Networking in Los Angeles: Building Your LA Music Contacts
29 - Jan - 2024
Are you an aspiring music artist looking to make your mark in the LA music scene? Begin by building a network. However, building a network in the Los Angeles music scene is similar to creating a masterpiece: it takes time, precision, and a keen ear for opportunities. This blog, offers tips to navigate Los Angeles' sprawling music landscape and make connections that could shape your musical journey.
Let’s begin…
· Regularly Attend Local Music Events
Participate in the local LA music scene. You can meet industry professionals at music events such as concerts, showcases, and open mics. You must demonstrate your abilities here. Remember to bring your business cards! Engage in conversation, make friends with other creatives, and charm the crowd. These experiences aren't just stepping stones to your dreams; they're portals.
When it comes to networking, attending local workshops and conferences can be a good place to start. Attending such events allows you to meet other music artists in person and learn more about their networks, which, if you connect with them, may eventually become your network.
You may run into LA music producers, booking agents, or even an A&R representative at these locations. For this reason, you need to have your materials, like the lift pitch and EPK, ready. These events offer countless music contacts.
· Connect with Music Organizations
More than any other way, professional organizations allow you to network within the music industry. Los Angeles is home to several organizations that support songwriters, music artists and producers. Los Angeles Music Network (LAMN) and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) are popular examples. These organizations regularly host conferences, workshops, and other events that give you the chance to network with other businesspeople.
· Use Social Media
In the music industry, social media can be an effective tool for networking. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent resources for showcasing your work and making connections with industry professionals, including labels, bloggers, and LA music producers.
Spend some time developing your social media presence before reaching out to anyone in the music business. These days, the majority of newly discovered and well-known music artists can be found on TikTok, YouTube, Soundcloud, and other platforms. Social media sites are the new business cards for music artists.
Through your social media accounts, people can find you and get in touch with you. Ensure that it effectively communicates your uniqueness and inventiveness. To expand your network, interact with the content posted by professionals and influencers in the field, share your work with them and follow them.
· Give Live Performance at Music Venues
Giving live performances at various music venues is one of the best ways to become acquainted with the Los Angeles music scene. You should never pass up the chance to perform live as a music artist. Los Angeles offers a plethora of venues, including bars, restaurants, theatres, and clubs, where you can perform live and host music open mic nights. You can meet LA music producers, network with other industry professionals, and make money by doing live performances. A&R representatives spend their time in concerts and clubs searching for their next big star. In this way, you can introduce your music to a new audience while also promoting it.
· Collaborate with other music professional
The secret weapon of the chaotic beats of LA's music scene is cooperation! To create something truly unique, work with songwriters, producers, and other artists in Los Angeles. It's an artistic explosion! Your knowledge blossoms and your music reaches new heights when disparate ideas and skills come together. Collaboration also boosts productivity. Having your support system by your side will help you overcome creative blocks and meet deadlines without putting off work.
The advantages don't stop here. Sharing knowledge is celebrated in collaboration. Develop new skills, pick up fresh viewpoints, and learn new methods. Recognise criticism as your indispensable success tool. Your network grows and your musical horizons expand with every collaboration. And within the vast universe of LA music, connections are everything. So get together, make magic, and observe as your musical journey develops into a grand adventure!
· Visit Recording Studios
In Los Angeles, recording studios are excellent venues for networking with professionals in the field. These recording studios in Los Angeles are a great choice if you're looking for engineers or LA music producers. Here, seasoned and up-and-coming music artists record and produce their work in addition to meeting and forming relationships with other industry professionals.
The best recording studio in Los Angeles, ZOOM Recording Studio, assists both seasoned and up-and-coming music artists with song production and recording. This is your chance to collaborate with talented and seasoned LA music producers and sound engineers.
· Build an Eye-catching EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
Lastly, prepare your electronic press kit and be ready. Whether you are a professional music artist or just starting, you will need to promote yourself with an EPK. EPK provides additional information about your brand to influential industry members such as talent buyers, booking agents, music bloggers, and LA producers.
Making a fantastic EPK will be crucial to your success as a music artist. In your EPK, don't forget to include your bio, pictures, most recent releases, past performances, and contact information.
Conclusion
Talent, perseverance and smart networking are the keys to success in LA's music scene. Keep your eyes on the prize, mingle with the local music community, and don't be scared to show off your skills. Persistence is essential; don't give up. Engage and impress so that industry experts can notice you. Pay attention to these tips, hone your skills, and watch for the magic to happen!