Music to the masses at the click of an app
Mike Smurthwaite is head of content at music-streaming service Joox
I manage the content and operations for Joox, a super-cool music-streaming mobile app that recently celebrated two years in SA.
The work I do involves a lot of collaboration and co-ordination with many teams to ensure that every time you log in to your app, the latest music and in-app content is working and up to date.
What drew you to your industry, and what keeps you working in it?
Boredom! In my first year of university, I found myself applying for a job at a campus radio station as I figured out that it was better to do something new and completely different to my academic studies. That enabled me to connect with thousands of people simultaneously while sharing and playing music I loved. The diversity and dynamic nature of the industry is what keeps me working in it. In SA, 10 years ago, I could not have been doing the job I do at Joox today; it didn’t exist.
Being in the music industry. It is full of life, inspiration and new beginnings, has an impact on culture and is the soundtrack to our lives. I also enjoy creating experiences and memories through music for others.
Where to start! Time; I often must manage many fronts to ensure we meet challenges and opportunities. I also have to manage multinational stakeholders from two, sometimes three, continents, meaning I have to drink a lot of coffee and have to send e-mails and make calls at random times. Then there is making sure we have your favourite music as it comes out.
The ability to engage with a diversity of cultures and music tastes. Understanding the context of music within a cultural, historical, political and societal framework is critical to this job. Flexibility, agility, time management and the ability to execute under pressure without cracking.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
A rubbish collector. In my young eyes, they got to see the city, and it seemed like a lively career that involved jumping on and off a truck while whistling and shouting.
What was your first paying job, and what important lesson did it teach you?
The most important lesson I learnt was the value of a contract. I delivered flyers for an antique dealer that paid me for only one month for four months of work. What I learnt was to make sure you always have a solid contract in place. I get to reach into people’s lives and affect them intimately. Through the music, I get to almost live each moment with them.
What advice do you have for young people just starting out in their careers?
Read, educate yourself formally and put in the time to master the skills and seek out feedback to better yourself every day.