In the music industry, who you know often matters as much as what you can do. Building genuine relationships can open doors that talent alone might not. Experts like Benjy Rostrum emphasize that strategic networking is a game-changer for serious artists.
Show Up Where Music People Gather
One of the most effective ways to network is simply being present in the right places. Attend local shows, industry events, open mics, conferences, and music meetups. You’ll often meet collaborators, promoters, producers, and fans just by showing up.
The key is consistency. Going once won’t change your career, but going regularly builds familiarity and trust. People start to recognize your face, and that’s when conversations turn into opportunities.
You don’t have to pitch yourself hard. Just be genuine, ask questions, and listen. Sometimes the best connections come from casual chats, not formal pitches.
You’re not alone if you feel nervous walking into a room full of strangers. Start by going with a friend or introducing yourself to just one person. Over time, you’ll build confidence and make deeper connections simply by showing up and being open.
Use Social Media To Build Real Connections
Social media isn’t just for posting selfies and song links—it’s a powerful networking tool when used right. Follow other artists, producers, managers, and influencers in your space. Engage with their content by commenting, sharing, or sending a thoughtful DM.
Make sure your profile tells your story clearly. You should have a clean bio, links to your music, and recent posts that reflect your sound and personality. When someone checks you out, they should quickly understand who you are.
Start conversations, not just promotions. Ask for advice, compliment a recent release, or offer to collaborate. The goal is to form mutual relationships, not just build numbers.
Don’t underestimate the power of consistency here, too. Commenting regularly or showing support over time can build familiarity, even if you’ve never met in person. When you do finally connect offline, it’ll feel more natural, like meeting someone you already know.
Follow Up And Stay In Touch
Meeting someone once isn’t enough—you have to nurture the connection. Follow up within a few days after an event or an online exchange. A quick message saying, “Great to meet you,” can go a long way.
Keep track of who you’ve connected with and check in from time to time. Share updates on your music or show support for theirs. Relationships grow over time, not instantly.
People work with those they trust. If you stay on their radar without being pushy, you’ll be the person they think of when an opportunity arises.
You can also create systems to make follow-ups easier. A simple spreadsheet or calendar reminder can help you track who you’ve talked to and when to check in. That way, no relationship falls through the cracks just because life gets busy.
Offer Value Before You Ask For Anything
One of the fastest ways to shut down a potential connection is to start with a favor. Instead, focus on giving first. Can you help promote someone’s release, offer your skills, or bring value to their project?
Offering value shows you’re generous, resourceful, and serious about building genuine relationships. It doesn’t have to be big—sometimes sharing a track or giving honest feedback is enough. Small actions can leave a big impression.
This mindset makes people want to support you in return. You become a collaborator, not just someone looking for a handout.
Collaborate With Purpose
Collaboration is one of the most powerful networking moves in music. Whether it’s a feature, a co-write, a remix, or a joint performance, collaborating helps you connect with new people and audiences. But don’t just collab to collab—do it with intention.
Choose partners whose style, audience, or values align with yours. The right collaboration can lead to new fans, fresh ideas, and lasting professional relationships. The wrong one can feel forced and fall flat.
Be clear about expectations, be professional, and consistently deliver your best. A smooth collaboration experience often leads to more referrals and future work.
Join Communities And Industry Networks
There are countless music communities—online and offline—where industry people gather. These include Facebook groups, Discord servers, Patreon communities, and membership-based music networks. These spaces are great for learning, connecting, and getting support.
Find groups that focus on your genre, region, or goals. Get involved in discussions, share your wins and struggles, and offer help to others. Being active in a community makes you visible and valuable.
These groups often share opportunities like songwriting camps, sync placements, playlist features, and open calls. Being plugged in puts you in a position to take advantage of them.
Final Thoughts
In music, talent opens the door—but relationships keep it open. Strategic networking turns strangers into collaborators, mentors, and supporters who help you grow. As Benjy Rostrum has shown through his work in the industry, strong connections can be the foundation of long-term success. Which networking move will you try first to grow your music career?
