How music collaborations can grow your music career (and how to get started)
From finding the right partner to making the track, here’s why collabs with other artists can help you grow your audience and sharpen your skills.
Collaboration has long been a key part of the music industry. From casual jam sessions between friends to global superstar tracks that top charts, working with other artists opens new doors for creativity, exposure, and growth.
At the time of writing, almost a third of Spotify’s Top Songs – Global playlist are collaborations. Not to mention, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s collab “Die With A Smile” became the fastest track to hit two billion streams on Spotify just this March. With stats like that, it’s clear: teaming up can seriously level up your music career.
Why collaborate?
It may sound obvious, but collaborating with other artists can be a great way to take your music career to the next level. Collabs go way beyond just making a track together. Here’s how it can boost your music career:
1. Creative firepower
Combining your style with someone else’s can take your music in exciting new directions. With different influences, knowledge, and experiences, you might create something better than you ever could alone.
2. Shared skills and expertise
When you collaborate with other artists you can learn from each other. Maybe your strength is songwriting and theirs is playing instruments. Working together gives both of you the chance to grow and refine your craft, while harnessing complementary skills to make a track come to life.
3. Receive real-time feedback
Collabs mean more than just support- they bring fresh perspectives. Potential collaborators are bound to share their opinions, and suggest areas of improvement. This constructive criticism can elevate your music and help you grow as an artist.
4. More efficient workflow
Collaboration helps to lighten the workload. Splitting up tasks like mixing, writing, or beat production can enhance your workflow. This gives you more time to focus on other areas of your career- whether that’s social media, merch, or gigging.
5. New audiences = boosted streams
Releasing a track with another artist can help you reach their audience too. Often on streaming platforms, collaborative tracks are shown on both artists’ profiles, making it easier for their fanbase to discover your music.
A 2023 Spotify blog found that 75% of collaborating artists saw at least a 10% increase in overall Spotify streams, six-months post-collab release. Over 50% saw streams grow by 50% or more, with 30% seeing their streaming numbers double.
6. Saved costs
Sharing studio time, gear, and production costs makes music-making more affordable. If you’ve got a quality mic and they’ve got a drum kit, that’s less money you need to spend on both.
7. Expand your network
Working with other artists opens doors. You might get introduced to their industry contacts such as new producers, playlist curators, or gig organizers. Who you know can be crucial to success in the industry, helping you land future opportunities.
8. It’s fun
Last but not least, sometimes the best reason to collab is the simplest one- it’s just fun. Bouncing off another creative, having fun throughout the process, and building something together can be one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist.
How to find your perfect collab
Getting started may seem challenging, but it doesn’t need to be difficult. You don’t need a massive following or industry contact to get started. Here are a few ways to find the right collaborator:
Start with friends
Some of the best collabs start between friends who just enjoy making music. Do you have any friends you know in the industry? Hit them up and see if they’d be keen to work on something together- you might just already know your next collaborator.
Use social media
Don’t have any friends that make music? Fear not. Social media is not only a place to connect with your fanbase, but also serves as a platform to engage with like-minded artists. Follow, comment, and connect with artists whose work you admire. Whether it’s a similar genre or a totally different style you want to experiment with, drop a message and see what happens. Be realistic with your outreach, but don’t be afraid to aim high.
Think global
Genre crossover and international collabs are a great way to grow your sound and expand your global audience. You might pick up stylistic influences, and who knows- it could open the door to overseas shows if your fanbase grows there.
Try collab apps and platforms
In today’s digital world, there are apps built specifically for finding artist collabs. Apps like Feeture streamline the process of finding collaborators, handling everything from discovery to payment and contracts. Reach out in discussion forums and other platforms to help you meet like-minded artists ready to work.
Making it happen: Online or in-person
Now you may be wondering, how can I collab with someone on the other side of the world? While this does have its operational challenges, it is still possible to collab both in-person and online.
In-person collabs
These can be more spontaneous and let you bounce off each other’s energy. You might meet up at a studio, a rehearsal space, or just at home with your instruments. You can come in with a fully written song or make it up together. Really, the choice is yours. Do whatever suits your workflow best.
Online
You may be wondering how you could collaborate with someone on the other side of the world. You don’t have to be in the same city or country to collaborate. Share files via Google Drive or Dropbox, send voice notes or demos via Whatsapp, and set up calls to chat through ideas.
Communication is key- talk though your ideas and keep the energy flowing across the distance.
Start collaborating today
Collabs can boost your creativity, expand your reach, grow your network, and help you learn along the way. Whether you’re working with a friend down the road or a producer across the globe, there’s never been a better time to team up. So why not reach out and start something new?
Your next big track might just be one message away.