In this installment of Music Industry Red Flags we have a warning not necessarily for those of you who alienate everyone you meet socially. There is usually no hope for you all (sorry!). In the same way that it helps to play a few shows that are smaller before playing a big one so you can get over some of the awkwardness and get the kinks out - it helps to go out and have a few social music industry meetings before the big ones. Even if you don't have any interest in working with that person, you can sit through the meeting to get a feel for the tone. Getting the feel for these meetings and learning to be yourself and not be shy helps a lot. follow me to the jump and I will explain further.
When you meet with music industry figures it is often an audition
to make sure your social skills are up yo par. No one wants to work with a
group that is shy and is going to be awkward to talk to. They want to
see you know how to be charming and fun. Charming and fun bands make friends easily and are able to help themselves. This is the type of band everyone wants to work with, since no manager and A&R wants to do all the social work a band needs to do. They want another team helping themselves. Keep in mind that most people who are in the music industry are here because it is fun (or at least they thought so when they got started in it) and if you are no fun you aren't
going to fit into most people's vision of who they would like to work
with.
If you are excited at the prospect of working with whoever you are meeting with don't get shy and nervous. Realize no matter how cool you think they are, they are a human and if you want to work with them you need to be one too. Trust me if you end up working with them in about two years you will know all their flaws and probably think they are an idiot and loser (see: most music industry relationships two years down the line). Realize that being cool, fun and talkative is the key to getting where you want. Not just trying to be safe and not say anything dumb.
If you are excited at the prospect of working with whoever you are meeting with don't get shy and nervous. Realize no matter how cool you think they are, they are a human and if you want to work with them you need to be one too. Trust me if you end up working with them in about two years you will know all their flaws and probably think they are an idiot and loser (see: most music industry relationships two years down the line). Realize that being cool, fun and talkative is the key to getting where you want. Not just trying to be safe and not say anything dumb.
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