{"id":101583,"date":"2024-10-18T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=101583"},"modified":"2024-10-18T14:05:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T13:05:26","slug":"music-industry-networking-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/music-industry-networking-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for networking in the music industry as an independent artist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Discover new ways to widen your circle and make connections within the music industry.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For better or worse, it\u2019s often who you know, not what you know. Having a decent list of contacts and connections in the music industry can help you get projects off the ground and link up with useful people to know. There are numerous ways you can network in the industry, so we\u2019re going to explain why it\u2019s important and give you ideas on how to go about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is networking important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Going it alone can seem like the brave and noble thing to do, but it can stunt your career growth significantly. You could be the most talented and knowledgeable artist, but you still wouldn\u2019t be able to manage all aspects of independent musicianship to the highest possible standard all at once. There simply isn\u2019t enough time in the day. That\u2019s why building up a network of people who can help you, or contacts who can help open doors for you is so crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may need a producer to help record your new EP, or a promoter to help you book gigs<\/a>, or session musicians to help you out with live shows. There\u2019s nothing more stressful than realising you need a particular type of help, but not having anyone to turn to. Networking can help ensure this doesn\u2019t happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re doing well at a local level, but are looking to move up in your career, having a big network can assist in that. Knowing more people means a higher chance of finding out about exciting opportunities to further your career. You may even be offered opportunities as a result of networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 tips for networking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How you approach networking determines whether your efforts will be successful, or if you end up alienating yourself. And we certainly don\u2019t want that.

You can network in-person and online, both are valid and valuable. But, since it\u2019s very much a social activity, you have to consider how you communicate with people and how you present yourself. Here are some tips on how you can nail this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be yourself<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This might be an instant eye-roll, but it\u2019s worth saying. Being yourself while networking is perhaps the most important thing to remember. There\u2019s absolutely no point putting in hard work to make friends, make connections and build a reputation if it\u2019s based on a fake persona that isn\u2019t yourself. You won\u2019t be able to sustain an act, and you\u2019ll exhaust yourself and end up back at square one – or possibly even further back than square one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t try to copy others or be the artist you think people want you to be. Just act naturally, be truthful, speak your mind, and enjoy making genuine connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join groups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It can be difficult to know where to start with networking. There\u2019s strength in numbers – that\u2019s the whole point isn\u2019t it? You don\u2019t need to immediately attend conferences or hang around every venue in town. Joining groups on social media platforms like Facebook, or joining Reddit threads are a solid place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make friends<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Networking doesn\u2019t always have to feel formal and businesslike. Simply making friends with fellow musicians in your local area can lead to a vibrant and varied network. You don\u2019t have to stick to artists with the same style as you, or artists at the same point in their journey as you. It can be beneficial to know more experienced musicians – they might have a readymade network they can introduce you to. Go to local gigs, jam nights, or record stores and start socialising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be helpful<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Networking isn\u2019t just about what others can do for you – it\u2019s also about what you can offer in return. Be helpful to those you meet, whether that\u2019s by sharing advice, recommending them to others, or even offering your skills. People remember those who lend a hand, and this can create a ripple effect, where someone you helped puts you in touch with others who can benefit your career.

It\u2019s also a great way to build strong, lasting relationships, rather than just transactional ones. The more value you bring to others, the more they\u2019ll be willing to help you when you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be persistent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Building a network takes time. You won\u2019t make meaningful connections overnight, so it\u2019s important to be persistent. Keep showing up, whether it\u2019s attending local gigs, participating in online communities, or reaching out to new people in the industry. Don\u2019t be discouraged if you don\u2019t see immediate results – good things take time. As long as you\u2019re respectful and consistent, your efforts will start paying off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t spam<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a fine line between being persistent and spamming. Sending the same message to countless people or repeatedly asking for favours can hurt your reputation. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships by engaging thoughtfully with others and offering something of value. Whether it\u2019s leaving insightful comments on social media or attending events with the aim to connect, ensure you\u2019re contributing meaningfully to conversations, rather than just asking for something in return. Remember, spamming will likely do more harm than good to your networking efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to network online and in real life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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As an independent musician, you have numerous opportunities to network both online and in person. Here’s how you can approach both:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Online networking<\/h4>\n\n\n\n