[WP:41] Building Relationships & Business Opportunities In The Music Industry

What Should A Creative Community Value

"Keeping In Touch And Creating Community: A Non Exhaustive Guide"

Photo credits Intimate Networks

---

This article is a companion piece to a podcast available to stream on most streaming services. You can visit here to listen to the full hour conversation.

Table of contents

• Introduction

• Why Put Yourself Out There?

• The Music Industry Is Evolving

• The World Of Web 3

• Conclusion

---

Introduction

In a world driven by networking events, conferences, and seminars that often prioritize business transactions over personal connections, there emerges a unique initiative that challenges the conventional model. Intimate Networks, a series of gatherings orchestrated by an individual who prefers to remain behind the scenes, is transforming the way individuals in the music industry forge relationships and collaborate.

The driving force behind Intimate Networks is the belief that genuine connections should be at the forefront of any successful partnership, both in the short and long term. In an exclusive interview, the architect of these gatherings shared insights into the philosophy behind Intimate Networks and how it diverges from the industry norm.

A short documentary on the current situation of Spotify.

---

Why Put Yourself Out There?

"25:12 - When I connect with someone, I don't want to come off as, I want to get something out of you. And it's never like that with me. I usually make a really deep connection with people as an individual first."

That is what Asal, the mind and founder at the heart of Intimate Networks stated. In that close circle lie the principle of prioritizing personal connections over transactional ones. Unlike many networking events where participants are primarily focused on extracting value or favors, Intimate Networks encourages attendees to form authentic relationships first. The process involves getting to know individuals on a deeper level, irrespective of their professional affiliations.

"26:11 - When it comes to what I'm doing, like I really want people to find their cause, you know, even for producers and like artists, you can't make it all on your own."

One of the core tenets of Intimate Networks is collaboration. The organizer emphasizes the importance of working with a diverse array of talents and perspectives to create something greater than the sum of its parts. For artists and producers alike, the significance of collaborating with others who bring unique skills to the table cannot be overstated. The emphasis on shared goals and creative partnerships provides a fertile ground for innovation and success. DJs, event planners, venue owners, content creators and so many more have a role to play.

A live performance by Fred Again at the Boiler Room

"27:11 - I want people to connect on a deeper level and then put business second, first individuality of the person that they're getting to know."

In an industry often marked by cutthroat competition and opportunism, Intimate Networks sets a new standard by placing individuality and authenticity at the forefront. By encouraging individuals to connect on a personal level before discussing business opportunities, the initiative aims to foster relationships based on trust and shared values. This approach not only leads to more meaningful collaborations but also promotes a sense of camaraderie within the community

Music Critic, Anthony Fantano has built a community of music fans on YouTube and has a lot to learn from.

---

The Music Industry Is Evolving

"28:50 - I want to be behind the scenes of, so yeah, that's my personal goal, but that doesn't mean that I'm limiting myself and not wanting to be like involved in the creative process."

Lots of folks are currently experimenting with new ways to build a name for themselves in the music world. Daft Punk, J-Cole and Rick Rubin in particular stand out as case studies of just how far a simple concept can be pushed.

The gold and silver robot duo, better known as Daft Punk have left a mark on the music world to put it mildly. Very few get to impact pop culture in the way they have. If you ever feel uninspired, listen to the way they integrated sounds that come from elsewhere and making it fresh and iconic every time.

A documentary about the Genius of Daft Punk.

Whiz: “On the EDM side of things, that would be surprisingly Fred Again. (Being a not so well known figure in the eyes of your average music listener.)

That one might be controversial for some people because Fred Again is a big deal in the sense that he's got a lot of production under his belt. But I wouldn't say necessarily he's a household name in the sense that you think of.

Asal: “He is controversial in his artistic way, I would say, because when he came on in the hip-hop world, nobody was really prepared for such an energy. Hip-hop slash rap is well known, so it's like, thug life stories, and you know, they all have like a-

specific stereotype the way they dress the way they talk the language that they use and even the beats that they use and I feel like when Tyler the creator came on he kind of changed the game a little bit with his vibrant colors with the video clip ideas that he came out with.

But I don't feel like people really know him as a person yet. He's not as famous.”

This exchange touched upon the level of notoriety certain names in the current music landscape have. But fame isn’t everything. Enter J. Cole and how he in his own way redefines fame. One of the most long standing figures of Hip Hop by far. The amazing skill that he has not just as a performer but a lyricist is in the elite tier, yet this is a man who really chose to enter hip hop at a pivotal point in his life.

A documentary by film maker Spacial discussing J. Cole

And last but not least, Rick Rubin… As far as folks who embody simplicity yet are a bigger deal than they initially let on, nobody fits the bill better in our current landscape. What is the most curious thing about him in particular is that, in his own words, he ”has no technical ability, and knows nothing about music” and yet he has shaped the sounds of generations for decades.

A masterclass podcast episode hosted by Neuroscientist Doctor Andrew Huberman discussing with Rick Rubin about creativity.

The 60 Minutes interview where the infamous quote that took the world of aspiring musicians came from.

---

The World Of Web 3

As the discussion with Asal winded down, it touched upon the ever elusive topics of technology, AI & Blockchain specifically.

The organizer's personal journey is a testament to the multifaceted nature of their aspirations. Striking a balance between business acumen and creative expression, they embody the ethos of Intimate Networks. Their desire to guide and support emerging artists while retaining a presence in the creative process speaks to their commitment to building a holistic and sustainable music ecosystem.

"32:40 - I just feel like what I personally do is that I try to expose myself to as much as possible and I get to know people from different sides of the town."

Spoken like a true Whiz, she embodies the values of seeking the hidden dots between the intersection of arts, culture and tech. The fact that young, bright minds who are set on changing the world are here ready to enter the arena is fantastic and an artist in particular that is considered special by Asal. The conversation then pivoted towards K-Pop, then X Li’s accomplishments and current objectives in the music industry.

K-Pop took the world by storm and is showing no signs of slowing down. In a market where foreigners have tough time breaking in, acts like J. Hope from band BTS stepped in with none other than J. Cole for an explosive collab.

X Li is a performer and singer who is currently trailblazing SoundXYZ, a patronage platform specifically catered to musicians.

You can check out the following articles below to learn more about SoundXYZ and digital patronage. Asal goes on to state about X Li.

“What X does really well is how he really tries to think out of the box. And he's not naïve to the industry game. Cause he started out as a normal performer, just like any other artists out there, like he went down the route that every other artist goes down. So like the traditional route, right. And then he came up with the idea of getting more innovative and that's where he found his place at the intersection of tech and music and he's not only big on NFTs. He's one of the top best-selling NFT musicians on SoundXYZ. Two rows down after Snoop Dog.”

01:01:18

---

Conclusion

At the core of Intimate Networks lies the notion of inclusivity and shared experiences. The organizer's strategy of bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and circles creates an environment ripe for collaboration. By building bridges between acquaintances, they facilitate discussions that lead to genuine connections and, ultimately, lasting partnerships.

As the music industry continues to evolve and redefine its landscape, Intimate Networks offers a refreshing perspective on networking and collaboration. This grassroots initiative serves as a beacon of authenticity in a world dominated by business transactions, reminding us that meaningful relationships are the cornerstone of success in any endeavor.