The Guitar Player's Resource
I have been receiving a lot of emails regarding how to get more reviews and articles
in the press. A lot of artists seem to be having problems getting the writers and reviewers of newspapers, magazines and web sites to talk with them about their music or write about them, their CDs or review their live shows. Here are three thoughts to keep in mind when dealing with the press.
Always send an Artist Profile instead of a press kit. A press kit identifies you
in this industry as a "non-priority artist" they can skip over without reviewing your material and most press people will do as soon as they see one in the package. A press kit doesn't provide the information the writers and reviewers need to write a good article about you. As I talk about in "Tim Sweeney's Guide To Releasing Independent Records, Part 2", an Artist Profile is specifically designed for the media and to be used in your web site. It provides the press with the story you want them to write about you.
Most press people like to look at an artist's web site. Do not use a press kit in
yours because it is missing the key elements that get people interested in buying
your CD. As a result it will not help you generate the number of CD sales you
want every month.
Bi-weekly or monthly updates are critical. While it is important for you to
communicate to them how your music is of interest to their readers, you also need
to tell them how many CDs you are selling every month and how the
"buzz" about you is growing. Do not send press releases about upcoming
shows! Send them actual updates.
Your live shows are key. One of the biggest ways the press measures the interest
in you is based on how many people are coming to your shows. Obviously an artist
that can attract 300 people to a show versus 30 is a sign to the writers that
people are interested in you.
I am covering this subject in detail at www.MusicStrategies.com. If you
haven't written your Artist Profile yet or you are not getting the number of
people you want to your shows, be sure to use my book, "Tim Sweeney's Guide To Releasing Independent Records, Part 2", available at www.tsamusic.com or www.amazon.com.
If you need help writing your Artist Profile, review the Artist Development Program
on our site and send me a copy of your CD and the promotional material you send out
to the press to review.
Author Tim Sweeney is head of Tim Sweeney & Associates, who are entering their 18th year of being, "the only true artist development company in the world."
Tim is one of the music industry's most sought after experts and consultants, and has written several influential books including "Tim Sweeney's Guide To Releasing Independent Records".
