A Need To Network

A Need To Network


Like any other business there’s a need to network. It’s the relationships that you build along the way that will help you obtain your goals. Developing relationships with co-writers, artists, publishers, record label associates (yes that includes the secretary) and other music industry contacts can help you on your journey.

In today’s music industry networking has never been easier. Of course that doesn’t mean the doors open immediately to embrace your song(s).


Here’s some idea’s to get you networking.

1. Co-writing is a great opportunity to network and “up” your game from a songwriting perspective. Co-writing can bring you outside your “musical box”. Your co-writer may also be the next artist to cut your song if they have the goods musically to bring your song to a performance level.
2. Here’s a no brainer, the internet. With the advent of so many social websites and songwriting websites, it’s a MUST to leverage the internet to move the dial on your musical network. Songramp, Facebook, MySpace Music, Just Plain Folks, ReverbNation, Soundclick are just a few examples.
3. Research publications to find out who’s who in the industry. Learning the name of an A&R contact at “XYZ Publishing” can help you start the relationship.
4. Never be TOO pushy (a nudge is OK), always be polite and be respectful of people’s time.
5. Become a part of a musical community. Songwriter organizations like Songramp.com, Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), BMI, ASCAP, SESAC. Try your local community; I belong to my local songwriter’s group Rhode Island Songwriter’s Association (RISA). This affords me the benefits of membership, helps strengthen the songwriting posture in my local community and allows me to network with other songwriters.
6. Don’t burn bridges. I’ve severed several publishing contracts in the past via means of a reversion clause, but kept a healthy relationship with the people.
7. Pay attention to others and they just may pay attention to you. Let’s face it, we all want to be heard, but are you doing any listening lately? It’s important to take genuine interest in the contacts you establish. Nothing worse than hitting a small record label up with your songs, when you have no idea what their artists sound like…do your homework.

The key is networks are built on people first, your songs may just be the bridge. I’m confident there are ton’s of other ways to build your network. Feel free to share them here if you are so inclined.

My best,
Ray Fontenault (BMI)
DoRay Music Promotions
http://www.doraymusicpromotions.com
http://songramp.com/rayf/
http://www.myspace.com/rayfontenault
http://www.changinghearts.doraymusicpromotions.com
http://songwriterjourney.blogspot.com/