Updated: Feb 24
The importance of networking in the music industry cannot be overstated. No matter how talented a musician is, without the right connections and contacts, it can be difficult to make it in the music industry. Networking and building relationships are essential for any musician hoping to find success and get their music heard. In today’s music industry, where competition is fierce and the landscape is ever-changing, having the right contacts can open the door to invaluable opportunities.
One artist who has seen the rewards of networking in the music industry is Kettie Munroe.
Hailing from Haiti, Kettie is a singer, songwriter, and actress who works across all genres of music, movies, and TV shows, including reggae, alternative pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
As an independent artist with no major label backing, she has relied heavily on networking and making connections to help launch her career.
Kettie credits networking as playing a key role in gaining exposure and expanding her reach as an artist, leading to a career that has included performances at many festivals.
She has been able to use her networking savvy to land sponsorships, endorsements with HBO Max on The Hype, and opportunities to work with talented producers, engineers, marketing, and promotion teams. Kettie also sang the national anthem for the Red Sox at Fenway Park live in Boston, MA, her hometown, in front of 35,000 people!
Kettie Munroe, a member of ASCAP and many other platforms, believes that networking is not just about "showing off," but rather about forming real connections and building relationships. She advises musicians to create meaningful connections and to understand that networking is about more than just exchanging business cards. It’s about creating trust and demonstrating your sincerity to the people you are connecting with. To do this, she suggests getting to know who other people in the industry are, focusing on conversations rather than transactions, and offering support to others even when there is nothing to gain for yourself.
Kettie’s advice is sound, and her story is a reminder that networking can be the difference between success and failure in the music industry.
By taking the time to build relationships, musicians can gain access to opportunities they may not have been able to explore otherwise. La Serena Studios suggests that musicians focus on developing their networks, both within the music industry and beyond. This will increase their chances of success in the long run. The importance of networking should not be overlooked, as it can make a world of difference when it comes to forging a career in music.
Check out "Let Go," produced by record producer Fernando Sanchez of La Serena Records and written and performed by Kettie Munroe. The music video was directed by Gabi Padilla, aka Beanz & Rice Productions situated in Los Angeles.