Therefore, what may separate you from the others comes down to the old saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” Networking is incredibly important when it comes to music, especially in Australia. In a relatively small industry, everyone knows each other. So if you want your music heard, it only makes sense to build a solid network. Here are our tips on how to network in the music industry.
1. Attend music network events.
It sounds pretty obvious, but attending networking events is the perfect way to meet the right people in the music industry. Some of these events may be quite pricey to register for, so if you’re ready to invest in your future, make sure you do your research on the different events on offer. If you’re not sure where to find these events, head to the APRA AMCOS website.
2. Join local music industry meet-up groups
If you don’t have a big budget to spend, there are also free ways to network in the industry. Try finding meet-up groups in your local community that are specifically for the music industry. They are typically free to join, and are a means for meeting new people. Also make sure you look for groups that aren’t just for musicians, but for others involved in the industry too. They could be booking agents, promoters or even record store owners, either way they are all crucial figures in your netowrk.
3. Find online forums/communities
It’s 2016, and whether you like it or not, the Internet is playing a big part in the music industry. Already at your fingertips is the biggest networking tool in the world. There are several Facebook/ LinkedIn groups dedicated to musicians, make sure you join as many as possible and stay active across all forums.
4. Support others in the industry
Relationships are a two-way street. Don’t expect to receive support without dishing some out yourself. Engage with articles from your favourite music blogs, local artists or even record labels. Being an active member of the community is the perfect way to get your name out there, and when the time comes to contact these stakeholders, they will have a basic understanding of who you are.
It’s always important to remember that when you do reach out to industry professionals, always make sure it’s personal. Don’t send out a template message to hundreds of contacts. Keep it simple and genuine.
Pic by: Natasha Kahn.
