There is the quote that no one does it alone. To list some of my favourites, Elton John had Bernie Taupin, Daryl Hall had John Oates, Sting had the Police, Paul and John had each other and George and Ringo, Freddie Mercury had Queen and Cher had Sonny. Sometimes it can be a family member who has forged a path in the music business, like Mariah Carey and her opera singing and vocal coach mother, Bruno Mars and his musical performing family and of course, the Jackson 5 had their brothers and the patriarch, Joe Jackson pushing them after he took his own turn at the music business. Would these stars have the same successful careers without their collaborators, confidants and crews? I believe not. They would have done something in music, but they likely would not have achieved the same amount of success without those people around them.
Today, I took a step towards joining the music and arts community where I live. With my new EP set for release in February 2024, I need all the help I can get in sharing and promoting it. (Feel free to share and promote as you like! : ). But these four songs, which actually resemble the type of songs each of the Beatles would have written and performed, are not the end. They are the next step along my musical journey, and I already know the next 5 moves I want to make regarding recording projects. I have finally done a deeper dive into the @GCMusicNetwork, a network of musicians on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia, where I am currently based. If you are wondering what the Gold Coast is actually like, it is a combination of Miami Beach and Orlando, with the amusement parks, beaches, ritz and glamour, beautiful people and some characters (And I’m not talking about Mickey and Minnie characters : ). The GC Music Network posts opportunities for musicians to network, create and receive funding to support the creation of their art. I have booked an appointment for mid-January to speak with one of the liaisons that deal with grant applications for music and art. While I have worked with Nashville musicians and producers for previous projects, I want my next project to be a full album. It has been written entirely on the Gold Coast, and I want it to be completely produced and performed by Gold Coasters. If I continue to network with the GC Music Network, I know I will meet the people who will lead me to my own music success.
Wherever you are, ‘You are not alone,’ to quote a Michael Jackson song. There are music and art networks everywhere. Check them out, find the reputable ones, usually put on my government or councils, and introduce yourself and your art. It may be just what they are looking for, and they may know just how to best support you in building your followers and fanbase. Do your homework and shy away from anyone who is charging for that type of networking and participation. Also, don’t sign anything! And if you do meet someone and decide to collaborate, be sure to protect your original work and come to a prearranged agreement about song percentages. OK, I worry a lot, so had to make mention of that.
Now have a look at the network of musicians and artists nearby with whom you may network and talk shop. If there are none where you live, you may look online. All the best to you getting by with a little help from your new friends.
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