It’s not every day you get to hear the story of an indie band making their way up to the Glastonbury stage, but today is one of those days. Join us as we speak with Stone Jets, an indie band from South Africa who have had an impressive journey from local gigs to playing at one of the world’s most renowned music festivals.

Given and Manfred detailed how they have been making waves in the music industry for the past decade, achieving the Top 40 in South Africa, securing a Yamaha sponsorship and more.

 

Why London drew the Stone Jets in

The Stone Jets put a lot of thought into what country they were going to further pursue their music career in. After big changes were made in South Africa in 1994, causing the music industry to regress, Given and Manfred saw many prominent artists opting to move abroad. South Africa had become more of an importer rather than an exporter of music, making it challenging for artists to thrive and grow internationally.

London, on the other hand, was practically glimmering with opportunities and provided the band with a clear path to progression. Not to mention, many of Stone Jets' favourite artists and producers came from London, so naturally they wanted to be in the same space and make music alongside their role models (in spirit). They took the chance and moved, driven by the desire to be part of a thriving music scene that aligned with their ambitions.

 

Building bridges in the music industry

One thing about the Stone Jets, they know how to make connections. According to them, the key to networking is simple—it’s just like making a friend. The same way you’d approach someone in the hope of becoming a lifetime bestie, do the same at any event where you’re interested in finding music connections.

Instead of finding someone just because they play the guitar or they have that producer’s number you’ve been obsessed with, find and connect with people who share the same values as you (and you won’t get fed up with by the third coffee date). By taking this approach, you can make sure that relationships are not just transactional but built on mutual respect and shared goals.

And these relationships won’t expire by the time you’re finished using them (or each other) for whatever thing you were searching for.

 

Preparing for Glastonbury

Many artists dream of playing at Glastonbury, and the Stone Jets are set to perform there five times. Preparing for such a significant event means breaking out the highlighters and going into extreme planning mode.

Playing at Glastonbury is not just about the performance itself, but it can also be another opportunity to connect with a broader audience and industry professionals. This is a huge point in their careers, one that could open doors to further opportunities and collaborations.

Because of the countless moves they made, the connections they formed and the opportunities they jumped into with both feet (a number of competitions, including one with Yamaha, which they won), they are where they are today.

 

The power of a roadmap

A crucial part of Stone Jets' journey has been setting a roadmap to keep themselves on track. This roadmap is not just about career milestones but also about staying true to the music they want to make. They regularly check back to see if they are still aligned with their creative goals and sometimes make changes, which is totally normal, but it’s a good way to stay on track with those big goals you want to reach.

Obviously, the music industry is constantly changing, so flexibility is key. With the power of a roadmap, you’ll be able to ensure that your central goal remains the same throughout all the waves of change.

 

Top tips from the Stone Jets

  • Know your value: Always be prepared to answer the question, "What are you bringing to the music industry?" You’ll get asked that a lot and you don’t want to sound unprepared.

 

  • Build genuine relationships: Networking should be organic and based on genuine connections. Don’t force it, it’s a bit obvious.

 

  • Set and reevaluate your roadmap: Regularly check back on your progress and adjust your plans to stay true to your creative goals. Flexibility and clarity are essential when it comes to navigating this industry.

 

  • Seize opportunities: Whether it's moving to a new city or entering a competition, take bold steps to pursue your dreams. Every opportunity is a potential stepping stone to something life-changing.

 

  • Hard work and dedication: Preparing for major performances like Glastonbury requires relentless effort. Be ready to put in the work to achieve your goals.

The Stone Jets' journey is certainly an inspirational one. Their story and passion for music show that with the right mindset and approach, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for more inspiration, then you’ll love one of our Music Industry Mondays events! Check out our events page and come down to hear some amazing advice on how to move your music career forward, from the very best.