How To Network In The Music Industry
Our expert tips will help you master the art of network building in the music business. Start networking in person, online, at events, and on a daily basis.
It’s crucial to build your fan base if you want to build your music. This includes networking with journalists, managers and radio hosts. But networking isn’t only about meeting people to further your career. It’s also about making friends and becoming part of the music community.
It is easier to build your brand as a music artist when you begin to form connections with other musicians. You will receive valuable feedback and advice and likely begin to enjoy (sometimes frustrating journey) more.
We will show you how to get started and reap the benefits of music networking.
How Important Is Networking?
All creatives need a network, but music is an industry that is small and highly social. Once you start to meet industry figures, it’s not long before you know many more.
Word-of-mouth is a great way to get new opportunities. A friend can help you land a DJ job, or sign your band.
Bottom line: a strong network will allow you to be mentioned in rooms where you are not. Your network will grow on its own.
Before Networking
Identify the goal and your target audience
The first step in building a music network is to identify your target audience.
Who is the target audience of your music? Who can help you achieve your next goal? Consider questions like these to help you decide the best approach. Will they respond better via email or direct message on social networks? Based on their previous support, which tracks will they be more inclined to respond to? Personalise your outreach to specific target audiences.
Build your own brand
You should already have a personal brand as a musician. It’s important to know what aspects of your brand to emphasize at the right time when it comes to networking.
You can start a conversation with other creatives by showcasing your visuals. Plus, meeting artists in other fields could lead to collaborations that are interesting (or even some free press shots).
Prepare materials
It’s not necessary to prepare material for all networking opportunities, but it is good to be prepared if you are approached by a label, journalist, or manager who appears interested.
Create an EPK containing your biography, music, photos and stats. It can also include your contact information.
You can then follow up on interesting people that you have met to give them an even better idea of who you are as an artist.
Keep up with the latest industry news and trends
Knowing the music industry well is the best way of knowing who to network with.
Social media is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends. You can also check out your favorite music blogs or Twitter to find out what your fans are saying. You will be able to navigate your networking journey better if you are more informed.
How to Network In The Music Industry
Connect on Social Media
It’s important to know in 2023 how to promote your music on social media, but social media can also be a powerful tool for networking.
Social media networking is the most cost-effective and easiest way to make new contacts. Most music professionals are on social media. You could make a connection with one direct message that could lead to your next gig, or even an invitation to an event.
Attend industry events
Imagine what you’d do if Jay Z invited you to his Roc Nation Brunch. Attending events in your industry is a great way to meet other musicians, producers, and engineers.
You can showcase your personality, style and, most importantly, authenticity at industry events. Be yourself. People are looking to work with artists who are genuine.
Participate in music inititives
Participating in music-related events is a great way to build your fan base and meet new people.
You can accelerate your career by applying for artist opportunity through music communities or engaging with festivals that you can play at.
Volunteer
You can learn about the inner workings and dynamics of the music business by volunteering for organisations like Help musicians. This is a wonderful way to give something back to the music industry you are trying to break into.
How To Network Online
- Engage in social media such as Twitter , TikTok and Facebook.
- You can easily share your visual portfolio with friends and colleagues on platforms like YouTube.
- Keep your network informed about what you are doing by using email marketing platforms like Mailchimp.
- Share or comment on the work of artists and professionals in the industry.
Social media networking platforms – musicians
- Instagram: Use hashtags and post regularly. Interact with your fans by replying to their comments and DMs.
- Facebook: Create and update a fan-page with the latest news and events. Use Facebook groups to connect and network with other musicians and fans in your genre.
- Twitter: Share behind-the scenes content on Twitter, interact with fans and musicians, and take part in music-related Twitter Chats.
- YouTube: Optimize videos for search. Collaborate with other musicians and creators. Use YouTube analytics to track audience engagement.
- SoundCloud: Share your music on SoundCloud and grow a fan base. Interact with other musicians and fans by sharing their work and commenting on tracks.
- TikTok: Create engaging, music-focused content, using trending hashtags, to reach a larger audience. Collaborate with other TikTok Creators.
- Bandcamp: Use Bandcamp for selling digital and physical music to fans directly, offering exclusive content and merchandise and connecting with fans and artists via Bandcamp’s message feature.
- LinkedIn: Create an impressive professional profile highlighting your musical skills and experience. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the industry and join groups related to music to keep up to date on industry news.
Networking Tips For In-person Events
- Dress appropriately for the occasion. Showcase your personality by dressing in casual or smart clothes, depending on the event.
- Take notes when you can. It can be hard to remember all the people you are talking to.
- Show the industry professionals that you love what you do by being confident when you talk about it.
- Do not be afraid to be the one who approaches someone else. Even the most experienced artists can feel nervous in person. By taking the leap of faith to start a conversation, you can both become more comfortable and enjoy the event.
Seeking Mentorship
Mentorship is a great way for emerging artists to build their network and learn more about the music business. Many industry professionals are willing to share their knowledge and help new artists boost their career.
How to build successful connections
- Ask for contact information when you meet people you believe will add value to your network.
- Use networking platforms like The Unsigned Guide, SoundsCloud and Facebook to create relationships with other musicians.
- Prepare yourself to confidently answer questions about your work and you. Do not be afraid to share your accomplishments as a musician or an individual.
- Find out where your network is active. Spend time connecting with professionals on social media if that’s where your network is most active. Attending events in person is the best way to build your network.
Overcoming Challenges When Networking
As soon as you get into the groove of networking, it becomes an almost natural process. It doesn’t, however, mean that networking is without challenges.
- Remember that not every networking opportunity will lead to the success you desire. Remaining persistent despite rejections and other setbacks will build resilience, as well as experience.
- It can take a lot of time to expand your network. Attend networking events, and make sure to follow up with people you meet to cement your relationships.
- Networking can be an uncomfortable experience for many, which can lead to awkward situations. You can avoid awkward conversations by maintaining a professional demeanor when you interact with other musicians or creatives.
- Confidence is the key to attracting people to your music and you as a musician. As you network, show off your personality so that people can see how authentic you are.
It may be intimidating to expand your network at first, but it is worth it. Every musician you encounter, from artists in your local recording studio, to industry leaders at festivals and gigs, can help you to increase engagement, find new opportunities and build the fan base that you need to make music shine.
These tips and tricks will help you grow your network in no time.