Music Promotion, Marketing and Distribution Newsletter

June 2019

The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections:

1. Publications, Review Websites and Music Blogs that will REVIEW your music
2. Radio Stations, Shows and Podcasts that will PLAY your songs
3. Labels, Vendors, Distributors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD
4. Websites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists

SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED

Roots Music Canada
Heather Kitching heather@rootsmusic.ca
www.rootsmusic.ca
Your home on the web for Canadian Roots music, founded on Nov. 17, 2009, Gordon Lightfoot's 71st birthday. We do album and concert reviews. Please note, we cover Canadian Folk, Roots, Blues, Old-Time, Bluegrass, Alt-Country and global music, music by Indigenous artists, social justice music, and related genres. We also cover foreign artists in these genres if they have significant Canadian tours. if your music does not fit with our mandate, please do not sent it to us. We will not write about it. Submit your music via our ONLINE FORM. facebook.com/RootsMusicCanada @rootsmusicanada

ElektroSkull
Siljansvagen 3, 120 55 Arsta, Sweden
PH: +46 72-504-33-02
Jens "Syntharjävel" Atterstrand jens@elektroskull.com
www.elektroskull.com
Swedish webzine focusing on Synth, EBM, Electro and Industrial. News, reviews, live reports, interviews, videos and much more from every corner of the scene! Digital promos can be sent to our e-mail address. Please use Dropbox, Sprend.com or an other service to send large files. Make sure to include artwork/promo photos, press releases and other relevant info. facebook.com/elektroskull @elektroskullSWE

Crack Magazine
crack@crackmagazine.net
www.crackmagazine.net
An independent platform for contemporary culture. facebook.com/crackmagazine @CrackMagazine

Sphere of Hip Hop
sphereofhiphop1997@gmail.com
www.sphereofhiphop.com/music-news-video-submissions
We receive over a thousand submissions each week and we're selective. We share what we feel our audience will dig. We cover all styles of Hip Hop. If you read the information on our submissions page and follow the directions, we'll consider what you have. If you choose not to read or follow the directions here, we will ignore your submission. We listen to everything sent to us via SubmitHub. For guaranteed written feedback, use a premium submission. facebook.com/sphereofhiphop @sphereofhiphop

New Fury Media
Bradley Dillon newfurymedia2014@gmail.com
www.thenewfury.com
We're one of the few media publications who listens to Taylor Swift and CHVRCHES as much as they do Cave In, Earth Crisis and old Metalcore/Nu-Metal records. If that isn't a mission statement, nothing is. Stick around, you'll find something to enjoy - or laugh at, alternatively. If you're wanting to contact us about getting your band/company/etc. on TNF, fill out our ONLINE FORM or send us an e-mail. Please note that while we accept submissions of all kinds, we don't review singles or music videos. We also place a strong priority on content that hasn't been released yet. facebook.com/NewFuryMedia @NewFuryMedia

Your EDM
info@youredm.com
www.youredm.com
The most reputable, visited and recognized publication in the world of Electronic Dance Music. With over 4 million monthly visitors, YourEDM.com has continuously sought to deliver the most up to date, accurate and poignant news related to the EDM scene. Based out of Seattle, Washington with an ever-growing staff of journalists, photographers, and videographers from around the country YourEDM.com has been capable of creating and maintaining unparalleled coverage of this ever-growing industry. For track submissions or if you simply want to share good music (NO MASH UPS PLEASE), make sure to shoot an e-mail. Personal Demos can be sent using our online submission form. facebook.com/YourEdm @YourEDM

SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS

2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS

Ambient Sleeping Pill
www.ambientsleepingpill.com
Internet radio streaming music for sleep, meditation or study; for tuning out distractions or simply relaxing; ad-free, beat-free, never too new-age or dark. Hosted by Andrew J Klimek. facebook.com/ambientsleepingpill

Edinburgh Country Music Radio - ECMR
Ian Country-Parr manager@edinburghcountryradio.com
www.edinburghcountryradio.weebly.com
A country music radio station based in the capital city of Scotland. We bring you the best in Country music from all around the world, from independents, signed artists and of course direct from Nashville itself. We also promote our local Scottish and UK Country artists. Got a Scottish gig, get in touch and we will add you to the list. If you are an unsigned band, and are looking to get airplay go to the contact page and drop us a line. facebook.com/EdinburghCountryMusicRadio

I am Indi
PH: 323-957-7322
Lamont Patterson info@worldmovement.com
www.worldmovement.com
An innovative force in the music industry, that derives the vibes and insight to rise, from the experienced, artistic creators of the music world, by informing, advising, mentoring and just plain networking with any new talent R&B, Jazz, Country, Hip Hop or Spoken Word. Our Radio show, 13 years running, captivates audiences all over the world. Please tune in on Wednesdays, 2:00 pst, because at I Am Indi, You Are Indi, which means We are Indi. So lets talk about talking today. facebook.com/Worldmovemententerprises @worldmovement

Double J
www.abc.net.au/doublej
Online radio bringing you a cohesive and diverse mix of the best new music from Australia and overseas. facebook.com/doublejradio instagram.com/doublejradio @DoubleJRadio

The Mad Music Asylum
PH: 347-687-4279
Uncle Duke themadmusicasylum@gmail.com
www.themadmusicasylum.com
If you are an artist looking for exposure, we would love to hear your stuff. I don't want to come across as a snob but my musical tastes run from the Baroque Classical period to the music of today. I cannot guarantee you a slot on the program but am always, always looking for new tunes to listen to and love. I cannot give you any direction as to what to submit because depending on the mood I am in, I have the potential to like anything and everything. I would say please no head banging really Hard Rock, but at times I like Black Sabbath and Ted Nugent as much as the next guy so....anything goes. The best way to get our attention is to fill out our ONLINE FORM and send us a LINK to your music. If that seems too complicated, you can just send the LINK to our e-mail address. Also, it helps to interact with us on any of our various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest). If we like what we hear, we will contact you to obtain the MP3 file so we can mix it in to the program. facebook.com/MadMusicAsylum @MadMusicAsylum

Halshack Indie Rockcast
Hal Jester jesterman9000@gmail.com
www.halshack.com
I began my company HALSHACK as an independent A&R, public relations manager and now a radio personality to source bands and artists that I feel are in viable contention of possible notoriety or even stardom in the mainstream music industry. I look for quality emerging artists an aspire to working with only the best indie and unsigned acts. I produce my own radio show in order to gain attention for these artists by giving full promotion on my website, radio show and various social media outlets and platforms as well as possibly having an article or review written about certain acts that garner the attention. We also provide blogs and music reviews for certain artists that we deem worthy of the extra exposure by my highly trained staff of ex record label scouts and musicians. I cater mainly to Rock/Alt/Pop with a smattering of Reggae, Ska, Americana and Funk occasionally mixed in. facebook.com/halshack @halshack

2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS

Howard Rosen Promotion
521 W. Channel Islands Blvd. #15, Port Hueneme, CA 93041
PH: 805-382-2200 FX: 805-201-7816
info@howiewood.com
www.howiewood.com
Since 1985 We have been helping artists reach their goals of obtaining radio airplay, expanding their fan base, and creating awareness throughout the industry. @Howiewoodpromo

National Record Promotion
137 N. Larchmont #500, Los Angeles, CA 90004
PH: 323-658-7449
Larry Weir larry_weir@sbcglobal.net
www.larryweir.com
We promote artists and groups at radio with an emphasis on independent labels and recording artists. Over the last five years NRP has worked with many major acts. NRP will assist you in weekly tracking reports...national chart activity & radio interviews. facebook.com/National.Record.Promotion

Twin Vision
261 5th Ave. #1F, Brooklyn, NY 11215
PH: 718-369-1370
Peter Hay peterhay@twinvision.net
www.twinvision.net
Offers radio promotion services to artists and labels with proven strategies that create exposure and awareness with national audiences. We are specialists in working with independently created projects, from artists putting out their own recordings to major independent labels, as well as foreign labels looking for a niche in the American market. For the last seventeen years, Twin Vision has provided promotion services to artists, managers, publishers and labels whose projects required special attention at radio formats that embrace new and emerging artists.

SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC

3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY

KINDA
Via Tucidide, 56 Milan, Italy 20134
PH: +39 0236512512
Denise Pedicillo info@kinda.agency
http://www.kinda.agency
Specialized in music marketing and public and industry relations for Metal bands. facebook.com/weareKINDA @weareKINDA

TAXI
5010 N. Pkwy. Calabasas #200, Calabasas, CA 91302
PH (US and Canada): 800-458-2111
PH (International): 818-222-2464
memberservices@taxi.com
www.taxi.com
Get your music to Record Labels, Music Publishers, Music Supervisors and Music Libraries! We deliver those targeted opportunities right to your front door. Record labels, Publishers, Music Libraries and Film & TV Music Supervisors tell us what kind of Songs, Instrumental Tracks and Artists they currently need - then we tell you. When you see a match for your music, send it to us, and our A&R team will pre-screen it for the company that needs it. If your music is on-target and great, we send it to them. Your music becomes solicited because it came from a trusted industry source (that's us!). Why Sign Up For TAXI? Your music will finally get heard by real industry professionals! You don't have the time to develop the contacts and knock on hundreds of doors yourself. You'll know exactly what the industry needs and when they need it - no more procrastinating. TAXI's FREE convention is worth much, much more than you will invest in your membership. You'll get professional feedback to help take your music from good to great. facebook.com/TaxiIndependentAR @TAXIMusic

WHIPLASH PR & Management
398 Columbus Ave. PMB #183, Boston, MA 02116
PH: 617-445-4383
Rhonda Sanchez whiplashpr@aol.com
www.whiplashprandmanagement.com
Thanks to many years of developing relationships with journalists, editors, reviewers, radio programmers and national and international contacts of all varieties, Whiplash PR & Management has been able to individually tailor its efforts by targeting members of the media who will specifically champion its clients. These personal relationships with the clients and media alike provide The WPM Team with a deeper understanding of each one's needs and talents, as well as the fuel to create the fresh, attention-grabbing pitches for which the firm has become well known. Whiplash PR & Management is fearlessly creative in the pursuit of press coverage for its clients. As one of the the pioneers of the indie pr movement in 1996; hence 'indie publicist', we chooses carefully which projects to take on. Whiplash staff is dedicated and enthusiastic and regularly goes beyond the call of duty, securing any opportunity that would be beneficial for the clients, whether it falls in the realm of conventional publicity or career development. @Whiplashpr

RAPIDFIRE PR
PH: 360-509-1779
Cyrus Rhodes rhodesm@wavecable.com
www.rapidfirepr.com
RAPIDFIRE PR is the only PR firm in the world that can deliver 10 music reviews, written by 10 separate music critics, posted on 10 separate websites in as little as 10 working days. No matter if it's an EP, LP, single or video/press release RAPIDFIRE PR has got you covered with over 50+ writers on staff and top web affiliates all working on your behalf. From the indie artist to the pro publicist - RAPIDFIRE PR delivers music marketing for all. @cyrusrhodes

3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS

Nuclear Blast Records
Attn: A&R, 5741 Buckingham Pkwy. Unit C, Culver City, CA 90230
contact@nuclearblastusa.com
www.nuclearblast.com
Blasting Your Ears Since 1987! Metal, Rock, Thrash, Power, Speed, Death, Black, Gothic, Punk. Before submitting your music, please ask yourself if your music is already good enough to obtain a record deal. If you think you can compete with our other artists (in terms of songwriting / playing abilities) or if you've got something special and unique to offer, we're happy to get your demo/CD. Nevertheless, we listen to all CDs and tapes we get. Please DO NOT CALL asking about your demo. DO NOT drop off your demo in person. If we like your demo, we will contact you. If we don't like it, you will not hear from us, simple as that. Also, please DO NOT E-MAIL MP3s. We prefer a full promo package including CD, band picture, biography etc. facebook.com/nuclearblastusa @nuclearblastusa

Soundrop
support@soundrop.com
www.soundrop.com
No-risk music distribution for cover song, a cappella and VGM artists - licensing, royalty payments and collaborator splits included. Cover songs can form a bridge between new fans and your older material. Put your own twist on a popular song and Soundrop will help you properly license and distribute it! We recognize the burgeoning creator class; underserved by rigid distribution platforms intended for outdated music release strategies. You can upload to YouTube for free. Listeners pay $10 a month (at most) for unlimited listening, yet artists still pay high setup fees and ever-increasing yearly fees to get their music to these listeners. Soundrop lowers that barrier to entry while ensuring that your releases are retail-ready, legal to distribute, and available on the top music stores - even if you and your music don't fit the traditional mold. facebook.com/soundrop @soundrop

SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS

DittyTV
508 S. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103
PH: 901-302-9339
info@dittytv.com
www.dittytv.com
Our goal is to introduce Americana and Roots musical artists to a worldwide audience and to build community by entertaining and inspiring a diverse audience through interactive live performances and music-based programming.a We give our member artists 100% of the media from their in-studio performance at absolutely no cost to them! We believe in the musical community that we are building and truly want your partnerships with DittyTV to be a positive force in our collective musical journey. facebook.com/DittyTV @dittytv

SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES

OurStage
PO Box 182, Chelmsford, MA 01824
www.ourstage.com
Fans rank (not rate) the best of the best. Every month one indie band or musician wins $5,000 in addition to exposure with industry tastemakers and influencers. facebook.com/OurStage @OurStage

SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND

6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL

USA Songwriting Competition
2881 E. Oakland Park Blvd. #414, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
info@songwriting.net
www.songwriting.net
Since 1995, the USA Songwriting Competition??, the world's leading international songwriting event, has been honoring songwriters, composers, bands, and recording artists everywhere. This is open to all, regardless of nationality or country origin. *Winners are selected by a Blue Ribbon committee of music industry judges including record label publishers, producers, A&R from Universal Music, Warner, Sony Music, and other distinguished professionals. This is your chance to be discovered by the biggest names in the music business! Our competition offers a shot at the big time for songwriters, original solo artists, and bands everywhere around the world. For you it is the contest that might just open the right doors, make the right connections and get your songs heard. Winning songs receive radio airplay! (the first for any songwriting competition!). This is not American Idol - this is the professional songwriting competition that offers winners the clout that it it takes to really make it! facebook.com/usasongcomp @usasong

MusicPro Insurance Agency
135 Crossways Park Dr. #300, PO Box 9017, Woodbury, NY 11797
PH: 800-687-4277
insurance@musicproinsurance.com
/www.musicproinsurance.com
We offer worldwide coverage for all your instruments and equipment. Our program is specialized to handle the unique needs of all musicians. We offer the highest quality coverage at the lowest price possible. Protecting your most prized assets shouldn't be a financial burden. Our site has a quick application process and managing your account is easy! Access your policies from any device, anywhere, any time. @MusicProInsure

Festival Network Online
PO Box 18839, Asheville, NC 28814
PH: 828-658-2779 FX: 828-645-3374
Julie Cochrane julie@festivalnet.com
www.festivalnet.com
Lists more than 10,000 events throughout the U.S. and Canada seeking performers, from local & regional to national & international. @_festivalnet

6.2 RESOURCES - EDUCATIONAL

[Free guide from DISC MAKERS] HOW TO MAKE MORE MONEY WITH MUSIC
www.discmakers.com/request/how-to-make-money-with-music-vol1.asp?utm_campaign=EAP1923B&utm_source=Prospect&utm_medium=Email
Now more than ever before, you have the power to make a living with your music. Learn how to capitalize on multiple revenue streams with the first edition in a series of guides designed to help you earn more money with your music.

School of Rock
2101 E. El Segundo Blvd. #102, El Segundo, CA 90245
PH: 877-701-0537
franchise.schoolofrock.com/indie-bible
The most revolutionary music education school in the world! Be a part of a unique music education franchise opportunity. The largest employer of musicians in the world. We want business partners who love what they do. School of Rock is a music school for all skill levels, ages and musical aspirations. With students ranging from toddlers to adults, School of Rock is where music students grow into real musicians. Although nationwide in scale, School of Rock is ultimately a community-based music education business. We seek partners who are leaders in their community, those who are active in their neighborhoods, and those who are able to foster a sense of learning and community for children within their schools. facebook.com/SchoolofRockUSA @SchoolofRockUSA

[FREE GUIDE from Rick Barker] THE 4 STEPS NECESSARY FOR LICENSING SUCCESS
Rick Barker rick@rickbarker.com
musicindustryblueprint.com/optin26685708
Successfully licensing your songs is a MUST if you want to survive in the Modern Music Industry. This FREE E-book details the 4 Steps necessary for Licensing Success. facebook.com/musicindustryblueprint @rickbarkermusic

[FREE GUIDE from Empire Music Promotions] 52 Ways to Start Promoting Your Music Today!
Ryan Donnelly yourempiremusicpromotions@gmail.com
www.indiebible.com/newsletter/pdf/52-ways.pdf
I know that the music you have created is important to you, and that it is just as important to the music scene as well. I also know that Music PR Firms want to convince you that you need them to get your music noticed; which is the industry's greatest lie. This is your DIY music scene, and it is now within your power to build your own audience, and it is your time to personally make the choice to reach the world with your music using your own means. facebook.com/EmpireMusicPromotions @empiremusicpr

[FREE GUIDE from Manafest] MUSIC MARKETING & PROMOTIONS NOW...
Chris Greenwood (Manafest) orders@manafest.com
www.smartmusicbusiness.com/freebook
This strategy gets your music heard & generates more revenue from your songs. Sell more music & build a bigger fanbase doing what you love! What You'll Learn... Why marketing starts when the pad hits the paper! How to create engaging marketing images for FREE. How to create lyric cards and videos to promote your music. Sell your music without sounding like a salesman. 4 secrets to hitting The Billboard Charts without getting signed or being a household name! How to create a marketing plan that ensures your song is successful. How to build up the courage and thick skin you need to make it in the music industry. (I'll share how I overcame all the rejection e-mails and doors slammed in my face.) Action steps...take the 10x challenge to create a massive buzz about your music - new or old.

[FREE GUIDE from the Artist Plugin Program] THE ULTIMATE INSTAGRAM SUCCESS BUNDLE
www.artistpluginprogram.thinkific.com/courses/instagramformusicians
Ready to Build Your Fan Base & Transform Your Music Career? With Over 1-billion Users, Instagram Is a Crucial Artist Tool. NAIL ENGAGEMENT: Learn an easy system to discover the right attention-grabbing HASHTAGS that engage existing fans & draw in new ones. CURATE CUSTOM CONTENT: Discover how to design and develop unique content that your fans LOVE & share. You will be designing like an INSTAGRAM BOSS. BRAND YOURSELF: Learn how to implement artist branding & online networking strategies that make you STAND out & shine.

[FREE GUIDE from Rick Barker] THE $150,000 MUSIC DEGREE
Rick Barker rick@rickbarker.com
www.rickbarker.com
This FREE book covers a wide array of subjects including: - When artists should consider hiring a manager - How to prepare for radio tours and interviews - The importance of PROPER live performance training - How to sell sponsorships for live shows and CD releases - Building fan bases through the use of e-mail marketing and Social Media - How to go about hiring a booking agent - How artists can better communicate with the media, plus much more! facebook.com/musicindustryblueprint @rickbarkermusic

[FREE GUIDE from Cheryl B. Engelhardt] PRIME YOUR PITCH: START GETTING A 'YES' WHEN YOU PITCH ANYTHING TO ANYONE!
Cheryl B. Engelhardt info@cbemusic.com
inthekey.co/prime
Do you get excited once you know who you need to reach out to, whether a radio station, a venue, a music supervisor ... and you write that killer e-mail (or so you think), but then... crickets? Download this free 6-page guide and checklist to unlock the keys to Prime YOUR Pitch and start getting a YES when you pitch anything to anyone! @CBE

[Free guide from Bandzoogle] HOW TO MAKE A WEBSITE FOR YOUR MUSIC
Dave Cool support@bandzoogle.com
www.bandzoogle.com/blog/how-to-make-a-website-for-your-music?utm_source=indiebible&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=partners
Whether you???re looking to improve your current site, or making a website for your music for the first time, this comprehensive guide will show you how to create an effective website that will impress both your fans and industry professionals. facebook.com/bandzoogle @bandzoogle

[Free guide from MERCHLY] LEARN HOW TO SET UP AN EFFECTIVE MERCH TABLE
customercare@merch.ly
www.merch.ly/custom-tshirts?utm_campaign=MP1907&utm_source=Prospect&utm_medium=Email
Selling merch is one of the most profitable things you can do. And this free guide is packed with tips and tactics to help you get more out of each show. And by more we mean more money, more fans, and more success. facebook.com/MerchlyMerch @MerchlyMerch

Berklee Online
PH: 617-747-2146
advisors@online.berklee.edu
online.berklee.edu
Berklee College of Music's online extension school. With world renowned faculty and unparalleled networking opportunities, Berklee Online brings the best of Berklee to students around the world. With our degree programs, certificate programs, and more than 150 courses led by Berklee faculty and industry experts, it's easy to find the offering that's right for you. facebook.com/berkleeonline @BerkleeOnline

DIY Musician Podcast
13909 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
Kevin Breuner podcast@cdbabypodcast.com
www.cdbabypodcast.com
Join CD Baby's Kevin and Chris as they discuss current music news, interview artists and industry professionals, offer tips and tricks to help today's independent musician move their career forward and much more! Interviews about how to be a successful musician without compromising your art. It's a perfect time to take advantage of the many opportunities for Do-It-Yourself artists that are springing up everywhere. @cdbaby @kbreuner

6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS AND APPS

Loopmasters
1 Regency Mews, Silverdale Rd. Eastbourne, BN20 7AB UK
PH: +44(0)1323-411353
info@loopmasters.com
www.loopmasters.com
Providing 100% royalty free sample libraries for producers worldwide from the best sample labels on the planet. search, audition and buy with confidence, and use the inspiration supplied from some of the world's top producers to take your music to the next level! facebook.com/LoopmastersOfficial @Loopmasters

MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike. facebook.com/MyNewsletterBuilder1

6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO

DISC MAKERS
7905 N. Crescent Blvd. Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1402
PH: 800-468-9353
www.discmakers.com
The nation's leading CD / DVD duplicator, replicator and printer. When you're ready to make CDs, we're ready to make it happen. We're musicians too, so we know what you need to make it in this business: The best-looking product, the hottest-sounding audio and the most valuable (and free) promotional tools, including free distribution, a free UPC bar code and much more! facebook.com/discmakers @discmakers

OASIS CD Manufacturing
7905 N. Route 130, Delair, NJ 08110
PH: 540-987-8810
info@oasisCD.com
www.oasiscd.com
We help you manufacture your CD or DVD project. We also help you package it creatively, promote and distribute it so it doesn't become just more clutter in your apartment. facebook.com/OasisCD @oasisdisc

6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS

The Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA)
PH: 800-681-5031
Eric Lambert elambert@apca.com
www.apca.com
Our mission is to promote campus engagement through quality educational experiences, affordable entertainment and community service initiatives. Throughout the year, APCA hosts leadership development workshops and campus events planning conferences. We offer top of the line educational sessions, exhibit halls, and live showcases Jump-start your college bookings! Register to showcase at our fall conferences! facebook.com/TheAPCA @TheAPCA

SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE

Strategic Communications To Increase Bookings
by Jeri Goldstein
© 2019 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

Plan for strategic communications to increase bookings whether you work with an agent or not.

You may find yourself working with an agent at some point or perhaps you work with one now. Your agent might book certain types of gigs like clubs, performing arts centers, festivals or corporate gigs or even weddings. They may be working with you on a non-exclusive basis, meaning they are not the only ones who may book your gigs. You may still be booking other types of gigs for yourself. Perhaps you even have someone in your office working for you as your in-house agent booking your gigs or at least making the initial calls and doing the research.

No matter what the situation, agent, no agent or in-house assistant—the key to increased bookings, better bookings and more money is always strategic communications!

An agent or an assistant may be a first step to better gigs, but only if you plan for strategic communications. Ongoing conversations allow you to keep in touch and up to date with all they are doing for you on your behalf. Just because there is someone else who is now partially or wholly responsible for your livelihood, doesn't mean that you sit back and wait for the phone to ring. Rather, it means you now play a different, but still integral role, in directing your bookings.

Incorporate the following steps - even if you are booking yourself:

If you have an agent or assistant, set up an initial meeting with them to review your overall booking goals for the next two years. Alert them to your 5 year goals also. Review your goals on a regular basis to plan appropriately when booking yourself.

Create a plan for weekly and monthly strategic conversations to discuss weekly and monthly goals. Insist on this kind of regular communication to stay in the loop. This ensures that the agent or assistant is focused on your career, whether you are at the top or the bottom of their artist roster.

Communicate more regularly, daily if necessary, especially during intense booking time frames. If your agent is not willing to incorporate a communications plan, then I would question if this is the right fit for you. Many agents are used to working very independently, but this may not be a good thing for you, especially when you are new to their roster. As a self-booking artist, this type of weekly and monthly goal setting drives your bookings and gives you added momentum.

Discuss the goals for each week and review what was accomplished the week before. Set new monthly goals each month and review what was accomplished during the previous month. Constant contact keeps everyone on their toes and drives the bookings. Stay alert to things happening on your behalf or in many cases, not happening. You'll have a better feel for incoming interest in your act. Get consistent updates about ongoing research and outreach on the act's behalf by the agent or assistant.

As a self-booking artist, set these weekly and monthly goals and review your progress to make necessary adjustments in tour planning. Tweak your booking techniques or routing if necessary.

Strategic Communications = More Gigs

If you want more gigs and are relying on your agent to book them for you, create an ongoing pattern of strategic communications to ensure action. Set up a system of communications at the start of any collaboration. Prevent concerns about booking progress and relieve that, "empty-calendar-syndrome."

Become an active partner and leader with your agent or assistant. Create your own momentum by using this system of ongoing strategic communications and increase bookings throughout your career with your team.

Are you planning strategic communications with your agent, assistant or other team members to help keep you in charge of your career? What's holding you back from making this commitment?

I teach self-motivated musicians and performing artists how to Get Great Gigs and create tours that make more money. Become a Gig Magnet using the artist tested strategies and resources I've has developed. Learn how to book more events in your uniquely targeted niche market more easily. I will help you narrow your focus to expand your audience and build a larger, more appreciative fan-base. Touring is often the lifeblood of a performing artist. I will provide you with the tools you need to create profitable tours and achieve your career goals. www.performingbiz.com

ADVERTISE IN THE INDIE CONTACT NEWSLETTER AND REACH OUT TO 180,000 MUSICIANS AND SONGWRITERS EVERY MONTH!
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