The Privilege of Connection: Reframing How We Think About Artist Outreach
Here's something I hear almost every day in my coaching calls with mix engineers: "I want to reach out to more artists, but I feel like I'm just being salesy and asking for money."
Let's flip this perspective completely.
You're Not Taking, You're Contributing
When you've spent years developing your craft, it's easy to take your skills for granted. That precise EQ adjustment that brings a vocal to life? The subtle compression that makes a bass groove? The space you create in a dense mix that lets every element breathe? These aren't just technical skills – they're artistic contributions that help bring someone's vision to life.
The Privilege of Creative Connection
One of the most beautiful things about our industry is the opportunity to connect with creative people who are passionate about their art. This isn't about cold-calling or pushy sales tactics. It's about building genuine relationships with people who share your love for music.
Think about it: you get to spend your days collaborating with artists who pour their hearts into their work. You get to be part of their journey, contributing your expertise to help realize their vision. That's not being salesy – that's being in service of something bigger than yourself.
Choose Your Creative Community
Here's something we often forget: you have the freedom to work with people whose vision and energy align with yours. This industry gives you the privilege of building your own creative community. Not every connection will be perfect, and that's okay. You get to choose who you want to collaborate with, who inspires you, who challenges you to grow.
Recognizing Your Role
When you reach out to an artist, you're not just asking for work. You're offering to be:
A collaborator in their creative process
A contributor to their artistic vision
A partner in bringing their music to life
Someone who cares about the success of their project
Moving Beyond the Transaction
The moment you stop seeing outreach as a transaction and start seeing it as an opportunity for creative connection, everything shifts. It's not about being salesy – it's about:
Finding artists whose music moves you
Building relationships with creative people who inspire you
Contributing your unique skills to projects you believe in
Being part of something meaningful
The Joy of Collaboration
Remember why you got into this in the first place. It wasn't about the money – it was about the music. About being part of creating something special. About those moments when an artist hears their vision come to life through your speakers.
That's what you're really offering when you reach out. Not a service, not a transaction, but a chance to collaborate on something meaningful.
Moving Forward
Next time you hesitate to reach out, remember: you're not imposing or being salesy. You're offering to be part of someone's creative journey. You're extending an invitation to collaborate. You're contributing your expertise to help bring their vision to life.
That's not just valuable – it's a privilege.
Ready to shift how you think about connecting with artists? Let's work together to build authentic relationships that serve both your creative spirit and your business growth.
