Creative Networking at Music Events

(Photo via Orin Zebest)

I've been to a couple of large music festivals in the last few months - first there was the Miami Winter Music Conference, and recently the Detroit Electronic Music Festival. Both were great places to meet up with old colleagues, DJ / producer / performing peers, and establish new contacts.

This got me thinking about networking among musicians. Such events are often spread across several days, and between the seas of new faces and wads of business cards, it can all get a bit confusing. Don't do what I did in Miami: When people ask "What are you working on now?", you say, "erm... I've nearly finished an EP and it is kinda pitched down but deep and like 80s influenced but still dubby and groovy". Take CDs, or USB sticks, or free download cards. You want to go, "BAM. Here's where I'm at, what I sound like and how you can find more of me". Being organised (unlike myself) and having something slightly different to give out on your travels will often go a long way. One of the best examples I saw of this was from house music DJ/ Producer Joshua Iz, who printed out specific cards for the Miami event. Giving your potential collaborators or consumers an extra reason to hold on to them is a smart move too...


Exhibit one...
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The B side...

This was a great idea for two reasons, one, because after being in a loud club and slightly inebriated, and being told by 40 different DJs the hotels at which they were staying and playing and also visiting over the next 5 days, I had no idea who was where. Secondly, Joshua not only listed his gigs, but also used the cards as a promotional tool for his record label, and made sure people would hold onto the cards and check out the online store by offering a discount during the conference week. It worked; when I returned home I logged on and bought a few records before the discount ran out (it also helps that the tracks are great).

I guess the lesson here is to be prepared. If you are attending an event where you know there will be thousands of people into your style of music, organise something special to give out. Branded lighters, rude stickers, blueberry muffins, or just a damn good card (in 3D! with lasers!), they will all do something to help you be remembered and lead to potential relationships with fans and peers.

Be ready to grasp that opportunity. Get creating now!


Lee Jarvis.

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