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Networking to Your Next Position

My job has taken me to many different places lately, where I’ve met many types of people and worked with many various organizations and labor groups.  Often, I encounter people who would like to break out of their current role to work for the businesses or tours they’ve met along the way. Frequently there are questions of how to take the next steps to reach their goals.  Here’s some advice.

Be eager and helpful

This will make a huge impact. You will leave a lasting impression; I guarantee it. This is your first step into new opportunities. Leave a positive impact by jumping in on any task. Help with the ‘bad’ jobs like feeder, decking, and barricade. Keep volunteering for tasks all day and when completed, ask what’s next; even better if 2 or 3 tasks can be passed to you at one time and you complete them all well the first time.

Listen and Respond

Listen to the directions given and respond, letting them know you understand what you are being asked. This is super simple to do.  Statements such as “I got it, no problem, or anything else I should do?” provide responses that let the leader know you are listening and jumping on the tasks at hand. Of course, make sure, you are completing these tasks to the best of your ability and if you are not sure exactly what’s being requested, ask questions. Then follow through letting the leader know that the project is done.

Follow-through

Contact them, submit your resume, if possible, stop by the office to talk outside of a job site, seek them out separately from an event.  We are going to be respectful of those we partner with. Sometimes you have to actively engage, question, and work your way toward the crews you want to be a part of. You will need to step out and ask for a meeting. Find an appropriate time to ask some initial questions onsite and follow up later.  Get the person’s name, role, and ask a bit about their company and if time allows to tactfully ask about their hiring process. Then when you’re not in the middle of a show, ask for a meeting or employment opportunity. You’ve already made your impression. They’ve already experienced your work ethic, and you’ve proved you follow through. This has a considerable impact on the decision-making process and could give you better chances.

If they don’t hire you, ask for constructive feedback. Be prepared to hear what you don’t want to hear but take that feedback to improve and move forward. Also, be prepared for the company to have concerns about poaching you from their partner and burning a relational bridge with a group they rely on. This is a hard thing for companies to navigate.  In the end, it is your choice who you work for, but companies and groups may need to tread lightly sometimes. Help them by tactfully making your intentions and plans know to all parties involved to not burn any relational bridges yourself.

 

Missed this Week’s Top Stories? Read Our Quick Round-up!

It’s easy to miss the SoundGirls news and blogs, so we have put together a round-up of the blogs, articles, and news from the past week. You can keep up to date and read more at SoundGirls.org

September Feature Profile

https://soundgirls.org/foh-lisa-affenzeller-chasing-the-magic/

The Blogs

SoundGirls News

Opportunity to Shadow Sound & Lights National Tour

AES Exhibits-Plus Badges for SoundGirls Members

NAMM 2020 Badges for SoundGirls Members

Accepting Applications for SoundGirls Bloggers


We just got some new merch in. Long Sleeves, Onesies, Toddlers, Gig Bags, and Canvas Totes. Check it out Here

Internet Round-Up



 


Motion Picture Sound Editors To Honor Cece Hall With Career Achievement Award

 

 


SoundGirls Events

New York SoundGirls & Female Frequency present Live Show Workshop

Bay Area Chapter Monthly Meeting

Alberta SoundGirls Chapter Social

Colorado SoundGirls Chapter Social

AES SoundGirls Events

SoundGirls Dante Certification Level 1, 2, 3

SoundGirls Alberta Chapter – Field Trip


SoundGirls Opportunities


SoundGirls and SoundGym

Sound Particles Licenses Available

Meyer Sound Supports SoundGirls


SoundGirls Resources


Spotify and SoundGirls Team Up – EQL Directory

SoundGirls – Gaston-Bird Travel Fund

Letter for Trades and Manufacturers


Women-Owned Businesses

SoundGirls Scholarships 2021 Now Open

Events

Sexual Harassment

https://soundgirls.org/about-us/soundgirls-chapters/

Jobs and Internships

Women in the Professional Audio

Member Benefits

SoundGirls Happy Hour

Join SoundGirls, Female Frequency and Sound Ladies on Tap for our AES Happy Hour

AES Happy Hour

AES SoundGirls Brunch

Join SoundGirls for Brunch. We look forward to meeting you!

New Podcast Finds

I’ve written about podcasts before. Listening to them. Producing them. Presenting them. They remain one of my favourite mediums of entertainment and education. I’m also running out of audio topics to expand upon! So, this month I decided to write up some mini-reviews of new podcasts I have discovered. Some I have completed and listened to in full, some I am binging at the moment and others I haven’t even started yet and are on my ‘Listen to’ list.

I Shouldn’t Say This…But

 

This is presented by Katy Leeson, Managing Director of Social Chain UK. I found it through Steven Bartlett’s podcast (Diary of a CEO). It is very raw, natural, and unedited. Well, it is at the moment, I am still on December 2018 episodes, to be honest. I have about 40 to listen to which is great. They vary in length but are relatively short (30 – 40 minutes) and easily digestible. There is also a producer (Dodds) that vocalises his opinions and adds value with his ‘devil’s advocate’ comments. Topics about personal emotions, professional struggles, and taboo subjects are covered each week.

Teenage Mixtape

This is hosted by Joel Dommett (comedian and presenter) and Steve Dunne (comedian). They are childhood best friends which makes the podcast flow easily, their conversation is friendly and not forced. The guests are often male British comedians (Iain Stirling, Rhys James). Most likely their close friends and colleagues which makes the vibe very funny and comfortable. The structure is asking certain questions around music, for example, first album you bought? A song that reminds you of a teenage crush? This results in creating a 10 – 12 song mixtape. It often reminds you of classics you may have forgotten about.

Dear Joan & Jerika

This was recommended by a colleague of mine. It. Is. Epic. I was warned how “near the knuckle” and controversial it was. But it is hilarious. I don’t know the actors/presenters but they are incredibly talented. (Update! Upon searching for the thumbnail image, I have realised I do know Julia Davis, from Gavin and Stacey). Highly recommend this podcast to anyone that also loves ‘My Dad Wrote A Porno’.

Doing It! with Hannah Witton

I have followed Hannah’s YouTube channel for many years, therefore, it was likely that I would enjoy her podcast. She broaches topics including sex, relationships, feminism, sexuality, and pregnancy. Her guests are diverse, interesting and have a huge amount of expertise. Any young woman that wants to learn more about their body should listen.

This Might Get Weird

A long-term YouTube duo. Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart. Comedians, actors, presenters, and social media creators. They’ve done it all. They have managed to create a hilarious podcast merely discussing the weirdest moments of their week. You would think there couldn’t possibly be that many but you would be wrong. These women are hard-working and dedicated to their loyal audience and deserve a TV show eventually.

There are so many more podcasts I want to listen to including:

Call Your Girlfriend

And The Writer Is…with Ross Golan

Phil Taggart’s Slacker Podcast

Feminists Don’t Wear Pink

What are you listening to right now?

 SoundGirls Suggestions – Women in Audio Podcasts

WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME:

Tri-lingual radio show (Sobremesa): https://www.mixcloud.com/Alexandra_McLeod/

Sobremesa Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraSobremesa/

YouTube and Geography blog: https://alexandrasobremesa.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-mcleod-79b7a8107?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

SoundGirls Dante Certification Level 1, 2, 3

 

Dates: November 12 & 13

Times 10:00 am to 5:00 PM

Rat Sound Systems

486 Constitution Ave, Camarillo, CA 93012

 Register Here

 

The Dante Certification program provides an easy way for system designers, engineers and others in the industry to learn about Dante with in-depth training and promote their expertise. The certification program demonstrates your Dante proficiency to potential employers and clients.

Day 1 Dante Certification Level 1 & 2

10 am to 1 pm: Dante Level 1

1 pm to 2 pm: Lunch (food truck onsite for attendees to purchase lunch)

2 pm to 5 pm: Dante Level 2

Dante Certification Level 1 – Introduction to Dante

RU Credits: 2.0 CTS, Domain A

Level 1 certification tests proficiency of basic Dante audio networking concepts, and covers audio networking fundamentals, basic networking concepts, creating a small-scale Dante network, and using Dante Controller and Dante Virtual Soundcard.

Dante Certification Level 2 – Intermediate Dante Concepts

RU Credits: 2.0 CTS, Domains A & B or 2.0 CTS-D, Domain A

Level 2 Certification tests proficiency of intermediate Dante audio networking concepts, including Dante redundancy, clocking, latency and multicast.

Once Part A and Part B are both complete, you will be awarded your certificate for Dante Certification Level 2.

Day 2 Dante Level 3

10 am to 1 pm: Level 3

1 pm to 2 pm: Lunch (food truck onsite for attendees to purchase lunch)

2 pm to 5 pm: Level 3

Dante Certification Level 3 – Advanced Dante Concepts

RU Credits: 4.0 CTS or CTS-D

Level 3 certification is geared towards those who have already been using Dante, are are looking to create more advanced systems.

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The Importance of Saying No

A few months ago, I wrote a blog about The Importance of Saying Yes while building a career in audio – something I am still continually practicing.  While writing that blog, I realized I wanted to include a follow-up about the importance of saying no. Practicing this discernment is almost more important than saying yes, however, can be much more difficult!

I often find myself wanting to say yes to every opportunity that comes my way. It’s easy for me to do; I’ve grown accustomed to a full schedule of projects to balance, and I tend to be energized by my work. I’ve been in a building stage of my career for long enough to know that saying yes to one thing often leads to another opportunity. Sometimes it’s frightening to say no and feel like I’m missing out on something. The downside of this, however, is that during the times I get increasingly overwhelmed with my schedule, I’m unable to take necessary breaks for myself, which is ultimately bad for both my clients and myself.

When I think about my ideal career it’s full of flexibility and also full of projects that I’m really passionate about – I want to work on a number of records every year, yet still have enough time to play drums in projects, go on the road, and experiment with making new things with new people. To make all these things happen, I have learned to be more and more selective with my time.

To be more selective, I have to be comfortable with drawing a line and saying no. This doesn’t necessarily mean just saying no to new projects, it means saying no to additional edits past the agreed limit, an extra few takes during tracking or additional unpaid time. It comes down to drawing boundaries and standing up for yourself and your work. Admittedly, I sometimes find it hard to do this in an environment that is so much about curating an atmosphere of support and trust, but it’s ultimately a disservice to everyone involved if I am making decisions from an “I can do everything” mindset. It’s important to set limits, and it’s important for artists to work within those chosen parameters. Saying no doesn’t mean that I don’t want to or can’t do something; it means that I know what’s best for me.

The tipping point comes when work is coming at a healthy pace (a result of saying yes), and I start to realize what I might not want to work on, or what might not be best for my time. This can be tricky to decide, as the answer isn’t always immediately clear. I often change my rates to meet my clients’ needs, and while I think most freelancers do this to some extent, after some time if you aren’t clear and firm about your rate, you may be undervaluing yourself. This is a concrete way to help establish what is and is not worth your time. This may come at a metaphorical price – you say yes to fewer projects, but the flipside is your work is more valued and more structured. I believe developing this skill is a key component to growing in a freelance career.

Saying no can be a scary thing – it can feel like a missed opportunity, but ultimately, learning how to say no respectfully but firmly is crucial when valuing yourself, your time, and the growth of your career. As individuals who work for ourselves, it’s our job to set limits and guidelines!

 

Giving Up Wasn’t a Choice – Freelancing in Bollywood

 

I come from a family of bankers, doctors, and engineers & therefore have always considered myself to be the black sheep of the family as I’m more inclined towards Art, People & Culture. When I was seven years old, it was my father who discovered that I had a fascination for sound and musical instruments and had me join piano lessons and thus I started training in Hindustani Classical Music.  As a kid, I was an average student when it came to academics, had no extraordinary talents or goals. But I religiously stuck to music. It was my only solace, and I practiced and yearned to learn more every single day.

Towards the end of high school though, my parents were worried about the fact that I wasn’t doing well in my studies and hence decided to talk me out of pursuing music in the long term. They talked about the reality of this competitive field and that how hard it would be to succeed, especially for someone who personally knew no one belonging to her area of interest to mentor her. I abruptly quit studying music. All those years, I blamed my parents for talking me out of doing something I loved. I also hated Myself for accepting that maybe, I really wasn’t good enough.

After finishing junior college, the idea was to get into any STEM field, but I knew that I’d drop out midway because I had no passion for those subjects. Neither wanting to waste my time nor my parents’ money, I started researching about music schools in India, came across a private institute that provided a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media with specialization in Sound Engineering and decided to opt for it. All my three years as an undergraduate in sound school, I was the only girl in an entire batch of around 70 students. I knew right from the beginning that if there weren’t any girls to even study this subject, I wouldn’t find many when I actually start working in the profession, either. That didn’t dim my love for Sound, though. It was uncharted yet engrossing territory for me. I was learning something entirely new, the technical aspects of sound and music; as to what goes on behind-the-stage – beyond all the glamour – in this artistic field; what it takes to brilliantly record a song track for millions to listen to, later on; and how sound adds to the visuals and brings an entire film to life! I mastered my digital software (DAW)/outboard gear skills and also began composing and producing music of my own. I did a number of internships alongside my course, including one in my college itself. I did have a few clashes with my male batch mates, but I was fortunate enough to have to best faculties to guide and support me.

After course completion, I returned to Bombay  – the Hub of the Indian Mainstream Media, Music and Film Industry. My parents asked me to look for a stable 9 to 5 regular day job. It was quite a task for me to explain to them that odd long working hours and erratic schedules are a part of this Field. I had the skills and the talent, but I lacked contacts and networks. My first job, which was at a popular TV Channel, lasted for not more than three months. The head of the sound department told me that he thought I was in this field just for Hobby and that I “should get into other mass media field such as Print like most women until I got married and then I wouldn’t have to work further.” Also, working night shifts was risky, and hence I was, in a way, a liability. I decided to quit.

Why should I let anyone else dictate my future goals? I joined another studio, again for a very short period, as the owner didn’t believe that I’d succeed as an audio engineer and wanted me to work full-time but unpaid, under the name of exposure and experience. If I did get a good opportunity because of my skills, guys would claim that it was because “I was a woman” or that competition was less. What they didn’t gather was that as a female, I had a whole bunch of other challenges and issues to tackle, that they did not. Neither did I experience any sort of compensation or leniency because of my gender, nor was I expecting any. Another studio told me that I was aggressive, manly, and less feminine; a brash talker who lacked female creative input. How does one co-relate Creativity and gender roles, I wonder!

The idea of working for someone else was something that I completely started to abhor and also be scared of. I started questioning myself and having second thoughts that maybe I should go look for a less male-dominated field where I didn’t have to face such constant misogyny and be surrounded by the clichéd stereotypes and hackneyed ideas. My relatives and other acquaintances who knew nothing about my field also suggested the same.

But what if I experienced similar scenarios everywhere?

I was so done with the system and the field that I was jobless for months. I even sold off my piano and guitar – my only prized possessions – out of frustration, because they were a constant reminder of something I could achieve but chose not to, anymore – Creating Music.

One day, I got a call from an acquaintance who wanted to know about my field for their daughter. I was flabbergasted. Was I to say that this field wasn’t for women even if they had the passion for it? Wouldn’t that make me an accomplice in patriarchy?

Or that I was a failure? This made me question further –

What message or example does this lay for the women of the younger generation who decide to get into this field and find themselves in the same predicament? They’d have no one to look up to or guide them. They too would feel similarly lost and decide to quit. And the gender ratio in our field would, yet again, remain uneven.

Hence giving up wasn’t a choice. I refused to start believing what everyone else had to say about me, just yet. I decided to get back into the field as a freelancer and started working on small-scale projects on Sound Design, Dubbing, Sync-Sound and also began conducting guest lectures & fun workshops on music programming, theory, arranging and production. For someone who had just started out on their own again, after a long hiatus due to personal setbacks, Struggle, competition, unstable money, and lack of projects was truly a messy phase. But with more and more work projects and practical experience, recognition came my way.

People are still surprised to see a woman working behind the Console. Some artists seem to be more comfortable with it. Especially female musicians or actors, who claim that they can be themselves and not at all feel intimidated as they do around male engineers. Now that’s a compliment! Work done with ease and devoid of any sort of limitations brings out the best results. I believe in promoting diversity, inclusion, gender equality, and defying all kinds of stereotypes that surround men and women, both. It’s high time we move past conservative gender roles. Women are much more than shopping and accessories.

Women can be nerds; women can be gadget freaks & women can be Audio Geeks too!

No one should judge a person/an employee by the way they talk or walk or by what gender, race, or class they belong to, but only by their skills. “Am I getting the job done and am I getting it done Right? Am I bringing quality output to the table?” is all that should matter. The most significant work ethic that everyone should adopt, no matter what field they belong to, is that there has to be boundaries between one’s personal & professional life and everyone should try and respect them. I’m so, so grateful to the few good men who have been a consistent support and have helped me with their tremendous insights and knowledge with regards to not just the field but the business and politics behind it. No gender is superior or inferior. We shouldn’t tear each other down and instead be open to work as a collective, share ideas, create, innovate & inspire. And thus, I encourage and hope that more and more women opt for unconventional career paths, have an undeterred approach towards their goals, and also help their fellow female co-workers along the way.

As for me, my journey has just started, and I still have a long way to go and a great deal to learn.


Priyanka SE, Bombay IN: Based in Bombay, India, Priyanka SE is an audio engineer and music producer who’s been working as a freelancer in the Bollywood Industry on versatile mainstream and indie media, audio and music projects for the past five years. She has a distinct taste in music, irrespective of the genre and language, especially Blues, Jazz, Sufi, Indie, Folk Fusion, and Film Scores. Apart from that, she’s also an avid reader, an amateur writer, and Equal Gender Rights activist.

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/priyanka.se/

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/priyanka-se
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/priyankactk651

Missed this Week’s Top Stories? Read Our Quick Round-up!

It’s easy to miss the SoundGirls news and blogs, so we have put together a round-up of the blogs, articles, and news from the past week. You can keep up to date and read more at SoundGirls.org

September Feature Profile

https://soundgirls.org/foh-lisa-affenzeller-chasing-the-magic/

The Blogs

The Importance of Reference Tracks

One Is Not Enough: Understanding Bias in the Audio Community

Us VS Them?

SoundGirls News

Opportunity to Shadow Sound & Lights National Tour

AES Exhibits-Plus Badges for SoundGirls Members

NAMM 2020 Badges for SoundGirls Members

Accepting Applications for SoundGirls Bloggers


We just got some new merch in. Long Sleeves, Onesies, Toddlers, Gig Bags, and Canvas Totes. Check it out Here

Internet Round-Up


 

Sisters of Sound Podcast – Grammy Nominated Engineer Simone Torres


 

 

Women in Sound MARTA SALOGNI Studio Engineer + Producer: Bjork, Holly Herndon, Bon Iver


 

Congratulations to our U.K. Chapter Director, Scholarship Chair, and general badass Leslie Gaston-Bird for Writing Women in Audio. You can pre-order your copy and we will be adding a few copies to our Lending Library.
Women in Audio features almost 100 profiles and stories of audio engineers who are women and have achieved success throughout the history of the trade. Beginning with a historical view, the book covers the achievements of women in various audio professions, then focuses on organizations that support and train women and girls in the industry. What follows are eight chapters divided by discipline highlighting accomplished women in various audio fields: radio, sound for film and television, music recording and electronic music, hardware and software design, acoustics, live sound and sound for theater, education, audio for games, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality as well as immersive sound.
Women in Audio is a valuable resource for professionals of all levels, educators and students looking to gain insight into the careers of trailblazing women in audio-related fields and represents required reading for those looking to add diversity to their music technology programs.


SoundGirls Co-Director Tiffany Hendren on Roadie Free Radio

 


SoundGirls Events

Ableton Live for Anybody – 4 Session Online Course

New York SoundGirls & Female Frequency present Live Show Workshop

Bay Area Chapter Monthly Meeting

Alberta SoundGirls Chapter Social

Colorado SoundGirls Chapter Social

AES SoundGirls Events

SoundGirls Alberta Chapter – Field Trip


SoundGirls Opportunities


SoundGirls and SoundGym

Sound Particles Licenses Available

Meyer Sound Supports SoundGirls


SoundGirls Resources


Spotify and SoundGirls Team Up – EQL Directory

SoundGirls – Gaston-Bird Travel Fund

Letter for Trades and Manufacturers


Women-Owned Businesses

SoundGirls Scholarships 2021 Now Open

Events

Sexual Harassment

https://soundgirls.org/about-us/soundgirls-chapters/

Jobs and Internships

Women in the Professional Audio

Member Benefits

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