In this blog article, I’ll share my biggest takeaways Most Wanted Berlin 2023 – Berlin’s leading music business festival.
I had the pleasure of attending Most Wanted Berlin, the highly regarded music business conference held in Berlin each year. This event has become a prominent gathering for professionals in the music and creative industries worldwide.
The festival presented extensive captivating talks, interviews, discussions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities to engage attendees.
During the event, I had the opportunity to participate in three discussions.
The first one focused on gaining insights into the UK, Slovenia, and Switzerland music markets, featuring a panel of experts. The second panel, the FLINTA+ community think tank, emphasized the significance of music communities.
Lastly, on the final day of the conference, there was a thought-provoking discussion with music curator and consultant Melissa Perales alongside space explorer Dimitri Hegemann. They shared their unique perspectives on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
Here are five takeaways:
In addition, read this Blog Article: Jazzfest Berlin 2023 w/ Eve Risser Red Desert Orchestra
Develop your community
In today’s digital era, being a musician entails more than just creating and performing music. It also involves actively connecting with your audience and establishing a solid fan base.
While social media platforms have become famous avenues for musicians to engage with their fans, there is something even more impactful: cultivating your online community.
One major benefit of nurturing your online community is the ability to shape a space that truly embodies your musical identity.
This space allows musicians and fans to come together, interact, and form authentic connections.
Whether through a dedicated forum, a private Facebook group, a Discord group, or even a community hosted on your website – the key is to design an environment where your fans feel like they belong.
This enables them to engage with you and other like-minded fans on a deeper level.
Be strategic
I had the chance to talk with Andraz, who serves as the artistic director and festival manager for Ment Festival Ljubljana.
During our discussion, I asked about the key elements independent artists should focus on when attempting to secure festival gigs from bookers.
An essential aspect that emerged was the need for artists to communicate their message concisely and effectively. Additionally, artists must provide links showcasing their live performances.
This is essential because bookers are interested in experiencing firsthand how an artist or band sounds on stage and their ability to connect with audiences.
While this may seem obvious, it’s essential not to overlook that bookers want tangible evidence of an artist’s musical prowess before considering booking them for a festival gig.
Build a supporting system
Being an independent artist can often feel like a solitary and isolating journey.
Whether you are a musician, songwriter or DJ, creating can be filled with challenges and moments of self-doubt.
However, having emotional support from loved ones, friends, and fellow artists can make all the difference in navigating through the highs and lows that come with a creative being.
In our Club Membership or at networking events designed for artists and professionals, you will find opportunities to connect with individuals who share your passion for music.
These like-minded individuals can provide emotional support and encouragement along your artistic path.
A sense of belonging within such communities helps combat loneliness while fostering personal growth in your craft.
Keep following-up
Starting in the industry can be challenging, especially with limited resources.
Securing funding to kickstart your music career as a new artist is not an easy task to accomplish. To increase your chances of obtaining funds, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the appropriate language and continuously improve your application process.
If you want to improve your chances of obtaining funding for your projects, striving to enhance your applications continuously is essential. Furthermore, conducting thorough research to identify successful examples is equally crucial.
Focus on yourself
When we compare ourselves to others, it makes us harbour negative energy toward other people and their accomplishments. This is not what will help you move forward in your musical journey.
It doesn’t matter what another person has or how another person lives. Your art is yours. It’s beautiful, just the way it is, and I’d love you to see it the same way.
Competition is a distraction from the beauty of sharing your talent and even a bigger distraction from creating prosperity.
To finish off…
I found Most Wanted Berlin an excellent opportunity for deep reflection on these significant topics. Hopefully, my article has provided valuable insights to ponder as you face your challenges.
Which key point resonated with you the most?
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