Approach the media
Introduction
The media can help to inform the general public of any new releases you might have, stimulate sales of your track and raise your profile amongst the audience.
Good press in one area can be used to secure more press write-ups in another.
Read on for:
Local press
National music press
Radio
Internet
Underground press
"Get key people supporting your track and then the media are more likely to take you seriously."
Phyllisia Adjei
Project Manager
Soul2Streets
Local Press
This is your first call.
Ring the editor or journalist who deals with your local paper's music listings or gig guide.
The good thing about local press is that due to their small size they'll be as keen as you are to review any tracks/demos you may send them.
If your press release is professional they may well print it almost un-edited.
Although small in size, local press is still an important starting point in your promotional campaign and can influence promoters and A&R that you might be worth a look.
"The best way is to call the journalist to tell them to expect a package from you. Then you keep in constant contact. Sell the album over the phone to get them excited about your product."
Lisa Lindahl
PR Manager
The Playcentre
National Music Press
Have a look at some reviews of music similar to your own and ring up the reviewer.
If there's no direct number printed for them ring any number that is printed in the section listing the Editor etc. and ask to be put through.
You'll probably get an answering machine so leave a message and then send your demo/ white label to them at the magazine's office.
Keep up a steady flow of your new tracks, press reviews and flyers but don't cane them with it.
Specialist magazines
Specialist magazines that target musicians usually have a demos/reviews page.
Send your demo in to get some professional advice on your work and some more independent quotes to use in your publicity.
Radio
As with the regional press, local radio will have a small budget and聽fewer listeners than a national station but it's still worth approaching them with your material.
Check out the internet to see which of your local stations have shows that showcase new talent.
National radio
A lot of national radio stations will not play tracks by unsigned artists so there's very little point in contacting them.
Stations like Radio 1 and 1Xtra have specialist shows which will champion unsigned artists so they are your best bet.
Deejays on a national station can get up to 100 emails a day and something like 40 demos a week so the best way is to target the deejay who specialises in your type of music.
On 1Xtra the best deejays to try are Ras Kwane and L Double as they both have regular unsigned features.
"1Xtra regularly playlists unsigned tracks - if they're hot enough! Our music production teams often receive unsigned tracks relevant to their specific genres and if they're exceptionally good then they will pass them to the music team for assessment."
George Ergatoudis
Music Manager
1Xtra
Internet and Underground Press
Be aware of any websites or newsgroups that review urban music and submit your tracks to them.
Any positive quotes can again be used for your biog or press pack.
Sometimes the comments from the public can be a bit harsh but the exposure you get should offset any negative feedback.
Underground press
Fanzines can be quite hard to find due to their underground nature but try looking in independent record shops.
They are often aimed at a particular music scene or certain location and many will also have a website of some sort so try looking on the net for any links you can follow.
Although it's not huge exposure, this type of publication will put you directly in touch with your core audience and remember, the music industry can be a very small world so it may only take one influential voice to start bigging you up before you gain a strong following.
"Be professional. Put together a small press pack for key media people i.e. radio deejays, journalists etc."
Phyllisia Adjei
Project Manager
Soul2Streets
More... from How to...
Put together a press pack
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/promotion/packp01.shtml
Send out white labels/demos
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/promotion/whitep01.shtml
Why playing PAs is important
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/performing/importantp01.shtml
Promote your releases
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/promotion/promotep01.shtml
Promote live PAs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/1xmusic/promotion/gigsp01.shtml
More... from the web
Media UK
Site dedicated to Independent and other radio stations, TV and general media
http://www.mediauk.com
The 大象传媒 is not responsible for the content of external sites
(c) 大象传媒 1Xtra 1XMusic 2006