Laura Davis has been under the wing of Adlib since leaving school in 2007. Click above read her story...
Name: Laura Davis
When did you first start working for Adlib? July 2007
What’s your job title? Sound Engineer
How old are you? 19
How was your interest in production embellished at school? (Through what GCSEs & A Levels & extra curricular activities) – I studied music at GCSE Level and spent a lot of my school time learning to play instruments. I only became interested in the production side of Music in my 2 last school years.
When you left school did you know what you wanted to do? Yes, I had already been for an interview with Adlib before I sat my GCSEs.
Did you go on to further education? No
What led you to join Adlib? I became very interested in audio while in school. Adlib engineers would often be in my school for shows and band nights. Andy Dockerty from Adlib noticed my interest and helped give me an idea of what routes into the industry I could take.
Was there anyone throughout school/uni/college that you would describe as a mentor? The audio technician from my high school Ian McMillan helped me a lot while in school, showing me the basics and introducing me to Adlib. Declan Fyans from Adlib also helped me see what the industry was all about while still in school.
What was your first experience of working for Adlib? I came to Adlib for work experience while in year 10 at Gateacre Comprehensive School. I worked for 2 weeks helping out on gigs. My very first gig being HMV In store with ‘We Are Scientists’.
Was working for Adlib what you expected? Yes and more. I could not wish for a better job. The people here are great, we all have a special bond which is really good when spending a lot of time together.
Is it really glamorous working out on big gigs? It's hard work and far from glamorous at times, but it’s all worth while.
What does a typical working day for you entail? My day to day routine varies a lot. I could be working 9-5 making sure that gigs are prepped and ready to leave the warehouse. Or I could be doing 20 hour day gigging.
What is the best part of your job? And the worst? The best part is the feeling that you’ve achieved something at the end of a gig. Whether it is learning something new or making things run smoothly. Also the people you meet and the experiences you gain.
The worst part is the long hours, when you are drained and still have a load out to do. Convincing crew that although I’m a girl and I haven’t got height on my side ‘I can still pack a truck!’
What advice would you give to school leavers who want to get into the industry? Go for it, if it’s what you love and what you want to do then you have got nothing to loose. It’s a hard industry to get into but there will always be a way even if it means working voluntarily for a while.