From Unknown to In-Demand: Building Your Career in the Music Industry

The easiest way to kickstart your career is by leveraging your existing network. Think about:

• Classmates and friends of friends who would like to try and record their first song

• Former bandmates or people in your network that you know are making music

• People you've worked with in the past, might be ready for another project with you if you reach out.
  
  Look for individuals who are involved in the music business or who might need your services. Even if you can only think of one person who fits this description, make sure to reach out to them, and most importantly, do an outstanding job for them!
  
  This project is crucial for getting your first referrals and building your reputation.

There are two types of referrals:

1. Direct referrals: When someone you've worked with recommends you to others.

2. Indirect referrals: When someone who knows you, but hasn't worked with you, suggests your services to others.

How can I make more people refer me? 

• Always deliver high-quality work (obviously).

• Always ask satisfied clients if they know anyone else who might need your services.

• Always include a referral request in your end-of-project checklist (sidenote: if you're using Upsound to manage your projects this will happen automatically at the end of the project). 

As you build your network and receive referrals, some clients will return for additional work. Repeat clients are invaluable because:

• They already trust your skills and work ethic

• There's less risk involved for both parties

• They essentially become self-generating referrals

To encourage repeat business:

• Maintain a friendly and professional relationship

• Consistently deliver excellent results (don't start to slack)

• Stay in touch periodically, even when you're not actively working together

While this option may come later in your career, working with established record labels can provide several benefits:

• Steady stream of work opportunities

• Access to higher-profile projects and artists

• Reduced need to seek out individual clients

Keep in mind that these arrangements often pay less than direct freelance work, but they can offer valuable experience and industry connections.

Create valuable content that showcases your expertise and attracts potential clients. This could include:

• Tutorial videos on production techniques

• Tiktok or Instagram posts about your creative process

• Behind-the-scenes looks at your studio setup

• Maybe participate in remix competitions or viral trends (This one is a hit or miss. It depends on your brand, only do it if it makes you shine). 

Sharing your knowledge not only helps others but also positions you as an expert in your field. This strategy can lead to organic client inquiries and new collaborations.

Make sure you have a good online presence.

For studio musicians, platforms like Upsound.com (this site) are made specifically for this industry.

Create a profile to showcase your work, your clients, your referrals and personal brand.

Regularly updating your profile, such as your portfolio, can lead to exciting new opportunities and industry connections. 

Free Networking Events

While networking is crucial, free events often attract individuals with unrealistic expectations or limited budgets. 
Instead, focus on:

• Industry-specific conferences such as ADE in Amsterdam. 

• Alumni events from music schools. 

• Invite-only showcases or listening parties, specific to the genres of music (or cities) where you want to grow your network.

These venues tend to attract more serious professionals and potential clients.
 
Projects where you are paid exclusively in royalties:

Be cautious of doing too much music or production work where you only profit from potential royalties. It is not to say you should never do it, and use your fair judgement - if you're working on the next viral hit song it might make sense, but more often than not, songs don't turn into much profit, especially not for unknown artists. 
These situations often lead to: 

• Tension in your relationship with the artist

• Undervalued work

• Less incentive for repeat work (if you didn't earn anything on the first track, why should you expect to earn anything on the next?)

Instead, just focus on building personal relationships with potential clients, ask for a fair price up front for your work and gradually build out your portfolio. 

Building a successful career in the music industry takes time, persistence, and a strategic approach to finding and retaining clients.

Start by leveraging your network and delivering exceptional work on your first few projects. As you gain experience, focus on generating referrals, cultivating repeat clients, and creating valuable content that showcases your expertise. Consider working with record labels to expand your reach, and utilize online platforms like Upsound to showcase your work or your recording studio.

By following these strategies and consistently producing high-quality work, you'll be well on your way to reaching the client tipping point, where opportunities come to you, and you have the freedom to choose the projects that align with your career goals.