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Sunday, September 18, 2011 • Ask Arie
Although lines can become blurred depending on how hands on your public relations rep may be, normally publicist have nothing to do with...
"
Arie, Is it my publicist's job to book me for shows?"
____[at]hotmail.com
Ummm... NO! [Laughing] if publicists wanted to book people for non-promotional performances and manage their entire careers, we would be managers....
Although lines can become blurred depending on how hands on your public relations rep may be, normally publicist have nothing to do with getting you booked for concerts, music collaborations and other back office business, these are the responsibilities of your manager.
A publicist's duties vary from client to client but typical representation may include but not limited to:
- Get positive press coverage for his/her client
- Pitch and handle all interview requests
- Organize press tours
- Network with journalists and bloggers
- Event RSVP
- Build awareness of talent via print, radio and online social sites
* These are just a few of many general responsibilities
If done the right way in conjunction with a well-organized marketing campaign along with client/ management participation you should gain that much needed exposure making it easier for your MANAGER to book you for shows etc. There's no one thing or person that works better then another when it comes to building a successful career in entertainment. Everyone must do their part.
Good Luck!
Do you have something you'd like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail[dot]com and on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
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Sunday, August 28, 2011 • Ask Arie
Ari, I was interviewed for a local music mag and some of my words were distorted and weren't completely accurate to what I expressed. What should I do?
"Ari, I was interviewed for a local music mag and some of my words were distorted and weren't completely accurate to what I expressed. What should I do?" - F1
[Laughing] This isn't that uncommon in entertainment journalism. One important fact to remember is 99.9% of all publications both free and paid subscriptions have a bottom line and that is the dollar sign.
Why you ask? The higher the readership publications have the more companies will want to advertise in them; bringing more revenue. Cha ching!!!
What attracts people/readers? Drama and excitement so if facts for a general interview aren't exciting enough the editor or writer might take the liberty of "spicing" it up a bit. And it's all legal as long as it's kept as open speculation and not slandering someone's character.
My advice's, if you're not happy with the article/write-up contact the writer and inquire why the edits were made, and they may have a worthy answer for you and of course you always have the option of contacting the editor as well.
But, take heed and think. Was the article actually harmful to you? If not and you're just not happy because your words weren't posted verbatim, I would just let it slide and appreciate the free exposure. They could have easily scrapped the entire piece.
You don't want to start burning unnecessary bridges over minor details.
Good Luck!
Do you have something you'd like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail[dot]com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
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Sunday, July 31, 2011 • Ask Arie
I suggest starting local and connect with establishments catering to the artist genre you represent and see if they host reputable showcases, open mics, concerts etc.
"I saw what you were talking about on a website. I want to ask if you have any suggestions on good spots to book shows paid and unpaid for an artist I'm working with?" - GMoney
Answer: [Laughing] if there was a list of just that, wouldn't all of our jobs be that much easier?.... I suggest starting local and connect with establishments catering to the artist genre you represent and see if they host reputable showcases, open mics, concerts etc. that your client can participate in. Performing at these types of events will help build a physical buzz and brand development while putting you in the company of like-minded people to network with.
It's also good to look into regional and national music conferences that offer opportunities for indie talent to perform. Some of the larger more established conferences offer infinite opportunities for emerging artists. Google & due diligence will provide you with these events.
Regardless whatever avenue you choose booking shows for emerging indie talent is a full time job that takes the ability to properly network with the right people. If all else fails look into retaining a reputable booking agent.
Good Luck!
Do you have something you'd like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail[dot]com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
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Saturday, July 2, 2011 • Ask Arie
...just like other media, these music supervisors receive hundreds of packets a week so you want to keep your submissions organized, direct and to the point.
"Peace Ari, I hear a lot of indie music on reality T.V. shows. I don't have a publicist, but want to submit my music. How should I do this?" - Miller
Isn't reality TV amazing and mind numb-ingly addictive all at the same time [laughing].
Anyways, there are a few things to remember when submitting...
For starters find out who the music supervisor is for the program you are interested in and if they accept unsolicited material. Many studios and large production companies don't. Once the submission guidelines have been established, continue with your due diligence and make sure you're targeting the right show for your style of music, its demographic etc. You don't want to send Disney a track that's perfect for the next generation of "Menace to Society" [laughing].
It's also important to remember, just like other media, these music supervisors receive hundreds of packets a week so you want to keep your submissions organized, direct and to the point. In this case I'd suggest submitting all your material via old fashion snail mail with your music on a CD accompanied by an organized (easy to read) track list and all artist information. Labeling each track is very important.
After submitting everything it's always good (and deemed appropriate) to confirm receipt of material. I'd suggest via email. Don't call or stalk [laughing]. Once you know your material has been received, go about your life. In television once you're in their system if they want or need your music, they'll pull it and notify you.
There are never any guarantees that your music will get picked and placed, but submitting your material definitely increases your chances.
Also REMEMBER: Clearance problems are always an issue (i.e. rights to music, actual ownership etc.) Make the publishing and master info as noticeable as possible, especially if you control both.
Good luck!
Do you have something you'd like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011 • Ask Arie
No matter what you decide, proper marketing and public relations is almost as important as the music you create.
"Arie, I'm about to release a national project. My budget is low. Is it better to spend money on marketing or public relations?" - Stevie
Although there is a fine line between the two. Before I can answer your question I will need you to answer mine....
Do you have an established-self-sustaining fan base? Think about it and answer honestly [laughing], take your time, [Jeopardy music plays in background] like Katt Williams "Don't worry I'll wait"...
Okay, time's up! If the answer is NO (and yes, "no" includes only being known in your hometown, immediate family, friends, city and state) then I'd suggest starting with marketing. Why you ask? Marketing aka "pay for post" is guaranteed placement of your posters, album cover and other promotional art in key places (i.e. magazines, blogs, music sites, night clubs etc.) Placement in these prime locations make impressions of your brand in the subconscious minds of those who come in contact. This is very important!
Also, don't forget to utilize free marketing by submitting your new music and videos to sites, independent/college radio, and DJs for rotation and placement [consideration]. These basic and inexpensive steps give the public a chance to hear your music, possibly leading to new fans, and additional interest in you. Hence the power of marketing.
Now, if you've already established a brand and reliable fan base, invest in public relations and notify your existing fans and familiar media of your new projects, tour dates, in addition to conducting interviews. These fundamental steps may possibly catch the attention of those whom have seen your brand previously and now want to know more about you.
No matter what you decide, proper marketing and public relations is almost as important as the music you create.
Oh yeah and a fact to remember:
Avoid interviews and reviews for pay. When people know you cut checks for coverage they're less likely to believe the good press given. Of course the media outlet gives you feature interviews [when no one knows who you are] or five stars your latest album.... YOU PAID THEM TO!
Good luck!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie[at]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo
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Thursday, March 31, 2011 • Ask Arie
Is it still acceptable to submit hard materials such as CDs, and physical press kits?
"Arie, I feel like my music is getting buried in the virtual piles of emails submitted to music editors. Is it still acceptable to submit hard materials such as CDs, and physical press kits?" - f.c.
In one word YES!!!!.... However, with 90something percent of popular media being independent and some even being run out of America's dorm rooms and in the basements of some very understanding parents [laughing] it may be difficult to locate a physical mailing address to submit your material(s) to.
Yes, I said it! Despite the flash and popularity, there's a good chance your favorite music/video site is maintained in the comfort of someones home. At least until they get their numbers up and sold to a larger commercial multimedia conglomerate [laughing]... Nothing like the entrepreneurial spirit - Anyways, I digress.
For those publications that publicly list their mailing address or P.O. Box, definitely submit your QUALITY music and non-spam promos. Heck, some even though not widely publicized... prefer it and I think you may have a better chance of getting your music heard as long as it's not on cassette [wink].
Who knows you may also grab some extra consideration points, cause it takes more effort to package and pay for postage then it does to click a button. There's almost something slightly humbling about receiving an artists CD in the mail; ask any editor that's normally bombarded by a virtual sea of spam.
What say you music editors? Let me know.
Good luck!
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011 • Ask Arie
Do you think it's important to have a lawyer review my contracts when I work with producers and labels?
Dear Arie, I'm an indie artist and my buzz is getting good where different contracts and stuff are being presented to me. I Would like to know if you think it's important to have a lawyer review my contracts when I work with producers and labels?
As we all know the music industry has a stigma of being very shady and cut throat. Heck sometimes I feel people need contracts just to ensure they walk back out of meetings [laughing]. The reality is as more and more independent artists promote and manage their own careers on shoe string budgets, having the money to hire proper legal representation isn't always at the top of the list.
If you are unable to retain/hire a private music/entertainment attorney, I definitely recommend locating a reputable pre-paid legal program in your city or town and having them review any documents that could legally make, break or bank your career.
The majority of pre-paid legal programs offer a wide range of services, from reviewing the first 10 pages of any contract for free to going to court with or for you. That's a win win if you're working on something with a contract only 8 1/2 pages long and can't make a court date because you're on tour [laughing].
Also, something to remember, most programs only charge a flat monthly membership fee between $18- $35 or more a month depending on what you need. What are the perks of these legal programs?
- You always have a reputable attorney when you need one.
- With membership you get certain services [that normally cost an arm and a leg] for 'free'
- It's cheaper to pay a small monthly fee as you would insurance, instead of waiting until something goes wrong and having to dish out a huge retainer to protect your interests and possible livelihood.
It would stink to be contracted to some BS label for life or not get your points on a song that goes platinum, because you didn't cover you 'ass'-ets.
At the end of the day no one is going to look out for your interests like you. So when the ball starts rolling in your career where it actually counts to have representation. GET IT!
Good luck!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo /Blog/Ask-Arie-Column/Ask-Arie/ASK-ARIE-Signing-Up-for-Music-Festivals/?link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 • Ask Arie
...for the most part participating in events such as music festivals can be very beneficial to unsigned artists. Especially, those [reputable/established] held annually.
"
I notice there are tons of music festivals during the summer. I was thinking about signing up for a few, do you think this will be a good look?"
- James
Absolutely, for the most part participating in events such as music festivals can be very beneficial to unsigned artists. Especially, those [reputable/established] held annually. These events unlike your local bi-monthly neighborhood show cases have people worth networking with. [no disrespect, but let's be real on the legitimacy and effectiveness of most "promoter" backed talent shows]
BUT, there are so many festivals out here; I highly suggest doing your due diligence aka homework first. It's important to review the requirements and statistics for each festival as they all differ from one and other. Some things to check:
- The festival(s) have a category for your genre of music.
- Level of experience each festival expects all entering participants to have.
- Age restrictions (Some festivals are held in locations that may not allow anyone under 18 or 21 years of age)
- FEES… Many festivals have registration fees (Monies to be paid for participation)
- Sponsors. Usually when events have big name/corporate sponsors it's a hint on the type of crowd the event may attract and possible event size.
These are just a few examples of what to look for.
With proper preparation, artists may use music festivals as their own mini tour [laughing] Seriously! Think about it, you save money on marketing (festivals have great marketing campaigns and once you're on the upcoming roster, you become included in all the promo for that year's event). You travel the country introducing your music to new fans, and have the opportunity to network with people that may be influential in the advancement of your career etc. [IDK just a thought] the possibilities are endless. Anyways....
Here are a few of my top festival picks ---- Good Luck and get moving!!!
A3c Festival (Atlanta)::Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival (New York)::Trinity International Hip Hop Festival (Connecticut)::Paid Dues Festival (San Bernandino, CA)::Portland Oregon Hip-Hop Festival (Portland, Oregon)::The Hip Hop Theatre Festival (Washington DC)::Manifesto Hip Hop Festival (Toronto, Canada):: Audiotistic Festival (San Bernardino, CA)::Cypress Hill Smokeout (San Bernardino, CA)::Hip Hop 360 - Canada Festival (Ottawa, Canada)::Rock the Bells (Los Angeles, CA)::Pitch Fork Music Festival (Chicago, IL)
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Wednesday, February 9, 2011 • Ask Arie
As an indie artist you NEVER miss an opportunity to network with people as influential as DJs, NO MATTER where they are.
"
Yo Arie, I've been pushing my music to local DJs in my city. It's been somewhat helpful but now I feel like I'm beginning to spin my wheels. Would you suggest I start contacting DJs nationally?"
- Mike
Ummm yeah Mike you think?! [giggles] As an indie artist you NEVER miss an opportunity to network with people as influential as DJs, NO MATTER where they are. You should've been Z-sharing, send spacing (or what ever those file sharing services are called) distant DJs from day one. It never hurts searching for new outlets while building your local fan base and network.
Just remember it's very important to avoid spamming; especially if you're fortunate to link with DJs that actually have the clout to help introduce you to the masses via their mix-tapes, blogs, radio mixes and so on.
So get networking, start compiling a detailed list of DJs [I recommend excel or other spreadsheet format for easy organization] and it's important to make sure the DJs you're contacting are spinning, scratching and Serato-ing, in whatever genre of music you spit, rap, sing or mine. It would be totally pointless to submit a hip hop track to a rock DJ that specializes in techno… [laughing] Yeah, doing that would make just as much sense as that last sentence. - Best of luck!
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Monday, February 7, 2011 • Ask Arie
Blogging is very important and is the easiest way to keep your fans & potential followers up to date.
QUESTION: "Arie, is it really effective/ important for indie artists to blog?" - Jeff
ANSWER: Hell yes! Blogging is very important and is the easiest way to keep your fans & potential followers up to date. Truth be told the public has a short online attention span, clicking from point A to point B and so on. Every link clicked leads to a million different sites, leaving artists lost in the mix. By creating a space that integrates all of your social media (Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Four Square etc.), videos, photos and latest media coverage you are keeping the attention on you where it belongs. The power of "The blog".
Tips for effective blogging:
- Stay consistent! Your blog should be updated as much as possible; a bare minimum of once a week. If an artist or band is truly working on reaching mainstream acclaim there should always be something to update.
- Be entertaining as well as informative. You can be very talented, but if your blog is drab or boring people will loose interest and keep it moving; totally defeating the purpose of having the blog in the first place.
- No one expects you to be a walking dictionary. However, I can't express the IMPORTANCE of proof reading and spell checking your work. Don't assume everyone knows what you "mean" or knows your tone/ demeanor. These two steps are very important, especially if you want to be taken seriously. The appearance of any level of ignorance can and will hinder that.
- If done the right way your blog can bring your independent ass some much needed revenue (dinero,doe, money, cold hard cash). For real, if your blog builds up enough traffic with people interested in what you having going on, that can open lanes for you to charge local and even national companies to advertise on your blog - just a thought.
The reality is, no one's going to give your talent the full coverage it deserves like YOU. So get up, get proactive and get blogging! Plus it's free, how's it get better then that?! Check out these sites for great FREE blog templates: Blogger, Tumblr and WordPress. Good luck!
Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts.
