🌅 Horizon Future Leaders series – Cally Hamilton Q&A

As part of our new Horizon Future Leaders series of interviews, we are connecting with the music industry’s next generation of leaders to gather candid advice and insights into their career journeys. 

Horizon is CMU’s weekly newsletter that brings you a hand-picked selection of early to mid stage career opportunities from across the music industry, paired with insights and advice. Whether you’re looking for your first job in music or you’re ready to take a step up, Horizon is here to help you find your dream job faster. Horizon is focused on highlighting the best and most exciting roles we’ve seen and is made for people who are building their careers with ambition.

Getting started and progressing your career in the music industry can often feel overwhelming. Despite the wide range of positions and opportunities available, early-career professionals often face a daunting array of challenges. From the frustrating cycle of needing experience to be able to get the roles that help you build experience, to often intense competition from like-minded peers, the barriers in music can sometimes seem higher than in many other fields.

At CMU we spend a lot of time trying to explain and demystify the music business, and our Horizon newsletter is dedicated to helping the next generation of music leaders build and progress their careers. Our new series of Q&A interviews, Horizon Future Leaders, talks to rising professionals from across the industry: to hear firsthand how they started out and what they have learnt along the way, sharing practical tips and advice for anyone looking to build and own their future in the music business.

👉 This week, we caught up with Cally Hamilton, Sync Coordinator at Republic Of Sync.

From her early internship at Mr Bongo and starting a prominent club night during university to her current role at Republic Of Sync, Cally shares valuable insights into her day-to-day work, the importance of being proactive from the start, and navigating the ever-changing music landscape. 

Read the full Q&A with Cally below 👇

What’s your current role in the music industry?

I work at the independent creative sync agency Republic Of Sync, where I help bring moving images to life with the power of good music. My role involves collaborating with a variety of independent record labels to pitch their catalogues for placements in TV, film, advertising and gaming.

What does your general day to day look like?

I liken my role to that of a music librarian specialising in sync. Each day is exciting as I receive new creative briefs from music supervisors and advertising agencies. I curate playlists with an intuitive ear, tailoring them to upcoming projects.

What steps did you take early in your career to gain experience and build skills to get you where you are now?

For me, I knew a degree in music business wasn’t enough by itself and it was essential that I went and got real life experience. Whether this was interning at a record label (Mr Bongo) or starting up my own club night with friends (SHOOK), I really pushed myself to learn and grow outside of my degree.

What opportunities did you explore early on that were particularly valuable?

Interning at Mr Bongo Records during my second year of university opened the door to the world of sync, thanks to Tracy Murray. That same year, I started a club night in Brighton/London, booking talent from Sherelle to Kode 9, which provided invaluable insight into the underground club scene. Additionally, I volunteered for various roles, from stage managing at The Great Escape festival to working with the local Brighton radio station, Platform B.

Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?

While opportunities are always there, they often come down to being in the right place at the right time. It’s a ‘who you know’ type of business, so networking is key. Fortunately, I’ve noticed positive changes in the hiring landscape, with an increasing emphasis on inclusivity and companies now paying for internships.

Are there any specific internships, projects, or initiatives that you would recommend to newcomers looking to pursue a similar role?

My advice would be to be persistent (not pushy) – reach out to your favourite record labels and companies and express your interest. Look out for networking events and just start up a conversation. You never know how one conversation could change your life. 

What advice do you have for building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry?

Perseverance and determination. Have no shame in starting from the bottom and working your way up. Interning led me to a management position. 

How has the evolving digital landscape impacted your role, and where do you focus to stay ahead?

The digital landscape is constantly evolving and adapting is essential. The ongoing AI debate presents both challenges and opportunities; while AI may threaten composers and human creativity, companies like Audioshake are creating new possibilities in sync by generating quality instrumentals from old records in seconds, which is equally exciting and pretty daunting.

What trends or changes do you see on the horizon for the music industry, and how can early career professionals prepare for them?

In my sector, nostalgia is likely to remain influential in sync and beyond. The sounds of the 1990s and 2000s will likely shape future advertising. Staying informed about trends in creative briefs will help you remain ahead of the curve.

What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Ask as many questions as possible.