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The music world is evolving – but most platforms aren’t keeping up. That’s what hundreds of musicians told us in our recent user survey. Whether it’s the difficulty of finding serious, paid gigs or the frustration of navigating dead Facebook groups and outdated listings, it’s clear the time is right for a platform that finally puts musicians first.At Beatnickel, we set out to build that platform — but not in isolation. Instead of guessing what the music community wants, we went straight to the source. The feedback we received was honest, passionate, and pointed. And it’s shaping everything we’re doing.Here’s how Beatnickel is being designed to meet your needs from day one.

Building a strong network is one of the most important factors for success as a musician. But what if you're starting from scratch, without any existing connections? Here’s a practical guide to help you get started and create real relationships in the music community.

Would you ask your carpenter to work for half the price because you 'love his craftsmanship'?Maybe it's time we asked ourselves the same question when it comes to how we value musicians.Music is a craft – not just a hobby when it’s on stageFar too often, musicians are expected to work for little or no pay, or to accept "exposure" as a form of compensation. But music is a true craft. It takes years of practice, investment in equipment, and immense dedication to deliver a professional performance.Playing a concert or performing at an event is not just a pleasure for the musician – it creates real value for venues, organizers, and audiences.When we willingly pay good money for a skilled carpenter, a photographer, or a chef, we should show the same respect for the professionals who provide the soundtrack to our lives.

"We musicians are like vultures, constantly forced to undercut ourselves. No other workplace would ever accept that."This is how one musician described the current state of the booking world when responding to our survey. And they’re absolutely right.Today, too many musicians are paying just to be listed on platforms – with no guarantee of getting gigs. When opportunities do arise, they’re often met with clients who don’t respect their rates and push them into bidding wars where the cheapest offer wins, not the best musical experience.Talent, skill, and professionalism are pushed aside in favor of the lowest price.

From the Practice Room to the Real WorldEvery day, music schools and high schools nurture new talent. Young people learn technique, theory, collaboration, and creative expression in safe environments. But when the diploma is handed out and the familiar routine ends, many are met with a reality they are unprepared for. New rules apply: networking, visibility, experience, and the ability to seize opportunities that aren't listed in any textbook.

It wasn’t long ago that music was something we experienced together. It lived in rehearsal spaces, basements, and behind-the-bar stages. It thrived in jam sessions, noticeboards in music shops, and handwritten ads seeking bandmates.But something has changed.Today, music lives mostly online. Solo artists share their latest releases on Instagram, Spotify links are dropped in stories, and algorithms determine who gets heard. It’s not all bad – but along the way, we’ve lost something: the collective.