Topic: Tips and Tricks to Networking

Couldn’t make it to Vampr’s Accelerator Session with Sarey Savy back on June 17th? No problem, we have the chat transcribed for you so you can re-live the conversation and get all the tips and tricks that he dished out! 🍽

Vampr: Today we’re going to interview Sarey Savy about tips and tricks to networking in the music industry. 

Sarey: Thank you so much for having me! And a big shout-out to everyone for coming. 🌹 

Vampr: There will also be opportunities to ask questions at the end of the interview. We ask that you please be respectful when interacting in this room.

Vampr: We had to have you Sarey! Let’s get started with our first question.

Sarey: Ask away! 🌹 

Vampr: If you don’t mind, could you tell the audience a little bit about yourself. Who you are and where you’re from?

Sarey: I don’t mind at all! Hello everyone! My name is Sarey Savy – a Cambodian American singer-songwriter and producer from Seattle, WA! I’ve been doing music for about 14 years now. I started when I was 12. I primarily do pop, R&B, and House music! I’ve been working with record labels in Europe for the past 3 years. 

Vampr: Haha, love it! 14 years is a long time. What got you into music when you were 12?

Sarey: My sister started dating a guy who previously worked at an indie label when I was 12 and introduced me to Cubase and FL studio 🌹. I use both to this day to track vocals and make beats❤️. 

Vampr: Cubase is a throwback! That’s awesome. Did you have any musical influences early on? 

Sarey: Yes!! You can probably hear it in my solo, independent music outside of the label stuff – I’m HEAVILY inspired by Aaliya, Timbaland, Ava Max, Camila Cabello and a lot more. Aaliyah is part of the reason why I started singing. Timbaland is the reason why I started making beats. When I heard his “Shock Value” album, it made me look at music differently.

(Live attendee question) _quityourdayjob: In your 12 years, what tips have you gathered for new artists looking to make connections and build a fan base? 

Sarey: I would HIGHLY recommend that you use the resources available at hand, you couldn’t tell this by looking at my IG or videos, but I’m actually a very shy person. 

When the cameras come on, or it’s time to perform, I become a whole different person but the truth is – your success is dependent on being able to be outspoken. Use Vampr – Vampr changed my life and gave me amazing opportunities. Attend social mixers, talk to people who are performing on the same bill as you, and DO NOT FORGET – building connections and making new fans isn’t a “business transaction.” It’s a humanity thing. Be genuinely interested in what OTHER people are doing instead of always thinking about what you could gain from your network or fans. 

I promise that when you think of others and how you can help them, those long-term relationships turn into enriching opportunities. Me being here is an example of that. I’ve been with Vampr since they started 4 years ago. Never expecting anything from them but instead helping them spread the word about their app and look what happened. I’m here with you.

Vampr: Loved what you said there. What’s it like performing a show? Do you have any tips or tricks for performing a show? 

Sarey: Are we allowed to curse on here? Because right before my name gets called on stage to perform, I feel like I’m going to sh*t myself. My biggest tip and trick is OVER PREPARE. Don’t just practice at home, invest in yourself. Go to a rehearsal studio and practice with a real PA system – you’ll sound different and need to adjust accordingly. For all my singers in here – DON’T EAT SPICY OR DAIRY FOOD THE DAY BEFORE A SHOW. It f’s up your vocal cords and makes them clogged up.

Vampr: Curse your ass off this is a safe space haha and no worries regarding grammar.

Sarey: Haha, good to know lol. 

Vampr: What’s the toughest part about trying to make connections as an artist?

Sarey: Ooooo I love this question because there are layers to it.

Vampr: Nice! Let’s deep dive for your supporters. Give us the raw truth. 

Sarey: The toughest thing for me is this: 

I’m a Pisces. What does that mean? It means I’m sensitive and always over-give. The music business is exactly that – A BUSINESS. It’s hard to find genuine connections with people who want to build with you. The music business is built off of who you know and what you can do. Unfortunately, a lot of people WILL USE YOU to get to what they want. You need to be vigilant in who you keep around you. Be clear about what your intentions and other people’s intentions are. Is this collaboration purely transactional? If that’s what you’re both agreeing to cool. If not, turn it down. Who cares how big of an opportunity it is, you’re in a time where you can build your own house if you know what I mean. It took me 10 years until I signed a record deal that ACTUALLY WORKED.

I was signed when I was 15 AND 16. I was dropped from both of those labels in only a matter of months. Nobody in Seattle wanted to give me a REAL chance. I thought it was the end of the world.

Vampr: What are some key things artists should look out for if they wanna make sure they’re making good connections and not shady ones? 

Sarey: If people really do care about you and want to work with you, THEY WILL wait until you’re ready. People who pressure you and make you feel like you have to sign the dotted line asap or want you to work for free WHEN YOU SAY YOU DON’T WORK FOR FREE DON’T RESPECT YOU.

I can’t tell all of you how many mistakes I’ve made when people in the business who owned labels or were powerful took advantage of me. Get to know people outside of the music. Sit down and have coffee with them and just talk. TRUST WHAT YOUR GUT TELLS YOU ABOUT SOMEONE.

Vampr: A lot of musicians assume you should only build connections with people in the music industry. Are there any other industries that you’d recommend musicians get familiar with? 

Sarey: haha. Oh man – that was a mistake when I was younger. You should DEFINITELY branch outside of your industry.

GET. TO. KNOW. YOUR. FANS.

Get to know photographers, videographers, lawyers, and people in the film industry (for sync licensing opportunities). These people can help you win!!! 

Plus, as an artist, it’s good to know these people anyway. People who can help understand your vision and goals as an artist. You can’t do it all alone.

Vampr: Loving these tips! Building a team is so important. Has Vampr helped you build your team in any type of way? If so, how?

Sarey: YES BITCH OMG

Where do I even start? Lol

Vampr is the reason why I started working with labels in the first [place.] Because of Vampr, I was able to meet producers, engineers, and A&Rs from all sorts of labels. I got the opportunity to work with LoudKult/Sony Music Sweden because of Vampr. These opportunities led to other opportunities outside of the app. It was a busy 3 years haha.

I still connect with these same people from these labels every now and then. They’ve helped me get to where I wanted to be.

Vampr: Now that’s fire! We’re getting to that one-hour mark. One last question before we open it up for the audience to ask you questions. 

What’s your most proud moment as a musician thus far and what can we expect from you in the future? 

Sarey: These questions just keep getting harder haha

My most proud moment was when my song “Games” with Chris River & Pards played at the UEFA Championship League back in 2019 as an opening song while people were going in. It was a dream come true. 

As far as what comes next? I JUST dropped a 7 track EP with my best friends Emanuel Brown (who’s actually in this room right now) and KingDow. We just dropped it on 06/13/22 so make sure y’all go stream the EP on Apple Music and Spotify! 

I’m currently in the middle of negotiating an exclusive license deal with a well-known label in the Netherlands so I’m excited about that! I’m also currently working on solo music that I’ll be releasing independently later at the end of the year or beginning of next year. 

I’ll be performing in Seattle as well over the next couple of months as well 😍.

Vampr: Wow! You don’t stop these are incredible achievements 😭🔥 kudos to you and we’re so happy to call you family here at Vampr. 

Sarey: STOP I LOVE YOU TOO FAMILY 😭🌹

Vampr: Last but not least we’re now opening up the room for questions. If you have anything you’d like to ask Sarey now is your chance!

Also Sarey please feel free to drop your latest project in the room for us to give it a listen  

Sarey: Yes!!! 

Check out my EP ‘K.S.E’!

If anybody has any questions in the future, feel free to message me on IG at @sareymusic. Thank you everyone for tuning in!!! Thank you so much Vampr for having me! I love you all!!! ❤️🌹 You’re gonna kill it out there! 

The Spotify link goes to my latest EP with Emanuel Brown and KingDow! ❤️

Vampr: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. This was amazing. Any final words? 

Sarey: Be who you needed when you were younger. Go out there, advocate for yourself, and don’t sit until people listen to what you have to say.

Vampr: Love it! Thanks to you and everyone who pulled up today! Enjoy your weekend! Follow Sarey, and be sure to check out Vampr Academy. 

Sarey: Bye everyone! 🌹

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