Talent is essential, but it isn’t enough to build a solid music career.

If you want to grow a loyal audience, land better shows, and build a reputation in your local scene, music networking is the real strategy. 

The best connections still happen face-to-face, when you’re part of the local community. 

• What Kind of Music Industry Networking Moves the Needle?
• Should I Be Networking Online or In Person?
• What Do Artists Get Wrong About Music Networking?
• How To Have An Authentic Music Networking Conversation
• What Does Music Networking Look Like in LA, NYC, and London?
• How To Turn Music Networking Into Real Opportunities
• Music Business Networking: Your Next Move

What Kind of Music Industry Networking Moves the Needle?

Building connections in the music industry is the advantage most artists overlook. Why? Not every type of networking in the music industry creates results. The random “spray and pray” approach usually leaves artists burned out, and many give up as a result.

That’s why you want to focus on things that move your career forward. Four strategies that consistently move the needle are:

• Networking through live shows
• Finding and connecting with local music networking people
• Building through artist collaboration
• Consistent, professional follow-ups
  

Let’s explore each type.

Music Networking And Live Shows

Live performance is your biggest networking music opportunity.

The real ROI happens when you stick around after your set, talk to other bands, thank the sound tech, and actually build community. Every handshake is a potential door to the next show, collab, or fan.

Canadian artist Mike Ruby spent years busking and playing small shows in Toronto, but his breakthrough came from staying after his sets, talking to fans and staff. 

Networking through live shows led him to festival slots and larger venues without ever relying on TikTok.

Music Networking with Local Connectors

Every city has connectors. They may not be musicians, but they know everyone. Sometimes they’re promoters, venue owners, or even the local gig photographers. Some cities even provide the opportunity to network with people from the creative industry (not necessarily just other musicians).

Get to know them, and more importantly, be valuable to them.

• Invite them to your shows
• Ask about their work first
• Offer help before you ever ask for it
  

These people hold the keys to bigger opportunities. Buy them a coffee, show genuine interest, and you’ll often find yourself introduced to bookers, collaborators, and other music industry contacts.

Artist-to-Artist Collaboration

Too many musicians fall into the trap of competing instead of collaborating. 

But other independent artists are not your rivals. They’re your network.

Collabs can happen in rehearsal spaces, through jam sessions, or at open mics. They can be as simple as trading email lists or co-writing a single track.

For example, when independent artist TAYLR teamed up with two hip-hop producers in her scene, their cross-genre project sold out local venues. It was about building together. And that builds momentum far faster than isolation.

This is exactly how to collaborate with artists in a way that expands your reach.

Following Up Like a Pro

The unglamorous part of music networking is probably music business contacts follow-ups. But it’s also the most important. A handshake doesn’t mean much without it.

Here’s a simple formula:

• Send a quick message within 24-48 hours
• Mention something specific you talked about
• Offer support before asking for anything

People rarely remember the first introduction, but they always remember when you follow up. This is how you start building connections in the music industry that last.

Choosing the Right Events

Not every event is worth your time. Independent artists should choose wisely based on their goals.

Show up early, introduce yourself with intention, and always use people’s names. The right musician networking events should focus on conversation, not clout.

Here are some of the top music industry networking events in 2025 to get you started. 

 

Should I Be Networking Online or In Person?

Instagram and email are great for initial connections and maintaining relationships, but you have to meet people in the real world to really nurture connections.

Use online tools to:

• Share live performance clips with bookers
• Build small peer group chats
• Keep fans updated after a live show
  

Your music networking strategies grow fastest when you blend both, but always lead with a human connection.

Online Music Networking Hack: Google Business Profiles

Here’s an overlooked hack: claim your Google Business Profile (GBP).

If you busk, play bars, or even teach lessons, you’re essentially a local business. Your GBP helps you:

• Show up when people search “live music near me”
• Post upcoming gigs like a calendar
• Collect reviews from fans, venues, or collaborators

This boosts credibility and gives you a reason to connect with other businesses. And the best part? It’s free. 

Offer to swap reviews with a photographer, rehearsal space, or studio. It’s a subtle but powerful way of community building for musicians.

What Do Artists Get Wrong About Music Networking?

Most artists think networking means asking for something. That’s why so many conversations feel forced or uncomfortable.

The truth is, real music networking starts with curiosity, not promotion.

Instead of: “Check out my Spotify.”

Try: “I loved your set. How did you get that guitar tone?”

The more you care about the other person, the more natural the interaction will feel. That’s the essence of how to network as an independent artist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

How To Have An Authentic Music Networking Conversation

Here’s a simple framework:

1. Start with observation: “Your vocal effects were amazing tonight. What pedal were you using?”
   
2. Find common ground: “Do you play this venue often? I’m thinking of booking here.”
   
3. Offer value: “If you’re ever looking for an opener, let me know. I’ve got a few music industry contacts who’d dig your style.”
   

You’re not pitching. You’re fostering independent artist connections.

What Should I Say If I’m Nervous?

Nerves are normal. Keep a few easy lines in your back pocket to ease the anticipatory anxiety that can sometimes come with music networking. 

Here are musician networking tips you can use if you’re nervous:

• “I’m pretty new here, but I really enjoyed your set.”
• “I’m trying to connect with more local musicians. What kind of shows do you usually play?”
• “This might be awkward, but I wanted to say hi. I really respect your work.”
  

People appreciate honesty. The most authentic independent artist connections often start with vulnerability.

How To Follow Up Without Feeling Pushy

The best follow-ups feel like a continuation of the first conversation, not a sales pitch.

• Day after: “Great chatting last night. You mentioned looking for a violinist. I know someone I can connect you with, if you’re interested.”
• One week later: “I’ll be at The Mint Friday, let me know if you’re going.”
• Ongoing: Share their new release, send a venue contact, or introduce them to another artist.
  

This is how you build music business contacts who remember you.

Asking for a Gig Without Sounding Desperate

Position yourself as a contributor, not a beggar. It’ll make your tone feel less frantic for a “big break.” 

Other tips:

• Reference context: “Saw you’re curating that showcase. My 25-minute set could match the vibe, happy to help promote.”
• Send a short live clip, not a Spotify link.

It may sound harsh, but no one cares about your struggle (everyone’s struggling). Instead, highlight the value you bring. That’s smart music business networking.

What Does Music Networking Look Like in LA, NYC, and London?

Los Angeles

LA is very network-focused and packed with talent, but also gatekeepers. 

Stand out by:

• Attending music industry networking events and mixers like SoFar Sounds, staying for the after-party 
• Becoming a regular at The Hotel Café or Silverlake Lounge
• Use shared experiences as icebreakers, but try not to complain about how hard the scene is. That turns a lot of LAers off.
  

For example, indie soul artist Shira Elias built her LA network by consistently attending and supporting shows, not just playing them.

New York City

NYC is fast-paced and honest. Respect people’s time, and try your best to avoid coming off as phony or transactional. 

Here are some tips:

• Keep intros short (“Loved your set, do you usually play the LES?”)
• Spend time at Rockwood Music Hall or Pianos
• Support other artists before asking for anything

Oswin Benjamin grew his following by community building for musicians, showing up for others first. Eventually, he became an opener for Lauryn Hill.

London

London is full of opportunities and collaboration, but the culture can be more reserved (especially if you’re used to American cities). 

• Lead with music talk, not business
• Be a regular at The Roundhouse or Omeara
• Always follow up via email or WhatsApp

Maisie Peters got traction by helping other performers at open mics before pushing her own work. After a long grassroots stint of networking in the music industry, she opened for Taylor Swift.

How To Turn Music Networking Into Real Opportunities

Here’s a common mindset blocker for independent musicians: if networking doesn’t lead to gigs, collabs, or fans, what’s the point? 

What’s usually missing in this rhetoric? Patience. If you follow through in certain ways, eventually it’ll pay off. You just have to trust the process.

Pivot From Conversations To Collaborations

Follow up with intent. Share a rough idea before asking for commitment. That’s how to collaborate with artists in a way that feels natural.

Use Music Networking Momentum for Fanbase Growth

Fans are counted by metrics, but you get them through moments.

Here are some ways to get a fanbase growth through networking: 

• Open for a friend so their fans discover you
• Collaborate with a producer so their audience clicks through
• Get tagged in a songwriter night so new fans find you

Only Say Yes To The Opportunities That Grow Your Career

You can’t say yes to everything, and it’s important as an independent artist to guard your limited time carefully. 

If you’re wondering which opportunities to take and which ones to skip, ask yourself:

• Will this reach a new audience?
• Does this align with my artistry?
• Is there mutual respect?

That’s the difference between shallow contacts and meaningful music industry networking.

Music Business Networking: Your Next Move

You’ll know whether you’re networking the right way if: 

• Opportunities come to you
• People remember your name after a gig
• Others tag and recommend you without prompting

You don’t need a PR campaign or a million followers to get there. Just 10 real people who believe in you and mention your name when you’re not in the room.

Play live. Support others. Follow up like it matters, because it does. Networking for independent musicians is about creating independent artist connections that turn into lifelong fans and collaborators. 

Instead of aiming to be viral, try to be vital—that’s the heartbeat of your scene.