Want to network in the music industry? Here’s our inside scoop on how.
So you are a new artist on the music scene and want to get discovered by people, signed by a label, and release an EP. We know, you want to make it big, and you should! But before you drift off into dream land of becoming a star and headlining music festivals, let’s start at the beginning.
What is Networking?
The first step to success in the music industry is to network. Yes, you have probably heard that one before and everyone keeps saying it, but what does it mean? Well, networking is making connections with people in such a way that you can provide a mutual value to each other. Networking is more than just a superficial relationship, it is an invested connection between people, similar to a friendship or relationship, that will continue to grow according to the amount of time you choose to give to it.
How to build networks
Networking is meeting people at events and keeping in touch with them after the initial encounter. Being able to offer an exchange of services, benefits, invitations, opportunities, anything appropriate will only strengthen the connection made at events. You should try to build your network by including them in future events that they may be interested in. Who knows what opportunities may come to you if you stay open minded about meeting new people. At the same time, if a potential connection does not show interest or enthusiasm toward you and your band, do not harass them. There are many people who will be excited to help you!
Follow up with contacts
Most importantly, follow up with any new people that you meet to solidify your encounter in their memory. If you communicate with them after meeting face to face for the first time, you will be easily remembered. You can also create business cards to give to people with links to your website, twitter handle, facebook, instagram, bandcamp, soundcloud, and other accounts that are relevant to your band.
Social media side note
Make sure the social media accounts you provide have a good amount of material that you and your bandmates are proud to present in public. You need to be on the same page with social media content across all platforms. That being said, do not over do it. If you can only manage a Facebook and Soundcloud, really focus on those sites and contribute to them at least once a week.
Multiplier effect
Another strategy when networking is to ask for referrals from your established connections with people they know. This can create a multiplier effect that can build faster than you imagine. People can suggest names of other musicians, bands, representatives, publicists or something unexpected. You never know what connection might come in handy in the future.
Don't burn bridges
I am going to repeat myself - you never know what connection might be useful in the future. Do not burn your bridges and always treat your connections with respect by being honest and polite. Keep a good attitude with connections because even if they do not serve you, you may be able to serve them with valuable information.
Stay positive
Overall just be open and always on, ready to seize any opportunity. You never know who is going to be in the crowd watching your performance, so make sure you get to know people in the room. Interact before and after your set, not just on stage. Then you can meet fans and network with each other! Most of all, don’t forget to have fun while you are doing it!
So you are a new artist on the music scene and want to get discovered by people, signed by a label, and release an EP. We know, you want to make it big, and you should! But before you drift off into dream land of becoming a star and headlining music festivals, let’s start at the beginning.
What is Networking?
The first step to success in the music industry is to network. Yes, you have probably heard that one before and everyone keeps saying it, but what does it mean? Well, networking is making connections with people in such a way that you can provide a mutual value to each other. Networking is more than just a superficial relationship, it is an invested connection between people, similar to a friendship or relationship, that will continue to grow according to the amount of time you choose to give to it.
How to build networks
Networking is meeting people at events and keeping in touch with them after the initial encounter. Being able to offer an exchange of services, benefits, invitations, opportunities, anything appropriate will only strengthen the connection made at events. You should try to build your network by including them in future events that they may be interested in. Who knows what opportunities may come to you if you stay open minded about meeting new people. At the same time, if a potential connection does not show interest or enthusiasm toward you and your band, do not harass them. There are many people who will be excited to help you!
Follow up with contacts
Most importantly, follow up with any new people that you meet to solidify your encounter in their memory. If you communicate with them after meeting face to face for the first time, you will be easily remembered. You can also create business cards to give to people with links to your website, twitter handle, facebook, instagram, bandcamp, soundcloud, and other accounts that are relevant to your band.
Social media side note
Make sure the social media accounts you provide have a good amount of material that you and your bandmates are proud to present in public. You need to be on the same page with social media content across all platforms. That being said, do not over do it. If you can only manage a Facebook and Soundcloud, really focus on those sites and contribute to them at least once a week.
Multiplier effect
Another strategy when networking is to ask for referrals from your established connections with people they know. This can create a multiplier effect that can build faster than you imagine. People can suggest names of other musicians, bands, representatives, publicists or something unexpected. You never know what connection might come in handy in the future.
Don't burn bridges
I am going to repeat myself - you never know what connection might be useful in the future. Do not burn your bridges and always treat your connections with respect by being honest and polite. Keep a good attitude with connections because even if they do not serve you, you may be able to serve them with valuable information.
Stay positive
Overall just be open and always on, ready to seize any opportunity. You never know who is going to be in the crowd watching your performance, so make sure you get to know people in the room. Interact before and after your set, not just on stage. Then you can meet fans and network with each other! Most of all, don’t forget to have fun while you are doing it!
