Networking in the world of music can bring many advantages that include promotion opportunities, creative opportunities, and possibilities for finding paid gigs.
Back in the day, the only networking you could get done was at concerts or events that you had to show up to physically.
Now, thanks to the internet, you can literally connect with musicians from around the world with the click of a button. If you aren't regularly networking in your field, chances are you are missing out on a wide range of opportunities for growth and success.
Are you in need of a few spots to find some like-minded musicians to connect with? Try out some of our ideas below.
Music forums are one of the best places to network and connect with musicians. Forums like Future Producers and Song Stuff are social hubs where musicians support each other, bounce ideas off of each other, and share opportunities, all at no cost.
Unlike other places for networking online, forums are usually organized by topic to lessen the confusion, especially for new members.
There are literally hundreds of forums out there that appeal to certain music demographics (i.e., music production, EDM, songwriting, etc.) where you could fit in perfectly!
Try googling your area of interest in music to see if any forums stand out to you. Don't be afraid to join and introduce yourself!
A lot of people refrain from joining forums and would rather just browse the content quietly, but without actually putting yourself out there; you're missing out on the key to networking.
The ultimate forum online where you can go to talk to like-minded musicians and others in the music biz is currently Reddit.
While smaller and more targeted forums can link you with some great people, Reddit always seems to have the right answers across many creative niches.
A Reddit community with thousands of members and helpful posts that I'm involved with is called We Are The Music Makers, and that's just one example of several different places you can join the group and actively get involved in the conversation.
As you already know, social media sites like Tiktok, Twitter, and YouTube are good places to network with musicians.
Although these platforms have tons of other things going on in other niches, you can still find and build relationships in the music world if you know where to look.
Seeking out and building relationships with established (but not too popular) musicians and artists on social media can earn you some great advancements if you play your cards right.
Make a list of people you respect in your music genre that could be approachable online.
The hidden gem connections are with people behind the scenes, like managers, A&Rs, and studio engineers.
These people will be more open to interacting with you since they aren't in the limelight and getting bombarded with thousands of requests and messages.
When it comes to music social pages, sending friend requests and direct messages to people you may find is the best start.
Engaging in people's social media posts with likes and relevant comments is a good way to slowly nurture a relationship, whether they are strangers from across the world or musicians you may have been introduced to in person.
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Classified sites like Craigslist and Backpage have sections that are dedicated to musicians looking for networking, instruments, and performance opportunities.
While most of these are targeted by location, a good amount of opportunities posted can be seized online from anywhere.
Online music opportunities found in classifieds can include online song collaborations, online music contests, and online auditions for touring opportunities.
There are much smaller music classified sites that target certain locations and genres as well (i.e., Singersource in D.C., where I landed a gig that paid me thousands of dollars!).
A quick google search for music classifieds relevant to your style may bring you several sites and opportunities.
Be sure to look hard into the posts you see and avoid scams that could include fake overseas performance opportunities and people claiming to have connections that they really don't.
IndieBible is one of the many artist resource sites with thousands of venue, label, and manager contacts available for those looking to get more paid work in the music industry.
They keep their resource list regularly updated, so it's a pretty great tool if you have the time to do some DIY outreach of your own.
These connections, including radio shows, blogs, labels, managers, and many of these contacts, do get tons of emails from other music makers as well, but it's worth a try.
This is where a strong EPK and high level of talent/appeal will come in handy for landing gigs and getting other opportunities among the many other artists and bands out there looking for a shot.
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As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
