On Thursday, August 21st, IAR hosted ”Do It Yourself: The Music Business,” presenting special guest speaker Larry Hamby, Senior Vice President, Artist & Repertoire, at Sony/BMG Records. IAR students, faculty, and staff attended the event to get one-on-one with a top executive in one of the biggest record labels in the music industry. Larry gave a quick background on how he got started in the industry over 35 years ago and the range of celebrity artists, producers and projects he has worked on, including Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’ He told the audience that he wanted the night to be a forum where they could ask him any question about the industry and he would give his honest and direct answer. The Q&A session gave students a chance to hear an industry expert answer questions that directly affect their music careers, such as is the definition of A&R and how to get into it, the state of the industry and its future, steps to get your music heard by the right people, what do you look for in an artist, and how to start an indie label. Larry gave students insight and advice for their promising careers with reference to industry resources and essential websites (musicregistry.com, pollstar.com, recordxpress.net).

In answering “What do I want in an artist,” for example, Larry said “talent, not looks; I’m looking for an act that is making noise for themselves through live shows, independent CD sales, and lots of buzz online and on Myspace.” Larry suggested that for upcoming songwriters and producers, the first step is to become a member of ASCAP or BMI: “They have a great support system to educate you, bring you into their great industry network, and help get you gigs.” The information Larry offered was invaluable and the students made sure to use up every minute of his time.