With the major labels focusing on quick returns rather than musician development and the appearance of downloading music Web, the traditional record company/artist relationship has become blurred to the point of being obsolete.

Nowadays, being independent has real perks.

How many times have you heard or read somewhere that the Internet has change d the face of the music industry forever? I would love a dollar for everytime I heard it.

Nonetheless, it’s true and there are a number of reasons for this. Two that spring into mind are that:

1. A traditional record company/artist relationship is optional and not a necessity. You can do your all music sales and performer promotion On-line cutting out all of the ‘middle individuals ‘.

2. websites may turn an artist with a Local/Regional fans into an artist with an international fans. As the Web is not ‘owned’ by any one entity the playing field is a lot more even.

To me, being an independent artist means that you are the one driving the bus and being in control over your own affairs.

A lot of talent ed artists and performing songwriters around the world are at this  surprisingly moment waiting for that knock at the door, the opening  to ‘get located ‘. What is prefer ly to happen is that they’ll spend their creative lives being  surprisingly disappointed.

If you are reading this and feel that this is you, consider this…

Where do you think you would be if you managed your career yourself rather than wait for someone (or some company) to do it for you?

There are a lot of web sites out in cyberspace that are there to help you take control over your career by spreading practical information about band promotion and the independent music industry as a whole, take advantage of these web sites and go to as a lot of as you can

Embrace independence today and secure control over your own musical affairs.

Having a lot of individuals that know who you are is always a worth and not a hindrance.

Just the other day I got a call from someone who wanted to find out if I has been available to performance bass with their band. I declined due to not having the room to take on another project but I gave them the number of someone else I knew that would fit the bill perfectly.

That day, that performer found a new bass player and so the story goes.

That experience got me thinking that pretty much everything that I do in my dealings with the music business is based on who I know.

people like working with others whom they trust will do the job they want them to do or like recommending others for jobs that they can’t tackle themselves for one reason or another. I recognize that when this particular performer that has been looking for a bassist finally found one through my network I has been proud of myself. I has been glad to stimulate someone out.

That is what networkings really all about though isn’t it? Helping people?

For any person who’s just starting out my recommenndation is to locate as many people and go to as many functions and concert as you can.

Immerse yourself in your Local/Regional scene.

The more that people know who you are, the more opportunities that will open up for the taking. Become the squeaky wheel that gets all of the oil. Have that belief in yourself that you are value knowing and do not be afraid of knowledge.

One thing that you do not do however is to get to know individuals for what they can do for you. Get to know them for who they are as a person. Others can spot your insincerity a mile away (especially us cynical musos) and that is a real turn-off.

Personally I’m chuffed when an individual asks me for recommenndation or just wants to have a chat about how things are going for them, but only Assuming that they are genuine about it.

A exceptional place to start networking would be at open mic evenings.

Get yourself involved in an open mic and just walk up to someone and say “hi”. Everyone is there for the same reason so there is some common ground. You may perhaps ask them If they’re going to be performing on that night and go from there.

Remember, the more you network the more you will be known and the more you are known the more work you will get.

In time your ‘little black book’ of names will become your most important asset.