In honour of International Women's Day, we highlight the exceptional accomplishments of women in the music industry and caught up with Stacey Haber, a WaterBear mentor and staunch advocate of artists' rights. 

Once tagged by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the music industry’s leading experts, Stacey boasts 30 years in the industry and has held roles in law, labels, publishing, sync, music supervision, mentoring, marketing, songwriting, production, podcasting, and founded non-profits for emerging tech and neighbouring rights. Additionally, she is a published author. 

As the founder of SHHH Media, Inside Baseball Music Publishing, FoxPin Artist Management, and The Music Firm, as well as Co-Founder of IAFAR, Stacey's entrepreneurial spirit has driven numerous successful ventures. Her dedication to fostering talent extends to Hope & Plum Book Publishing, where she has launched the careers of over 20 new authors. 

Can you tell us about your journey into the music industry? What initially drew you to pursue a career in music? 

“I never intended to go into music! I wanted film and TV, but I was placed with a law firm in the East End of London for an internship, and they focused on art and music. I absolutely loved it and pursued it full-time after graduating from law school. Once in the music industry, there's no turning back.” 

What would you say has been the most rewarding aspect of working in the music industry for you personally? 

“Helping emerging artists start their careers and watching them become family; assisting established artists in regaining their rights and finally owning their catalogues; aiding legendary artists in breaking away from bullies and finding a brighter future; discovering the perfect lyric when no one else could!” 

Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from your career to date? 

“Most are covered by attorney-client privilege, but my proudest moment was seeing my son find success as both a music industry A&R and as an artist in his own right.” 

 How do you stay updated with industry trends and developments? 

“Absolutely. I co-founded a not-for-profit called the Music + Emerging Tech Group (formerly the Web3 Music Rights Group), where we regularly educate through webinars, AMAs, and in-person events globally.” 

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing professionals in the music industry today? 

“Mental health. Take care of yourselves, my loves.” 

How do you navigate the balance between creativity and commercial success in your work? 

“Creativity comes first. I take for granted that someone will create great music because without it, nothing will happen. But creating great music is only the beginning. After that comes the admin and the marketing. If you’re not doing those, then music is your hobby, not your career.” 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the music industry? 

“Believe in yourself and never give up. There is no age ceiling, no wrong genre, no barrier to entry. Create because you have to, not because you want to. If you just want to, keep your day job. If you can’t think until you write or record that hook or melody or lyric, then do it and don’t stop. Find your people and fuel each other. Learn about the business side and hire the right advisors to steer you and your rights to fiscal success and commercial recognition.” 

In your opinion, what skills or qualities are essential for success in this field? 

“Relentlessness. A voracious desire to learn all aspects of creation and administration. Self-belief.” 

Who would you say are your greatest female role models in the music industry?  

"Naomi Asher at Sony Music Publishing and Ann Tausis at Kollective Neighbouring Rights stand out to me. They've not only brought Neighbouring Rights to the forefront but have also tirelessly worked to make the income stream transparent and efficient. Samantha Schilling at Songtrust and Abby North at North Music have admirably picked up that mantle and are running with it. 

Carol Stevens at Minstrel Hall Music is undeniably one of the greatest music managers of all time. Her contributions to the industry are immense. Then there's Jocelyn Brown, a legendary artist who has consistently crushed every barrier and defied every obstacle to keep the music real and the gigs coming. 

Lorraine Lucas is someone I deeply admire; she excels as a songwriter, vocal producer, and photographer. She's my role model for doing what you want if you're ready to learn how to do it very, very well. Last but not least, Paula B Haber is my rock. She constantly reminds me that I can do this even when I'm convinced I can't." 

WaterBear – The College of Music 

WaterBear offers BA (Hons) degree and master’s courses made for today’s musicians, artists and industry professionals. Its colleges are based in the heart of Brighton and Sheffield, two amazing UK cities with incredible musical roots and heritage. The college also has a range of online distance learning courses.  

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WaterBear is a College of Falmouth University, a pioneer in creative industries education, entrepreneurship and innovation. Run by musicians, for musicians WaterBear is about smaller class sizes, flexible course delivery, bespoke one-to-one mentoring and exclusive work experience and career development opportunities.