Music Publicity Secrets From Top Music Editors
Music publicity success comes down to knowing how to work with music editors in your desired newspaper or magazine. No matter how wonderful your songs are, or how electric your live show is, you will not get publicity for your music unless you know how to give a music editor what he or she needs to promote you properly.
After surveying a roundtable of music editors and other music publicity experts, I learned what separates the well-known artists from the obscure ones. Following are secret press tips you can use to get better publicity for your music:
Plan Ahead. Give media outlets enough lead time to make room for your story. Newspapers and Local magazines need to have your press release and promo package at least three weeks before your gig. National print magazines need your info two to three months ahead.
Do Your Homework. If you’re a pop artist, do not send your press kit to a country music editor. Regardless of how amazing your songs are, you’re has been ting her time and yours. If you want to send your press kit to a national or Local paper, find out beforehand If they review unsigned and independent bands.
Be Patient. You may have to call more than twice before you are able to reach a music editor on the phone. Try calling varying times of the day. Leaving many phone messages should be avoided.
Keep a Contact Log. When you’re approaching more than one media outlet for a music publicity campaign, it is not simple to keep your information straight by using memory alone (or scraps of paper). Keep a chart or database with editor names, dates contacted, and other info so you could keep track.
When They Answer. Before delivering your telephone pitch to a music editor, ask Assuming that they’re on a deadline. This shows that you are professional and respect their time. Assuming that the music editor says yes, ask for a better time to call. If you ignore their deadline schedule, the editor won’t be able to give full attention to your pitch, and you run the risk of annoying the editor and blowing your music publicity opportunities with that media outlet.
Rehearse Your Pitch. Know what you are going to say before you dial the phone number. Practice your story several times so you will be able to deliver your pitch in a brief and succinct way. Speak slowly and undeniable ly enough so that you are understood.
Follow Up. Confirm receipt of your promo package. If you’re asked to resend any materials that went missing, send right away without complaint. Ask Assuming that the music editor would like to be added to the guest list, or if he or she would like to send music writers in his or her place. Assuming that they do want guest passes to your show, make sure that those names are on the venue guest list.
Getting music publicity may seem difficult at 1st, but mastering these press suggestions will lead to more exposure for you and your music.