Whether you’re a singer, instrumentalist, producer, or audio engineer, finding the right musicians is crucial. Connecting with them can do wonders for your career. But unlike the old days, modern-day musicians don’t have to rely on ‘who-do-you-know’ to succeed. In today’s digital age, you have the tools you need to realize your dreams.
You can blend traditional and digital networking strategies to find and connect with other musicians. Creating the best music is a team effort. So, you need the best networking strategy to find musicians who are compatible with your music style, work ethic, and personality.
Why do you need to connect with other musicians? Use the answer to this question to build your networking strategy. If you’re looking to recruit for your new rock band, there are tons of music showcases and conferences that focus primarily on rock bands.
Music stores, open jam sessions, and connection-based apps can help you find and connect with skilled singers, dancers, guitarists, drummers, and other artists. The best networking strategy for you should allow you to interact with musicians who can add value and boost your career. Here are five best ways to find and connect with other musicians:
1. Music Conferences
Like all other industries, the music sector has tons of conferences that bring together the industry’s insiders, recording artists, upcoming musicians, and newbies. As an upcoming musician, music conferences may be the only place where you can interact and exchange ideas freely with insiders and icons in the sector. Attending international music conferences provides a unique opportunity to find and connect with other musicians. It breaks the barriers of the real world to give you unrestricted access to the deepest talent pool. Regardless of your accomplishments and prowess, music conferences are ideal for networking and marketing your work to like-minded artists.
But all music conferences are not the same. Most music conferences nowadays cover more than one music genre. But minor differences like guest speakers, attending industry insiders, the panels, and workshops can narrow down potential attendees. Event organizers can focus the conference theme around songwriting, live performance, recording, and so on. To connect with the compatible musicians, do your research to find the right conference.
2. Music Stores
Hanging out in the local music store is one of the oldest and simplest ways to find and connect with other musicians. Before the Internet and social media, musicians relied on stores to stay in touch. Iconic music stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ash provide a conducive environment for beginners and veterans to meet, interact, and connect. In New York City, Manny’s Music influenced many musical legends for 74 years, from 1935 to 2009. Many NY jazz and soul legends bought their first trumpets and guitars at Manny’s long before they were famous.
Musicians are creatures of habit when it comes to their instruments. You know what you like and where to get it. If you’re looking to connect with different musical talents, find a music store with the widest reach. Sam Ash and Guitar Center come to mind. With over 250 stores, Guitar Center is the largest music retail chain in the US. Sam Ash is smaller than Guitar Center, but it has built a strong customer base since 1924 and expanded across 16 US states. So many talented musicians get their instruments from these iconic stores. They are also more likely to visit the same stores in other cities wherever the gig takes them. You only need to visit one of these stores to connect with highly talented musicians from different US cities. The large number of creative artists visiting music stores makes it easier for you to find like-minded musicians.
3. Music Showcases
Music showcases combine live public performances, festivals, and trade events. They vary in size ranging from small bar-hosted events to mega international festivals. Renowned music showcases and festivals like Summerfest and Coachella can help you find and connect with other musicians. Some festivals cover all music genres and bring together professionals from across the sector. So, you can network and connect with fellow folk singers, rappers, gospel artists, and more. You can find and collaborate with musicians in your niche. But there are so many players in these events, which can complicate your networking efforts. To get the most out of large music showcases, identify your specific goals. Determine who you should meet before attending music showcases.
4. Open Jam Sessions
Open jam sessions are informal and easy-going, making it easier for you to nurture meaningful connections with other musicians. If you’re a drummer or any other percussion instrument, you can partake in drum circles to connect with fellow percussionists. Also known as rhythm circles, drum circles provide a conducive environment for creativity to flourish. Partaking in drum circles in the park can connect you with creative musicians who think outside the box. They can inspire your musical soul and help you unlock your true potential.
You can also find small groups of musicians who perform together weekly or monthly at the local bar. Many entertainment joints preserve Wednesday night for jam sessions to give upcoming artists the stage to advertise their talent. Some of the greatest jazz, blues, and soul legends started their careers in local bars. If your niche is jazz, an amateur night jam session is the best way for you to find compatible musicians and make long-lasting connections.
5. Connection-Based Music Apps
With ongoing health uncertainties, networking strategies with little to zero human interactions is important now more than ever. Fortunately, today’s digital age delivers robust mobile apps that can connect you with other musicians. Connection-based music apps break down geographical barriers to expand your reach beyond your hometown or state. With mobile apps, you can find and connect with musicians from across the world without leaving the comfort of your couch. It is cost-effective because you don’t have to pay for lodging, food, and other travel costs.
Mobile apps eliminate the frustrating hassle and bustle that comes with physical networking. The most powerful connection-based music apps like Bass Parlour App connect artists, producers, instrumentalists, and audio engineers in one platform. So, you don’t have to chase down musicians in bars, conferences, or music stores. You just log in to a connection-based music app using your phone and find the artist, producer, or instrumentalist you need to deliver the next big hit or club banger.