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Saturday, March 10, 2012 • Ask Arie
Social media has become such a powerful tool that Publicists and apprentices alike are finding creative ways to acclimate such sites into PR campaigns.
Question: "
Is social media replacing the celebrity publicist?"
- JB
Of course not, on the contrary! Publicists are excited about the opportunities social media outlets such as Facebook, twitter, instagram and tumbler offer to their clients. Social media has become such a powerful tool that Publicists and apprentices alike are finding creative ways to acclimate such sites into PR campaigns. We encourage clients to be more active on them. We urge them to promote new projects, events, and increase awareness on anything that raises positive attention for the client's benefit.
A Great example of when social media goes right is Kanye West's tweets announcing the launch of his design company. With a couple of keys on his smart-phone West had the web abuzz. He notified millions of like-minded people of the speculated groundbreaking, available job positions, his aspirations for the company, the premise behind it and much more. Although he made theofficial announcement before his PR rep could, this does not take away or undermine their duties one bit. Publicists notify the media via an official press release or statement and the media notifies the public. These steps before social media were and in some cases still are very time consuming, taking attention away from more important duties. However, now celebrities are able to spread the word and get the ball rolling within seconds.
There are also examples of when Kanye needed the support of his PR team with his many "What the hell was he thinking" moments. Celebrities for the most part know what not to say in public forums. The reality is they are human. Their expertise consists of their particular talent(s) and not necessarily how to maintain their direct relationships with the public and the public's interest in their personal lives. The same social media outlets used to share great news are also used to issue apologies and thanks to the warp speed of cyber space these apologies normally come before their PR rep can issue an official statement on their behalf. This is actually perceived as more "sincere". Let's be honest who actually takes an apology from an unknown person behind the curtain seriously? Most statements issued on behalf of someone are perceived as very detached and disingenuous. Social media is removing this cold element and although this alone will raise the question, "If celebs can now directly apologize on their own, why do they need Publicists?"
Answer, social media will never replace the human element and physical work that goes into maintaining the lucrative brands developed around celebrities. Social media is praised for its fast delivery and ability to connect the entire world with one press of the "Enter" key. It displays the exact reasons why more then ever publicists are needed to maintain the overall stability of quality information that upholds the public's interest in the clients.
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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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Sunday, May 15, 2011 • Ask Arie
Despite what most think press releases are quite simple to draft. Especially if you stick to one important rule "Keep it simple!"
"How do I go about putting together a press release/press blast for a song for an artist I represent?" - Justin W.
Despite what most think press releases are quite simple to draft. Especially if you stick to one important rule "Keep it simple!"
Seriously, especially when it comes to announcing the release of an artist's new song, event, and things of that nature. Now, you say "Gee Arie, why must I keep it simple and as direct as possible?"
Fact, your press release is one of millions sent to various media outlets and daily news wires. You ONLY have 15 seconds if that to convince editors and program directors why they should cover, interview or attend what your press release is announcing. Don't lose their attention trying to sound overly professional and wordy with nonsense no one cares about. Cause, please believe, you will get passed over to the trash w/in the first 3.5 seconds if your point doesn't appear to be in the next sentence. Think I'm lying??... Try the wordy game and keep me posted on your results. [Laughing]
Press releases are nothing more than the 5 "W's" and 1"H" (depending on the topic): Who, What, When, Where, Why and the occasional How. [Takes you back to grade school right? Go figure.] Hell some press releases are literally in the format of:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Info (Blah, Blah, Blah)
Title
(Sub title)
WHO:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHERE
WHY:
HOW:
###
(Indicates end of release)
While other releases are in the invisible format, without listing each "W" factor. You may use whatever format floats your boat. Below are a few links to some very useful sites with FREE press release templates. Also, a great resource is Google. By Google-ing press releases similar to what you're trying to draft, you'll have a better idea of how such releases should look.
Good luck!
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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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Friday, April 15, 2011 • Ask Arie
It's a fact people don't like being told by total strangers to click on random links and pressured to become a co-defendant in the retweet spam train.
"
Arie, is twitter an effective way to promote my music?"
- No name
Yes and no depending on the technique and timing. [laughing] No don't worry there is no science to twitter promotion. However, the biggest complaint I hear from twits, twitheads, twiggas, twithearts and what-evers is in reference to the numerous links received from artists they don't know. It's a fact people don't like being told by total strangers to click on random links and pressured to become a co-defendant in the retweet spam train.
Reality check!!!! People know when they're randomly picked for "promo" based on the other "@" contacts bunched together. From personal experience I'm flattered to see my name next to @iamdiddy, @eonline, @unclerush and @barackobama. However, I don't know them..... and I'm sure as hell they don't know the person who chose to place us together in some dilapidated twitter blast. In doing this, artists are basically shooting blind, how productive is that? If you don't take what you do serious, why would anyone else???
So, although twitter is very convenient, like anything else it's important and most effective to do your due diligence a.k.a. homework and know exactly who you're sending your music to. You wouldn't send your hip hop track to a rock station [that would be pointless], twitter is the same way.
My advice, get to know who your fans and followers are and start with them. By working within your ACTUAL network, you're sharing with people who have interest in you.
Also, FYI for your mental Rolodex there are programs that can be linked with your social networks to send out prearranged material for distribution to YOUR followers in an organized and timely manner. Helping to avoid leaving every-one's time line looking like your personal promo page and leading to you being blocked or unfollowed.
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-Getting-Played-on-Radio/?link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Thursday, March 3, 2011 • Ask Arie
Artists only do well on radio, because people have already had them shoved down their throats by the major labels and their BIG marketing budgets.
"
Arie, In today's market, how important is it for an indie artist to get a record played on Radio as opposed to a video on the most popular blogs? My artist is incredible and I want to start building his career nationally but I'm hoping with a record on the radio here in Atlanta, I can get some interest from the label's who can put the money behind us to push the a record nationally. Of course this question is more related to limited resources and what's a better way to spend the money. So many artists have seem to sprung alive from the internet. Is that lane as easy as it seems?"
- Dave
Honestly, don't waste your funds on radio. It won't do any good, at least not at this point in your artist's career. Radio is like the golden arches of music. Try and follow me... [When you see McDonalds golden arches, you already know what to expect without even tasting their fries or burgers that day] right?
Radio is the same way. Artists only do well on radio, because people have already had them shoved down their throats by the major labels and their BIG marketing budgets. You'd be surprised how we "the general public" are hypnotised to know an artists voice before receiving confirmation from a promo picture that, they are the one's who are actually singing that new "HOT" single.
My advice.... Use what budget you have on, online marketing and creating enough worthwhile material to gain attention for your artist via online sites, blogs, e-zines etc. Besides buying banners and video placement (on those sites who over charge, but claim to support indies) We'll leave them nameless- For the most part everything else should be free, [just make sure the artist's music and style fits the online audience you're trying to appeal to]. By doing so, with what you have, you may create your own "McDonalds Effect".
If done the correct way with proper preparation, you may attract the attention of labels and distribution companies. It's no longer the 90's, labels want talent that come with a following, this saves them money and overpriced man hours. [I call this just add water talent].
And let's be real even if you paid to get music played on a major radio station, the money wouldn't be long enough to get your single in the top 15 rotation during popular commuting hours. [Chris Brown, Lil' Wayne/ YM already have that on lock]. It would get placed in some random DJs hood hour mix or something, during off hours. [Being just as effective as paying MTV Jams to play your video, when no one knows who you are to care]. You would just have the pleasure of saying your music was played on that station or network. Don't cheat your hard work and artist's talent.
Go hard with the ground work and I'm sure the "big shots" will take notice and find you. So start laying the brinks on that trail and keep me posted.
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Sunday, February 6, 2011 • Ask Arie
I've received responses from emails I send out saying that my approach is ghetto. Man, I'm just trying to get my music heard, what do you suggest?
"I've received responses from emails I send out saying that my approach is ghetto. Man, I'm just trying to get my music heard, what do you suggest?" - Jo Dee
[laughing] Ghetto may be a little harsh. However, it is very important to approach people [especially if you don't know them] in a professional manner.
Let's slip on our common-sense fitted caps shall we….
In my opinion, the best way to approach people [media etc.] is to step into their shoes. Imagine being an editor or program director who receives 100's of emails a day, from talented people such as yourself looking to have their music posted or played. Now, imagine every other email is "Yo check my new sh*t out" or my personal favorite "You might wanna f*ck with me, I'm that n*gga"...
PAUSE followed by a [blank stare]
Oh and we definitely can't forget the random single link email. You know what I'm talking about. An email with just a link and no additional information. Really??? Let's be real your email and "hot sh*t" is going straight into the trash and you may now possibly be marked as SPAM.
My advice… Keep it simple stupid! Sorry, I mean short and to the point. Here's a few pointers to help you look like you know what you're doing and be taken serious.
- Dear Editor or Program Director [If you don't know the name of the person being contacted]
- Introduce yourself and the reason for the email.
- If you're promoting a project tell a little bit about it. [Keep it SHORT]
- Enclose a "share" link (in the email body) avoid sending music as an attachment, unless requested. This keeps things all in one neat presentation. Plus most outlets prefer this format.
- Leave your contact information.
- Thank the receiver for taking the time to read your email.
- Sign "Sincerely, _____________" <------ place your name here
- SPELL CHECK
- Press send
There are never any guarantees in public relations, but one thing I know for sure. Following these steps will get your foot in the "door", email acknowledged and possibly the coverage you're seeking. -- Let me know how you make out!
