HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Andrew Morris, the founder of Sand Merchants in California, is going to be a guest speaker for the University of Hawaiʻi's MELE Midterm Mixer event. It's a time for MELE Program students and alumni to connect and network. Morris will be sharing his industry insights with the students of Honolulu Community College's MELE Program, which is the first college in Hawaiʻi selected to be a part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You KHON2.com was able to catch up with Morris who shared his fascinating journey in the music business. Morris has spent over 50 years in the industry, working with legendary artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie. His story, filled with unique experiences and valuable lessons, serves as an inspiration to young musicians and music enthusiasts. Early days in the music industry Morris, who is from London, England, began his career in 1970 at just 16 years old. He started as a messenger for Elton John, delivering clothes and important documents. "I ran around London picking up Elton’s clothes and getting his visa," he said, reminiscing about those hectic days. This job was his introduction to the music world, and it opened many doors for him. After a year with Elton, Morris secured a position at Olympic Sound Studios in London, a major competitor to the famous Abbey Road Studios. "I began as a tea boy*, but I learned quickly," he explained. His responsibilities included making tape copies and assisting with recording sessions. The hard work paid off when he got the chance to work on projects for well-known bands. His first major experience came when he worked on a session with The Rolling Stones. "I was thrown into the mix when one of the engineers couldn’t make it," he recalled. This was a pivotal moment that set the tone for his future in the industry. Navigating the changing landscape During his talk, Morris reflected on the state of the music industry today, especially after the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that many clubs around the world faced significant financial struggles, leading to closures. "After COVID, club owners had a tough time bringing back bands," he noted. Many venues were forced to rely heavily on ticket sales and bar revenue, creating a challenging environment for new and emerging artists. Morris pointed out that ticket prices have skyrocketed since the pandemic. "You can pay anywhere from $250 to $5,000 for tickets to see big bands," he said. This trend has made it harder for younger musicians to gain traction in smaller towns where local fans might not have the funds to support live music. Despite these challenges, Morris expressed optimism about the future. He encouraged students to understand the importance of networking. "Networking is 50% of your career," he stated. Building connections within the industry is crucial for success, especially for new artists trying to establish themselves. The importance of passion Throughout his career, Morris learned that passion is a driving force in the music business. "You have to have passion; it has to motivate you," he advised. He emphasized that rejection and challenges are common in the industry, but perseverance is key. "If there’s a will, there’s a way," he encouraged. Morris also shared insights about how today’s artists must be business-savvy. "Most artists today know how to navigate the industry," he said. He advised young musicians to retain control over their music and publishing rights. "It’s vital to hold onto your music; it’s your most valuable asset," he added. He suggested that aspiring musicians should actively seek opportunities to perform and build their fan base. "Playing in local clubs and connecting with radio station managers can open doors," he noted. The importance of understanding the market and developing a unique presence cannot be overstated. Memorable experiences in the studio Morris had many memorable experiences throughout his career, but one stood out above the rest: working with David Bowie. "I got a call one Saturday afternoon and didn’t realize it was him," he recalled. Bowie wanted to book studio time, and after a brief conversation, Morris learned he was speaking with the iconic musician. Shortly after, Morris found himself working on Bowie's Diamond Dogs album. "I was just a lucky kid," he said. Being a junior assistant engineer at such a young age was a remarkable opportunity. He remembered the experience fondly, noting how special it was to witness Bowie recording songs like "Rebel Rebel". Reflecting on his time with Bowie, Morris said, "Working with him was incredible. He was such a brilliant person." He felt fortunate to have been part of the creative process with so many legendary artists. Morris's advice for the future Andrew Morris’s talk left a lasting impression on the students. His journey illustrated the hard work, resilience, and passion needed to succeed in the music industry. He encouraged aspiring musicians to embrace challenges, network wisely, and hold onto their creative rights. As Morris concluded, he reminded everyone that success in music is not just about talent; it’s about dedication and the willingness to learn and adapt. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 "Anyone can have that chance if they go for it," he said, leaving students inspired to pursue their musical dreams. *A tea boy is the bottom of the rung in corporate British life. They are tasked with serving tea, and coffee, to their superiors.