You and 500+ other subscribers read Vibrant Revolt, a music promotion newsletter that wants you to shine bright enough to scorch the earth. Every Wednesday we’re firing this bad boy out, jam-packed with anti-cringe advice for those who are sick of bots and bullshit.

// What’s Inside

💣🔥 Disruptive Discourse // This week: Mastering Music Industry Networking: How Genuine Connections Can Boost Your Career. Read the full article below →

🗑️❓ Truth or Trash // Each week, we'll present you with three headlines and one lie. Think you know your industry news? Prove it: read the headlines below, and try to guess which one’s the fake →

🛠️🥾 Riot Guide // This week: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Music Publicity Read it below →

// Disruptive Discourse

Mastering Music Industry Networking: How Genuine Connections Can Boost Your Career

Sometimes, all it takes is one moment of swallowing pride and just doing the right thing to change your fortunes.

I remember the time I had to force someone I knew to stop being a dick for once and go make amends with someone they’d wronged. As awkward as it was, that single act of kindness led to us landing an opening spot for a big band—a moment that shifted everything for us as artists. It made me realize that networking isn’t just about shaking hands or asking for favours; it’s about building real, human connections. And sometimes, that starts with just being decent to people.

With that in mind, here’s how you can use authenticity and connection to start making waves in your music career...

1. Start Local and Build from the Ground Up

When you’re just starting out, attending formal networking events might not yield much success, especially if you don’t yet have value to offer people further along in their careers. Rather than focusing on those, immerse yourself in your local music scene. This is where the real, meaningful connections happen. Small venues, local bars, and DIY shows are where independent artists and bands—just like you—are hanging out.

• Get involved in the community: Go to shows at local spots where your genre thrives. Don’t just show up and leave—stick around after the sets. You’ll often find artists hanging by the bar or smoking on the patio. These informal settings are perfect for striking up conversations.

• Start with what you have: If your friend or roommate knows a local musician or producer, use that connection. Start by offering free or low-cost services to get your foot in the door. Small gigs can build momentum, and the more projects you do, the more your name will circulate in the local scene.

2. Leverage Collaborations to Grow Your Network

One of the most powerful ways to grow your presence is through collaborations. Whether you’re a graphic designer, producer, musician, or other creative, working with others will not only help you develop your skills but also expand your audience.

• Collaborate with other artists: Reach out to local musicians or producers and offer your services. Whether it’s designing album art, producing a track, or performing together, these partnerships can lead to new connections. When you collaborate, you tap into their fan base, and their fans can become your fans.

• Work with influencers: Even at a local level, there are influencers—people who have a following, whether online or in your local scene. If you can get involved in a project with them, you increase your visibility. That said, don't be that guy who's constantly brown-nosing people and willing to take shit for the hope of doing a collab. Nothing is worth that. Just try to work with them, but don't break a leg in the attempt.

3. Attend Industry Events for Bigger Exposure

Once you’ve built some credibility and a body of work locally, it’s time to expand your reach by attending industry events. Conferences, festivals, and showcases are incredible opportunities to meet people from across the industry—other artists, producers, managers, and label reps.

• Go with a purpose: Don’t attend these events just to check them out. Go in with a plan—meet people, ask questions, and introduce yourself in a genuine way. These events can be intimidating, but the connections you make could open doors to larger projects or collaborations.

• Engage in conversations: A key part of networking is knowing how to engage with people in a meaningful way. Ask about their work, share stories, and be genuinely interested in what they have to say. You never know who might become a valuable contact.

4. Build Relationships with Media Contacts

Your music needs to be heard, and one of the most effective ways to get exposure is through media—journalists, bloggers, DJs, and influencers. These people have platforms that can reach a wider audience, and building relationships with them can significantly boost your career.

• Start small and build trust: Reach out to local bloggers or DJs and introduce yourself. Send them your work, but don’t just ask for coverage—build a relationship. Share insights about your process, and make yourself available for interviews or features.

• Create value for them: Journalists and bloggers are always looking for fresh content. If you can present a unique angle or story about your music, you’re more likely to get coverage. Don’t just pitch yourself—pitch a compelling narrative about what makes your work stand out.

Read the rest of the article here →

// Truth or Trash?

Welcome to Truth or Trash, where the gullible are rewarded with gifs and the sleuths with news. Can you guess which one is the fake?

This Week‘s Headlines:

1) Lizzo Embraces Self-Love Amid Weight Loss Comments: “I Love My Body” 

2) Diddy arrested after New York grand jury indictment

3) Rich Homie Quan's First Posthumous Song Arrives Ahead Of Rapper's Funeral

4) Lil Uzi Vert Announces Plan to Legally Change Name to Just 'Uzi'

(Answer below)

// Riot Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Music Publicity

Stop me if you've thought this before: “Promoting your [art/self/music/whatever] is so pathetic - if the tunes are good and the show is too, then that'll be enough to get people to notice.”

You know who thinks like that? Here's an exhaustive list:

• Non-creators or non-musicians,

• People who are rich,

• People who are already well-connected,

• Artists who inevitably stop creating because of burnout.

If you think your music alone is enough to get you noticed, I've got some terrible news for you: the world is flooded with noise, and if you want to rise above it, you need to master the art of publicity.

To help with that, we've started this ultimate guide that'll cut through the BS and get you the attention you deserve.

Read the full guide here →

Truth or Trash Answer:

We made up the Lil Uzi Vert one (#4): But like, how hard would just “Uzi” be? Huh? Absolutely menacing.

Folks, please, a moment of your time:

We know you’re the coolest person on Planet Earth, but don’t gatekeep this shit. We’re entering a new era of transparency, and in order to destroy the old guard we all need to support the emerging talent around us. To sweeten the deal, we’ve come up with this fun little referral rewards program. Check it out below.