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. Sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists
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SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED
Hip Rock Magazine
6526 Miles Ave. Louisville, KY 40214
PH: 502-498-6591
Daniel C. Morrison
danielcurtismorrison@gmail.com
www.hiprockmagazine.com
Where Rock meets Hip Hop & Majors meet Indies. We interview independent artists and review independent albums. We offer many other features as well as promotional opportunities for independent artists.
Hip Hop Push
King Kenyatta
realhiphoppush@gmail.com
www.hiphoppush.com
We basically showcase and promote artists though our website and other online mediums. Artists can submit their music and videos for consideration, and if we like it we will post it. We're mainly looking to feature mcees that are lyrical and have content with meaning.
MarsBands.com
Mars
mars@marsbands.com
www.marsbands.com
We write reviews, features, and promote Independent and unsigned bands and musicians as much as we can. Are you in a really kick-ass band? It's tough to get noticed, so we'd like to help. Fill out our online form and we'll give you a listen, and if we like you, we'll write up something really spiffy for you to brag about! Please note, submitting your band does not guarantee that we'll write a review for you, it just means we'll give you a listen. You'll have to "wow" us with your music for a review. For the sake of ease, we prefer that you direct us to a site where we can STREAM your music (i.e. Your Site, Reverb, Bandcamp, SoundCloud). This is useful if we write a review for you so we can embed your music player with your review. If your music isn't able to be streamed, bands and artists may submit up to 3 files for us to listen to. We do NOT want you to send us a CD.
Cadence Magazine
Cadence Bldg. Redwood, NY 13679
PH: 315-287-2852 FX: 315-287-2860
cadence@cadencebuilding.com
www.cadencemagazine.com
A thorough and honest guide to and through the current Jazz and Improvised music scenes. Cadence offers the most complete coverage of the entire creative improvising music scene extant. Cadence is not some ephemera, but is a thorough on-going documentation of the scene for this and future generations. Since 1976, Cadence has reviewed over 55,000 different books, records, CDs, videos, and tapes and offered monthly worldwide coverage to a worldwide readership. Please send two (2) review copies of each recording that you wish to be reviewed.
I CARE IF YOU LISTEN
Thomas Deneuville
editor@icareifyoulisten.com
www.icareifyoulisten.com
Born from the desire to talk about Contemporary Classical Music, or New Music, in lay terms. Other interdisciplinary topics include Art and Technology. Please visit my website to read the article " 10 Things to Consider When You're Submitting an Album for Review" before submitting your music.
SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS
2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS
Klangbox.FM
PH: 972-979-8046
Jake Windlinger
jake@klangbox.fm
www.klangbox.fm
Since its invention, radio has been one of history's revolutionary tools for connecting people. Now with the emergence of Internet and social media technologies, the medium is more significant and universal than ever. Klangbox.FM, as a live and fully operational internet radio station, is primarily a tool for community building- connecting Wynwood and the greater Miami community on both a local and global scale. Over the past decade, Miami's new arts and music scene has solidified into a palpable community rich with creativity, ambition, and solidarity. The Wynwood neighborhood in particular has fostered a foundation on which resources and ideas can be shared and cultivated. Klangbox.FM extends this movement, using internet radio as a channel for sharing what Miami has to offer, connecting people and bringing them together throughout the globe. We play Underground EDM, Deep House, Disco, Hip Hop. A lot of local Miami artists.
Kansas City Online Radio
Kevin Hardy
kevin@kconlineradio.com
www.kconlineradio.com
The Internet's premiere 24/7 free Blues radio station. Formed to provide an outlet for local to international independent & major Blues, Blues-Rock artists. It also features unique & entertaining talk radio.
Chomee Music Network Radio
23860 Marabastad, Kroonstad 9500 South Africa
PH: 27829725575
Mpho Malgas
radio@chomee.co.za
http://www.chomee.co.za
Get your music on rotation on our internet radio station.
Radio Canalla
radiocanalla@gmail.com
www.radiocanalla.com
Broadcasts independent music from around the world. Any kind of music is welcome from Rock to Experimental Jazz. You can be reached at your home page or Facebook profile while your song is streamed and get visibility and fans on your page, all for free. From your account, you can also enter press releases with photos, reviews and events regarding your music. The requirements are only the quality of your recording, the songs must have been released with creative commons license. You can sign up before the beginning of streaming and you can be among the first to reach the public and get the maximum visibility.
Indie Scene Radio
151 Danforth St., Framingham, MA 01701
Gerg Anidem
indiesceneradio@gmail.com
www.indiesceneradio.com
We are constantly in search of independent artists for our rotation playlist. To submit your work for air play consideration, you'll need to provide 1. Contact Info 2. Artist/Band Name/Genre 3. Artist/Band Bio with a photo and CD cover art 4. Tagged song files in MP3 format. Send all of the above to our e-mail address. You can also send a CD snail mail to our physical address.
ACTONE JAZZ!
PO Box 32507, Newark, NJ 07102
PH: 973-856-7115
actonejazz@gmail.com
www.actonejazz.com
The purpose of the station is to promote creativity, positivity and excellence through the genres of Smooth Jazz. If you are an artist, label, or representative of one, please use our ONLINE form to upload your MP3 files. You may also send us full-length release, but make sure that you convert it as a .zip file before uploading. PLEASE NOTE: Your songs MUST be properly labeled, example: T.k. "Thomas - Love Is The Answer". Songs that are not properly labeled will not be accepted for airplay, no exceptions! Additional information that is needed:Twitter Name, Contact Name/Number, Photo (high resolution) and Bio (one page or less).
Soul City Radio
3008 Spaulding Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215
PH: 443-650-8197
DeWayne Alston
soulcityradio@gmail.com
www.soulcityradio.com
Soul music radio show. All artists are welcome to submit tracks for airplay consideration. You may e-mail MP3s, but we request 128k mp3 files. If you would like to submit a physical CD, please call or e-mail the program director for a mailing address.
Arroz con Pollo WKNC
Mail Ctr. Box 8607, Raleigh, NC 27695-8607
PH: 919-515-2400 FX: 919-513-2693
DJ Cancel and DJ Candela
music@wknc.org
www.facebook.com/ArrozConPolloNC
A focus on music from Puerto Rico.
BeatStars
PH: 888-452-3287
sales@beatstars.com
www.beatstars.com
Sell your beats online. A production music marketplace and technology company that provides music producers the tools and applications to license music anywhere online
FanDistro
PH: 203-548-9557
www.fandistro.com
There's no marketing tool more powerful than word of mouth. FanDistro helps artists leverage their fanbase to create new fans and to distribute their music in a socially-aware way. Our platform allows artists to create and manage rewards for fans who promote the artist in their social networks. Artists receive 80% of sales (net of transaction expenses) and the balance is a reward for the fan. By default, this 20% benefits a charity selected by the artist.
New Driven Radio
Sherry Sabine
NewDriven@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/NewDrivenRadio
The NEW DRIVEN shows bring the hottest professional level independent rock to syndicated radio. Our weekly shows feature the best in emerging Soft Rock, Hard Rock, Alt Rock, Pop, Acoustic, Folk Rock, Punk & Melodic Metal. NEW DRIVEN also produces a weekly talk show that focuses on professional independent artists and a live show with call-in interviews and guest co-hosts. Artists on our shows are full-time musicians, (or nearing that step) with a rigorous touring schedule We spin newer release original music. @NewDriven
2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS
CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates
contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
Our Radio Promotion work focuses on relevant radio stations (terrestrial and online), especially college radio stations, in the U.S., Canada and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our staff works daily to build relationships with radio stations, regional promoters, music/entertainment publications and websites, and media outlets throughout North America as well as in eastern and central Europe. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc
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
SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC
3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY
ArtistPR
7510 Sunset Blvd. #1200, Hollywood, CA 90046
submit@artistpr.com
www.artistpr.com
We can help submit your music to college and internet radio as well as music magazines, blogs and podcasts worldwide. We can connect you with free submissions for licensing opportunities for TV, film and video games. Create a website to showcase your songs, photos, videos and sell your music. You keep 100% of every deal you make and every piece of merchandise your fans buy. Give your music career the jump-start that it deserves! Get started now and Submit Your Music for FREE!
The Rainmaker Media Group
398 Columbus Ave. PMB #183, Boston, MA 02116
PH: 617-445-4383
Rhonda Kelley
rockergirl363@aol.com
www.therainmakermediagroup.com
Thanks to many years of developing relationships with journalists, editors, reviewers, radio programmers and national and international contacts of all varieties, The Rainmaker Media Group 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 Rainmaker Media Group with a deeper understanding of each one's needs and talents, as well as the fuel to create the fresh, attention-grabbing angles for which the firm has become well known. The Rainmaker Media Group is fearlessly creative in the pursuit of press coverage for its clients, a dedication inherent in the fact that, as an independent publicity firm, it chooses carefully which projects to take on. The The Rainmaker Media Group 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.
TCA Artist Marketing Services
118 Graceland Blvd. #145, Columbus, OH 43214
PH: 866-733-2755 x100
Tim Coulter
timcoulter@tcaams.com
www.tcaams.com
You've written the music and recorded a new album project, perfected your act, now you're ready to give the world a listen in front of live audiences. Now is the time to create awareness and demand. Now is the time to generate a buzz about you and your music to make you more visible to the music industry. We custom design our services especially for you and develop the team to make it a pleasure to work with us one-on-one. We will make an unparalleled commitment to you, our client. We offer the following services: Consultation, Business Development, Online Technology Solutions, Marketing Initiatives, Promotion and Merchandising.
Megz Media Marketing
PH: 207-219-3195
Megz Pelletier
info@megzmediamarketing.com
www.megzmediamarketing.com
We offer social media management, marketing strategy, artist empowerment, promotion campaigns and branding. We serve the Boston and NYC areas. The genres we work with are Alternative, Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock, Acoustic, Prog Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Southern Rock, Punk, Indie Rock, Goth, Progressive and Metal.
Hip Hop Push Media
King Kenyatta
realhiphoppush@gmail.com
www.hiphoppushmedia.com
We provide a variety of services that can give up and coming Hip Hop artists, producers and DJs more exposure to a broad audience. Through magazines, TV and radio we can give you the brand exposure you need to create more fans and sell more records.
Backstage Vibe
Rachael Davies
ray@backstagevibe.com
www.BackstageVibe.com
An innovative music community with service offerings to help you promote your band and your music. We offer digital distribution services and press release capabilities, along with radio and blog submission to give bands, artists, musicians, and labels the tools they need to make their music their business. We also provide radio exposure by playing tracks and interviewing our members on our radio show - Backstage Vibe Radio. We help our members make meaningful connections with industry people and share insights on how to find success in the music industry.
3R Entertainment Group
8306 Wilshire Blvd. #1724, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
PH: 310-295-0111
Rebekah Behar
info@3REntertainment.com
www.3REntertainment.com
A boutique and intimate talent management and consulting company providing career guidance and representing talent primarily in the areas of television, film and Pop music with an exclusive group of clients which include actors, singers, producers, and screenwriters. We are committed to developing A-list talent. Maintaining a select group of clients enables us to provide personalized attention while developing and advancing both experienced and aspiring talent. We take a hands-on approach to furnish the needed guidance to successfully navigate clients through this highly competitive industry.
Billberg Entertainment
PH: +46-709-68-35-84
Roland Billberg
billberg.entertainment@gmail.com
www.billberg-entertainment.com
A London UK based brandbuilding company that provides services for indie artists including distribution, radio campaigns and PR campaigns. We offer packages for all budgets. Please contact for details.
Beyond One Entertainment
PH: 239-297-4178
Kim Giles
talentear@yahoo.com
www.BeyondOneEntertainment.com
At Beyond One Entertainment, we are driven by our commitment to the growth of the artists in our family by aiding them in sharing their talents with the world. In such a tough industry, we know how elusive the "next level" can be for each artist, we pride ourselves on nurturing and guiding you there by being your secret weapon. With hard work and dedication on our part as well yours, we can help achieve your goals. Knowing that we'll be behind you each step of the way, forever moving you forward, takes the guess work out of selling and marketing your art. We work mostly with Jazz artists.
CIMG, LLC
119 Bowling Ave. Nashville, TN 37205-2357
Tony Bates
contact@cimgllc.com
www.cimgllc.com
We provide Social Media Marketing and Social Commerce Solutions for our clients, in addition to Artist Management and Record Label Services. We work with artists, record labels, agencies, events, and brands of all kinds that want to effectively engage their supporters and fans via social media. Considering the global marketplace and international appeal, we offer our services in several languages as well, when appropriate to meet your goals. We work mostly with Rock, Pop-Rock, Americana and Alt-Country artists. facebook.com/cimgllc
IndiePower.com
PH: 818-505-1836
info@indiepower.com
www.indiepower.com
Started by industry veterans to further the goal of helping develop the cutting edge of new artists and labels with innovative marketing and talent. Combining 25+ years of valuable experience with an arsenal of talents and a passion for breaking albums and artists, Indie Power is about to add a few new pages to the history books! @indie_power
Serge Media Group
PO Box 5147, Canton, GA 30114
PH: 678-880-8207
Sandy Serge sergeent@aol.com
www.sergemediagroup.com
Social media, networking and publicity solutions for musicians backed by a trustworthy and diligent work ethic.
3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS
Independent Distribution Collective
2001 Van Ness Ave. #411, San Francisco, CA, 94109
PH: 415-292-7007
indiedistro@gmail.com
www.independentdistro.com
Helping the next generation of musicians get their music to market. Never before has a distributor opened its doors to the thousands of talented artists who work so hard to score a record deal. The idea is that many of these people could bring a CD to market, without the overhead of a middle man. IDC will actively promote its services to the thousands of bands and solo artists who have spent years trying to secure that ever-elusive distribution deal. "Independent Music Moving Forward!"
Music Mosaic
6 Durrumbul Rd. Main Arm, NSW 2482 Australia
Ariel Kalma
music@music-mosaic.com
www.music-mosaic.com
An independent Australian label, encourages all cultures and nations to live together respectfully on our planet Earth. You will hear multicultural musical expressions from diverse countries, yet the sounds flow together in harmony... like a beautiful mosaic! Our music compilations feature exceptional songs on specific themes from international artists. We are currently looking for good Worldbeat DRUMMING mixes like those here: http://www.music-mosaic.com/ecom/drum-music.htm If (and please ONLY if) your music fits with what you can seen/hear at our website you are welcome to send your CDs to our mailing address. Here is how we work: We license selected tracks (non exclusively), and include those tracks in future compilation albums with international distribution including download stores (non exclusively of course). We pay royalty based on sales. We will review your material and let you know as soon as we have a chance to listen.
IndigoBoom
David G. & Lars K.
support@IndigoBoom.com
www.indigoboom.com
A digital music distribution service, built and run by musicians for musicians. Our main goal has always been, and will continue to be the leveling of the playing field for the independent artists and small labels. We aim to provide a rather more personal service.
SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s
OR VIDEOS
Chartburst
www.chartburst.com
Connects unsigned musicians with major record labels for deal consideration and feedback. We're also the number one place for serious music fans to find the newest talent, vote it up our charts and influence the future of the music biz! If you've got the talent, let Chartburst put your music in front of A&R (talent scouts) at the world's biggest record labels. Who knows where it could take you ...
Xarnia.com
PO Box 276, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 4LR UK
PH: 01481237414
Stephen Dixon
info@xarnia.com
www.xarnia.com
An indie music portal which offers digital downloads, distribution and promotion for unsigned artists and bands. We have 250 stores in 26 countries and best of all it's FREE!
JukeBoxAlive
311 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801
PH: 828-232-0016
Will Cumberland cumberland@jukeboxalive.com
jukeboxalive.com
Our Advanced Jukebox Player protects your music from being digitally downloaded, yet allows fans to hear your music online. This creates exciting possibilities for you to present yourself to new audiences without being ripped off.
SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Pinterest
www.pinterest.com
Lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. With millions of new pins added every week, Pinterest is connecting people all over the world based on shared tastes and interests.
SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND
6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL
909 Music
#1901, Boulevard Plaza Tower 1, Downtown Dubai, PO Box 27363, Dubai, UAE
PH: +971-50-680-3793
Arnav Srivastav
production@909music.com
www.909music.com
Download royalty free music for videos, films, advertising, media, games, apps and more from our vast library of stock music. There are so many talented composers and we're always interested in finding new people who are passionate about making Dance, Electronic, Hip Hop and Ambient music. The best way to send us a demo is to send us an e-mail with a download LINK for your music.
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
New Artist Model
Dave Kusek
info@newartistmodel.com
get.newartistmodel.com/fe/58293-3-personas
An online course created by Dave Kusek, the founder of Berkleemusic, the world???s largest music school, co-author Future of Music book, founder Passport Music Software, MIDI developer and inventor Synare electronic drums. I'm offering 5 FREE online music business lessons that will help you propel your career forward. Sign up for free and get instant access. You have nothing to lose. No sales pitch, I'm just trying to be helpful. Opt out anytime.
Artist Etiquette 101: Sure Fire Ways To Get A Positive Response From Labels, Radio and Press
www.hiprockmagazine.com/#!artist-etiquette-101/c1nzg
You have talent. You have a good sounding demo. You're ready for people to take notice. Now what? Daniel C. Morrison, CEO of Hip Rock Magazine, answers this question for you. Having been in on the media side of the music industry for 5 years his advice is solid! If you're an Independent Artist getting no responses to your emails or don't even know how to properly address the media in a message, this is for you!
Check out the video trailer here:
http://youtu.be/0R2sjh7zvRU
Music Marketing Manifesto Blog
John Oszajca
john@musicmarketingmanifesto.com
www.MusicMarketingManifesto.com
Advanced strategies, secrets, tactics and tips on selling your music online. @JohnOszajca
6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS
ArtistECard
163 North York Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126
PH: 323-871-4821
info@artistecard.com
www.artistecard.com
A multi-application platform, designed for entertainment professionals and record labels/management companies to promote talent and their related work. With ArtistEcard, you can build your own website and create a digital press release [EPK], create mobile applications for an iPhone and an Android, as well as create a Facebook application. Best of all, you only need to enter information once--when you create a profile. Once the profile is ready, your information is synched with the rest of the ArtistEcard applications. ArtistEcard allows you to customize backgrounds for free, and offers an easy-to-use content control panel that lets you make changes anytime. Fast, easy, affordable; no programming skills or designers required.
Gigee
210 Hickory St., Missoula, MT 59801
support@gigee.me
www.gigee.me
Provides an easy-to-use online broadcasting platform that instantly elevates any performance to a live, global stage. Gigee allows artists and instructors to sell tickets to live, online events by providing broadcasting technology, built-in ticketing, payment processing, and promotional tools. Best yet, Gigee puts artists in control of their earning potential by providing an easy-to-use platform to reach fans more often, from anywhere, at any time.
VEN
PH: (+44) 01273-648908
info@ventureharbour.com
www.vencontent.com
Created to help music startups and artists get top notch content produced for their sites. We have a small team comprising of the best entertainment writers. Many of our writers have won awards for their work, and have experience writing for major publications including Billboard, Music Week, and NME. Whether you need website copy, a press release, or a daily blog post written, simply post a job outlining what you're looking for, and our team of writers will apply to write for you. Once you accept a writer, they'll begin working on your project. Once they've completed the job, you can either accept the copy, or request changes.
OpenAura
www.openaura.com
The only platform where artists control and make money from their digital identity-amazing photos, artwork, info, and more-giving fans a deeper, dynamic experience on music apps and services around the world.
MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike.
6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO
Gordon Bahary started composing songs at age ten. By the age of 15, he was asked by legendary Stevie Wonder to create some of the most unforgettable sounds at the height of Wonder's career in the 70's, during the making of the landmark LP "Songs in the Key of Life." Wonder and Bahary collaborated closely on his follow-up album "Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants", making history with synthesizers and engineering feats. A few short years later, Gordon was hired as key Producer/Engineer for Stevie Wonder's label Wondirection under Motown. Gordon has worked closely with other artists, helping them create their classic sound. These include Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis and many more. Gordon will make sure the best is brought out in each recording, that your project deserves. For the proven quality of award-winning work, we still offer a highly affordable product, with programs for every level of budget. Gordon Bahary is about music - and getting yours heard in its best presentation is what the Right Touch is all about. You can upload your files on our website and request a sample MASTERING of your finished mix. You can also send multiple tracks through our Hightail account to obtain a sample of our MIXING.
Peerless Mastering
1085 Commonwealth Ave. #322, Boston, MA 02215
PH: 617-527-2200
info@peerlessmastering.com
www.peerlessmastering.com
Dedicated to providing the highest quality restoration. We offer the highest quality stereo and 5.1 pre-mastering, CD, CD Enhanced, and DVD-A authoring and full audio restoration. Our staff is exceptional at giving our clients the best quality and service, guiding them through the final phase of their sonic process with ease and expertise. We are uniquely equipped to provide the highest quality mastering available anywhere. We have the expertise, equipment, and skills to achieve the full sound potential of your album. As more and more artists are choosing to record in project and home studios, high-quality professional mastering in an acoustically accurate room has never been more important. Working at Peerless' state-of-the-art studios with our highly trained engineers, you can realize your sonic vision and make your recording sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as possible. We will guide you through every step of this final phase of your project, and you will be truly amazed when you hear how incredible your music can sound. @PeerlessMaster
6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS
The Music Business Association (formerly NARM and digitalmusic.org)
1 Eves Dr. #138, Marlton, NJ 08053
PH: 856-596-2221
www.musicbiz.org
A community committed to the full spectrum of monetization models in the industry. We provide common ground by offering thought leadership, resources and unparalleled networking opportunities, all geared to the specific needs of our membership.
Music Managers Forum Canada
1731 Lawrence Ave E., Toronto, ON M1R 2X7
PH: 416-462-9160
info@musicmanagersforum.ca
www.musicmanagersforum.ca
Our mission is to become the go-to source for Canadian artists and managers on issues related to music management in Canada and around the world.
The Association of Independent Music
Lamb House, Church St., Chiswick, London, W4 2PD UK
PH: 020-8994-5599
info@musicindie.com
www.musicindie.com
A trade body established in 1999 to provide a collective voice for the UK's independent music industry. AIM represents over 800 member companies, from the largest and most respected labels in the World, to small start-ups and individual artists releasing their own music for the first time. AIM promotes this exciting and diverse sector globally and provides a range of services to members, enabling member companies to grow, grasp new opportunities and break into new markets.
SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE
10 Things to Consider When You're Submitting an Album for Review
by Thomas Deneuville, I CARE IF YOU LISTEN
© 2017 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
As the editor-in-chief of I CARE IF YOU LISTEN, I have been receiving a growing number of submissions for reviews. As much as this is very exciting both for the magazine and for the new music scene at large, I often witness the same mistakes that reduce one's chances to be considered for review, and not only in our magazine and blog. So here are 10 things to consider when you're submitting an album for review:
1. Do your research
Make sure that the outlet you're pitching your album to is interested in your kind of music in the first place. Spend a few minutes browsing the website and check the content they publish. If it's all world music, they might not be into your latest musique concr??te recording.
On a side note, I feel that it is OK to ask around for contact infos, editors' e-mails, etc. Don't be afraid to briefly introduce yourself, though, and give the connection (My name is Phil. Bob from The Spectralites gave me your contact info and I hope it's OK to contact you directly).
2. Don't ask if people would like to listen to it
Are you contacting an outlet that publishes album reviews? Good. Are they reviewing the kind of music you're creating? Excellent. Now, chances are that they are already interested in your music, or at least a priori curious about it. They probably also don't have time to answer every e-mail. So? Don't ask them if they want to listen to it: introduce it briefly and point to a place where it is available for them to listen to. Bonus points for not making them write an e-mail back.
3. Offer a streaming link
Last week, after writing back to a musician saying that I was interested (see #2), I received an answer that went like this:
"I cannot get you a streaming link but I'd be happy to mail you a hard copy."
Why? Why spend the money on a bubble envelope and shipping fees if you can just send a streaming link? At this point, it is a first listen, an assessment. The album might not be picked and you might waste a copy that could be used towards another form of promotion (see #8).
How long would it take to upload the album in a private Soundcloud set and share a secret link? If you don't know how to do this, this article will be helpful.
4. Offer a streaming link
No, really. Bandcamp, Chartburst.com, Mixcloud.com, and many more.
5. If you really have to offer a download link, make it light and convenient
If you can't figure out how Soundcloud works, or if you are some sort of streaming vegan, then offer a public download link-not an invitation to the umpteenth cloud service: No registration should be necessary to access your music.
Make sure to offer a good file format too: no .WAV or .OGG, that are too large, or .WTF that requires three new codecs to listen to. Tracks should be clearly labeled (001.wav, 002.wav, 003.wav? Click; trash) and tagged appropriately.
6. Build a landing page for your album
Build a page on your website specifically to promote your album (call it an EPK if you'd like). Do not use an entry somewhere on your blog. Do not bury the album at the bottom of your discography. This page should have one single purpose: Listening to your music and learning more about it.
Shorten the URL and give it a catchy name like bit.ly/RadTrioCD, it will be easier to share on Twitter, Facebook, by email, on print media, etc. Pro tip: add a plus sign (bit.ly/RadTrioCD+) after a bit.ly or a goo.gl link and visit the new URL to quickly check the stats???
Your landing page should/could include:
a short intro paragraph,
a video about your album,
a link to the full press release (as a second page or a PDF),
an audio player (and if it is above the fold it's even better),
links to your social media accounts (as in "see how many people will read the review when I share it")
your contact info (or a contact form)
bonus: hi-res photos + cover art (include the name of the artist and the photo credit in the filename: Super-Duper-Quartet-Credit-John-Doe.jpg). Ideally, offer both orientations (landscape and portrait).
Spend some time reading about Landing Page Optimization; it is time well spent.
unbounce.com/101-landing-page-optimization-tips
If you're nervous about your content leaking, give it a cryptic URL, and block it on robots.txt.
Oh, and make it responsive if you can: people might be visiting your website on a mobile device.
7. Trust the soup
Don't ask people to keep this link to themselves: Yes, there are dishonest people everywhere and we all know this. Just don't assume that the person that will put in the hours to help promote your release is one of them. That's not the best vibe to give off.
Besides, depending on the size of the outlet, the link might end up being shared with writers or other editors. This is a risk you must take.
8. Offer copies for giveaways, and offer to send them yourself
If you make it easy for the editors, I'm pretty sure they'll be glad to organize a giveaway (Facebook lifted Timeline Promotions restrictions) and to help share your music with their readership. And you know what? If you send the CDs yourself, you are in control of the way you connect with a potential fan and you can enclose:
a personalized thank you letter. Who doesn't like to get one?
an invitation to join your newsletter via a shortened URL or a QR code (one of the only good uses of QR codes),
a coupon for a second copy at a discounted price. Try it: Someone who digs your music will most likely give the coupon to a friend.
9. Don't send mass e-mails
Just don't. It feels more efficient but it is totally counterproductive-especially if you are contacting people for the first time. If you have fifteen hours to devote to connecting with potential reviewers, target well (see #1) and write personalized emails. 10 quality, targeted emails are better than 150 anonymous blasts.
Do you like to receive mass emails? Well, nobody does. Click; trash.
10. Following up or not following up?
I'd say yes if you add value to your follow up message. How? First, don't try to make the reader feel guilty about not having answered or posted anything yet (It's been three weeks and I still haven't heard from you guys). Bad idea. Instead, connect using the publication itself. A review they posted a couple of days ago was about a Stockhausen piece? Explain how Stockhausen was an influence for your album because X/Y/Z. Offer something that might help writing the review, whether it's an interesting angle (the only album in recent history featuring a microtonal ukulele and timpani piece) or maybe an insight into your creative process (interview with one of the performers that you posted on your personal blog). Keep it short, keep it friendly! And don't follow up more than twice.
Man, that feels like a lot of work!
Yes, because it is a lot of work and you cannot ask people whose job it is to review CDs to do it for you. The less people have to do to access your music, and the more they will be open to listening to it. Reduce the friction to a minimum.
And in the end ...
If your album gets picked, share the review with your followers on as many networks as possible. Add a quote from the review to your press section on your website-or your email signature-and link back to the original review (sending traffic their way is a thoughtful way to thank a publication; they will know it's coming from you).
If it doesn't get picked, well, there can be a variety of reasons why, and very few are really about your music: you targeted the wrong site, the timing didn't work out, or maybe you made a couple of mistakes that made it too hard to get to your music?
What is your experience? Anything I should add? Tweet at us at @icareifulisten.
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