Why Networking Is Important in the Music Business

I was going to write about my  night out last night, but then I thought, who really wants to read yet another self-indulgent tale about me schmoozing with so and so? No, instead I want to give you something important, some observations I’ve made while in the performance art business.

The art of making music is not just about talent, but it’s about the people. I’ve interviewed a lot of artists between my last two gigs as a music writer and the one this that is essential is getting to know people. It is important to get out in the crowd and talk to the audience afterward, it is important to go to social events and not only surround yourself with talented musicians, but find Gary the Lawyer, Gus the Architect, and Bob the Dentist. Why? Because they are the people who will make or break you more than anyone else.

 If you from a real relationship with the people who listen to you, they will be your biggest advocate. Yea, knowing the lead singer of The Avett Brothers may give you some pull in the social circles, but they are far too busy, they have their own careers to manage and more often than not won’t help you out in the ways you might think. These are the people who get bombarded with CDs, and get asked for help all the time. So much so that it just blends together and as soon as you ask a favor, you become just another face in the haze of people wanting handouts.

Talk to the man in business casual attire at the front booth of the club in LA, he may just be someone worth knowing. You never know the ties someone has so make sure you are a friend to all you meet, and don’t come with the smell of desperation in the air, asking for handouts. Just have real conversations with people and they will respect you. If you have talent, they will promote you. If they have pull, they may hire you. If they are the head of a major label, they may just write your ticket.

My point is don’t concern yourself with what people are, just get to know them and show an interest in who they are and treat everyone with respect because the ‘little guy’ is the one who may buy your songs and tell his friends; If you disrespect them or ignore them, they will have no emotional investment in you and you will never grow a fan base. Don’t ignore the dentist; he may travel in wider circles than you know. Don’t forget to chat with the unassuming chap in that booth with the sports coat and jeans; he may be the CEO of Allied Artists.

The people who we meet often make the journey worthwhile and make an evening worth remembering. The one thing that sticks out the most from my evening at the Hollywood Bar and Grill last night is the conversations I had, and the people I met. Not because of what they do, but who they are as people. As an artist, that’s the best part.