3 Simple Ways To Expand Your Music Network (Online)

So your stuck in isolation with your dog and your housemate, all your mates are working from home, but we are musicians. Working from home isn't exactly what we do, or is it?

If you've got more time on your hands now then ever thanks to Covid, then you should be thinking about ways to expand your network online.

This is something we don't normally get time to do while we are busy rehearsing for shows and lugging our gear between gigs, but is almost just as important.

So how do we network if we can't go outside and meet people?

1. Video Calls.

This idea was brought to my attention whilst actually ON a video call. Rather, it was a zoom chat with Rob Nassif (Gyroscope) and a bunch of other awesome Perth musicians.

We were discussing ways to get the attention of promoters and managers who are organizing large tours, and what we need to do to get that prized support slot.

The answer came mostly in the form of reaching out and using your mutual contacts to get your email to the wig at the top.

That is where the video calling comes in.

Comprising your email to politely ask for just 15 minutes of this persons time on a video chat, rather than spewing information and links to your Soundcloud, could help this important contact put a face to your name. This helps in the future when they are putting together a tour, are thinking of similar bands to put on the line up, and think back to that video call and decide to check up on your band. It could also be a great way to get to know someone you'd like to work with, whether it be a PR manager, an actual management company, or an artist.

If you don't know them, you can include a cheeky, "this person recommended that I reach out to you," and pray they give your email some attention.

This is a great way to make contacts whilst stuck in your house, and potentially get you some opportunities once touring kicks off again!

2. Comment, Like, Share!

Share your opinion! Comment on posts from your favorite bands or influencers, share posts, like their content, be active online!

This one goes a long way when making new contacts. People love attention on their social media, and this is a great way to become more familiar with those you either haven't met, or only met briefly.

If your in any music forums, be vocal on them too, give your advice and ask for it, seasoned musicians love to give their opinion.

You can even use your social media platforms to 'shout out' other musicians and artists that you love, and recommend your favorite products. Often these people are trying to build their presence online too, and will really appreciate the support.

3. Research.

Instead of just aimlessly scrolling through your social media, take a moment to dive deep into the internet. What I mean is, discover new people, tap on links, this is what leads you to new pages or businesses. Follow the maze that is social media.

What you'll find, is that you will actually discover some pretty awesome people that could become close contacts in the future.

For instance, last night I found myself scrolling through Instagram, and I came across a pretty awesome band photo posted by a local band. I clicked on the photographers name that they tagged, and suddenly I had found a new local budding photographer. I liked her content, so I followed her, and knew that I could potentially hit her up in the future about a shoot for my own band.

This is just one small example, but I could keep going, by clicking on similar profiles that these sites suggests, finding accounts for the bands she has already photographed, leading to other accounts they affiliate with, and so on.

Dive in there and find some new people!

So instead of aimlessly scrolling and watching videos online, try at least one of these three techniques tonight;

1. Compose an email to that producer you'd like to chat to, and ask for just 15 minutes of their time on a video chat.

2. Actively interact with posts and videos from the artists and muso's you follow.

3. Dive deep into the catacombs of social media, find at least one new person you could like and follow.

Networking online is an incredibly useful tool to expand your network and kick start some relationships in the industry. So if you find some time between rehearsals, take a dive into the webs of the internet and dedicate some time to making new contacts, you never know where they may lead you in the future.

Author: Amber Baldock

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