Career advice and inspiration: Mike Walsh, UK Head of Strategic Partnerships at Serenade

My various role(s):

UK Head of Strategic Partnerships at Eco-friendly music NFT platform Serenade. Plus an artist co-manager of two young singer songwriters, and active committee member of both War Child and EarthPercent charities

What do you love most about your job?

At Serenade I love speaking to artists and managers every day about the possibilities of the ever growing world of digital merchandise and the smart contracts it offers.

Tell us something about your role that many people wouldn’t know?

I regularly have Zoom meetings at 6am, as most of the Serenade team are in Sydney!

What was your first move into / experience of the music industry?

I did a lot of student radio when I was at Uni and that was when I first started seeing the industry behind both the artists and the media – both of which I found endlessly fascinating.

Explain a defining moment/role in your career?

Crossing the floor from radio promotions at a major label to programming music on radio.

What three pieces of advice you would give to your 16 year old self, aspiring to follow a similar career path (include relevant work experience, networking, professional qualifications etc)?

1. It’s going to be a lot of fun so enjoy it
2. Never forget that it’s a people business
3. Always get to know the artists and managers