industry insights: steve mead

“On the 25th of February at Aviva Studios, mjf’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) held their first industry talks with mjf director Steve Mead.

Their objective was to gain more insight into the live music industry, specifically about the different aspects and roles within festivals, mjf’s beginnings, the changes to the roles and challenges over the years, and most importantly: the mistakes. While the YAB members prepared various engaging questions for Steve, the audience was equally attentive and enthusiastic as the event progressed into a Q&A.

Steve provided everyone with a lot of advice that doesn’t only apply to the path of establishing oneself professionally, but also in life. For example, when asked about what advice he would have given his younger self, after a reflective pause he simply replied, “Be yourself.” In a world that expects so much of everyone, especially young people, it was refreshing to be told to stay authentic to ourselves. Similarly, when asked about how to manage people effectively his response was once again quite straightforward and down-to-earth as he said, “Just be a decent human being.”

Furthermore, Steve debunked the idea that confidence is a stable, attractive or visible attribute and that in fact a controlled fear or ‘under-confidence’ can be the key propeller to make things happen.

Special thanks to Georgie, a fellow YAB member, who interviewed Steve, also to the mjf staff who helped out, the YAB members who prepared this, and of course, to Steve Mead who as always dazzled us with a statement suit (during the event we found out that he has around thirty-six different suits in his closet!)”

With thanks to YAB member, Kalina Kolodziejska. The next YAB Industry talk will take place at The Social in Aviva Studios on the 2nd of April, 6-7 pm featuring composer and artists, Thanda Gumede. Click here to register for your free ticket.