JSM Networking Nights: How Emerging Artists Can Make the Most of the Networking Events

JSM Networking Nights could change the direction of your career. The music networking event is a place for professionals and experts to mingle, and for emerging newcomers to get to know fellow contemporaries and creatives. The goal: to break down barriers of the music industry, share ideas, thoughts and contacts on the way to developing new relationships.

Helmed by industry legend John Saunderson (Notting Hill Music, Head of Creative), the first event was held in 2013 to help fill the gap for young musicians looking to connect. The first event, Saunderson says, started with just 70 people in the Hillgate pub in Notting Hill; it soon moved to industry hub Tileyard, then legendary venue Koko where a number of huge names have performed. Now in its 12th year and at the new home of 26 Leake Street near Waterloo, up to 1500 professionals congregate for free live music and networking.

As the spring edition of JSM Networking Nights approaches on April 14 – and with the final batch of tickets available here – Saunderson takes Billboard U.K. through the top tips for how newcomers can make the most of each night.

Get down early

Real ones get down early. Whether that’s at your mate’s show, a local band you want to support, or just get a good spot, there’s no need to hold back and not fill the room. Not only that, but you’ll get to make the most out of the full evening and make as many connections as you can. And why go to a JSM Music Night if not to get fully stuck in? Attendees all head down for the same reason, to meet and network with like-minded people. Don’t be afraid to tap someone on the shoulder and ask what someone does for a living; you never know unless you ask.

Be open-minded

JSM Networking Nights attract a vast array of industry folk, potentially from industries you may not have considered before. Figures from record labels, publishers, managers, agents, promoters lawyers, finance and media as well as artists, producers and songwriters all head down to these events to attain fresh knowledge and connect. Be open to meeting not just new people, but from sectors that you might not have considered connecting with; they may just help you along your journey without you even realising.

Come prepared

Whilst you don’t need to bring a scripted monologue, having a good idea of what your story is, some of your key achievements and what you’re looking for to be able to take the next step can only be a good thing. Don’t be afraid to tell people about yourself – they’re also at the event to meet new people and hear new stories and to help. We’re all in the same boat.

Set some goals

If you’re particularly looking for advice from a certain area, consider setting yourself a goal to speak to an ideal amount of people. Perhaps if you want to connect with songwriters, aim to give your details or card to people in that area throughout the night. It may well push you out of your comfort zone, and convince you to connect with new people you may not have met otherwise. When you come away from the event, you’ll be able to look back with some actionable plans.

Listen to people

Look, this may sound obvious – but no-one likes a self-involved chatterbox. Feel confident in yourself and to tell your story, but also listen to other people and consider giving advice or comments where you feel comfortable contributing. JSM Networking Nights is about the exchange of ideas and advice, and this could be your chance to hear something new that you might not have considered prior. You just need to keep an open mind and open ears.

Consider applying to play live

JSM Networking Nights provides a platform for live bands to play live on the night via the Apply to Play initiative. Gavin Barnard of Amplead – the night’s long-term sponsor – says that they receive hundreds of applicants to perform live on the night, and that he’s already whittled down the upcoming Spring event from 290 applicants down to 9 on the night, with a further 20 on standby. “This gives them a unique opportunity to perform on the night,” Barnard says. “Who knows who is watching: a manager, label, publisher, agent, promoter, a blogger or influencer?”