4 answers
Jamerra
Student
Gary, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
260 views
What is the best way to get my foot in the music industry?
I am an aspiring singer and songwriter and I want to be prominent in the industry. I post on social media everyday but I feel that I should be doing more, I just don't know what. Who should I contact? What spaces should I join? Someone please help me. This is my dream and I refuse to give up on it so easily. By the way, if you want to check out my music I go by the name JAMERRA on all streaming platforms!
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4 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
135
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Social media, email, open mics, and local artists. These are how you start getting your foot in the door. Unfortunately, today music can't be the only thing you do- you also have to make "CONTENT" which can be soul draining and time sucking but it's how you show an audience, potential collaborators, and the world who you are. What social media platforms are you posting on? what exactly are you posting? and do you keep changing content? If you only post on one platform, that's missed opportunity. If you only post photos or occasionally show a song you're working on then it's (unfortunately) not "engaging" enough. Think skits or other ways to grab people's attention. Personally, I am very bad at this but I have helped others get to a pretty good spot. Content is your brand so if you keep changing your content then you're confusing your audience. Keep posting similar things so when people see your content they go "Oh, I remember them! They have good music!" There's the end goal.
Reach out to people of all levels in the music industry. I did and now I have people all over the world who are in my network including Billboard producers, engineers from Abbey Road, and even people from Egypt, India, and many other countries. Just reach out. Follow people, watch studio's stories and social media and see if they are advertising opportunities and if they are- reach out and take the opportunity. Keep trying. The worst thing you can do to a music career is give up. I've been trying and failing and trying and rebranding and trying for almost a decade. The people who don't give up will win. It WILL happen because you learn from your mistakes and you grow after each project, each interaction, and each opportunity.
Keep the option of networking with local artists too. Don't only go for the big names and don't only go for small artists/ producers/ engineers. Work with everyone. Perform at open mics and interact with the other artists performing there.
Reach out to people of all levels in the music industry. I did and now I have people all over the world who are in my network including Billboard producers, engineers from Abbey Road, and even people from Egypt, India, and many other countries. Just reach out. Follow people, watch studio's stories and social media and see if they are advertising opportunities and if they are- reach out and take the opportunity. Keep trying. The worst thing you can do to a music career is give up. I've been trying and failing and trying and rebranding and trying for almost a decade. The people who don't give up will win. It WILL happen because you learn from your mistakes and you grow after each project, each interaction, and each opportunity.
Keep the option of networking with local artists too. Don't only go for the big names and don't only go for small artists/ producers/ engineers. Work with everyone. Perform at open mics and interact with the other artists performing there.
hi, thank you for this! i post the same type of video everyday and i post on instagram, tiktok, and youtube. my “thing” is standing on my chair in my dorm and dancing to a song of mine with a caption with it. because i’ve done it everyday i have seen an influx of streams and support! i will definitely need to network more with artists and whatnot, i have been so focused on putting myself out there in a sense on gaining support. and open mics!! yes i need to do those.
Jamerra
Sam Gustafsson
UX/UI Designer
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sam’s Answer
What kind of content are you posting?
Make sure you're constantly working on your craft (writing songs/singing/your instrument) [if you're not already]. You can be posting every day, but if you're skills are not up there, you won't see much traction.
Make a couple demos to show people. Don't spend too much money on this though. Expensive productions won't cover up if a song or your voice isn't there yet. In this process, you will probably recognize little nuances you want to improve as you listen to these demos and compare them to tracks of artists that you love.
Always network with people and build community around you (reaching out online through instagram, tiktok, or other socials).
In short, keep putting yourself out there and continue to improve your craft.
Make sure you're constantly working on your craft (writing songs/singing/your instrument) [if you're not already]. You can be posting every day, but if you're skills are not up there, you won't see much traction.
Make a couple demos to show people. Don't spend too much money on this though. Expensive productions won't cover up if a song or your voice isn't there yet. In this process, you will probably recognize little nuances you want to improve as you listen to these demos and compare them to tracks of artists that you love.
Always network with people and build community around you (reaching out online through instagram, tiktok, or other socials).
In short, keep putting yourself out there and continue to improve your craft.
yes! one thing i have been doing is practicing my vocals, because i feel that i am very underdeveloped as a vocalist. i just use youtube vocal exercises. thank you so much for the advice!
Jamerra
Danny Nguyen
Professional Disc Jockey
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Danny’s Answer
Your posting every day on social media is definitely a great start! Think of these posts as both practice logs and your growing portfolio for when you connect with other artists (Instagram is comparable to LinkedIn for a musician). But there are definitely more strategic ways to build your music career.
First and most important: start attending local shows and concerts in your area. This is where you'll naturally meet people who share your passion for music. These face-to-face connections are invaluable and often lead to collaborations, mentorships, and friendships that can help propel your career forward. Look into joining music-focused groups too like radio clubs, A Cappella groups, or even dance clubs can all expand your network.
Have you heard of Grammy U? It's a membership program through the Recording Academy specifically designed to help emerging musicians become industry professionals. Since you're near Gary, Indiana, the Chicago chapter would be your closest option and it's a dope one filled with a bunch of music events! They provide amazing opportunities to connect with established industry professionals. Check out the Recording Academy's website for more details about joining Grammy U - you'll find a community of fellow singers/songwriters who are all working toward similar goals.
First and most important: start attending local shows and concerts in your area. This is where you'll naturally meet people who share your passion for music. These face-to-face connections are invaluable and often lead to collaborations, mentorships, and friendships that can help propel your career forward. Look into joining music-focused groups too like radio clubs, A Cappella groups, or even dance clubs can all expand your network.
Have you heard of Grammy U? It's a membership program through the Recording Academy specifically designed to help emerging musicians become industry professionals. Since you're near Gary, Indiana, the Chicago chapter would be your closest option and it's a dope one filled with a bunch of music events! They provide amazing opportunities to connect with established industry professionals. Check out the Recording Academy's website for more details about joining Grammy U - you'll find a community of fellow singers/songwriters who are all working toward similar goals.
thank you so much! i’ll look into the grammy u thing once i get fully registered with my new school.
Jamerra
Ariel Andino Nuñez
Productor musical
18
Answers
El Hoyo, Chubut Province
Updated
Ariel Andino’s Answer
A schedule with good contacts, auditions, and ongoing training.