3 answers
Rainer
Student
Paterson, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
604 views
Is it hard to make connections in music?
how can i monetize my instrumentals?
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3 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Two questions here that are interesting because there are two different answers.
Question 1. was is it hard to make connection in the music industry. Absolutely not. Crack open Instagram or Facebook and join communities or follow people that do similar things to what you want to do. Find smaller creators first and DM them. Build relationships and show that you are a cool person. Later on, offer your services to those people or reach out and see if they want to collaborate. If there is any sort of "artist networking event" then go. If you go to an open mic or see an artist performing then stop to talk and talk about music and how you make music too. Interact and show that you're cool and friendly and you will make connections.
Question 2 was how to monetize your instrumentals. There are countless ways. What do you want your instrumentals to be used for? Want people to just listen and enjoy? Invest in a music distributor account- some examples are Distrokid, Ditto, Unitedmasters, and CD Baby (but do research on more than those before investing- choose the right one for YOU). Do you want your music in movies, TV, and other media? Find music libraries that submit music to sync licensing- basically they send music to be used in media. You can do what I do and make different songs for different reasons. Finally, you can do what most producers do and create a BeatStars account and sell your music to rappers and singers to be used in commercial songs. This is a must if you want to make money off your music. Bonus- you can even sell your music by networking and telling the people you meet that you make beats and can produce for them! That way you can kill two birds with one stone and hit both your questions!
Hope this helps
Question 1. was is it hard to make connection in the music industry. Absolutely not. Crack open Instagram or Facebook and join communities or follow people that do similar things to what you want to do. Find smaller creators first and DM them. Build relationships and show that you are a cool person. Later on, offer your services to those people or reach out and see if they want to collaborate. If there is any sort of "artist networking event" then go. If you go to an open mic or see an artist performing then stop to talk and talk about music and how you make music too. Interact and show that you're cool and friendly and you will make connections.
Question 2 was how to monetize your instrumentals. There are countless ways. What do you want your instrumentals to be used for? Want people to just listen and enjoy? Invest in a music distributor account- some examples are Distrokid, Ditto, Unitedmasters, and CD Baby (but do research on more than those before investing- choose the right one for YOU). Do you want your music in movies, TV, and other media? Find music libraries that submit music to sync licensing- basically they send music to be used in media. You can do what I do and make different songs for different reasons. Finally, you can do what most producers do and create a BeatStars account and sell your music to rappers and singers to be used in commercial songs. This is a must if you want to make money off your music. Bonus- you can even sell your music by networking and telling the people you meet that you make beats and can produce for them! That way you can kill two birds with one stone and hit both your questions!
Hope this helps
Anna Christofaro
Implementation Project Manager
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Music can be a more challenging field to make a career in, but I am a huge advocate of following your heart and doing what you love. Practice, practice, practice and keep auditioning!! Continue to network and meet more musicians and conductors. It takes hard work, diligence and perseverance but so rewarding and worth it!! I went to college in music and started auditioning after that. There are also paid residencies you can audition for after college which are usually for a full year.
Kelley P
Arts Administration
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kelley’s Answer
I don't think it's difficult to make connections in music if you truly love people and love what you do. The beautiful thing about making connections in music is you are connecting with other people that share a similar passion as you. Knowing that you are starting with common ground can make your connection an authentic one, and at the end of the day, people value authentic connections with others, especially when creating art.
In order to find like-minded individuals you have to place yourself in scenarios where like-minded people gather. It's important to audition, participate in local open mics and jam sessions, and go to any industry events that are open to up and coming music professionals. ASCAP (and I think BMI) host annual conferences for aspiring songwriters, as one example. The annual NAMM conference is another great networking opportunity, especially for instrumentalists, producers, and engineers.
Remember to be brave and know there are lots of folks like you that love music, and will want to hear your talents as well!
In order to find like-minded individuals you have to place yourself in scenarios where like-minded people gather. It's important to audition, participate in local open mics and jam sessions, and go to any industry events that are open to up and coming music professionals. ASCAP (and I think BMI) host annual conferences for aspiring songwriters, as one example. The annual NAMM conference is another great networking opportunity, especially for instrumentalists, producers, and engineers.
Remember to be brave and know there are lots of folks like you that love music, and will want to hear your talents as well!