Sound Check Crew | Future Yard Sound Check Crew | Future Yard

Sound Check Crew

Sound Check Crew
Welcome to Sound Check Crew –  where alumni stay plugged into opportunities, industry insights and the Future Yard network.

OPPORTUNITIES

Welcome to the Sound Check Crew talent pool, connecting emerging talent with employers across the live events sector.

If you are interested in Sound and Lighting:

If you are interested in Art Administration:

Metal Liverpool – Programmes & Operations Administrator (Liverpool) – Deadline 24th of March

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

In this section we will be listing opportunities for funding to support you with any freelance, entrepreneurial pursuits.

PRS – Early Career Promoter Fund

The Early Career Promoter Fund provides grants of up to £3,500 in order to support a range of promotional activity, including the booking and promotion of live events, associated costs such as venue hire and production, skill building and networking opportunities.

It was created in order to support the talent pipeline across England, and offers grant funding and capacity building support, with the aim of bolstering the local, regional and national ecosystems.

Find out more about the Early Career Promoter Fund here

PRS – PPL Momentum Accelerator

PPL Momentum Accelerator is a scheme to designed to support the development of outstanding artists and bands who write their own music, and future Industry Professionals, outside London and who face additional barriers in their career based on their location.

PPL Momentum Accelerator’s long-term approach supports the development of these outstanding artists and bands outside London, with partners providing support for a number of future industry professionals such as managers, promoters, record labels, music publishers, booking agents, to bolster regional scenes across the UK.

PPL Momentum Accelerator runs in Liverpool City Region, Tees Valley, Yorkshire and Wales. Previous recipients include English Teacher, L E M F R E C K and Pixey.

Find out more about PPL Momentum Accelerator here

 

 

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

In this section we will be listing job advice and industry tips.

Daniel Taylor, Technical Manager at The Royal Court:

“If there’s one piece of advice I’d pass on, it’s this: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people would much rather you ask and get it right than stay quiet and get it wrong. A huge lesson I’ve learned is that attitude is EVERYTHING in this industry. Skills can be taught, but curiosity, reliability, and how you treat others are what make people want to work with you again. Be prepared for the unglamorous jobs, communicate clearly, be on time, and be flexible — it all matters. People always remember the ones who supported them. Show up with a good attitude and a willingness to learn, and opportunities have a way of opening up.”

 

Networking is crucial to a successful career in the music industry.

The music industry has countless different paths – and everyone’s path will look different. Each gig and opportunity may lead you to meet different people, who then may offer you different opportunities. This is why music industry professionals will say networking (ie meeting people) is one of the most – if not THE most – important aspect of a career in the music industry.

The Musician’s Union lists these 7 tips on how to network effectively. 

Have clear intentions

Know who you are trying to find

Be yourself

Following up

Always ask for two more people to connect with

Tap into networks you already have

Cultivate resilience

 

Emma Carey, Head of Production at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

“I wish I learned earlier on that it’s ok to ask people to show you how something works or to share their knowledge with you. Obviously, you need to pick your time, for example, not when everyone is rushing around to get things ready half an hour before doors. However often if you’re working hard to help people get a show up and running, they will return the favour and spend a bit of time helping you step up your knowledge, especially if this means you can be more helpful in the future.

 

I look mostly for people who have apositive outlook, like tosolve problems,arekeento step up and help and enjoyworking with a team.I will always recognise someone who is always the first person to offer to chip in and help other people once the focus of their job is complete or jump in if they see someone struggling to lift something.

 

Remember that your role is important whatever step of the ladder you’re on. Make sure you’re onsite and ready to work at the call time, that you’re dressed appropriately and are wearing any of the relevant PPE. If you’ve been asked to help unload a truck it’s important to everyone else on the event that it gets done safely and efficiently so they’re able to start their part of the job. Equally if you’re operating a show turn up with an idea of the artists sound, seek any information you’ll need in advance and get together a channel list and even a show file if you can. Think of anything you might be able to do to mitigate any potential issues, for example putting in a spare vocal mic or having spare cables etc to hand, it’ll all help the day run more smoothly and reassure people you’ve got everything covered.”

 

 

 

FREELANCER ADVICE
Live music Industry Venues and Entertainment (LIVE):

“Freelancers are crucial to the success of the live music ecosystem and our industry relies on them to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans.”

 

What Does Staying Organised and Professional Involve?

For freelancers in live music event management and production, staying organised is essential for keeping events running smoothly and maintaining a strong professional reputation. This typically involves several key responsibilities:

  • Managing bookings and schedules
    Keeping track of event dates, call times, venue locations, and load-in or load-out schedules will help ensure you arrive prepared and avoid double bookings.
  • Handling invoices and payments
    Freelancers are responsible for sending invoices, recording agreed rates, and monitoring when payments are due to ensure they are paid correctly and on time.
  • Maintaining clear communication
    Responding promptly to emails or messages and confirming event details in advance helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps production teams coordinated.
  • Keeping records of your work
    Documenting the events you work on, the clients you collaborate with, and any feedback received can help build a portfolio and support future job opportunities.
  • Presenting yourself professionally
    Arriving prepared, communicating clearly and representing the event team in a professional manner contributes to a positive reputation in the industry.

Musicians Union Invoice tips:

What to Include on Your Musician’s Invoice 

 

In the live music sector, roles and responsibilities may differ depending on the size, budget and event in a venue. For example, in smaller venues a technician may find themselves doing sound, stage design and lighting, whereas in bigger venues they may be separate roles, or even done split between multiple people.

Depending on the job advertised, music industry career adverts may specify skills including, but not limited to, the following:

  • The ability to work as part of a team, which could be big or small
  • Being self-motivated, especially if working as a freelancer
  • The ability to problem solve and think quickly, and being able to work when under pressure
  • The willingness to work unsociable hours, such as late evenings and weekends
  • Organisational and interpersonal skills

 

Follow this invoicing guide on Musicians Union

self employed help – hmrc, things to remember to do

invoices keep all receipts – MU advice

 

NETWORKING EVENTS

In this section we will be listing local events in Merseyside, designed to help you meet those all important music industry contacts.

Liverpool Philharmonic – Music Industry Careers Fest 2026 – 22nd of March 2026

Liverpool Philharmonic’s Careers Fest is designed to give insight into the music industry – allowing you to see the wide array of opportunities in this field, meet leading industry professionals and ultimately kick start your musical career.

The day will include practical workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions and talks from industry experts, such as Liverpool’s own Guy Chambers (songwriter to Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Mark Ronson to name a few) and Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten and founder of Morpho Records).

Tickets are £10, and can be found on the Liverpool Philharmonic Website.

Find out more about Careers Fest here

Art Bar Baltic – MixUp Liverpool Music Industry Meet Up – 25th of March 2026

MixUp is a relaxed, early-evening meetup for Liverpool’s music community, aiming to bring music industry people together, share knowledge, and open the door to new collaborations. Attendees may include artists, producers, songwriters, venues, managers, promoters, labels, educators and general music lovers, brought together for a few hours of meaningful connection.

The event will feature short, informal guest talks from professionals across the music industry, open Q&A sessions where attendees can ask honest questions and share experiences, with time to meet new people and build genuine connections

The event is free to attend, just register in advance to secure your place.

Find out more about MixUp here

 

 

NEWS

For the first time in its history, The BRIT Awards are making their way to Manchester, after nearly five decades in London – taking place in Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday the 28th February.

Find out more about this story here

Liverpool new live music venue announced as “Gracy’s” – taking over the former Liver Suite on Brunswick Street. The venue promises to bring indie sounds to Liverpool’s city centre, hosting local bands throughout the week. Alongside this, it plans to host themed party nights and other events to celebrate Liverpool’s vibrant music and social communities.

Find out more about this story here

Government Announces 5% Funding Uplift for Arts Organisations – New funding for cultural organisations aims to save and protect 1,000 local arts and culture venues across England.  

Find out more about this story here

The British Music Embassy (BME) has revealed its line-up for SXSW in Austin, with performances from 59 new and emerging UK artists across seven days, including Mae Muller and DJ AG.

Find out more about this story here

 

 

 

CONTACT

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