Make a New Music Industry Contact

They say it's all about who you know, and that old cliche certainly has some truth in it when it comes to the music industry. Sounds a bit scary when you're looking for a way to get a foot in the door, but it doesn't have to be. The music industry contact that could make all of the difference for you might just be an email away. In fact, even if you have a respectable music business contact Rolodex on the go, it never hurts to add one more name to the list. After all, you never know who is going to be that one person who takes your career to the next level. So, set aside a little time today to reach out to someone else in the music biz and see what you can get going. Here are a just a few ideas (aka, excuses) you can use to drop someone a line:

• Labels - if you're a record label, send an email to one of your fellow labels that you like. Tell them you like their stuff, propose a CD swap and suggest that you share some ideas sometime. You may find yourself walking away with useful info about distributors, manufacturers, PR companies and more.
  
  
• Musicians - labels are your obvious first port of call, but try a little something different. Approach a journalist or DJ you think might like your music, send an email to an agent, or even reach out to some fellow musicians and say, "hey, I noticed you played such and such venue - can you tell me who booked the show?" Trading these kinds of tips can help you find new avenues for promotion easily.
  
  
• Promoters - as a promoter, you're used to having people knocking on your email door, so it can be easily to forget to make contacts of your own. Send an email to a fellow promoter in your area and invite them to talk shop. Check out a new band or send an email to a new agent and let them know you're looking for new acts. Making these kinds of contacts is a good way to move into doing bigger gigs or working in a different genre of music.
  
  

Those are just a few foot-in-the-door idea to get the conversation started, but often just a simple email telling someone you like what they're doing and would love to get some feedback from them is all it takes to make a great new contact. Of course, turning this initial exchange into a good working relationship requires a few common courtesies:

• Above all else SAY THANK YOU when someone takes the time to help you out. Even if what they have to say wasn't terribly helpful or if they kind of blew you off, a thank you is still in order. You never know when your paths will cross again, and people have a way of remembering who has been rude to them in the past.
  
  
• Sign your emails! You may get into the quick little back and forth emails with people you work with on a regular basis, but sending an introduction email without signing your name is silly and unprofessional. Plus, it's REALLY annoying.
  
  
• When you ask for someone's input or advice, make sure they know your door is open to them for the same.
  
  
• Did I mention that you should say thank you? I really can't stress that enough.
  
  

Not every music industry contact you make is going to become important in your music career, but it's worth putting updating your contact list on a regular basis - you might be surprised at who ends up opening up a door for you.
-Heather McDonald