Why networking is important in the music industry

Navigating the music industry without a strong network can feel like trying to drive through a city you’ve never been to before–you understand the basics of how to get around but you have no idea what’s around the corner. 

While talent and hard work are crucial, building connections can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Why is networking important in the music industry?

It’s dangerous to go alone. Well, not dangerous but it’s going to be a lot harder. 

“Making it” solo is a challenge–there are a number of tasks to be done, both creatively and on the business side. Having a network of people around you that can give you advice, help you out, or collaborate on your projects can make all the difference. 

Networking is about building relationships that lead to opportunities. These connections can provide advice, collaboration, and support, which are invaluable for your music career.

The more people know about you, the more likely you’ll get the work you want. But how do you do it? 

Strategies to help build relationships 

Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts. It’s about building a group of people whose relationships go deeper than that. Relationships that are organic and valuable. 

When networking, the most important thing is that you’re being authentic. If you’re not, you’ll connect with people who aren’t the right fit, likely to find that their interest in you dwindling. If you’re going into networking opportunities thinking about what you’ll gain, you will get rejected, fast.  Here’s what you do instead. 

1) Interact with music people on social media. 

Social media makes it easier than ever to connect with the right people in the right places at any time. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X can make kickstarting those interactions easy. Just make sure you’re reaching out in a friendly and genuine way.  

2) Join groups and forums

Facebook and Reddit are home to some of the most active forums on the internet. Using them allows you to find and connect with people who have similar interests. They can often work as a great starting point when starting your network. 

3) Send your music to playlists

Platforms like DailyPlaylists can connect you with playlists and curators from all around the world. You can send your music to these curators and potentially nab a spot on their playlist. Curators who like your sound make for perfect contacts. They already like your music, and they have some influence. 

How to do offline networking

Just because the internet is everywhere, that doesn’t mean you have to use it exclusively to do your networking. In fact there are some offline networking methods that are still as effective as ever. 

⁠1) Go to concerts

A concert is a home for people who love music. Everyone there is united so you might find potential fans at concerts for similar artists. You may also find people in the industry who are going to gigs to review them, scout out talent, or write articles. 

2) Go to music conferences

These events are much more tailored to the business side of the industry. They’re designed to bring together those who are focused on innovation and strategy moreso than creating the music itself. There, you’ll be able to chat with both established people and industry newbies. 

3) Prepare and elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief outline of what you want to achieve and how you plan to do it. When you meet new people, your first impression holds weight. When the opportunity arises, knowing exactly what information you want to get out immediately is going to make your job a lot easier. 

It’s not all about you

When networking, it’s important to remember that it’s not all about you. Especially if you’re just starting out, chances are people aren’t going to hand over their cash and time for nothing in return. 

That’s why it’s a good idea to offer something back. If you’re a guitarist, maybe you can play on their next single. Or, if you’re a DJ, you could do some mixing for them. Other people need help just as much as you do. 

And remember: Don’t spam. Most of the time, people aren’t going to be interested and that’s fine. Sometimes you need to take the L and use it as a learning experience. Think about what you could do differently next time to seal the deal. 

Networking is an essential tool for anyone looking to thrive in the music industry. It's not just about making contacts but about cultivating meaningful relationships that can provide support, opportunities, and collaborations. 

While the journey of "making it" solo is daunting, a strong network can be the key to overcoming many of the challenges that arise both creatively and professionally.