Insight

SAE Liverpool Students’ Unforgettable Experience at Sound City 2023

A group of talented students from SAE Liverpool had the extraordinary opportunity to be a part of Sound City, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of the festival. From music business and audio engineering to stage management and film production, these students had a chance to delve into the inner workings of one of the most vibrant festivals in the music industry.

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Sound City Festival is an event that musicians and music business enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each year. It showcases diverse artists across multiple venues, creating an immersive experience for attendees. This year, a group of talented students from SAE Liverpool had the extraordinary opportunity to be a part of Sound City, gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of the festival. From music business and audio engineering to stage management and film production, these students had a chance to delve into the inner workings of one of the most vibrant festivals in the music industry.

Before the event

The journey for these SAE Liverpool students began well before the festival. As part of their degree in music business, they dove into the logistics of planning a multi-venue festival. They learned about the intricate details of such a complex event, from securing venues and coordinating artist schedules to promoting ticket sales. Understanding how to maximise ticket sales is crucial for the success of any event, and the students gained valuable insights into marketing strategies and promotional techniques, learning how to boost ticket sales and generate excitement among potential attendees effectively.

During the festival

Once the festival kicked off, the students found themselves immersed in the heart of the action. Those specialising in audio production had the unique opportunity to work behind the scenes and on stage with the artists themselves. This hands-on experience allowed them to put their technical skills to the test, ensuring the artists’ sound was flawless and their performances were delivered with the utmost quality. Collaborating closely with artists, the students gained invaluable insights into live performances’ demands and honed their audio production skills under real-world conditions.

Another group of students took on the role of stage managers, tasked with managing a designated stage throughout the festival. Their responsibilities extended beyond simply setting up equipment and managing sound. They had the important task of ensuring that the artists were content with their set-up, addressing any technical issues promptly, and maintaining a smooth flow between performances. Adhering to set timings was crucial to keep the festival running on schedule, and the stage managers took on the responsibility of keeping the performances seamlessly transitioning, allowing the artists to shine and the audience to enjoy a seamless experience.

Meanwhile, film production students had the exciting task of capturing the essence of Sound City through their lenses. Armed with cameras and the ability to access all areas, they had the freedom to roam the festival grounds, capturing memorable moments from various perspectives. These students were entrusted with collecting photo and video content on behalf of Sound City, showcasing the festival’s vibrant energy and unique atmosphere. Their work would contribute to the promotion and documentation of the event, preserving the memories for years to come.

THE STUDENT’s experience

The SAE Liverpool students’ experience at Sound City was an exhilarating blend of learning and practical application. It offered a rare opportunity to understand the inner workings of a renowned festival and gain hands-on experience in various fields. The knowledge acquired during the pre-festival phase and the experiences gained during the festival gave the students a holistic understanding of the music business and industry and its multifaceted components.

Participating in Sound City allowed these students studying music and business degrees to build a solid foundation for their future careers. The music business students gained practical insights into event management and marketing, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the industry. The Audio Production students refined their technical abilities and developed a keen understanding of live sound production. The stage managers honed their organizational skills and learned to adapt quickly to dynamic situations, ensuring the seamless execution of performances. Finally, the Film Production students honed their creative eye and storytelling abilities, capturing the festival’s essence through compelling visuals.

The SAE Liverpool students’ involvement in Sound City exemplifies the invaluable experiential learning opportunities that institutions like SAE provide. Their passion, dedication, and talent were showcased on one of the most prominent stages in the music industry.