Careering Ahead

Katherine Williams

 This issue we interview Katherine Williams, Press Officer at MBC PR which deals with Mark Ronson, Guillemots, Hard fi, Primal Scream, James Blunt, Charlotte Church and Martha Wainwright

 

How did I get into Music PR?
I got a degree at Sheffield University in Sociology and studied the 
music industry for my dissertation.  Through this, I met lots of 
people within the music industry and eventually got work experience 
when I left University at Sony Music in London.   I did work 
experience for  8 months at Sony in all their different departments - 
Marketing, Press, TV Promotions and Radio Promotions which gave me a 
greater insight into how a major record label works, until I 
eventually got a permanent position in their Press Department.  I 
worked for Sony BMG for 3 years and then got offered a job at an 
independent PR Company - MBC PR working for Barbara Charone and Moira
Bellas where I have been for the last 3 years.

What qualifications do you need?
Strictly speaking, none.  A degree helps, but more importantly work 
experience and a passion for music.

What do you wish you'd known earlier?
You have to toughen up to be a PR!

What's the best thing about your job?
Meeting interesting and creative people, watching unknown artists 
develop into global stars....travel and getting free CDs and concert 
tickets!

What's the worst thing about your job?
Long hours and high pressure.

What lessons have you learnt?
Always be yourself and be honest.

Benefits
Free concert tickets!
Free CDs!
Lots of parties
Mixing with the rich and famous!
Travel

Have you any words of wisdom?
"Life is just what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" 
- John Lennon, Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)