While I was in college, a well known producer came to the school to give a seminar. At the end of the time I asked him how could I ever get his attention to use me on some of his recording sessions. He said I probably couldn’t do anything to get his attention. He is always going to call his friend who is a drummer. They go to church together, their kids play together, etc. They want each other to do well for themselves, and they enjoy working together. This was a great lesson to me in how to advance a career in music, or any career for that matter.
Some estimates say that only 20% of the jobs available are posted in newspapers and online. The other 80% are filled through word of mouth and networking. The music industry is very similar. As an instrumentalist, auditions are rarely posted as “open”. Normally you need to have a friend or a contact that can get you invited to the audition.
The same goes for getting a record deal, management deal, booking, etc. Rarely can you send a package to one of these organizations and get taken seriously. Usually, you have to have personal contact to get in.
The point is that you need to be out meeting people in the circles of which you want to be a part. Go to events like CD release parties, and other industry events. Go listen to other artists play, etc. Then, be proactive in meeting people. I am not suggesting you go around telling everyone about yourself, but instead, ask about them! Everyone enjoys talking about themselves, therefore after you learn about the person you are speaking to, you can ascertain how you might be able to help them in what they are doing.
I use to be very shy, and abhor mingling and working the room. Once I learned the concept of asking others about themselves, it completely took the edge off. I did not feel like I was always having to sell myself. Instead I could take interest in what someone else was doing, and the ball was in my court to decide if I wanted to tell them how I could be a part of what they do.
Another great tip I like to pass on to people, is list your allies. Take a few moments and literally write down on a piece of paper all the people that are interested in you and want to help see that you and your career are successful. Then, create sort of a family tree, connecting how you met this person through that person, etc. This will be a good indicator for you to see where you meet your allies.
Get out, meet people, help people, and make some friends. When you start helping people, there is a good chance that they will start helping you.
www.advantagemusicproduction.com
-Jared Ribble is VP-Operations for Reel Loud Records, Co-Owner of Advantage Music Production, and has professionally drummed for Grammy and Dove Award winning artists. Jared and his wife reside in Nashville, TN.
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