The importance of creating a community for artists to thrive in the music industry.

Building a supportive community is crucial for musicians to thrive in the competitive music industry, and businesses like GigPig and Queenz Sounds empower emerging artists by fostering connections, promoting inclusivity, and leveraging technology to create opportunities.

The music industry is one of the spaces where ‘who you know’ rather than ‘what you know’ really defines it. Whilst talent, skill and experience are critical components for success, for an artist, being part of a supportive network or community of fellow creatives can help musicians thrive in the industry.

Businesses like GigPig and Queenz Sounds recognise this need and provide opportunities for emerging artists in the industry to build meaningful connections with fellow musicians and build a community around their music.

While the industry can often feel isolating, especially for new artists, forming genuine connections goes beyond gaining exposure. A strong network can help artists with their creativity, collaborations, and assist with long-term growth.

But where does an artist start to build a community around their music?

Queenz Sounds: Creating an Inclusive Community

Queenz Sounds, the live music charity specialising in women and LGBTQIA+ musicians, does exactly that. The company creates an inclusive community for those artists while providing them with opportunities to grow and develop.

Building a community is a priority in their ethos, as they strive to equalise the music industry whilst empowering amazing musicians. One way they achieve this is by carefully curating events across the UK that showcase the incredible artists on their roster and their talents to make connections in the music industry.

GigPig spoke with EJ Kempson, founder of Queenz Sounds, on the importance of fostering a supportive community for musicians. She said: “Many artists end up working alone or in small bands, which can be isolating. When you're continually met with negative feedback, it’s hard to stay creative or true to yourself because every song and every performance is you bearing your soul to the world.

“Queenz Sounds was born out of a need to break that isolation, where artists feel genuinely supported. When you have a community around you that’s saying, ‘fuck that person, they’re wrong, and you’re amazing,’ it changes everything.

“It is like a butterfly effect, as we're giving positivity to artists so they can, in turn, give positivity to other artists that are also struggling.

The charity is run by creatives who know the industry from the inside out. Queenz Sounds aims to give artists not only a network but also the practical tools they need to succeed. EJ added, "There’s no gatekeeping here, no ‘stupid’ questions. Whether someone wants advice on understanding record deal terms or guidance to create an EPK, we’re here to help. We’ve been through it, and we know how valuable it is to have a knowledgeable, approachable support system.”

"But if we provided a blanket service, we're not catering to the level of diverse artists that we have because everyone will need different support. Our goal is to create long-term connections and collaborative opportunities that make a difference in each artist’s unique journey.”

“We’re here to ensure artists know they’re valued, equipped with the right tools, and, most importantly, they’re not alone."

The driving force behind this ethos is the collective passion that Queenz Sounds holds to better the industry and provide support to those musicians normally overlooked, which is helped by the initiatives that Queenz Sounds carries out, making it pivotal for the careers of their artists.

One of which is their festivals, which help to promote minorities in the music industry, encouraging diversity and inclusivity. Whilst creating a brilliant event for the audience, it provides great exposure for those on the festival billing. It Takes place in a different city each year to help encourage national exposure, and this year will be in London.

Embracing Technology to Build a Community

Technology plays a pivotal role in the modern music industry, which cannot be overlooked or overstated. Whether forming an engaged community through your social media or streaming platforms or using a tech-driven platform to increase your opportunities in the industry, embracing technology is pivotal to a musician's career.

Platforms like Lounges.tv allow artists to deepen connections with their audience, while tools like Mixcloud's Host Tagging feature encourage collaboration by letting creators work together to reach wider audiences. These digital spaces offer unique ways to build communities and strengthen artist-fan relationships.

GigPig: Bridging Artists and Venues

One company harnessing the power of technology is the UK's fastest-growing hospitaliy music marketplace, GigPig. Created by industry experts, the platform helps connect artists and venues while saving them time and money, which collectively grows the live music scene and empowers musicians to make a living doing what they love… playing music.

Gigging regularly as an emerging musician is integral to their career. Not only can this hone their craft and earn their stripes, but artists can build a community around their music. The GigPig platform provides them with all the tools to connect with hundreds of the best venues across the UK while being able to earn a reliable wage by performing within the hospitality sector.  

You never know who will be in the crowd when you’re performing, even if that may be a new fan of your music, building a loyal fanbase will increase your visibility. However, there could be that one person who is holding the keys for the next door to open in your career.

A Shared Vision for a Fair Music Industry

Both Queenz Sounds and GigPig share a passion for creating a more equitable music industry. Their efforts aim to provide opportunities for all, whether it's helping underrepresented musicians find their voice or connecting artists with the right stages.

EJ continued: “Partnerships like this between GigPig and Queenz Sounds are so important because we’re stronger together and we can make more of an impact, which I love.

GigPig’s brilliant works within the ‘Seed Music’ sector mean they can provide support for musicians who are just starting, and we’re able to take them further afterwards.

"I think the more organisations like GigPig that exist globally, the more the music industry is going to change for the better, and the more of a positive impact it's going to make."

Together, they are driving the industry toward a future where talent and community matter as much as, if not more than, the traditional gatekeepers.

By prioritising community-building, artists can tap into a network of support, resources, and opportunities that will enable them to thrive in the dynamic music industry.