Nothing wrong with taking a selfie with your favorite celebrity or entertainer but if you are looking to build your brand and create more opportunities for yourself in this industry you're going to have to do more. This industry is based on relationship building and posing as though you already have one with a complete stranger whom you could be building with can be detrimental to your career in the long term. Posting an image and stating a caption which gives the illusion that you and that celebrity (or artist) are in the studio together, working together, or best buds is a bit shall we say ”scammy?” Here are a couple of things you can do the next time you run into a big artist or producer that you could be working with.
Getting their Manager’s Contact Info: If the artist that you are running into is on tour or possibly shooting a film they're probably not going to have time to listen to your music or beats right then and there. Find the manager and grab their contact info and here's a couple reasons why.
- ) If there's anyone who knows what's going on with the artist, it's going to be the manager. This will be your main point of contact when developing your network. Sure it’s good to connect with the artist every now and then but having a relationship with the manager really makes a difference.
- ) Wouldn't it be great if the manager champions you as a person they should collabing with or someone they should bring in for the artist’s project? Having that co-sign from the manager is really going to put you ahead of other people who may just be sending out cold emails or DM's.
Pitch an Idea to Them: Imagine being the person that brought the idea of collaborating with Arman de Brignac for the idea of creating Ace of Spades. Think about how much value you just brought not only to Jay Z's brand but also to Moet Hennessy's brand as well. There are a lot of well paid people who are just the plug. Even as an artist or a producer you can still do this wherever you go. Having an idea that will further someone's brand, business, or even album will make you stand out a lot more than someone who just wants to collab. Of course, this requires knowing a bit about the artist/producer and what they have going on (refer back “manager’s contact). Use social media as a way to stay up-to-date on what that person is up to so when you do meet them you know exactly what to talk about.
Provide Value: We have heard there's so much that it has now become cliché, but it still holds true. Your high profile artists have very limited time and they’re looking to grow both their brand and businesses. If you have a skillset or a solution you need to present it to them.
I get the excitement of meeting your favorite artist (or celebrity) and wanting to let the world know but the focus should be on how you can work with them on something. I know that’s easier said than done as I, a big Sade fan, would probably have a slight moment meeting the artist that’s produced 50% of all my favorite songs. However, as someone who participates in this business I need to be about my wits when maneuvering out here. You should do the same.
Be like a duck. On the surface, calm and cool, but underneath the water your feet are kicking like crazy.
