The Glossary: Daniel Olaifa | Music Supervisor, BBH London

Last week we launched a brand new project, Doors Open UNLOCKED: Artists with Leland, and along with it a new Glossary series exploring the roles that exist with music supervision and adjacent industries through the career pathways of some of the talented professionals lending their expertise to the programme.

What is your role in music and what does your day to day look like?
I’m Daniel, a Music Supervisor at BBH London. The day-to-day varies significantly. However, the core of my responsibilities revolve around creative music searching, administrative duties related to licensing as well as planning… lots of planning. Sometimes that goes beyond music supervision, and includes music showcases; other times, internal events such as listening parties.

How did you get into your line of work?
It wasn’t exactly a direct path to where I am now, but a really important part of it was the Creative Mentor Network. They paired me with a mentor who helped me learn about and understand the creative industry and the different roles within it; not just producing and making music.

After graduating, I spent some time working as a sound designer before eventually moving into sync at Concord Music Publishing. Then, after a conversation in a lift, (basically an unofficial elevator pitch) I found myself on the path to BBH London. I didn’t get the job the first time I applied, but when the role came up again, I was ready for it and it worked out.

Would you like to share something you (or someone else in your industry) has worked on that excites you?
I’m really excited about an artist called svn4vr. They’re expressing creativity in such a genuine way. Sometimes, making personalised CDs for their fans to the music which just feels so completely free and unfiltered. There’s something really wondrous about the way they approach it. 

What are your top 3 tips for someone who wants work in the music industry in general?
I’d say be kind and nice to people (but honestly, that’s just good advice for life). Beyond that, I think it’s important to pursue your passion for music before you actually have the job. Like go to events or gigs, immerse yourself in the scene, maybe even start running your own nights or creative projects?

Send those emails, and Instagram DMs too, but also work towards having something that makes you stand out when you eventually get that interview. In short, it’s about finding different ways to be known. 

Sign up for your place on Doors Open UNLOCKED: Artists with Leland here.

Explore jobs in electronic music on Doors Open here.