Enjoy The Perks of Your Backstage Pass!

Welcome to this month’s edition of The Music Media Maven! I’m Melanie, and I’m here to help you turn your passion for EDM into a career. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible brands and artists like The Festival Babes, DefineEverythingFuture, CHOZEN, and Rave with Mi Gente (and so many more). I guess you could say that makes me somewhat of a maven…which means it’s time for me to share the wealth!

Here’s how this is going to look - Every month, I’m bringing you a lesson, a tip, and an industry spotlight (for inspo duh!). We’re diving deep into strategy and psychology (both play a huge role here). And once we’re done? You’ll be ready to break through any obstacle in your way.

This newsletter is for creators, artists, and brands who want to stand out in today’s fast-moving digital space, or those of you who want to find a job in this crazy beautiful industry. And don’t forget - If you feel like you need more advice, networking, or a PLAN, I’ve got 1:1 coaching calls to help you take things to the next level.

Whether your goal is to land that brand deal, make your music go viral, build a social media strategy that actually works, or just to get your foot in the door in your dream industry, this newsletter is packed with resources on resources - just for you.

Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s do it.

A Page Out of the Playbook 📝

If you want to grow in the EDM industry (whether you’re an artist, content creator, brand, or entrepreneur) your network is everything. And the best part? This industry thrives on real-life connection. Festivals and events aren’t just for dancing and vibes (though those are important too) - they’re spaces where future collaborations, opportunities, and long-term friendships are born. You need to view every event you attend as a networking opportunity. That doesn’t mean being fake or transactional! It means showing up with intention, being present, and creating genuine conversations that could open doors down the line.

When you’re out there, make sure you’re showing up authentically and making the people around you feel comfortable…but don’t forget to advocate for yourself, your skills, and the value you bring to the table. And I mean advocate HARD.

Here’s an example: When I was 20, I applied for an internship in the wine industry. Technically, I couldn’t work in alcohol because I was underage, but they hired me anyways. At the end of my internship, my boss told my dad “I had no choice but to hire Melanie! She wouldn’t stop talking until I did.” Thanks to her (and me being the most annoyingly overconfident 20 year old ever) I got the opportunity that helped me move to California and start my dream life.

The goal is to find that balance between being someone people want to work with and someone they feel inspired by. You don’t even need to pitch yourself constantly; sometimes just sharing your story, listening deeply, and following up afterward leaves the biggest impact. In this scene, trust and energy matter just as much as talent. So show up, stay grounded, and remember, your next big opportunity could literally be one conversation away.

Your network is truly your net worth in this industry. These are the people who will find you jobs, put you in contact with the right people, get you bookings, and be willing to collaborate. And, if you’re lucky like me, you’ll find your best friends in the process.

Tips to Help You Build THE Network 🚀

• Lead with Genuine Curiosity
  Ask people about their projects, passions, and journey. Don’t just talk about yourself. People remember how you made them feel more than your elevator pitch.

• Be the Vibe You Want to Attract
  Stay grounded, approachable, and intentional. Your energy speaks volumes!! Show up as someone others feel safe around, inspired by, and excited to connect with.

• Find Common Ground, Then Bridge to Value
  Start with shared experiences (a set you loved, mutual friends, favorite artists) and naturally lead into what you do and how you can collaborate or support.

• Stay Sober or Clear Enough to Be Present
  You don’t have to be totally sober, but being mindful of your state helps you hold better conversations, make lasting impressions, and actually remember the people you meet. Clarity = connection.

• Follow Up With Intention
  Send a DM or message within 1–2 days, reference something specific from your convo, and offer support (share their content, shout them out, invite them to something). Relationships grow in the after.

Looking for EDM Industry Jobs?

If you’re looking to get your foot in the door, you are in the right place! Follow the hyperlinks below for some opportunities in the EDM space that may be your chance to start a career path in your dream industry.

Not seeing what you want? Still struggling to find the right path? Need to build your network? Book a 1:1 coaching call - I’m here to help!

I’ll be posting opportunities as I see them on my Instagram stories, so make sure you are following and have story notifications on to be in the know! You can also check my “EDM OPPS” highlight if you’re concerned that you missed something.

Insomniac Events is ALWAYS hiring for tons of different roles all across the country. Check out the full list here, and see if anything fits you!

Project Seismic (San Diego) is still looking for a Social Media Marketing Intern! Send them an email at [email protected]. This is a super grassroots organization that is growing FAST, which means they probably have some other roles opening up. Even if social media isn’t your cup of tea, I’d email them and ask how you could get involved!

The Festival Babes are looking for blog writers and content creators! Apply to write for The Festival Blog. Apply to the following influencer programs: Sound Haven, Wakaan Fest, Shaky Knees, Joshua Tree Music Festival (We have a lot coming, so expect way more next month!)

Sound Haven is hiring an Operations Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Content Creators, and MORE!

My favorite music industry job board is ROSTR. This website has SO MANY JOBS. I’ll let you look at the whole thing and see if anything stands out to you!

More to come next month!

April Spotlight: Shai Ben-David 🔦

If you’re looking for proof that hard work, creativity, and consistency can take you far in the music world…look no further than Shailee Ben-David. With nearly a decade in the industry, Shai's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She got her start interning with OWSLA and Alina Baraz before launching into a career with Insomniac, where she honed her skills in event production, creative direction, and artist relations. Today, she’s the Creative Director for John Summit’s Experts Only label, leading the charge on the visual direction of his tours and festival sets, and helping shape the identity of one of the most viral brands in dance music.

Beyond her current role, Shai wears many hats, from artist and festival management to being a key creative force behind iii Points Festival, one of Miami’s most cutting-edge events. With nearly 35K followers on Instagram, she’s now using her platform to pay it forward, sharing raw insights into her career path and dropping valuable tips for newcomers eager to break into the industry. Whether you’re a budding creative or an aspiring tour manager, following Shai is like getting a behind-the-scenes pass to the realities of building a dream career in music.

Ready to REALLY Level Up? 📈📈📈

My masterclass, How To Stand Out On Social, is just what you need to take the next step on your social media. We’re going to set you up with exactly what you need to shine and accomplish your goals! (And guess what - I dropped the price more than 50% just for you ;)) GET THE MASTERCLASS AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE HERE

Looking for a little more guidance? Book a 1:1 coaching call here! (Prices will increase after May 1st, so this is your last chance to get it at this price!)

Thanks for hanging, I’ll see you in June! But until then you can keep up with me on Instagram or TikTok. Happy Spring!