How to Network in the Music Industry

ICMP's What's Next? Podcast, hosted by Jordan Olukanmi, Graduate Outcomes Assistant and Masters in Songwriting alumnus, aims to explore the journeys of our students after they have left ICMP. 

In the first episode, Masters in Songwriting alumnus Thiago Jorge discussed his industry moves while Caroline Ramos, a Masters in Performance alumna, has discussed the best ways to stay creative. 

The latest episode welcomes ICMP's BA Creative Music Production alumnus Peter Abdallah to talk about his experiences in the industry as a producer since graduating, including some essential tips on networking. 

Here are some essential insights taken from and inspired by the conversation. You can also find out more about career opportunities facilitated by ICMP's Careers and Industry Hub. 

If you're brave enough and you really want to make your way into the industry, make yourself known." 

If you're pursuing a music career, you must accept that you may not be able to do it alone. No matter how talented, skilled, or knowledgeable you are, there are simply not enough hours in the day for you to master and do everything effectively.  

Everywhere you turn you hear 'it's not what you know, it’s who you know'. It's very much a cliche but it's also very true. Networking is essential to your career, whatever that may be. 

Music  is no exception - it is a collaborative journey, and at one point or another, you'll need to recruit some help. Meeting people is vital to your career in music, regardless of your role. You'll also get more opportunities thrown your way the more people you know. 

Having more connections gives you access to more opportunities and gives you a greater chance of being recommended for jobs. By knowing someone, essentially you have access to all their network too! 

Let us look at different methods to help with networking below: 

Do your research

Conferences and events are a great way of expanding your network. However, before you attend, see if the organiser can share who will be there. If they have a list, you should be able to do a bit of research and identify exactly who you wish to talk to when you get there. This will save you time and help you get the most out of the event. 

Treat every conversation as a budding friendship

Try to treat networking as a way to make new friends rather than a way to open doors for yourself. Be nice, approachable, and kind. Treat everyone you talk to like you would treat a new friend. 

You never know where opportunities might come from in the future, so it doesn’t hurt to have as many friendly faces as possible in your corner."

Be confident

Give yourself a confidence boost. Networking is awkward for most of us and because of this, you're likely to try and talk yourself out of going to an event. Don't let yourself do that! It's a great opportunity and you know it. It's just your insecurities talking so don't listen to them. Be confident and go for it.

Prepare an elevator pitch

Come prepared with a 30-second 'about me' statement. It should include your genre, past achievements, what you're working on, and what you're hoping to accomplish soon.

If you have a skill set that other people might be looking for (for example, producing, mixing and mastering, etc), be sure to mention it as well. 

Follow up

Whether you got someone's business card or followed them on social media, be sure to send them a follow-up message after the event.

This can just be a quick hello or a continuation of a conversation you had in-person. Either way, it will solidify your connection and help them remember you in the long term. It's important to remember that networking is a two-way conversation where you both offer each other some value in your relationship/connection...

Good luck!