09/09/2026
Your music can get somebody’s attention. Your relationships can keep doors open.
Networking is one of the most important things an artist can learn to do — and it doesn’t have to feel fake or forced.
Yes, you can build real relationships online. A DM, a comment, sharing somebody’s work, or simply having a genuine conversation can turn into something bigger over time. But sometimes you also have to get outside. Go to the show. Shake hands. Introduce yourself. Support another artist’s set. Talk to the DJ. Meet the producer. Speak to the event organizer. Get familiar with the people actually helping move the scene forward.
And don’t make every interaction about what somebody can do for you.
People remember the artist who showed genuine support, had a real conversation, brought an idea to the table, followed up respectfully, and stayed connected even when they didn’t have a song to promote.
That “too cool to speak” approach works for a very small number of artists — usually after they’ve already built the audience, relationships and leverage to carry that persona. For most developing artists, acting like you’re above connecting with people is only making the road harder.
Your talent matters. Your music matters. But being talented and being someone people actually want to work with are two different things.
Build the relationship before you need the favor.
Swipe through the slides above for a few networking tips you can actually use — from starting a real conversation, to knowing who to connect with, following up the right way, and staying connected between releases.
That’s networking.
THE BREAKDOWN
What part of networking trips you up the most — starting the conversation, figuring out who to approach, or following up without feeling like you’re doing too much?
