I’ve been asking professionals from all over the industry for advice for new bands wanting to promote themselves. This is some pretty good advice for all of us wanting to “Make It” in the music business.
First, we need to define what “Make It” really is. It might be that you want to do “Music” for a living, like play 5 days a week. It might be to have a hit song. It might be to pack out European football stadiums or clubs. It might be to just have people in internet land listen to your music.
Personally, my definition involves getting a blogger in Asia to review my album.
Do you have any advice you’d like to add to this list?
Don’t skimp on recording quality and play everywhere and anywhere. Be nice guys and easy/carefree/relaxed to deal with. 99% of it all is good luck and people helping you out cause they want to, cause you’re a nice guy, friendly, honest, transparent. Ross McDougall (Saving Grace)
Get a solid, well-designed website. The site should have high-res promo photos, contact info for booking, links to music (spotify/bandcamp) and a bio. Emily Carlton (EmilyCarlton.com)
Web presence is key. People will look up YouTube videos before they decide if they like someone and want to pay for a CD or a show. Janna Shepherd (Matthews Group)
Don’t trust ANYONE who wants to schedule you for a show for a venue (especially out of town) who makes you sell your own tickets to be “guaranteed” a spot and refuses to help promote. Remember that this is a business. If a bar owner/booking contact wants you to bring a crowd, it’s probably because they don’t plan on promoting the show. Make fliers, and spread the word. Also…SET UP A WEB PRESENCE. Seriously. Get a Facebook page set up, use the crap out of social media, make use of YouTube, get to know other bands, get to know local business people, just get out there! Even if you don’t make contacts that will help you in your music, you might make contacts that will help you in other areas of your life. Wes Stewart (TheSugarBuzzProject)
Give up on the idea of becoming rich from your music. If that’s what you’re here for, your going to end up broke and in the gutter. You have to do this out of a deep rooted inner passion, one that accepts failure but isn’t afraid of taking risks. This feeds back into promotion because getting the attention and respect that you feel your music deserves isn’t going to happen over night. In fact, it won’t happen at all until your passion overwhelms those who control access to the people. You’re passion has to be on display for all bloggers, promoters and media moguls to see, feel and drink in. David Richardson (AntrimDigital)
Email marketing. Any opportunity you have to collect emails—take it. Create raving fans—and let them be your beacons.. Justin Romack (On Tempo Ideas)
Start with strong branding then establish a solid voice, grow your community online and at shows. Listen to community. Jeremy Koester (jeremykoester.com)
Me, Extinct. 