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How can I gain connections with people higher than me in order to secure my success in my music career?
I am 17, who has the dream to be apart of the music industry. I like to sing and rap even and even create and produce my own music on my own time. I hope i can succeed in the music industry and make a living off of it.
4 answers
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Rick’s Answer
Fantastic inquiry! It's wonderful to see you considering a career in music. Given your age and the networks you're looking to build, it might be beneficial to consider getting a degree from one of the numerous excellent universities out there. They offer a wide range of options related to the music industry. This could be a great stepping stone for your future in music!
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
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George F’s Answer
Hello Tatiana,
You're at a good age to begin building these type of relationships. While sometimes it's just being at the right place at the right time, here are my suggestions.
Do some research and find people in the scene who are making things happen. This could be artists, producers, managers, etc. Send them a short message explaining what your talents and ambitions are. I'm sure you'll get some responses.
If not there already, it also helps to move to a city where there's an active scene, like New York, L.A. or even Nashville (which is more then just C&W). This is for networking, and meeting those already active in the scene. You'll encounter all types of personalities. It will help to develop people skills, that will aid you in discerning pretenders from the real deal.
It will also take some hustle on your part. There are plenty others with the same ambition as yours, and you'll need to get there first and\or be able to showcase your talents convincingly.
Perhaps most important is to treat all others with respect, even if you don't like what they represent. In spite of all the sham, honesty will take you a long way. More then once, I've seen people passed over because of less then reliable reputations.
Finally, enjoy what you're doing. A positive attitude can take one a long way.
George
You're at a good age to begin building these type of relationships. While sometimes it's just being at the right place at the right time, here are my suggestions.
Do some research and find people in the scene who are making things happen. This could be artists, producers, managers, etc. Send them a short message explaining what your talents and ambitions are. I'm sure you'll get some responses.
If not there already, it also helps to move to a city where there's an active scene, like New York, L.A. or even Nashville (which is more then just C&W). This is for networking, and meeting those already active in the scene. You'll encounter all types of personalities. It will help to develop people skills, that will aid you in discerning pretenders from the real deal.
It will also take some hustle on your part. There are plenty others with the same ambition as yours, and you'll need to get there first and\or be able to showcase your talents convincingly.
Perhaps most important is to treat all others with respect, even if you don't like what they represent. In spite of all the sham, honesty will take you a long way. More then once, I've seen people passed over because of less then reliable reputations.
Finally, enjoy what you're doing. A positive attitude can take one a long way.
George
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hello Tatiana!
Building connections in the music industry can be crucial for your success. Here are some actionable steps to help you network and gain valuable connections:
1. Create a Professional Online Presence:
- Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase your talent. Engage with other artists, producers, and industry professionals.
- Music Platforms: Upload your music to SoundCloud, YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming services. Make sure your profiles are professional and regularly updated.
2. Attend Music Events and Workshops:
- Local Shows and Open Mics: Participate in local music events to perform and meet other artists and industry professionals.
- Music Festivals and Conferences: Attend larger events and industry conferences to network and learn from experienced professionals.
3. Collaborate with Other Artists:
- Collaboration: Work with other musicians, producers, and songwriters. This can help you reach new audiences and build relationships within the industry.
- Online Communities: Join online music communities and forums where you can collaborate and share your work.
4. Develop a Press Kit:
- EPK (Electronic Press Kit): Create a professional press kit that includes your bio, photos, music samples, videos, and contact information. This will be useful when reaching out to industry professionals.
5. Reach Out to Industry Professionals:
- Cold Emailing: Research and reach out to managers, agents, producers, and A&R representatives with a personalized message and your press kit.
- Social Media Interaction: Engage with industry professionals on social media by commenting on their posts, sharing their content, and direct messaging them with a professional approach.
6. Utilize Music Schools and Programs:
- Music Schools and Workshops: Enroll in music programs or workshops where you can learn and network with both peers and instructors who may have industry connections.
7. Build a Strong Network:
- Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can guide you and introduce you to their network.
- Networking Groups: Join local or online networking groups for musicians and industry professionals.
8. Stay Persistent and Professional:
- Follow Up: After making initial contact, follow up with a thank you message and keep them updated on your progress.
- Be Professional: Always maintain a professional attitude in your interactions.
9. Leverage Music Distribution Services:
- Distribution: Use services like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby to distribute your music to various platforms. This can help you reach a wider audience and industry professionals.
10. Invest in Your Craft:
- Continuous Improvement: Keep honing your skills, writing new music, and improving your production quality to stand out in the competitive music industry.
Remember, networking is a gradual process, and building genuine relationships takes time. Stay dedicated to your craft and be patient as you work towards your goals. Good luck!
Building connections in the music industry can be crucial for your success. Here are some actionable steps to help you network and gain valuable connections:
1. Create a Professional Online Presence:
- Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase your talent. Engage with other artists, producers, and industry professionals.
- Music Platforms: Upload your music to SoundCloud, YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming services. Make sure your profiles are professional and regularly updated.
2. Attend Music Events and Workshops:
- Local Shows and Open Mics: Participate in local music events to perform and meet other artists and industry professionals.
- Music Festivals and Conferences: Attend larger events and industry conferences to network and learn from experienced professionals.
3. Collaborate with Other Artists:
- Collaboration: Work with other musicians, producers, and songwriters. This can help you reach new audiences and build relationships within the industry.
- Online Communities: Join online music communities and forums where you can collaborate and share your work.
4. Develop a Press Kit:
- EPK (Electronic Press Kit): Create a professional press kit that includes your bio, photos, music samples, videos, and contact information. This will be useful when reaching out to industry professionals.
5. Reach Out to Industry Professionals:
- Cold Emailing: Research and reach out to managers, agents, producers, and A&R representatives with a personalized message and your press kit.
- Social Media Interaction: Engage with industry professionals on social media by commenting on their posts, sharing their content, and direct messaging them with a professional approach.
6. Utilize Music Schools and Programs:
- Music Schools and Workshops: Enroll in music programs or workshops where you can learn and network with both peers and instructors who may have industry connections.
7. Build a Strong Network:
- Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can guide you and introduce you to their network.
- Networking Groups: Join local or online networking groups for musicians and industry professionals.
8. Stay Persistent and Professional:
- Follow Up: After making initial contact, follow up with a thank you message and keep them updated on your progress.
- Be Professional: Always maintain a professional attitude in your interactions.
9. Leverage Music Distribution Services:
- Distribution: Use services like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby to distribute your music to various platforms. This can help you reach a wider audience and industry professionals.
10. Invest in Your Craft:
- Continuous Improvement: Keep honing your skills, writing new music, and improving your production quality to stand out in the competitive music industry.
Remember, networking is a gradual process, and building genuine relationships takes time. Stay dedicated to your craft and be patient as you work towards your goals. Good luck!
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Tatiana!
I agree with Denise's response wholeheartedly. Also, you might try listening to the experiences of others starting out in the business as to how they got where they are. Here is a link to an interview that guitarist and producer Warren Huart did with several engineers and runners at Abbey Road studios in London which you might find interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bOORYCyVvk
https://youtu.be/1bOORYCyVvk?feature=shared
Good luck on your journey and my key piece of advice is to never give up on doing what gives you joy.
All the best, John
I agree with Denise's response wholeheartedly. Also, you might try listening to the experiences of others starting out in the business as to how they got where they are. Here is a link to an interview that guitarist and producer Warren Huart did with several engineers and runners at Abbey Road studios in London which you might find interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bOORYCyVvk
https://youtu.be/1bOORYCyVvk?feature=shared
Good luck on your journey and my key piece of advice is to never give up on doing what gives you joy.
All the best, John
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