Networking for Independent Artists: The Importance of Networking and Collaborations in the Music Industry

It can often feel like quite a lonely industry as an independent artist. To build a successful music career, you have to continually back yourself, create your own audience, plus find gigs and music producers without any help or guidance. For these reasons, and so many more, finding like-minded individuals who can relate to your situation, as well as help progress it, is an important factor in an artist's music career. 

Networking can often sound like a terrifying prospect; having to put yourself in unfamiliar situations with new people isn’t for everyone, but there are ways to maximise the benefits of finding new people, industry contacts and friends, while getting the most out of networking. Ultimately, all independent musicians and artists are in the same boat, and everyone needs some help at the start, so it’s likely that the best people to help you are seeking your collaboration as well.

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What is Networking and Collaboration?

The goal of Networking is to seek out scenarios where you’ll be able to talk to people you believe can add value to your career. In the case of independent artists, these scenarios can range anywhere from industry events, specific networking opportunities, and live performances/gigs. 

When networking, the kind of people you might be seeking will depend on what you’re looking for as an artist. Perhaps you need producers to help with mixing and mastering tracks. Other artists may want to find representation in the form of industry professionals working in management or distribution. But generally, all artists will benefit from finding collaborators. 

Music collaboration is key for an independent artist. Below we’ve listed a few of our top tips for networking by providing reasons to start collaborating now–and in next week's blog, we’ll explore how to collaborate effectively.

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Sharing Skills and Knowledge

Every artist has their own unique musical style and sound, and you will often have invested lots of time in honing your craft. The benefit of working with a collaborator on a track is learning how they create a song. They may use completely different song-writing techniques, production tricks or instrumentation skills that you haven't been exposed to before. Conversely, ​​they might not know some of the tricks you've learned when creating your music.

But it’s not just limited to music creation. You may discover that your collaborator has in-depth knowledge of music business techniques and knows how to market their music in creative and imaginative ways. They also may have researched helpful online resources. In fact, we provide our community on Instagram with helpful updates, links and resources to new and upcoming events as well as connecting you to forward-thinking and innovative individuals in the music industry.

Everyone has little tidbits and secrets that they can share with you that you wouldn’t easily be able to have access to on your own. You’ll find very quickly that everyone has a lot to share, including yourself, and building yourself a supportive music community is a quick way to expand your knowledge and create the best music you can.

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Exposure and Fanbase

Along with collaborating with others musically, you’ll end up creating a product together that you’ll put out into the world, as a single, EP or maybe even an album. Regardless of what form your music takes, a collaborator allows you access to a completely new facet of exposure through their audience and fanbase. You may end up collaborating with someone who has a significant online presence and impressive engagement across multiple social media platforms, generates comfortable monthly Spotify streams, or even just someone who creates music in a completely different genre from you. 

Collaborating with new people introduces you to new audiences and opens up new avenues for expanding your fanbase. Getting your music out to a broader target audience can significantly boost your visibility and catapult your career.

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Elevate and Nurture

As an artist, you’ll typically find you are your own biggest critic. This self-criticism is often less constructive and can be unhelpful, sometimes even hindering your own progress.

With a collaborator, you can offer each other real help, genuine feedback and objectivity. A new perspective will allow you to see your music holistically, and resolve issues that you may not have seen before. 

It can sometimes be difficult to address negative feedback, especially when it comes to something so personal, but with a collaborator, you can be sure that this advice comes from a place of care and a desire to help, and it’ll always be for the better of your music. 

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So, now you know why we think it's vital for independent artists to network and collaborate, keep an eye out for next week's blog where we’ll give you all the secrets to effectively and successfully network and connect with collaborators in our dynamic music industry.

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