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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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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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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-Is-Blogging-Important-for-Indie-Artists/?link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
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.
