Networking in Music by Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and more!

Recently, JML Entertainment hosted some young creatives, musicians, media and legends in the music industry for The Power of Networking. This networking event, hosted at Hotel X was part of visionaries (and founders of JML Entertainment) Jorge, Trizz and Astral’s mission to “redefine the music industry and effect meaningful change”.

Through a serious of panels, hosted by Alex Narvaez, industry leaders and talented performers shared insight into how they achieved the success that allowed them to speak at such a platform. Guests heard from Robert Lanni (Coalition Music), Cheryl Link (a publisher), Jordan Powley (The Feldman Agency), Houtan (Socan), Joelle Bertrand (Amazon Music, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Rico Love (Producer), Slow Mike (Songwriter/Producer), Murda Beatz (Producer), Banx and Ranx, IllMind and Shawny Barron (EZMNY Records).

All speakers shared similar themes in their approach to networking. Illmind described his fated path to working with the Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on Moana due to sharing his love of Hamilton, the musical, and Lin-Manuel Maranda following him on social media. One thing led to another and Miranda brought IllMind in on the project. 

Raewon, Ghostface Killah and Rico Love all expressed deep gratitude for community and a ‘pay-it-forward’ mindset. While they all agreed that music industries can be transactional, it’s also important to show people the value in being transactional with you. Someone may ask for your help in one area, and if you’re able to go above and beyond they will hopefully return the favour in-kind, though all three legends warned about users and takers. 

Cheryl Link, Jordan Powley, Houtan and Robert Lanni all felt differently about cold calls and the way artists now approach media. Powley shared that sending him, as an agent, work that you hope will get you signed with his agency may not be the wisest tactic but rather asking for advice on how to improve your work, or asking for 15 minutes with a specific call to action is a better approach to get his input. Houtan agreed that being sent direct messages at 3AM to ask if a beat is good is inappropriate and unprofessional but asking for constructive criticism during business hours might get his attention – even on Instagram! Link and Lanni echoed sentiments around professionalism and how artists should conduct themselves punctually as it takes time to do proper roll out of marketing around music. 

In such a heavily sought after industry like music, the overall networking takeaways were to be kind to everyone as you never know who you might be speaking to, what door they might open or access they possess. Professionalism, even in an industry perceived as party driven, is key to standing out and as always the community you support and surround yourself with is the one that will uplift you. As Rico Love said, if you’re too afraid to sell yourself, make sure someone in your circle believes in you enough to shout from the rooftops how amazing your work is until you can sell yourself. Find people who have capabilities you don’t so you can grow together.

Thank you Vocab Communications and JML Entertainment for a powerful session with great nuggets of wisdom!



Hillary LeBlanc

Hillary LeBlanc

Hillary is an Acadian-Senegalese queer woman passionate about sharing stories relating to the Black community, fashion, beauty and sustainability.
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