Introduction:

For independent artists, pursuing your career and creating excellent music really is just the beginning of your journey towards success. In order to thrive in this industry, it’s vital to recognise the importance of building a strong and supportive independent artists team around you. Here at TULU, we understand the role a well-rounded team plays in guiding artists through the early stages of their career. This blog post is going to delve into the importance of growing your team and how it can drive you forward into becoming a successful, self-sufficient independent artist. 

If you are thinking of growing your team that means you must be ready to take the leap from your music being “something you do on the side” into “this is my career and my primary source of income”. TULU Academy is our online, 11 module interactive business development course which takes you step by step through transforming your music, into your career. 

Build a Team of Talented Individuals Who Share Your Vision and Goals:

As an independent artist, you will naturally possess a specific and unique set of skills and talents in order to make your music stand out against the rest. Quite often, you are expected to be your own booking agent, marketing team, financial team and everything in between which can be draining and eventually hinder your ability to excel in each area. Therefore, building a team of trusted individuals who each specialise in a specific aspect of the music industry means you can lean on them for their expertise and experience.

An example of this could be marketing and promotion – you may have been doing this all by yourself up until now, even to some level of success. However, by bringing in a team member who excels in this area can ensure that your music reaches a wider audience and helps you gain traction in the industry. Similarly, having a dedicated manager can handle the administrative tasks, negotiations, and strategic planning, allowing you to focus on creating music.

Ensure Longterm Success

To ensure long term success, building an independent artist team with individuals who share your vision and goals is imperative. When everyone on your team is aligned with your artistic direction all whilst striving towards the same aspirations, the synergy created creates a strong foundation for growth and development.

By communicating your vision clearly to your team members, you can work together to create a cohesive brand identity, develop a consistent artistic style, and build a loyal fan base. Only when your team is aligned will their passion and dedication shine through in every aspect of your career.

By delegating tasks that are not your expertise to team members who excel in those areas, you can optimise your time and energy.

For instance, if you spend hours on social media promotion or booking gigs, it takes away valuable time that could be spent composing new songs or perfecting your performance skills.

How to Expand Your Team Effectively:

What Do You Need? 

Begin by taking a holistic view of your own skill set and take note of the areas in which you could benefit from additional support. Identify the different roles and responsibilities which if executed well would enhance your music career. For example, you might require a manager, booking agent, social media manager, graphic designer, music producer, or songwriter collaborator.

Referrals and Recommendations

Think about your current, existing network of musicians, fellow artists and industry professionals. For example, if you are reading this blog, you are aware of TULU and without blowing our own trumpet too hard, we are a great place to grow your industry network. 

Reach out to your network of trusted individuals – specifically those who have experience in the areas you need assistance. Explain to them what you are looking to do and seek recommendations for others who have the right skills and expertise to join your independent artists team.

Music Industry Events

Go out and attend music industry events such as conferences, workshops, and networking sessions. These events provide opportunities to connect with potential team members, including managers, agents, producers, and collaborators. Be proactive in engaging with industry professionals and showcasing your talent. Exchange contact information and follow up with those who show interest in working with you.

Utilise Online Platforms:

Online platforms such as websites, forums, and social media platforms dedicated to musicians and music industry professionals can be valuable resources and a great place to expand your team – if used properly. Platforms like LinkedIn, TULU, and Music Gateway allow you to connect with professionals across various music-related disciplines. Create detailed profiles outlining your needs and preferences, and actively search for individuals who align with your vision.

Collaborate with Like-Minded Artists

Seek collaborations with other independent artists who complement your style and musical vision. Connecting with other artists who share similar goals can result in fruitful collaborations and the possibility of forming a mutually beneficial long-term partnership. Collaborations not only expand your creative network but also introduce you to potential team members who may be interested in joining your project. In and amongst the benefits for growing your team through collaborations, there is the undeniable benefit of expanding your fan base through cross pollination. 

Use Your Existing Fan Base

You want your independent artists team to fully believe in your vision and without a shadow of a doubt be a fan of yours from the beginning of your relationship with them. Your existing fan base can be an excellent resource for finding team members for this exact reason! Engage with your fans through social media and live performances, and let them know that you are looking to expand your team. Often, passionate fans can offer valuable skills or connections, such as graphic design, photography, or marketing expertise. Reach out to those who demonstrate genuine interest and commitment. These people will want to see you grow and succeed and will therefore put their best foot forward when contributing in any way to your projects.

Interviews and Auditions

Just like any business hiring a new employee, once you have identified potential candidates for your team – in business terms “screened their CVs”, conduct interviews, and auditions to assess their skills, compatibility, and commitment. Discuss your vision, goals, and expectations to ensure alignment. For musicians, consider jamming or performing together to gauge chemistry and musical compatibility. Don’t necessarily shut down the idea of bringing on someone who is new to their field either – having a strong passion for seeing you grow with aligned objectives can be more important than having a huge portfolio. 

Trust and Communication

Building a strong team undoubtedly requires trust and effective communication. Curate an environment where your chosen team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. Upkeep regular communication and provide clear expectations and feedback – positive and (constructive) negative. Regular team meetings, whether in person or virtually, can help ensure everyone is on the same page. Using project management tools such as Trello or Monday can help keep everyone accountable and on track of where the project is going.

Final Thoughts…

Remember, growing your independent artists team is a gradual process. Take the time to find the right individuals who believe in your music and share your vision. A strong and supportive team can empower you as an independent artist and propel your career to new heights. They can also provide guidance, open doors to opportunities, and free up your time to focus on your artistic development. 

At TULU Presents, we believe in the power of teamwork and strive to guide independent artists through the early stages of their career until they become self-sufficient or decide to sign with a record label. Embrace the importance of assembling a strong team, and watch your music career soar to new heights.