No One Can Do It On Their Own

Building Genuine Connections in Music

This is something my dad said to me recently. At first, it wasn’t even about music. But the more I thought about it, the more it hit me - this is exactly what so many of us face as musicians. It was a simple yet profound observation that resonated deeply with my experiences and the challenges I encounter in my musical journey.

If you’re like me, you probably spend hours working in your own space. Writing, producing, mixing. In big cities, the cost of living is high, studios can be expensive, and the competition is intense. So the default has become: stay home, build a setup, grind it out alone. And don’t get me wrong - home studios are powerful. They’ve given us tools that used to be out of reach. But the danger is isolation. The solitude of working alone can sometimes stifle creativity and lead to a sense of disconnection from the broader musical community.

Music wasn’t meant to exist only inside four walls or sit on a hard drive. The excitement - the reason most of us started - comes from playing with people, sharing ideas, performing in front of an audience. That’s where the energy lives. The shared experience of music, whether it’s a jam session with friends or a live performance, is what truly brings it to life. It’s the spontaneous interactions, the feedback, and the collective energy that fuel our passion and drive us to create.

So how do we get back to that? The truth is, there’s no single answer. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s about connection. Instead of waiting for opportunities, we have to create them. Reach out to new people. Invite others into our process. Build relationships that go beyond follower counts or monthly listeners. It’s about fostering genuine connections that can lead to meaningful collaborations and support.

I like to think of it as a ripple effect. You meet one person, they introduce you to someone else, and slowly a whole network grows around you. And that network is where new projects, shows, and collaborations are born. Each connection can lead to unexpected opportunities and open doors that you might not have encountered otherwise.

Look at any major artist you admire - they all have a team. Producers, bandmates, managers, videographers. Nobody gets there alone. And even if your goal isn’t superstardom, if you just want a sustainable career in music, you still need people around you who believe in your vision and help push it forward. Building a supportive team can provide the encouragement and resources needed to navigate the challenges of a music career.

So I’ll leave you with this: who are you connecting with right now? And what steps can you take to bring more people into your creative world?

Consider attending local music events, joining online forums, or collaborating with other artists. Every interaction is a step towards building a vibrant and supportive community that can help you thrive as a musician.