. Building a Team Navigating the music industry often requires collaboration, and assembling the right team is essential for success. Akshay notes that each team member brings unique expertise, from talent scouting to operational coordination. Without a well-rounded team, curators may face challenges in executing their vision effectively. Lack Of Financing Financial constraints pose significant challenges for startups in the music industry. As Akshay points out, understanding how to allocate resources wisely is critical. A single wrong financial decision can jeopardize progress, making diligence essential for fledgling curatorial enterprises. Concept Understanding Successful curation hinges on effectively communicating a concept to others. Akshay notes that curators must ensure both the venue staff and the artists embrace and understand the vision behind each performance. Miscommunication can derail potential partnerships and opportunities. A Day In the Life of a Music Curator Daily Responsibilities A typical day for a music curator like Akshay is often filled with back-to-back calls and strategic planning. Whether it’s coordinating artist arrivals, facilitating sound checks, or managing social media marketing, the role demands unwavering attention to detail. Akshay recalls the chaos of a busy weekend, where each day unfolds unpredictably, underscoring the need for flexibility. As hirelings, curators juggle multiple tasks surrounding each gig—ranging from logistics to artist engagement. Akshay highlights that the crushing rhythm often culminates in a rewarding moment when the audience enjoys the performance, reaffirming the passion that inspired him to pursue this career. Conclusion Music curation is more than a job; it’s a compelling journey enriched with learning, creativity, and impactful connections. As shared by Akshay Ahuja, the complexities and rewards of being a music curator reveal an inspiring career path that melds business acumen with a profound appreciation for the arts. Through observation, decision-making, and a passionate pursuit of excellence, curators shape unforgettable musical experiences, push boundaries, and contribute to the evolving tapestry of the music industry. Whether you’re an aspiring curator or simply an enthusiast with a love for music, this field promises both challenges and gratifying rewards that resonate far beyond the stage.

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How to get into

Music Curation?

If you are want to get into Music Curation, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Music Curation is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Music Curation, what education and skills you need to succeed in Music Curation, and what positives and challenges you will face in Music Curation.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Music Curation.

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Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Founder Akshay Ahuja's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/akshayahuja

LifePage Career Talk on Music Curation

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/music-curation

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20170920-0001

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHFAvT2H4KI

(Music Curation, Akshay Ahuja, The Big Band Theory, Achiever, Events, Gigs, Manager)

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