Music Concerts

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. Below are secret press tips you may use to get better publicity for your music:

Plan Ahead. Give media outlets enough drive time to make room for your story. Newspapers and Local/Regional 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 great your tunes are, you’re was 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 different times of the day. Leaving a lot of phone messages should be avoided.

Keep a Contact Log. When you’re approaching more than one media outlet for a music publicity campaign, it isn’t easy 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 are on a deadline. This shows that you’re professional and respect their time. If the music editor demonstrates yes, ask for a better time to call. If you ignore their deadline schedule, the editor will not 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 a few 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 are asked to resend any materials that went missing, send right away in the absence of complaint. Ask Assuming that the music editor would prefer to be added to the guest list, or if he or she would prefer 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 might seem challenging at first, but mastering these press tips will lead to more exposure for you and your music.