Networking is a big part of progressing in the music industry, and by promoting yourself and your services you’ll be opening yourself to new opportunities, gigs and new friendships.
Meeting new people, regardless of whether they are in bands, run record labels, publishing companies or promoters, is vital to progressing your musical career.
When you’re networking, regardless of whether you’re at a gig, industry event or even through Facebook it’s important to remember not to get too goal focused and seeing others merely as targets!
Face-to-Face Networking
Networking is still most effective when done face to face. Whilst befriending someone on Facebook may give you a foot in the door, it doesn’t give the opportunity to truly hit it off with someone and construct a valuable friendship.
Numerous musicians make the mistake of attempting to befriend everyone they think they should know, forgetting that they’re more likely to make a good impression and memorable to others if they relax and be themselves.
Band Managers
Band managers can really help. If you are looking to get more gigs, band managers could be the answer for you!
Most bands think that band managers simply cost too much and aren’t worth having.
However, some of the most successful live bands I know have fantastic band managers that are worth their weight in gold!
Local Gigs
Arguably the best and most popular way to network is through attending local gigs. Just by showing your face and supporting live music you will meet more like-minded musicians and promoters who may be willing to work with you, opening doors to new opportunities while enjoying a night out.
Supporting your local music scene is very important and your presence at gigs will not go unnoticed by both the bands and promoters who will appreciate you taking an interest in their work.
Even when you’re playing at your own gigs it’s extremely important, (not to mention polite!) that you stay to watch all other acts playing.
Bands and musicians who either leave the gig early, or fail to watch other bands can quickly gain a reputation in the local music scene and may find themselves short of an audience at their own gigs.
A lot of musicians jump head first into making music and networking, trying to work as hard as they can to make themselves successful.
Whilst this is good, many forget exactly why they’re doing it in the first place.
More often than not, musicians complain of not being paid enough, not selling enough CDs or their goal of reaching No.1 in the charts.
Whilst these are definite cases for debate, it’s crucial that as a musician you remember why you’re playing music.
Nobody has forced you to play in a band, or even turn up to a gig.
You began doing it because you enjoy it; forget that and you may as well forget everything.
Do you have any more networking tips? Let us know in the comments below!
