Breaking into the electronic music scene isn’t just about creating tracks and hoping someone notices. It’s about strategy, persistence, and a touch of savvy online networking. Let’s walk through some essential tactics to expand your visibility and start building the connections that can take your career to the next level.

 

Laying Your Foundation

First, cover your basics: make sure your music is ready to go, your DJ mixes are accessible, and you have a solid online presence. But what comes next? Building an engaged database and actively reaching out to the right people. Even if you're starting out in a smaller or less connected community, such as Minneapolis, you can establish meaningful connections in the global scene.

 

Discover New Artists and Opportunities on Bandcamp

Bandcamp is a goldmine for finding artist peers, labels, and collectives. Start by searching for labels you love and admire. For example, if you’re a fan of Clockwork, type that into the search and see which artists have releases there. You can dive deep into their profiles and discover DJs or producers from scenes you’ve never explored before, like Buenos Aires or Budapest.

Imagine this: within just 15 minutes of focused exploration, you can find new artists and potential collaborators. If you dedicate just 30 minutes daily or a few hours a week, you can significantly grow your contact list and networking database.

 

Targeted Outreach Made Simple

Once you find artists or labels that catch your interest, check out their SoundCloud or Resident Advisor profiles. Many of these artists belong to collectives that are still building their following, which increases the likelihood they’ll respond positively to your messages. For example, discovering an Argentinian artist might lead you to Arcania Techno, a Buenos Aires-based podcast with a growing audience. These kinds of connections can open doors to getting your tracks featured or played.

Crafting a simple, well-prepared message template can save you time. Adjust it to each contact and focus on creating genuine connections, showing that your music aligns with their sound. Even smaller festivals and collectives can give you a chance if you present yourself well.

 

Leveraging SoundCloud and Premiere Opportunities

SoundCloud isn’t just for sharing music; it’s also a powerful discovery tool. Use search terms like “premiere” alongside an artist’s name to find blogs and platforms that have supported them. You’d be surprised how many smaller, accessible platforms are out there willing to promote emerging talent.

Look beyond the biggest blogs. Sure, platforms like Vault Sessions are well-known, but don’t disregard others like Dance Wax or OIKOS, which feature rising artists regularly. Even if you receive a few rejections, don’t be discouraged. Often, it takes repeated efforts to land the right opportunities.

 

Researching Labels and Building Your Playbook

To figure out which labels might be a fit for you, analyze your favorite artists' earlier releases. Don’t just focus on their big-name affiliations. For instance, artist Schlaer’s journey involved getting signed to smaller labels like Bipolar Disorder Recordings, which played a pivotal role in his career before he moved on to bigger labels.

Sometimes, a smaller, well-connected label can be your launchpad. Research their catalog, note how they promote their artists, and use that as a model for your own outreach strategy. Persistence and the right timing are crucial, so keep at it!

 

Expanding Your Global Reach with Resident Advisor

When it comes to finding promoters, Resident Advisor is a fantastic resource. Look at the past events of artists who have toured extensively, like Perc, and see where they’ve played. By digging into event history, you might discover promoters in unexpected places, like Wisconsin or Taiwan, that are a perfect fit for your sound.

Even though Resident Advisor's settings have changed, you can still use filters to find events by country and city. This tool is especially useful if you’re looking to break into new markets.

The Takeaway

Success in the electronic music industry often comes from a combination of quality music and relentless networking. Use platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and Resident Advisor to find artists, labels, and promoters. Build your contact list methodically, and dedicate time to research and reach out.

Remember, it’s not just about one big break but about creating enough opportunities to make your own luck. Every email, DM, and message brings you one step closer to connecting with the right people who can support and amplify your music. Keep building, keep pushing, and remember that persistence is key.

If these tips sparked ideas or inspired you, share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Let’s keep the community growing!