March 9, 2014

Tell me if this is you as well.

You’ve just finished your latest track or written, are really proud of it, upload it, and are now thinking “I want someone to get on this”, “I hate that I’m using a generic beat”, or “I wish I had (more) people to share this with!!”.

This is a problem, let’s break it down.

We want to find other artists to connect with.

We want to then actually connect with them.

with them. We finally want this connection to be mutually beneficial. (Feedback, collaboration, support, inspiration and just plain friendship.)

So how do we accomplish these things?

1.) By Recognizing That Finding People Is Easy #

The “where” part of this issue is simple. You found this blog post because I posted it on a public forum where there are other artists just like you and me.

Maybe it was a Reddit sub like r/makinghiphop or a Facebook community like Sunday Sample Crunch. Perhaps a site like Looperman.com, or any of the thousands of artistic communities out there in the cloud.

The point is, recognize that you are literally virtually surrounded by fellow artists.

So start listening to people’s music, find someone you like, and…

2.) Establish A Connection #

When you make a friend, it isn’t done by hanging around them, it’s done by hanging with them. You don’t talk to them, you talk with them.

We are essentially making friends here. Thing is when you communicate online you might not be sharing your shining personality. It can be easy to lose sight of the fact that you’re talking to an actual human being.

Like this guy. #

So make an effort to be personable despite not physically “being there” in person. Here’s a few tips:

Be genuine. This is before anything else. Consider it a requirement. Few things are worse than someone who is obviously trying to be nice for an end goal. Do and say what you mean.

This is before anything else. Consider it a Few things are worse than someone who is obviously trying to be nice for an end goal. Do and say what you mean. Use the language of the net. Click like buttons, leave a comment, follow people and if you really love it, share a link. Sharing a link is like brofisting a bro after a he did something unbroleivable.

Click like buttons, leave a comment, follow people and if you really love it, share a link. Sharing a link is like brofisting a bro after a he did something unbroleivable. Don’t force reciprocation. Don’t tell someone to go listen to your work, let them do it of their own volition. Don’t try to sell yourself, you aren’t pushing a product here. (Or at least not in this case.) In other words, don’t spam.

Don’t tell someone to go listen to your work, let them do it of their own volition. Don’t try to sell yourself, you aren’t pushing a product here. (Or at least not in this case.) In other words, don’t spam. Present value. Ok so maybe you are selling yourself a little. You need to show that you have something to give. Talk technique, give critical feedback, etc. Display your knowledge or an interest in acquiring it.

Once you’ve established a connection all you have to do is…

3). Maintain Communication and Expand Upon It #

This is most important; If you don’t maintain a connection, then you will no longer have one.

One mantra you can follow is being helpful to be helped. For example, if someone seems to have fallen off the artistic grid, try and encourage them to work again. If someone tweets that they are working on a new track, offer to lend them your ears. Read a kickass article about Kanye’s early days, the importance of the stereo field, or vocal compression? Share it. Actively provide positive value. Sounds pragmatic, but it makes sense.

Expand on your connection; Now you can collaborate! Also swap drum kits, talk about plugins used, and connect with those whom they are connected to.

Don’t always keep it business. Stay in touch, even if only in passing. A message can go a long way. Remember that you share a struggle and a joy: crafting music.

Keep in mind that, just like when establishing a connection, it can also be difficult to keep a connection with people online as well. Try and counter that with consistent presence via social media.

Continue doing all this, and you’ll have a network of artists. #

It’s not hard, the people are there. Just connect. You and them already have so much in common. Like Tyson and his pigeons.

Actually, maybe more than that.

If you want to connect with yours truly, you can find my Soundcloud here. You can also follow me on Twitter or check out my meager Facebook page.

43 Kudos