Music Networking
The Music Industry Is All About Community
It’s a well known fact that having a sense of community in our lives is so very important for us as human beings
However, it’s even more important for independent artists and musicians.
Swimming upstream can be very tiring and we need all the support and encouragement we can get but we’re living in a world that’s losing this sense of community. FAST!
At the moment, the achievements of the individual is cherished way, way above the endeavours of the collective group. I personally believe that individual and group efforts should be looked at in a more balanced way.
Quite simply human beings don’t function at their fullest potential in anything by themselves. We need other people around us.
This is the power of community.
I have mentioned in previous posts the power of networking and getting to know the music industry from the inside.
The main aim of all of this networking activity is to build your own community.
A community of fans, like minded individuals, businesses and organisations that can help you, support you, enourage you and inspire you to do whatever it is that you want to in the music industry.
This is the very thing which anyone working in the music industry has in common with each other.
We all have our own communities and, at the same we’re all part of someone else’s community even if we dont know it. The real secret is realising this fact and using this knowledge to the advantage of you and everyone else around you.
Everyone has a skill or something that they can offer, even if it’s words of encouragement.
If I find someone that does wonderful work in any field then I’ll try use them all of the time. I want the people that I work with to grow with me and my work. This creates a community.
I personally have a wonderful community of people, bands and networks that I can tap into and I’m always on the lookout to expand on this.
If everyone in the indie music industry worked on the basis of inclusion rather than competition, there would be networks upon networks moving congruently with each other, all reaching for the same goals.
To be seen, to be heard and to be noticed.
If you’re a solo artist or part of a band then your fans and associated businesses are your community.
If you run a business then your clients and other networks you deal with are your community.
Communities are the lifeblood of your dreams and goals. Build them and use them.
Until next time,
Corey Stewart
Orangutang Music
Keywords: indie music, independent music, music industry, music marketing, music business, music promotion, orangutang music, corey stewart
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
Indie Music Industry – Knowledge Is Power
Too much information is much better than not having enough.
If you are going to create a career for yourself in the global music industry, first you must understand how the industry works.
Here is probably the most important music industry tip you’ll ever recieve:
“Join up and subscribe to every indie music industry and DIY band promotion email list, newsletter and resource that you can get your hands on and read everything that you recieve”.
I really mean it when I say that too much information is better than not enough.
If something you joined up or subscribed to is not giving you the information that you need then you can just opt out or un-subscribe.
Read what you recieve, make notes, ask yourself if it’s relevent for you and where you live. Integrate the information into your life.
The only way to gain this knowledge is by research, and having intimate knowledge of your local music scene and becoming very active in it. Here are some ways that you can do this:
1. Start reading the music magazines in your area.
Local street press is an invaluable tool in letting you know what is going on in the local industry. Generally these magazines have features/interviews with local bands, a gig guide (great for targeting where to play), industry news and so on.
2. Go and see some local bands.
Check out your competition (I mean that as a figure of speech the most important thing about a healthy indie music industry is the community that builds from the music and the people who play it), introduce yourself, get out there amongst it all and immerse yourself in the vibe.
Get familiar with the places these bands play at and know who to talk to when it’s your turn to play there.
3. If there are music associations where you live, join them.
Seek out anything that supports indie music on an association level and join up.
If it costs money to do that then do it (generally its not an expensive exercise). Joining these types of associations instantly gives you a sense of community and solidarity. Also the amount of information you will gain about your local area will be huge.
4. If these local organisations have websites then bookmark them.
Need I say more on this topic. Most websites for offline organisations offer more to online users.
It pays to be an active online user. One advantage that comes to mind is the fact that you are able to participate in forums and messageboards which, in time will become powerful DIY marketing tools for you.
You got to start somewhere and the best place to start is with your own local area. As you expand your knowledge base you will work out ways to further your career and hopefully a snowball effect will start.
This website/blogs purpose is to help you on your journey by providing you with information to make informed choices as to where you want to go in this indie music industry.
If you have any questions you can always contact me.
Until next time,
Corey Stewart
Orangutang Music
Keywords: indie music, music business, music industry, music management, music marketing, music promotion, independent music, corey stewart
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