Want to make lasting connections in the music industry but don’t know where to start? Surely, you can simply slide into someone’s DMs, right? Well… navigating these avenues can be a challenge. But we already know that becoming a sensation isn’t for the faint of heart.
Ok, so, where to start…
The Ins and Outs of the Music Industry
Do you know who you should be trying to contact exactly? Your chances of speaking directly to another musician and having it pay off are slim, so knowing who’s who in the industry can be extremely beneficial.
Record Labels
As the puppet masters in the industry, record labels are companies that scout, sign, and promote artists. They handle the marketing and distribution of an artist’s work.
Music Agencies
Without music agencies, there would be no tours, no live shows, no meet-and-greets… an artist’s success would become dust in the wind (pun very much intended).
These creators of magical musical experiences work directly with concert promoters, event organizers, and venues to secure opportunities for their roster. They may also assist artists in negotiating contracts and acquiring sponsorship deals.
An effective way to reach music agencies is through Music Industry Contacts, which provides detailed information about agencies and their contacts.
Artist Management Companies
Have you ever tried to do everything yourself? You’re juggling so many balls that you’re bound to let one (or a few) drop. Musicians are no different. It may surprise you, but they are still only human.
One ball that musicians can delegate is managing the day-to-day operations, such as scheduling, negotiations, networking, and business development. That’s where management companies come in. A well-connected artist manager can open doors in the music industry, making them valuable contacts.
Expanding Your Network
Social Media Tactics
Anyone who’s anyone is on social networks. You can use social media to network with industry contacts.
- Post regular updates related to your music, achievements, and collaborations. Engage with your followers and respond to comments or messages.
- Engage with producers, record label executives, and music promoters to grab their attention.
Attending Networking Events
Networking is an extremely important part of any career, and conferences aren’t just for white collars.
- Identify events that can connect you with music executives, managers, and other musicians
- Bring business cards and prepare a brief introduction of yourself to share with prospective contacts
- Engage in active listening and ask thoughtful questions
Now that you know the ins and outs of the music industry, as well as how to expand your network, let’s talk about instigating a conversation.
Effectively Reaching Out to Contacts
Pro Tips for Cold Emails
Start by researching your target contact and warm it up by personalizing the email with their name. Don’t be generic; use some of those creative juices you have flowing through your veins.
Keep it short and sweet – they don’t want to hear your life story, no matter how exciting it may be. Be clear about about your purpose and what potential value you bring to the table.
You don’t want your message to be lost in a sea of others, so create a compelling subject line to grab their attention. But what happens if you don’t hear from them? Well, first, be patient. If it’s been over a week or two without a response, definitely send a follow-up message. You want them to know just how serious and motivated you are.
Face-to-Face Meeting Strategies
While a written message can get your message across, a face-to-face meeting can leave a much stronger impression. You could be anyone behind the typing on their screen; it’s different when you become a physical person.
What do you do when they’re actually standing right in front of you?
A powerful approach is to ask open-ended questions and listen actively, demonstrating a genuine interest in the person. Be prepared with a concise and compelling pitch about yourself, your music, or your relevant projects. Lastly, always remember to exchange contact information and follow up after the meeting to stay connected.
Alright, we’ve successfully gained industry knowledge, expanded our network, and created the foundation for important relationships. What’s next?
Managing Existing Contacts
Maintaining Relationship Quality
What’s a relationship worth if you don’t maintain it? Without consistent effort and connection, that contact may forget all about you. You definitely don’t want that to happen.
Stay consistent in your interactions and follow through with commitments. Attend events where your contacts are participating or hosting, and engage in meaningful discussions that show your genuine interest in their work.
Showing Appreciation
In the end, you may be working at furthering your career, and they may just be doing their job, but expressing gratitude can go a long way in strengthening relationships. And it’s a two-way street. Celebrate their successes and reach out during tough times as well, showing empathy and understanding.
Conclusion
Look at you! You are now prepped and ready to create some lasting connections in the music industry!
You know who’s who in the industry, the importance of networking, how to establish the foundation for a connection, and how to maintain relationships. Now, get out there and start making connections!
