“Highs of the job? Licensing compilations for legendary DJs like Roger Sanchez and Todd Terry.” Chris James, distribution manager at London’s MN2S Label Services, runs us through the basics of his job.
Chris James, MN2S
Name?
Chris James.
Place of work?
Job?
Distribution manager.
How long have you had
the job?
I was promoted to this position in January 2014.
What does a typical day
involve?
My job operates on a weekly cycle, so I deliver releases as early in the week as possible, then follow up by submitting promotional reports mid-week, with other licensing, contracting and meetings usually scheduled for the end of the week.
My job operates on a weekly cycle, so I deliver releases as early in the week as possible, then follow up by submitting promotional reports mid-week
Highs of the job?
Helping labels develop from in some cases their first release all the way to regularly-featured, high-earning operations. Successfully syncing a track to The Secret Life Of Pets Pixar animation, which took over a year. Licensing compilations for legendary DJs like Roger Sanchez and Todd Terry.
Lows of the job?
It can be challenging when advice given is not taken. Some artists can be quite demanding at times!
Who are the people who’ve had the biggest influence on your career?
Simon Hills (who ran Gusto Records, and is now at Axtone), Paul Styx (who used to work for Lock N Load Events, and is now involved with UNDR ctrl), and Dave Elkabas here at MN2S.
It’s always worth contacting anyone you’d like to work for with a CV and covering letter, regardless of whether they are advertising a position or not
How did you get the job?
Essentially being in the right place at the right time – I was looking for a job on the label side of things at the same time as there was a position open. Having interned at Gusto Records and also Lock N Load Events helped!
How can we get your job?
Relevant experience is a big plus, and knowledge of/interest in dance music is very important. It’s always worth contacting anyone you’d like to work for with a CV and covering letter, regardless of whether they are advertising a position or not, as they may be just about to, or at the very least, you’ll have made yourself known to them for when they do.