🌅 Horizon Future Leaders – Saskhia Menendez Q&A

With our Horizon Future Leaders series, 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 Saskhia Menendez.

As a multi-hyphenate professional in the music industry, Saskhia exemplifies a strong commitment to equity, representation and advocacy. She highlights impactful initiatives, like the trans charter she is developing and her involvement with the Live Music Industry Expert Group, both of which foster meaningful change and support underrepresented voices in the industry.

Her career reflects that success is not just about climbing the ladder; it’s about actively contributing to a more inclusive environment. By staying consistent and engaging with diverse perspectives, Saskhia exemplifies the importance of an equally accessible industry.

Read the full Q&A with Saskhia below 👇

What’s your current role in the music industry?

I wear several hats within the music and entertainment industries. I’m the host of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, a podcast where I engage with diverse voices on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. 

My work extends beyond just conversations – I’m also finalising a trans charter for the music industry, aimed at setting clear guidelines and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for trans and non-binary individuals.

I also sit as an expert for the Live Music Industry Expert Group, where I help influence the live music sector, ensuring that inclusion is prioritised across the board. These roles reflect my commitment to reshaping the industry for greater representation and visibility, especially for marginalised and underrepresented communities.

Additionally, I’m preparing to release new music in 2025, which allows me to blend my advocacy with my creative passion. 

What does your general day to day look like?

I spend a lot of time researching and engaging with the latest discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as connecting with other industry professionals, organisations and artists. Some days involve meetings with the Live Music Industry Expert Group, where I provide input on live music sector initiatives, or networking to push for more inclusive practices across the industry.

My work is really about balancing advocacy with my passion for music, making sure that I’m contributing to a better, more inclusive industry while continuing to grow as an artist.

My day-to-day is a blend of creativity, advocacy and collaboration. Typically, I start by checking in on ongoing projects, just now that could be finalising details for the trans charter for the music industry or preparing for upcoming episodes of my podcast.

On the creative side, I’m also writing and producing new music, working towards my releases in 2025. 

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

Early in my career, I focused on building a strong foundation in music, starting at the age of eight when I joined a world-class choir. This experience gave me a deep appreciation for music, which I carried forward into my studies, pursuing GCSE music through to a master’s degree in 2022. Alongside my education, I made a point of getting involved in different aspects of the music industry to gain hands-on experience.

I started by taking on modest roles that allowed me to learn the inner workings of the industry and gain insight into its challenges, especially around diversity and representation. Volunteering and networking with key industry figures helped me develop a deeper understanding of the gaps in equity.

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

Becoming an Innovator at Keychange and joining The F List’s board of directors gave me practical experience in advocacy and pushing for real change in the industry. These roles, combined with ongoing mentorship and self-driven learning, helped me build the skills and confidence to take on bigger projects. 

Has the opportunity landscape changed since then?

A decade ago, conversations around diversity and inclusion in the music industry were happening, but they weren’t as front-and-centre as they are today. Back then, it felt like there were fewer opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard, and breaking through often required navigating gatekeepers who weren’t always open to change.

Since then, there’s been a growing recognition of the need for more inclusion, and initiatives like Keychange and The F List have gained traction, creating more spaces for women, gender minorities and marginalised groups. The rise of streaming and social media has also levelled the playing field somewhat, allowing artists and advocates to reach audiences directly without relying on traditional industry structures.

That said, while there are more opportunities now, there’s still a long way to go. Representation is improving, but systemic issues like discrimination and bias still exist, and real change requires continuous effort to make these opportunities accessible to everyone.

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

My internship at Talent Is Timeless was an invaluable experience, offering hands-on exposure to the industry and meaningful project work. 

I also recommend newcomers attend networking events, which are great for connecting with new contacts and seeking out collaborative projects with other artists to build skills. Being part of The F List has been especially impactful in raising women’s voices in the industry. 

If an ideal opportunity isn’t available, take the initiative to create your own projects to stay relevant and continuously develop your skillset

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

Building and leveraging a professional network in the music industry requires authenticity, consistency and genuine connections. People are more likely to connect with you if you’re genuine about your intentions, whether it’s about collaboration, advice or learning from others. Build relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals, rather than just transactional connections.

Networking isn’t something you can do once and forget about. Make an effort to meet people in different parts of the industry – whether through live events, social media or industry panels. Over time, maintaining consistent communication, even in small ways, can strengthen those connections

Offer value to the people in your network before you ask for something. Whether it’s sharing opportunities, offering support or promoting someone’s work, being helpful and proactive can make a big difference.

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

The music industry is increasingly embracing AI and digital tools, providing artists with new ways to self-release and manage their careers. 

There is a growing focus on diversity and inclusion, highlighting the importance of equitable representation and sustainable practices. 

Early-career professionals should develop entrepreneurial skills, engage with DEI initiatives, and remain adaptable to both live and virtual performance environments.

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

Continual learning is essential, especially given the music industry’s fast-paced evolution. Embrace skills in technology such as AI, digital tools and inclusive practices. These can set early-career professionals apart, keeping them relevant and competitive. By committing to growth and adaptability, they can confidently navigate industry shifts and make the most of emerging opportunities.

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

It’s easy to feel pressure to conform to industry standards, but authenticity is what truly resonates with audiences and drives meaningful connections. One piece of advice I wish I had received at the start of my career is to embrace my unique voice and experiences.

Additionally, seeking mentorship and building a diverse network early on can provide invaluable support and open doors you may not have considered.