Orangutang Music

The Power Of Networking In The Music Industry

“It’s not what you know it’s who you know!”

I know that we’ve all heard that saying thousands of times but at the end of the day, when you’re dealing with the music industry it does comes down to who you know doesn’t it?

I would even go as far as saying that your circle of contacts is like bank currency. Having a lot of people that know who you are is always a benefit, not a hinderence.

Here is an example of the power of having a good network around you.

Not long ago I got a call from someone who wanted to find out if I was available to play bass with their band. I declined on their offer due to not having the time to take on another project but, I did give them the number of someone else I knew that would fit the bill perfectly.

That day, that band found a new bass player.

That particular experience got me thinking about the power of networking. I worked out that all of my dealings with the music industry is based on who I know.

People like working with others whom they trust will do the job they want them to do or like recommending others for jobs that they can’t tackle themselves.

I was proud of myself when I heard that the band found their bassist through one of my contacts. I was glad to help someone out.

That’s what networking’s really all about though isn’t it? Helping people?

For anyone who is just starting out my advice is to seek out as many people and go to as many functions and gigs as you can. Immerse yourself in the local music scene.

The more people that know who you are, the more opportunities that will open up for you.

Become the squeaky wheel that gets all of the oil. Have that belief in yourself and dont be afraid of asking questions and attaining knowledge.

One thing that you don’t do however, is that you get to know people for what they can do for you.

Get to know them for who they are as a person. Others can spot your deperation and insincerity a mile away and that is a real turn-off.

Personally I am chuffed when someone asks me for advice or just wants to have a chat about how things are going for them, but only if they are genuine about it.

A great place to start networking would be at open mic nights. I happen to run one myself at the Daniel O’Connell Hotel (165 Tynte Street, North Adelaide) on Wednesday nights from 8:30pm. Feel free to come along and pick my brains.

When you’re at the open mic really get yourself involved, just walk up to someone and say “hi”. Everyone is there for the same reason so there is some common ground to talk about.

Another place to get involved is at a Music Managers Forum meeting or contact your local music or songwriting association. Make yourself known to a few music shops in your area.

The opportunities to expand your circle of contacts is virtually endless.

Remember, the more you network the more you will be known and the more you are known the more work you will get.

In time your little black book of names will become your greatest asset.

Until next time,

Corey Stewart
Orangutang Music

Keywords: music business, music marketing, music promotion, music management, indie music, music industry, independent music, corey stewart

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Tags: corey stewart, music, Music Business, Music Industry, music management, Music Marketing, Music Promotion, Orangutang Music