Hip Hop News: Dos, Donts, & Common Misconceptions (2024)

“It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This adage has been used repeatedly to describe the importance of networking, and it certainly rings true in the music industry. Whether you’re a new artist just starting or an established artist looking to take your career to the next level, networking can be a powerful tool for success. 

This article will explore the dos and don’ts of networking for recording artists and some common misconceptions about networking. We’ll also offer tips for how to get started with networking and share your network in a way that benefits everyone involved.

The Value of Networking

First and foremost, let’s talk about the benefits of networking. Networking can help you:

• Make connections with industry peers and professionals who can help you advance your career
• Collaborate with other artists, songwriters, producers, and more
• Promote your music to a wider audience
• Get feedback on your music, artistic direction, and performances
• Learn about new opportunities, such as gigs, contests, and festivals

The music history books are littered with successful recording artists building their careers through networking. For example, in 2006, Macklemore connected with former creative partner Ryan Lewis through the social media platform Myspace. Initially, Lewis worked as Macklemore’s photographer, but they quickly formed a strong bond and eventually collaborated. The rest is history.

Getting Started with Networking

Now that you understand the value of networking, let’s talk about how to get started. Here are a few tips:

• Attend industry events: Industry events such as listening sessions, conferences, festivals, and showcases are great places to meet other artists, industry professionals, and fans.
• Use social media: Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for networking. Follow other artists, industry professionals, and relevant hashtags, and engage with their content meaningfully. Add your contact information to your bios or keep your Direct Message open.
• Be proactive: Don’t wait for networking opportunities to come to you — seek them out! Contact other artists or industry professionals you admire and ask if they will meet with you or offer advice.

Networking Dos and Don’ts

As with any aspect of professional life, networking has certain dos and don’ts. Here are a few:

Dos:

• Respect people’s time: Don’t be pushy or overbearing when trying to network. Be respectful of people’s schedules and make sure to follow up promptly.
• Offer value: When networking, try to offer something of value to the person you’re speaking with. Maybe you can offer to promote their music to your network, or perhaps you can offer to help out with a project they’re working on.
• Be genuine: People can usually tell when someone is phony or disingenuous, so approach networking with sincerity and authenticity.

Don’ts:

• Be spammy: Sending out a mass email to everyone in your contact list is not an effective way to network. Make sure to personalize your outreach and tailor it to the specific person you’re contacting.
• Be rude: Networking is about building reciprocal relationships, so treat everyone you meet with respect and kindness. Don’t burn bridges by being rude or dismissive.

Common Misconceptions About Networking

There are many misconceptions about networking that can hold people back. Here are a few:

• It’s all about who you know: While it’s true that making connections can be valuable, it’s not the only thing that matters. Networking is about building relationships, adding value, and being proactive. You can’t rely solely on your connections to advance your career — you also need talent, hard work, and dedication.
• Networking is just about self-promotion: While promoting your music is certainly a part of networking, it should never be your only goal. Networking is also about learning from others, collaborating, and supporting one another. Don’t just talk about yourself — listen to what others say and find ways to help them.
• Networking is only for extroverts: This is a common misconception but false. Introverts can be great networkers, too! The key is to find networking opportunities that work for you. Maybe you prefer one-on-one meetings to large events, or you’re more comfortable networking online on Twitter Spaces. Whatever your preference, there are ways to network that will work for your personality and style.

When to Open Up Your Network

As you build your network, you may feel pressure to share your connections with others. While sharing your network can be a great way to help others, it’s important to be strategic about it. Here are a few tips:

• Only share with trusted contacts: Before introducing someone to a connection in your network, ask your contact for permission to make an introduction. Ensure that you trust them and that they have a good reputation. You don’t want to damage your relationships by introducing someone who turns out to be unprofessional or unreliable.
• Be clear about your intentions: When introducing someone to a contact who approves the connection, explain why you’re making the introduction and what you hope to achieve. This can help set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
• Please don’t overdo it: While it’s great to help others, you don’t want to overwhelm your contacts with too many requests. Be mindful of how often you make introductions, and prioritize your relationships. Again, always ask for permission before beginning to make introductions.

When to Keep Your Network Close

On the other hand, there may be times when you need to keep your network close to the vest. Here are a few situations where it may be wise to keep your network private:

• When you’re still building your career: When you’re just starting, you may not have many valuable connections yet. ItIt’skay to keep your network small and focus on building real relationships before you start sharing contacts.
• When dealing with sensitive information: If you’re working on a confidential agreement or project or dealing with sensitive terms, you may need to keep your network limited to trusted contacts.
• When you’re unsure of someone’s intentions: If someone approaches you for networking purposes and you’re uncertain of their intentions or reputation, it’s okay to be cautious and keep your network private until you’ve had a chance to get to know them better.

If You Scrolled Down the Page But Read Nothing

Networking can be a fun and rewarding way to advance your career as a recording artist. By following the dos and don’ts of networking, being proactive, and adding value to your network, you can make valuable connections and open up new opportunities. Remember, networking is not just about who you know — it’s also about what you bring to the table. With the right attitude and approach, you can build a strong network that supports your career for years to come.