6 Tips to Build a Network in the Music Industry

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Every artist or band has to network to be successful in the music industry. Networking is critical to have a music career. Communication, marketing yourself, and patience are beneficial to expanding your goals and building your community. The following six tips will help you to make a connection with other musicians.

In Person
In person is the best way to build a relationship. Show enthusiasm when initiating a conversation and include questions that are thoughtful.

Attend Concerts
This is a great way to network as a beginner. Most likely, you will want to start small by networking at local concerts, then attend bigger events such as festivals and conferences.

Target Audience
Communicate with your fans through your email list and street team to spread the word about your music, concerts, contests etc. Remember to always keep your old fans and new audience informed about the latest news weekly/monthly.

Maintain Contacts
Once you have new contacts, don’t hesitate to send a short email to say that it was a pleasure to meet them. This is an opportunity to follow up on anything discussed face to face and arrange another meeting.

Promote Music
Write, create, and promote music that will excite people to draw them in. You want people to love your music as much as you do and make an instant and lasting impression of who you are as an artist/band.

Social Media
Networking on social media is the easiest way to network with musicians. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram make it accessible to instantly connect and communicate with your local music scene.

youbloom CityReps can help by promoting shows.

Never miss an opportunity to network and create a new relationship with someone. It’s great to have contacts; remember to share as well. Most importantly, enjoy meeting new people and creating new opportunities. Best of all, look forward to having long-lasting connections throughout your music career.

 

How To Plan A Concert Tour

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(Picture via eventbrite.co.uk)

An estimated 5% of total revenue from the music industry goes to emerging artists, meaning it can be hard to get show opportunities. Our mission at youbloom is to showcase these artists. With COVID affecting the music industry, revenue is more important than ever for all performers. When looking over revenue for the overall industry, over 75% of the overall industry money goes to a few hundred superstars.

Adopt-a-Band helps with lowering costs for artists

Many things impact a live performance. Artist/band partnerships can occur by using the Adopt-a-Band program to lower tour costs for youbloom partner artists. As one band assists another band or artist in taking care of costs, they earn transferable “Adopt a Band”points that can be used with other bands who adopt them in return. It is a system that allows everyone involved to get benefits no matter what. 

Street Teams spread the word about performances 

Even if live shows are COVID limited, touring costs are always a worry. youbloom encourages fans to join in promoting music via the Street Team program, which gives fans a chance to spread the word about an artist’s music no matter their location and earn rewards in the process. Live performance does not have to be limited to the hometown of an artist, Street Teams, groups of fans who are promoting artists in their respective cities, can help in spreading the word and getting more fan requests for artists who might be able to perform down the road. 

Ticket Sales are critical in determining profit

Ticket sales are central in determining profits from a concert. Networks like youbloom can positively influence how many fans attend your performance. youbloom allows fans to request concerts and give their favorite bands more exposure as a result. By increasing fan requests, youbloom gives CityReps the confidence that they will sell out a show they put on with youbloom.

CityReps help promote concerts when no one else might

With fan, artist requests, youbloom promoters can find the right artists to book.. These promoters, CityReps, are located in different cities worldwide. Concert requests make them aware of the right acts to showcase.

youbloom can assist in all parts of getting a concert together

If you are having trouble finding someone to book shows for you, youbloom can be a great way to go. Just sign up on youbloom.com to get started. There is plenty of guidance available to take you through the steps to getting booked into shows and tours.

5 Ways to Go on Tour and Avoid COVID-19

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  1. How long would you like to go on tour in the first place? 

While this might seem like a simple question, it is still something that every performer has to keep in the back of their head. Trying to get a tour can be a challenge when you might not know how many places you want to visit in the range of a few weeks to a few months, depending on your preference. It’s very critical for your finances to have a set amount of dates planned, that way you don’t put yourself in a bad situation in case the shows don’t work out properly. With virtual tours during COVID, expenses can be greatly reduced, allowing you to tour longer while still getting to “see” and be “seen” in cities! 

  1. Touring with COVID in effect

Working on a tour with COVID-19 restrictions has been a challenge. It means that you’d have to navigate the varying precautions that all the cities and countries have in place. As much as you may want to perform at a favorite site, unable to conduct live performances at all is a worse possibility if things go wrong. No matter how tempting it may be to do something, you have to remember what is safest for everyone involved. With how the health situation is in the world, keeping your fans and your bandmates safe is a number one priority until COVID is under control. 

  1. Finding close sites to tour with

Even when there is not a health crisis affecting the world, the cost of travel is still something that all bands have to worry about. If you are still starting out, then it may be best to work with areas in closer proximity to your hometown. Even better, why not work with something that is in your hometown? It could be a good starting and ending spot for a tour if you believe that would fit it best. Regardless, working from home in a tour aspect is always a strategy that makes for a good starting point in your first tours.

  1. Working with touring sites and performances

Whenever you go on tours, it is important to try and work with what you want to use in your performance. Would you want a small crowd or a huge crowd? This all plays a part in determining what sites you could use to book a tour. It’s always key to have plenty of sites in mind, and backups as well. There is always a chance that you could get denied a chance at a place of interest, or have a plan change at the last second. Tour changes are part of every musician’s career at some point, whether it’s your own choice or someone else’s. Just be prepared for sudden changes, no matter who it comes from.

  1. Go on Virtual tours when available

youbloom is now accepting applications from artists who want to go on virtual tours, as a substitute for in-person tours. Those interested can apply here to get a chance to perform on a virtual world tour.

Thanks to youbloom local CityReps, virtual concert attendees are able to get a taste of local as well as touring artists. Whether it’s in Ottawa, Calgary, Dublin, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds or Lagos (with more cities being added each month), music lovers are able to enjoy the best of emerging music from around the world and are able to request artists to perform for them again virtually and live. During the artist Q&A, there’s a chance to connect with your audience as well. 

Looking For Home Studio Tips? We’ve Got You Covered

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Aidan Butler

  In picture: Aidan Butler

(Article written by Emmanuel Chika via ) It is no longer news that having a private home studio is fast becoming a trend in the music industry. That being said, owning a home recording studio has several advantages for prospective songwriters, music producers, artiste, or composers.

Some of these are:

  • Quick release of the muse
  • Easy conversion of ideas into solid work
  • A stepping stone to a commercial studio

Now that you know how important a home studio is to your career, let’s talk about finding the best Home Recording Studio Essentials. This list of Home Recording Studio Essentials will include everything you need to create your own economical and effective recording studio that is as close to the real thing as you can get. For starters, pick out a studio design.

A GOOD COMPUTER:

The problem with finding the perfect computer for your home recording studio essentials is that there are so many choices. This may make it easier:

  • If you already have a laptop or desktop, you might as well start up with that
  • If you crave something better and faster, then try buying either a mac or a PC with amazing processing speed
  • If you desire the best, then opt for a mac desktop and cruise your way to good quality

AN IDEAL DAW 

DAW simply means a digital audio workstation.Once again, the problem of being overwhelmed by the array of DAWs available comes to play. I advise that you explore as much as possible and discover which works best for you. Some of the popular names in the game of home recording studio essentials are: pro tools, FL studio, able ton, Presonus studio one, cakewalk sonar, propeller head reason, MOTU digital performer, Steinberg Cubase and logic pro

AUDIO INTERFACE

An audio interface performs the function of transmitting music in and out of the computer and is definitely a cornerstone of every list of home recording studio essentials.

MICROPHONE AND ACCESSORIES:

When choosing a mic for your home studio, I will advise that you go for the best possible quality within your budget. That being said, just buy what you can afford. Unless of course, you have plans of making professional use of whatever comes out of that studio. Also, when purchasing your microphone, you must not forget to add a mic stand and pop filter which I consider absolutely necessary. But that’s just an opinion. Feel free to start small and add to your own home recording studio essentials as your music career grows.

HEADPHONES:

It goes without saying that these are a complete necessity also. An essential headphone for your home studio will be able to isolate other sounds and noises so you can get the full effect of your music. It is important to note that studio headphones are different from regular headphones. Always buy over-the-ear headphones; usually, the bigger brands are a good bet.

STUDIO MONITOR:

Studio monitors perform a totally different function from regular speakers. They are built to give you real output while consumer speakers are built to appease the sense of hearing. As with headphones, buying an established brand will keep you happy in your home studio.

MIDI CONTROLLER:

I feel this is also a complete necessity not because I am an instrumentalist but because I have learned from experience that making music without one of these while still very possible can be one hell of a ride. If you are a music aficionado like me, then you very well understand the need for creative freedom. (Well that’s what a midi controller offers you)

VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS AND SOFTWARE PLUGINS:

While some folks might dispute the validity of these things on my list, I feel bold to say their presence is well deserved. Consider the virtual instrument a software version of all musical instruments like drums, keyboards, guitar, etc. The software plugins are used as special effects needed to spice up your recording.

CABLES:

Naturally, when you’re planning your home recording studio essentials, don’t forget to buy the right type of cables to get your new gear actually working! For a starter, you might just need cables for your mic, audio interface and monitors. Specifically, four cables should be a good start.

WORKSTATION 

For professional musicians, your studio is a company and they consider the workstation their office.  That means getting a proper desk to accommodate all of your new gear and a comfortable chair that you can sit in for 8 hours or more a day. Don’t over sweat it, but do not neglect it either. A nice and comfortable chair with an efficient desk that maximizes equipment like the computer, midi controller, and audio interface should work just fine. If you find it convenient, you might add the studio monitor to the mix but it is not mandatory.

There they are: my ultimate list of home recording studio essentials. With these, you are well on your way to building up your passion and your career. Never become complacent with your home recording studio essentials. Music is a world without barrier and limitation. Always aspire to own your pro studio and gain respect in your field of expertise.

Top 10 Home Recording Studio Essentials is a guest post written by Emmanuel Chika, a seasoned freelance writer and music producer. He provides musical solutions for people through his creative endeavors.For further information, you can reach him through this website here.

Maintaining some control of your own booking and touring can be made easy for those who choose to hire a manager and those who fly solo through youbloomConnect and/ or sign up here: https://www.youbloom.com/artist-apply/  where you can get partnered to perform with other local artists, build a steady fan-base, and even get your band on the road.

Our Little Chat With Sean Rooney

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(Post Via Featured artist at youbloomDublin 2017, Sean Rooney, is the type of soulful singer/songwriter that you can take home to mother. Having performed at a myriad of festivals and venues around the world, we managed to have a little chat with Sean before he went on to perform at youbloomDublin 2017 in this exclusive interview (back in 2017).

How long have you been playing music? What inspired you to pick up an instrument?
Sean Rooney: I’ve been playing music about 12 years .. I started playing just from a love of pop punk music in my early teens .. thankfully my tastes have broadened a lot since then..
What instrument did you first lean to play?
Sean Rooney: I first learned to play the guitar .. well.. I’m still learning ! I’m self taught so I’m always learning.
What is your favorite part of your writing process when making new music?
Sean Rooney: My favourite part of the writing process is whenever I manage to capture exactly what I want to say lyrically and melodically.. I do enjoy the challenge of writing lyrics .. it might be trite but I write about my own life and that makes lyric writing a cathartic process for me.
In your song “Everest High” you say that its about dealing with depression from a first person point of view. How have you been able to cope with that and what role has music played to help battle with this?
Sean Rooney:  coping with depression isn’t easy. Not only because there is a lot of stigma attached to the subject and It’s different for everyone but I’ve found talking to a psychologist and taking medication very helpful. In terms of music, the cathartic element is very important. There is a release that comes with expressing your emotions through song.
“Everest High” sounds like a very up beat song. Was that intentional when writing this song due to the meaning?
Sean Rooney:  Yes .. the upbeat and borderline aggressive sound of the song is basically my way of conveying that I will not let depression beat me. I’m fighting against it with everything I have; also there’s nothing more melancholy than a ballad about depression .. it would just be too much if it sounded sad too.
 
You have a great cover of Bruce Springsteen. What are some other artists that inspired you to make music? And what would be another cover you would enjoy to make?
Sean Rooney:  Thank you! My main inspiration comes from the genres of soul, indie-rock/rock and R&B.. In terms of idols I’d have to say Paul Weller is my favourite artist. The body of incredible work he had created and continues to create is a never ending reservoir of inspiration to me. There aren’t that many covers that I feel I could really add much to or change without ruining! But a couple of songs I would love to play live with a band are “Soul Man” by Sam&Dave and “The Changingman” by Paul Weller
For someone who has never heard your music before, how would you describe your sound?
Sean Rooney: I would describe my music as sort of.. Blue-eyed soul rock .. although not all of my songs would fit neatly into that genre!
What advice would you give new musicians trying to get their music out there?
Sean Rooney: The only advice I feel qualified to give is to not criticise yourself too much.. some self criticism is healthy but there comes a point when it can ruin things and I know that from experience. In terms of physically getting music out there, Facebook videos are a great way to go.
What are you anticipating the most at the YouBloom festival?
Sean Rooney: What I’m anticipating most at Youbloom is just the opportunity to play for a new audience and to meet lots of new punters and musicians alike. I’m always super grateful to get to play live. It is what I love most in the world, so to that end I’d like to say thank you to Youbloom for giving me the opportunity.
Do you have any new material coming out in the near future?
Sean Rooney: Yes! I’ve been writing and recording recently. my first official single will be released soon and then the plan is to release my first EP in around May!
Maintaining some control of your own booking and touring can be made easy for those who choose to hire a manager and those who fly solo through youbloomConnect and/ or sign up here: https://www.youbloom.com/artist-apply/  where you can get partnered to perform with other local artists, build a steady fan-base, and even get your band on the road.