Interview with ICMP music business graduate Romaine Dixon

From studying vocals to music business, our alumni Romaine Dixon has proved to be adept at whatever avenue of the music industry she's explored.

Following her time with us as a student, she landed roles at UK collecting society PRS for Music before her current job as a royalties assistant at Virgin EMI. At the same time, Romaine has continued to work on crafting her R&B styled music. Read our interview tracing her journey from the classroom to the heart of the music industry... 

What made you want to start a career in the music industry?

Whilst I was studying on the vocal diploma at ICMP, music business was one of my modules and I began to learn so much about it that I almost became fascinated with how the industry works. From then, I always knew I would have my hands tied with both the creative side and ‘behind the scenes’ in the midst of the business. It was common sense for me to learn about how the business worked to know how to navigate within it.

You've worked at PRS for Music and are now a royalties assistant at Virgin EMI - how did you end up working in this area of the industry?

Simply just kept applying until someone believed in me and gave me the chance. I never imagined myself working on this side of the industry but actually it opens up an interesting can of worms and you’re able to see how things REALLY work in this business.

Could you explain a little about your current role and what this entails?

In brief my role entails setting up contracts and royalty rates in the internal system, coding recordings for producers, artists and mixers, processing royalties and analysing royalty revenue against recoupment.

What would you advise anyone wanting to work in the world of music royalties?

Learn how to read contracts and become familiar with legal terminology. If you’re good with numbers great -  if not there’s always a calculator!

How were your experiences at ICMP? What did you learn on the music business course that helped you get to where you are now?

ICMP was great for my education as I was taught about all the key parts of the music business. Personally I would say the modules that helped me get to where I am now were the Introduction to the Music Business, Finance, Law and Contracts and Entrepreneurship sessions. 

For anyone considering a course at ICMP, what would you advise them?

Choose wisely - if you want to do a performance degree make sure you are actively gigging and networking during your time at uni. If you want to study music business, networking is your best friend. If you are a songwriter or producer pitch your tracks to upcoming artists you believe in - in the new age you are effectively your own A&R.

For anyone wanting to enjoy a music industry career, are there any tips of words or wisdom you could give them?

No one owes you anything - You have to prove yourself and stand on your own two feet. Most importantly believe in yourself -  If you don’t, no one else will.

What's the been the most surprising thing you've learned about the music industry since kicking off your career?

That some A&R’s receive royalties...

You're also an artist - what are you currently working on music wise?

I’m working on loads of new music for myself, writing for other artists and I have a few other side projects i’m working on. I can’t say too much but watch this space!

What does the future have in store for you?

Loads of great new music and successful moments!

Follow Romaine on Twitter  and Facebook to find out more about her and her music.