Collaboration solves two of the musician's greatest challenges; 1)Having a wider reach 2)Constantly being in a creative mode and releasing new music. Finding someone to collaborate with might be somewhat challenging. Especially someone whom you have chemistry with, and can input the energy and time in order to come up with a successful project.
So how can it be done if at all possible? Simple answer, Connect. Long answer…
Social Media
If you didn’t know, now you know. Social media is a full time job as opposed to being a pass time. As you scroll through your twitter feed, Instagram stories and Facebook posts be on the lookout for your next project partner.
Do they appeal to you, in terms of branding. Do they have the reach/audience that you want. Challenge yourself and use the media to open for yourself a new market.
Mdundo
This goes without saying. With over 100,000 artists, there is someone you would like to work with. In that case, let us know and we are happy to connect you with him/her.
Networking
This is the oldest and still the best way of meeting new people. Attend as many forums as you can. Take an interest in what other musicians are doing and sooner or later you will find an artist to collaborate with.
How do I approach a musician to collaborate with?
Build a strong relationship
Instead of asking to collaborate on the first interaction, try and build a relationship so you can create some chemistry. After all, you may love their music but may not get along. If you do manage to get an opportunity to speak with the musician you want to collaborate with, you need to make a good impression. Answer this question before meeting them for a cup of coffee or even lunch (depending on your budget)
What value can you provide them with? How can you help them?
If you are able to provide value first, they are much more likely to work with you. Bottom line is you need to know the other musician and identify the ways you can sweeten the deal. Remember not to offer something that you don’t have
Create a Pitch
Once you have established a relationship, you need to have a pitch ready. What ideas of collaboration do you have? What can you bring to the table? What kind of audience do you have? What is your marketing strategy? What are your numbers?
Have a clear vision for the collaboration
Having a clear vision allows the other musician to know what you want and if it is possible to get it. Think about the genre of track that you’d like to make, the producer you want to work with, the timelines, the marketing strategy, the cost among other things.
In what ways can musicians collaborate?
Co - write a song
Remix a song
Do an Instagram live together
Do cover songs
Release a single/EP
Be guest performers at each others gigs
What if they say no?
Be polite if you're turned down. This is a hard industry for everyone to be in. Remember to be kind and understanding. As you are aware, the industry can be challenging and you may not know for sure what is happening to your fellow artists. The timing may not be right as well
What if the collaboration doesn’t work out?
Having expectations is perfectly normal. Unfortunately these expectations do not play out as we thought. The chemistry may not be there, pressures may be too much and the collaboration may not work for one reason or the other. Don’t be discouraged. The few sessions you had was worth it. Take it as a learning experience and use it in your next project.
What about the legal aspect
You have secured a collaboration, but before going ahead with it, ensure that you have some legal guidance. Everyone needs to know their responsibilities to ensure that everyone is accountable and protected legally.
Ensure your agreement answers the following questions;
Who’s doing what?
Be as specific as possible about what each collaborator is expected to do and when it needs to be done.
Who owns what?
A collaborative work is considered to be a “joint work,” meaning that each collaborator co-owns the Copyright and is entitled to an equal share in any royalties.
Who’s getting paid?
Make sure that your collaboration agreement clarifies how the royalties will be shared between the collaborators to avoid any confusion.
What if somebody quits?
Sometimes a collaboration that looked promising in the beginning just doesn’t work out for whatever reason. Your collaboration agreement should clarify how the parties can terminate the collaboration, and what happens to their rights in the project.
Read on
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