Networking basics for DIY musicians

First off, real networking is not those cringey forced mixer events that we all have in our heads. It’s really just existing in the world in a kind way, and providing real value to real people fairly.

The tl;dr on this one comes in the form of this Youtube video. I don’t always agree with everything that Warren says, but this vid is spot on. Worth a watch:

Finding clients for your recording studio!

Quick tips for effective DIY networking

This is an advice buffet: take what you want and leave the rest.

1) Make allies in your local scene: get to know at least a few other bands you like to play with for collabs on shows. It’s a lot easier to sell a venue on a fully booked and curated lineup that you’ve put together, over a single band trying to jump on wherever.

Or, just bypass the system and do house shows-they’re better for fans, better for artists, the artists take home more cash, and you don’t have to deal with skeezey venue owners or promoters.

2) Go to shows and meet people in person. Support them directly by showing up for them as much as you can.

Engage with, and help build up, your local artistic community by being there.

3) Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to other artists that you love and want to work with.

4) The people you work with are by far the most important part of your record, so make sure you pay them a livable wage (not the bare minimum) and treat them well.

Don’t turn into the boss you hate to work for when it’s your turn to employ people who are helping you with your artistic career.

Def don’t treat your people like line items to be slashed.

5) Don’t take constructive feedback or an artist hiring someone else personally, because it’s never personal.

That’s what the free market is: anyone can choose to hire (or not hire) anyone else, at any time, for any reason, and that’s perfectly ok.

6) Be generous with your time and info.

This doesn’t mean you have to work for free on every gig, but you also shouldn't nickel and dime people. A good middle ground might be a free consult on a project, before any money changes hands.

7) Be easy to work with, prepared and professional. No divas.

8) Not caring about money doesn’t make you a more genuine artist, and having bills to pay doesn't make you a sellout. Not that simple. Charge fair prices for your fair work, but you gotta back up your price with quality.

9) Substance over hype. Education and shared information over spam and flashy pictures of gear. I guess a few flashy gear pics are cool if you’ve got the gear to flex on, but flash shouldn’t be the entirety of your marketing strategy, in my opinion.

Reading list

The classic short book on the subject of running a business based off of genuine relationships rather than sleaze is called The Go-Giver, and it’s really great.

Kind of the anti-Amazon, anti-Bezos, anti-Musk, small local business way of doing capitalism. I’m a big fan.

Required reading for anyone who’s interested in working for themselves.

Another bit of required reading? Our Mixing Cheat Sheet! I put all the steps to a great mix into a checklist, so you can learn on your own!