You can have the voice of an angel, the soul of a poet, and a melody that could move mountains…
But if no one hears it?
It doesn’t go anywhere.

That’s why in today’s post, I’m breaking down one of the most important, most misunderstood, and most game-changing parts of your music career: networking.

Now don’t roll your eyes! I know the word “networking” can feel like a stale LinkedIn buzzword or some sleazy suit-slick strategy that only corporate people use. But that couldn’t be further from the truth — especially in the music world.

Because here’s the tea, the testimony, and the timeline:
Networking is how dreams move forward.
It’s how strangers become collaborators.
How ideas become reality.
How you — yes you — start showing up in rooms you once thought were out of reach.

And in this blog post, we’re diving into:

Why networking actually matters
How to do it without being fake or weird
My personal, awkward-but-beautiful networking journey
The five types of networking
A step-by-step plan to start now
What not to do
Where to network in real life and online

Why Networking Matters More Than You Think

Let’s start with the heart of it:
The music industry is a people industry.

People don’t just work with talent — they work with people they know, like, and trust.

Whether it’s a producer who slides your song to a label, a music supervisor who places you in a film, or a fellow artist who pulls you onstage for a surprise collab… every door is opened by someone.

And the way you meet those someones?
Networking.

It’s not clout-chasing. It’s not ladder-climbing.
It’s connection-chasing.

It’s being brave enough to say:
“Hey, I admire what you do. Let’s talk.”

What Networking Is (and What It Isn’t)

Let’s clear something up:

Networking is not:

Passing out cards like Halloween candy
Cornering someone with your life story
Copy-pasting “Let’s collab!” into 47 DMs
Pretending to be someone you’re not

Networking is:

Being curious and kind
Starting real conversations
Following up thoughtfully
Offering value without strings
Being your actual self

Because guess what? People can sniff out fake from a mile away.
Authenticity is your superpower. Use it.

My Personal Networking Journey (Wins, Flops, and Polka Dots)

Summer 2024. Berklee College of Music. I was a student in their summer program — and it was intense.
Every break, I’d bolt to the front of the room, introduce myself to speakers, ask questions, grab emails, and yes sometimes a selfie too.

After the program ended? I followed up with every single one of them.
Not all responded.
But one did: Mike Warner.

Mike later joined me on my podcast. He also told me about the Music Biz Conference, which — for the first time — was being held in Atlanta (an hour from where I live!).

So I went. No pass. Just vibes. And a burning desire to meet people.

I sat in the lobby, struck up conversations, and reminded myself: Everyone here is here to connect.
And some conversations changed everything.

Like yelling “POLKA DOTS!” at a stranger walking by (we talked for ten minutes).
Or connecting with producers I’d admired for years.
Or chatting with the founders of Hit Songs Deconstructed at an after-party — a convo that lasted almost half an hour and lit my soul on fire.

All because I was willing to be a little brave, a little awkward, and a lot myself.

The 5 Types of Networking (and Why You Need Them All)

Let’s zoom out for a sec.
There isn’t just one way to network. There are actually five:

In-Person Networking
Conferences, panels, local shows, open mics, film fests.
Online Networking
DMs, thoughtful comments, virtual events, emails.
Collaborative Networking
Co-writes, co-productions, joint social content.
Passive Networking
Supporting others publicly, sharing their work, leaving kind words.
Mentorship Networking
Reaching out to someone ahead of you — with a thoughtful question, not a vague “pls help.”

Each one plants a seed. And you never know which seed will bloom.

5-Step Networking Starter Plan

Here’s your starter pack. Keep it simple. Keep it human.

Pick your space
(Event, open mic, FB group, DM target — doesn’t matter. Just start.)
Set your intention
(Example: “I want to connect with 2 new people today.”)
Have an opener ready
(“Hey, I saw your set and loved your tone.” Or, “That jacket is FIRE.”)
Follow up within 24–48 hours
Mention the convo. If you took a pic, attach it.
Circle back in two weeks
Stay alive in their mind. Keep watering the seed.

What Not To Do When Networking

Please don’t be that person. You know the one.

🚫 Only talks about themselves
🚫 Immediately asks for a favor
🚫 Vague about intentions (“Let’s collab!” with no follow-up)
🚫 Doesn’t follow up at all
🚫 Ghosts after being helped

Be better. Be intentional. Be grateful. Give back.

Where to Start Networking (Real Places, Real People)

Here’s where I actually recommend for musicians:

Music Biz Conference – Meet everyone from execs to interns
Women in Music – Empowering network for women & gender-expansive artists
SoundBetter / AirGigs – Hire or collaborate with top-tier pros
LinkedIn – Seriously, creatives are using it now
Sync Licensing FB Groups – Learn, share, connect
Discord Servers – Try “Producer Dojo” or “Songcamp”
Local Open Mics / College Events – So underrated. So essential.
Workshops / Retreats – Life-changing spaces for both art and connection
Volunteer at festivals – Meet insiders from backstage