Meet Jannet Talat of Universal Music Group in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jannet Talat.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Pakistan- my family migrated here when I was only two years old. I grew up in a pretty strict home with many high expectations where my parents wanted me to become a lawyer (the Pakistani dream). Regardless, I knew I always wanted to be in music because I was so passionate about it; from going to shows, constantly discovering, and just wanting to be around it all the time. I just thought it to be impossible because the field is SO competitive.

When I decided I to go for it, I had been working at Fix Auto, an automotive body shop, for five years. Leaving an industry, I had been in for so long with people I was extremely comfortable with was one of the hardest, most up-rooting decisions I ever had to make.

However, since the music industry is so competitive, I knew I had to start somewhere in entertainment with virtually no experience. With the odds stacked against me, I applied relentlessly to jobs – no exaggeration, I applied to HUNDREDS of jobs. I finally accepted a position in Business Affairs at NBC, which I knew would be a good stepping-stone to music, even though it was something I absolutely didn’t want to do.

After working at NBC for two years, I applied to an A&R/Product Development position at Universal Music with the referral of one of my best friends, Megan, who knew I would be a good fit for the job. The interview process was hard and grueling, but worth it once I was made an offer!

Getting into music was definitely not as linear or easy as people think – but consistency and hard work was the key.

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. Coming from a pretty orthodox Muslim family, I think my parents would’ve preferred I went in a different field. You don’t see many Pakistani Muslim women in music. Especially when you’re in music, you’re constantly going to shows and festivals… I don’t think they like that very much. Lol.

Also, making the switch from automotive to music wasn’t easy. I knew it required perseverance and consistency. Having no previous experience in music really hindered my chances of getting into a music career.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I work in A&R and Product Development which is essentially working on products with artists. Since I work for Universal Music Enterprises, I work on older, catalog releases which can range from any label under Universal such as Island, Interscope, Virgin, etc. My projects range from anything as small as building a playlist and anything as big as creating vinyl boxed sets.

I’ve worked on an album for Cold War Kids, product for Lady Gaga, and vinyl for Ariana Grande. Those projects have been my favorite thus far because I’m working for artists that I love.

One of the best things about Universal is the culture – everyone you come across is inclusive and willing to help you on your journey and knowledge about the industry.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Wow, yes, Los Angeles is the HUB. The networking opportunities are truly endless. I’ve grown up in SoCal my whole life and everyone knows everyone – NETWORK! You never know who you may meet and how they can help you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleboyjannet
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LittleBoyJannet
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannet-talat/

Image Credit:
Zach Miller for crowd-surfing photo

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