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.

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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 a positive outlook, like to solve problems, are keen to step up and help and enjoy working 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.”

 

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.”

 

FREELANCER ADVICE
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.
  • Handling invoices and payments – Sending invoices, recording agreed rates, and monitoring when payments are due.
  • Maintaining clear communication – Responding promptly to emails or messages and confirming event details in advance.
  • 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.
Networking is crucial to a successful 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
Musicians Union Invoice tips:

What to Include on Your Musician’s Invoice 

 

Sound Check Crew Spotlight

In this section, we will be spotlighting fellow Sound Check alumni to share their stories and advice to Sound Check Crew members.

Catherine Bullock – Sound Check 2025

“After completing a degree in Physics and Music Technology, I had a lot of theoretical knowledge, but not a lot of practical experience. I initially applied for Sound Check to make connections and gain experience at Future Yard, but mainly to put into practice what I had learnt in my program at university. Since completing Sound Check, I have begun freelancing as a Venue Technician all over the North West, and I now most often work in Arts Bar and Future Yard, and I have recently gotten a position at the Tung Auditorium. I have found work directly through the Sound Check course now Freelancing at Future Yard as an Event Manager and Sound Technician, but also through emailing venue, asking people in person, and being recommended for jobs through previous work.”
What advice would you give other Sound Check Alumni or those currently on the course?
“If I could give one piece of advice to people on the Sound Check course and Alumni, it’s to keep kind, consistent, and present in the community! The music industry is built on knowing the right people, which can be frustrating at times, but it can also be a blessing in disguise! Go to gigs, talk to people, ask techs if you can shadow them, and there might be one day down the line where they need someone to fill in, and you’re the only one available. This career is definitely not linear, you have to keep putting in the work, but that’s what makes it so exciting and enjoyable.”
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

 

NETWORKING EVENTS

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

The Narrative – ‘Made In Halton’ Special Edition Showcase & Catalyst After Hours Launch Event – 22nd of April 2026

Made In Halton is a Songwriter Showcase & Music Industry Networking Night, featuring three performances from singer-songwriters who will be sharing their songs and the stories behind them in an intimate ‘songwriters round’ format.

The Narrative’s events are ran by local creatives, with a focus on the creative process and expanding your network within our local creative scene.

Entry to The Narrative is on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis, with all donations going towards their events, performers and creatives working behind the scenes.

Doors will be open from 7pm, with performances starting from 8pm.

The event will take place at Catalyst Science Discovery centre, Cheshire, WA8 0DF.

Find out more about The Narrative Made In Halton here 

 

CONTACT

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