Each week, Music Week profiles the brightest new talents in the business. This week, Parlophone's Krishma Kudhail, tells her story...
How did you break into the industry?
During university, I gained experience at the Urban Music Awards, then I began writing for MTV Wrap Up and GRM Daily. I also took on an A&R internship at Urban Development, where they extended my stay. After I graduated, I went on to do a MA Music Business Management course. After the first year, my tutor recommended me to Universal Music for a placement at Decca, where I worked in press. I then went back to GRM Daily, where a year later I was promoted to the role of project manager. I worked on various projects, whilst gaining marketing experience in part time roles elsewhere. Westside Radio contacted me and asked me to co-present on a specialist show called UKFullStop. Then, over a year later, Warner contacted me about my current role. I was was very blessed to be offered the job.
What’s your proudest achievement so far?
As I’ve only been at Parlophone for a few months, I’m yet to hit my milestone. So far, it’s being the executive producer of GGR (Games, Gadgets & Rhymes), which is a YouTube console game show, released exclusively on GRM Daily. It’s been amazing building content with our lovely team, from featuring artists and professional gamers, to being sponsored by Tekken 7 and working on a Call Of Duty special, all in the same year.We’ve worked with Krept & Konan, Avelino, Yungen, Not3s, Abra Cadabra, Kojo Funds, 67, AJ Tracey and Dave.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Having creative freedom. We have an exciting roster, which keeps us on our toes. I work with a great team, who are always interested in hearing about new artists, new music and ideas, so we all learn and grow together.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Balancing everything and still having time to yourself to rest and unwind. It’s important to have some time to refresh your mind, to have a healthy balance with your work and social life.
What advice would you give to those looking to break into the biz?
If you feel frustrated because things aren’t working out, never give up. Timing is everything and everyone’s timing is different, so be patient and stay active within the industry. The more experience you gain the better, whether it is internships or work placements. Education is great too, so if you feel a music course could help extend your knowledge, then go for it - dropping out of education was not for me, you can do both!
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