This is an interview which I conducted in December 2010. The interview is with Katherine Bawden who is the senior press manager at Warner Music.
1. How did you know you wanted to work in PR?
I was always mad about music growing up but everyone always told me it was virtually impossible to get a job in music! However, whilst I was at university it gave me the time to do work experience at local recording studios, club promotions and writing CD reviews. I also did my dissertation about the music industry which opened up my list of contacts. I wasn't sure that it was PR I wanted to go into, but I managed to get experience at Sony Music record company in London after university - it started out as a 1 month placement but I ended up staying for 8, moving around each department at it was PR that I loved most.
2. How did your career in PR start?
Once I got the job as Press Assistant and Sony Music, I worked my way to becoming a Junior Press Officer, working on press campaigns for bands/artists. I left to become a press officer for the company that looks after Madonna, Russell Brand, REM, Mark Ronson, James Blunt.
3. Did you find it easy to get into the profession?
It's a lot about who you know and then about work experience, building up your contacts, being enthusiastic, prepared to do anything, go to gigs, showing intiative and networking with a strong passion for music.
4. What kind of role do you have now? Could you give me an example of something which you have recently worked on?
I am the publicist for artists such as Jason Derulo, Seal, Pendulum and many new up and coming artists. I recently worked on the Cee Lo Green press campaign - this involved the launch of his number 1 single 'Forget You' and his album release 'The Lady Killer'.
5. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a PR practicioner.
It's a lifestyle, not just a job. You have to spend a lot of weekends, evenings going to gigs/working. The job never stops as you can get calls at any time of day from journalists or managers.
6. Can you give me an example of something you have worked on which you found really challenging?
Working witht new clients in the current climate can be difficult as there are fewer areas in the press to pitch for new band features. Also, some of the artists I have worked on can have a difficult time with the press and it's about controlling this as best you can.
7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself as Head of Press at Warner Music.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Why I Chose to Study PR...
Before choosing to study public realtions at university, my focus was going to be journalism. I knew that whatever happened I would end up doing something to do with the media as I did media studies as an A level and felt that I was very comfortable with the subject and enjoyed it. I went to an open day, and happened to miss the talk on journalism so decided to go to the next best thing; journalism with public realtions. I found myself interested in the journalism side of the course but after it was over I just knew that public relations was perfect for me. It was my mum who originally brought it to my attention, saying that as the lecturer was speaking, she could see me being really good at it.
When I got home I decided to do some research on public relations as, really, I didn't know much about it at all. The more I found out about it, the more interested I became and it was then that I decided to apply to study public relations.
As managers recognise the importance of good public relations, they increasingly rely on the advice of public relations specialists. This means that the demand and need for public relations in all industries is increasing rapidly. All organisations, whether local, national or international, big or small, benefit from public relations. Meaning that there is a lot of opportunity for me to work in any kind of business: whether it be the music industry, the fashion industry or even politics.
I have an outgoing personality, self-confidence, an understanding of human psychology, and an enthusiasm for working with people. I am assertive but able to participate as part if a team and be open to new ideas. When searching for the right course for me, I found out that public relations is a career which requires all of these qualities and so I thought that it would be the right course to bring out the best in myself.
I work best under the pressure of deadlines and tight work schedules and know that in public relations it is often necessary to work around the clock to deal with an emergency or crisis.
According to research, employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 24% from 2008 to 2018. This means that public relations is one of the few growing industries, with more opportunity than a lot of other industries in the current economic climate.
Another of the reasons I chose to study PR is because of the psychology involved. It takes great skill to know what people want and I am really interested in the way that people's thought processes work which I think gives me an advantage in coming up with ideas for campaigns, as I am more able to work out whether people would love it or hate it.
Ultimately, if I was being really ambitious, my dream job would be to work for a top fashion designer. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to work in the fashion industry, like most girls I love clothes and love shopping but my passion for it goes beyond that: I am intrigued by the way that fashion can shape and affect our culture in such a big way, when a new trend is announced, the next day half of the people you see on the street will be wearing it or will be out to buy it, it's knows as the 'Delia effect'. I would love to be a part of the reason that this happens.
Another dream would be to work in the music industry, while this is quite far off from fashion it is still a big passion of mine, and a big part of my life. My passion for music comes from my parents and their extensive collection which has always been open to me. I have an extremely diverse taste in music and am always open to new up and coming artists and would love to be a part of what makes them successful.
When I got home I decided to do some research on public relations as, really, I didn't know much about it at all. The more I found out about it, the more interested I became and it was then that I decided to apply to study public relations.
As managers recognise the importance of good public relations, they increasingly rely on the advice of public relations specialists. This means that the demand and need for public relations in all industries is increasing rapidly. All organisations, whether local, national or international, big or small, benefit from public relations. Meaning that there is a lot of opportunity for me to work in any kind of business: whether it be the music industry, the fashion industry or even politics.
I have an outgoing personality, self-confidence, an understanding of human psychology, and an enthusiasm for working with people. I am assertive but able to participate as part if a team and be open to new ideas. When searching for the right course for me, I found out that public relations is a career which requires all of these qualities and so I thought that it would be the right course to bring out the best in myself.
I work best under the pressure of deadlines and tight work schedules and know that in public relations it is often necessary to work around the clock to deal with an emergency or crisis.
According to research, employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 24% from 2008 to 2018. This means that public relations is one of the few growing industries, with more opportunity than a lot of other industries in the current economic climate.
Another of the reasons I chose to study PR is because of the psychology involved. It takes great skill to know what people want and I am really interested in the way that people's thought processes work which I think gives me an advantage in coming up with ideas for campaigns, as I am more able to work out whether people would love it or hate it.
Ultimately, if I was being really ambitious, my dream job would be to work for a top fashion designer. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to work in the fashion industry, like most girls I love clothes and love shopping but my passion for it goes beyond that: I am intrigued by the way that fashion can shape and affect our culture in such a big way, when a new trend is announced, the next day half of the people you see on the street will be wearing it or will be out to buy it, it's knows as the 'Delia effect'. I would love to be a part of the reason that this happens.
Another dream would be to work in the music industry, while this is quite far off from fashion it is still a big passion of mine, and a big part of my life. My passion for music comes from my parents and their extensive collection which has always been open to me. I have an extremely diverse taste in music and am always open to new up and coming artists and would love to be a part of what makes them successful.
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