Recently we launched our Route Placement Programme which will offer three successful applicants the opportunity to launch their music industry careers at three of the most exciting companies in the live music sector. We find out what it’s like to work at venue programming company FORM with Promoter Assistants Catherine Neilson and Will Morris.



In the simplest terms, please can you describe what an event promoter does.


A promoter is involved in the running of numerous events from the inception of the show, all the way through to liaising with talent agents and managers, booking venues, marketing and ensuring the show runs smoothly and successfully.

Tell us a bit about FORM and the work you do.


To give you a little more background on FORM, while we’re a new company (Jan 2020) we bring together long established UK promoters One Inch Badge and Rockfeedback. We also own the festivals Visions,  Pitchfork London and Mutations. Artists that we promote here include The War on Drugs, Father John Misty, Big Thief, Haim, Future Islands, Beach House, Deerhunter & lots of others.

What practical and personal skills are you looking for in potential candidates?


Enthusiasm and drive. Can do attitude. Good communication skills. Wilingness to learn. An active interest in current music.


What do you hope successful candidates will learn from their placement with you?


We aim to provide the successful candidates with the tools to start their careers in the music industry, with a stepping stone they may not have otherwise had. They will gain experience across all departments of the company, from booking, marketing and running events, to having hands on experience at the events themselves.

Can you give us an insight into a typical day in the office? How many are in the team and what will it be like for new recruits?


The London office is shared with major national concert promoters Kilimanjaro. The London FORM team is a small team ( 4 people ), and the succesful candidate will be assisting programming, ticketing and marketing in their day to day tasks, as well as getting experience assisting out of the office at the live events. Overall the team is made up of 13 people across London and our Brighton office.

Biggest perk of the job?


We love watching first hand the trajectory and growth of an artist from infancy playing small DIY venues, to established full production concerts. Discovering new music and getting to experience live concerts across a wide genre of music.


One piece of advice for those wanting to enter the world of programming?


Enthusiasm , willingness to learn and asking questions are all incredibly useful tools for anyone perusing a career in this line of work.

What excites you about being part of this particular placement programme?


We at FORM believe that listening to the voices of people from of all walks of life adds huge value to an industry that often falls short; it is important to us to contribute to making a positive change within the industry, and believe ROUTE’s mission to further prevent gate-keeping of entry level positions is incredibly important. We’re proud to be involved, and very excited about the contributions the successful candidates will be making to better the music industry.

Find out more about the Route Placement Programme here.

Check out more on FORM here.

This project is backed by Youth Music, thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery.

http://youthmusic.org.uk/