Bridging the Creative Gap: A Conversation with Jamie Oborne, Founder of Dirty Hit

To start, can you share a little about yourself and your journey in music?

Of course! My name is Jamie, and I’ve been working in music for about 21 years now. Interestingly, I started later in life—around the age of 30. Before that, I was an aspiring musician myself but found my path into the music industry somewhat accidentally. A conversation with a friend about my experience being managed as an artist ultimately led me to a career in management. My route has been unconventional, which I think is an important perspective for sondr readers. I never saw ceilings or barriers; if I wanted to do something, I just went for it.

Can you tell us more about what inspired you to start Dirty Hit, and the challenges you faced early on?

The inspiration came from a combination of factors. Early in my career, as a manager, I noticed how signing deals with major labels often diluted the control we had over an artist’s work. This bothered me, especially after seeing artists I believed in struggle with failed label relationships. I also saw how the digital age was reshaping the industry and felt excited about its potential.

A pivotal moment was when someone I admired, an industry veteran, told me that digital copyrights were undervalued and would soon become crucial. This aligned with my own instincts about where the industry was heading. So, I decided to start a record label where the focus would be on retaining control for the artists and creating more balanced deals. We started offering 50/50 profit splits, which was pretty radical 18 years ago, but felt fair and artist-first.

Reflecting on your journey, did education play a role in your career path, and how important do you think formal education is for someone entering the music industry?

My own path was unconventional. I went to a state school in North London, did my A-Levels at a Sixth Form College, and left education for a while. I experimented with a few retail businesses, played in a band, and only went to university as a mature student at 24. Even then, I worked two jobs while studying to make ends meet.

For those wanting to enter the industry, formal education can help, but it’s not everything. The key is to put in the work. Whether it’s through education or experience, you need to consistently show up and do the job. The music industry values results, and those come from persistence and effort.

Finally, what advice would you give to young creatives aspiring to break into the industry?

Gamble on yourself. If you believe in what you’re doing, back it up with action. I often see younger people with a sense of entitlement, but real success comes from doing the work. Turn up every day, put in the effort, and over time, you’ll see the results.

Also, passion is everything. I’ve never questioned whether I’d be successful because this is what I love doing. When you truly love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like a privilege.