Why Who You Know Can Matter Just As Much As What You Know
You can have perfect pitch, mad production skills, or a voice that gives goosebumps. But in the music industry, talent alone can feel like a whisper in a noisy room—unless you know who to whisper it to.
Let’s be real—networking sounds like a boring corporate word, right? Like something meant for folks wearing suits and clutching business cards at hotel conferences. But hang on. In music, networking is more like catching the vibe backstage after a local gig, or sliding into someone’s DMs with a raw demo and a genuine message. It’s less about shaking hands and more about building bridges.
So yeah, networking isn’t a “bonus” skill for musicians—it’s the gig before the gig.
From Kishore Kumar to King: It’s Always Been About Connections
Think about it—how did Kishore Kumar get that break despite being considered "untrained" in classical music? One word: rapport. His camaraderie with S.D. Burman shaped some of the most iconic songs in Bollywood. Same goes for today’s indie wave. Artists like Prateek Kuhad? Their rise wasn’t just about talent—it was about being seen, heard, and supported in the right rooms by the right people.
Networking has always been the secret track on every successful artist’s album.
So, What Does “Networking” Even Mean in 2025?
It’s not just about meeting celebrities or spamming producers with your SoundCloud link. Real networking is about forming authentic, mutually beneficial connections. It's about jamming with that drummer you met at a college fest, or doing a reel collab with a vocalist you stumbled across on Iktaraa.
In plain speak: Networking is about showing up—not just on stage but in other people’s musical journeys.
It could be:
· Attending open mics and staying to talk.
· Sharing someone else’s work—without expecting a shoutout.
· DM’ing a beatmaker with a sincere compliment and idea.
· Or signing up for a course on Iktaraa, where you're not just learning—you’re meeting future collaborators, teachers, even possible managers.
Here's the Thing—Nobody Makes It Alone
Even if you’ve got raw, drop-dead talent, the music biz is built on relationships.
You know what? Every viral story—be it a fluke YouTube hit or a Spotify top charting single—has a behind-the-scenes story of someone connecting the dots. A mentor. A friend with studio time. A cousin who shared your track with someone important. It's like playing Antakshari—someone’s gotta know the next line.
It’s the same energy behind Iktaraa. It’s not just a place to learn music (although their personalized coaching is killer). It’s also a community. A space where students meet mentors, teachers meet future stars, and performers find their stage.
Because when the right people hear your sound—it’s game on.
“But I’m Shy” or “I Don’t Know Where to Start”
Honestly? That’s fair. Approaching someone in the music space can feel like you’re pitching yourself, and nobody wants to sound desperate or fake.
So start slow. No one’s asking you to become a hustler overnight. Think of networking more like growing a plant than closing a deal.
A few no-pressure tips:
· Be present on platforms where music lives. (Yes, Reels count. So do YouTube shorts.)
· Comment thoughtfully, not just with emojis. Real people respond to real words.
· Join communities like Iktaraa’s learning groups. Everyone’s learning—no one's judging.
· Attend music fests—even virtually. You’ll pick up way more than you expect.
· Say thanks. Follow up. Stay in touch. The basics still work.
Let Me Tell You a Secret…
Most people in the industry want to help newcomers. It makes them feel good. It reminds them where they started. The problem is—most newbies never ask, or they ask wrong.
Instead of saying “Please listen to my track”, what if you said, “Hey, I really liked your groove on XYZ. I’m working on something and your sound would fit perfectly. Wanna connect?”
Now that’s a vibe. That’s collaboration, not self-promotion.
Real Talk: It’s Not Always About the Big Names
You don’t need to chase AR Rahman’s assistant or spam Pritam’s studio.
Your next biggest break could come from that quirky bassist two Insta followers away. Or that sound engineer you meet on a forum. Or even from your Iktaraa teacher who recommends you for a showcase.
The trick? Be consistent, be kind, and stay visible.
Tools That Actually Help
Let’s get slightly nerdy. If you’re serious about building your network:
· Use LinkedIn for industry contacts (yes, even for musicians—it’s not just for HR folks).
· Discord and Reddit for finding niche music communities.
· Iktaraa for learning, performing, and connecting. It's not just a class—it's a scene.
· Instagram & YouTube – but treat them like conversations, not just promotion posters.
And hey, if you’re looking to upgrade your gear, don’t just roam endlessly online. You can buy music instruments and gear online | best price at Iktaraa—with options that are solid for both stage and studio.
Bollywood's Been Doing It All Along
Let’s bring in a little filmi masala. Take “Zinda” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag—raw, raspy, emotional. You know what carried that song? Not just the voice, but the collaboration behind it: composer, lyricist, voice artist, all syncing like a band on fire.
Same with Kesariya—that haunting flute wouldn’t hit as hard without the arranger’s layering. Teamwork. Always.
TL;DR? Networking Is the New Practice
You can spend hours perfecting scales and runs—but if you’re not making connections, your sound might stay stuck in your bedroom.
So here’s the move: practice your art, but also practice being part of the music ecosystem.
· Show up.
· Speak up.
· Collaborate.
· Stay kind.
· Stay real.
The next time someone says, “Hey, I know someone who might like your vibe,”—you want to be the person they’re talking about.
And hey, if you're serious about learning music, finding mentors, and maybe even getting discovered? Check out Iktaraa. India's best online music learning platform, where music isn’t just taught—it’s lived.
🎶 Because talent gets you noticed. But people? People get you there.
