One thing I’m often asked by young aspiring artists is how to get “out there”. Aside from the obvious, i.e regularly releasing great music and consistently producing good online content, there is something else that is often overlooked – making genuine connections.

My advice for any aspiring young artists is:

Go to as many gigs as possible, connect with artists and join the community. I cannot emphasise this enough. Put some money aside and make a point of attending live shows within the scene you wish to be involved in. Show people that you’re investing in the community; strive to be a part of the culture, don’t just take from it. Select a few artists whose music you connect with in particular and learn the words to their songs. Commit to attending their gigs and sing their lyrics in their face as they perform. Be loud and generous in your support of others. If you do this genuinely and earnestly, the support you have offered others will come back to you.

I’d also advise young artists to reach out to others for collaboration after forming a solid connection. Unsolicited collab requests with someone you’ve either just met, or worse – have just started following on social media – tend to be unsuccessful. Even if you have found success doing this before, a collaboration between those who have formed a bond will tend to be more powerful and have greater synergy. The message here is to be outward facing; build relationships and care for others, and you will see your own career grow.