|
This month's newsletter features the listings that were submitted to me in May. The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections.
|
|
2. SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED In The Basement Magazine 193 Queens Park Rd. Brighton, East Sussex BN2 9ZA, UK PH: 00-44-1273-601217 FX: 00-44-1273-601217 David Cole itb@basement-group.co.uk http://www.basement-group.co.uk Soul music specialist magazine. Happy to receive CDs for review. Billaweed.com PO Box 1290, Napavine, WA 98565 Brandon webmaster@billaweed.com http://www.billaweed.com We Promote Indie and unsigned bands. We work to get your music heard and your band exposed. GRITZ Magazine 24 Vardry St. #101-G, Greenville, SC 29601 PH: 864-467-1699 FX: 864-467-1699 Michael Buffalo Smith editor@gritz.net http://www.gritz.net A national print magazine with a sister e-zine. We review CDs, DVDs, books- all Southern flavored, from Southern Rock to Americana, Southern Soul, Bluegrass, Classic Rock and Blues. Sing Out! PO Box 5460, Bethlehem, PA 18015 PH: 610-865-5366 FX: 610-865-5129 info@singout.org http://www.singout.org Feature articles and interviews, tons of recording and book reviews, the most comprehensive and up-to-date Folk festival and camp listing anywhere, plus regular columns on the Folk process, songwriting, storytelling and Children's music. Singer Magazine PO Box 1288, Harrisburg, VA 22803 Greg Tutwiler SingerMagazine@aol.com http://www.singermagazine.com Inspiring vocal performers and independent recording artists. UNSIGNED Music Mag Ken Hamlett artists@unsignedmusicmag.com http://www.unsignedmusicmag.com Our mission is to give unsigned musicians, singers, bands, producers, writers and other musical talent a venue to let the music buyers of the world know they create, perform and write great music. Norman Famous Rants and Reviews PO Box 6218, Albany, CA 94706 Norman Famous norman@normanfamous.com http://www.normanfamous.com In my continuing efforts to expose the world to good music by deserving musicians, I offer online reviews of independent CD releases along with my customary barbed witticisms and wry social comment. Rikks Revues Rikk Matheson rikk@rikksrevues.com http://rikksrevues.com A free music revue site focusing on Indie artists.
3. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC Spin 180 6400 N. Beltline Rd. #210, Irving TX 75063 PH: 864-467-1699 FX: 864-467-1699 Matt Mungle info@spin180.net http://www.spin180.net Syndicated station that is all about indie artists. If you would like to have your tunes added to our play list please submit a CD, bio and lyric sheet to the above address (CDs only please!) WRHO FM Hartwick College, 1 Hartwick Dr. Oneonta, NY, 13820O PH: 607-431-4555 FX: 607-431-4064 Alex Cameron wrho@hartwick.edu http://users.hartwick.edu/wrho Please send us your promo CDs. We play all genres of music, however we tend to lack in the Folk/Country/Jazz/Blues/ Classical/Spoken Word genres - so more of those genres would be greatly appreciated! NashvilleRap.Com PO Box 846, Hermitage, TN 37076 PH: 615-506-8069 Robert Grady info@nashvillerap.com http://www.NashvilleRap.com Armed with experience, personality and drive, we are ready to take the world by storm with a new radio show that will showcase Cashville artists dubbed NashvilleRap.Com. Our mission is to expose the hidden secret Nashville Rap talent and industry. eoRadio PO Box 441234, Aurora, CO 80014-1234 PH: 303-808-8140 Ryan Smith webmaster@eoradio.com http://www.eoradio.com The best free music from unsigned artists from around the globe. Voyage Beyond Entertainment PO Box 1284, Hillsville, VA 24343 PH: 703-485-9184 Michael Anthony fmyshow@gmail.com http://www.michaelanthonyshow.com We play, review and promote any and every genre of music by unsigned and Indie artists (except religious oriented music). indie cent exposure radio 8949 Sunset Blvd. #201, West Hollywood, CA 90069 PH: 310-943-7164 FX: 310-919-3091 Justin Goldbergjustin@indie911.com http://www.indie911.com Changing the way people discover and get paid for making music. As people listen to streamed music from Indie911's media player, qualifying artist accounts are paid for online airplay via their PayPal account. 2hot4radio 1616 McCaskill Ave. #207-A, Tallahassee, FL 32310 PH: 850-350-0347 Jovan Myrick or Torentha Clark ncmgmusic@yahoo.com http://2Hot4Radio.net Radio Promotion and broadcast specializing playing the music of independent artists. Genres: Hip Hop, R&B and Pop. Joe Stevenson Music / Homegrown 2536 Henry St. Augusta, GA 30904 PH: 706-364-7614 FX: 706-790-6857 Meredith Jenkins meredith@joestevensonmusic.com http://www.joestevensonmusic.com Special event promotion & artist development company. We produce 95 Rock's Homegrown radio program, featuring the Southeast US's best up and coming artists. Check our site for submission details. South Wind Radio 326 Pioneer Ave. E., Montesano, WA 98563 PH: 360-249-2155 Will Whitney will@sogospelnews.net http://www.live365.com/stations/wilray?play Playing Southern Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel music from independent artists... some famous and some not so famous.
4. SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC CANtunes.com 356 Ontario St. #311, Stratford, ON N5A 7X6 PH: 00-44-1273-601217 FX: 00-44-1273-601217 Stewart info@CANtunes.com http://www.cantunes.com Sell your Independent CDs in Canada the easy way! $29.95 per album set-up fee. Free set-up for the first 25 people to contact us through this newsletter! Undagrind Inc. / Grindmode Music 14514 Westropp Ave. Cleveland, OH 44110 PH: 216-323-1423 Martin K. Badley Jr. operations@grindmodemusic.com http://www.grindmodemusic.com We are an artist development company. We provide independent Hip Hop artists & labels with marketing, promotion, & distribution services. We also assist in obtaining recording contracts for those with exceptional material. Abaddon Records 151 Stream Rd. Winterport, ME 04496 PH: 207-478-5077 David Davis david@abaddonrecords.com http://www.abaddonrecords.com A Metal and Hardcore label located in Maine. UrbanMelodies.com 9175 Kiefer Blvd. #249, Sacramento, CA 95828 PH: 916-265-5662 FX: 916-265-5662 Kevin Hellon kevin@urbanmelodies.com http://www.urbanmelodies.com Your online source for emerging Urban Music! We are a normal music store, with the exception that we NEVER close. We focus on six specific genres: Rap/Hip-Hop, R&B, Gospel, Jazz/Blues, Spoken Word and Reggae. Sunrise UK Silverdene, Scaleby Hill, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 4LU UK PH: 01228-675822 FX: 01228-675822 Martin Smith info@sunriseuk.co.uk http://www.sunriseuk.co.uk We offer new bands worldwide manufacturing and distribution deals. We are currently seeking new acts. Richh Kiddz Entertainment 1st Ave. at Port Imperial #1202, West New York, NJ 07093 PH: 404-394-0365 FX: 201-430-3842 Russ Downs russdowns@richhkiddz.com http://www.richhkiddz.com A multifaceted entertainment and marketing company. We help develop, expose and manage independent artists who take the business of music seriously. SPEAK Music 20 Bloor St. E. Box 75102, Toronto, ON M4W 3T3 PH: 416-599-9079 Jennifer Claveau office@speak-music.com http://www.speak-music.com A management, publicity and promotions firm, dedicated to helping independent artists develop their public profile. Music Marketing Service Arte Leon Ltd., Albinsuweg 5, 06679 Hohenmoelsen, Germany PH: 0049-34441-21184 FX: 0049-941-59-92-21-184 Michael Thurm info@music-marketing-service.com http://www.music-marketing-service.com We offer bands distribution throughout Germany and Europe with CD-On-Demand and digital distribution. We also do radio promotion! Funny Valentine Records 72 Ladysmith Rd. Brighton, BN2 4EG UK PH: 44-1273-677590 Paul Blankley paul@funnyvalentinerecords.co.uk http://www.funnyvalentinerecords.co.uk We are a new label dedicated to making new 'Easy' music featuring strong arrangements and quality songwriting. Porter, Sinatra, Jobim etc. We're currently looking for acts and writers. American Eagle Recordings 13001 Dieterle Ln, St. Louis, MO 63127-1201 PH: 888-521-8146 FX: 314-984-0828 Dr. Charles "Max" E. Million maxmillion1@earthlink.net http://www.americaneaglerecordings.com We believe that each artist should have a stake in the control of their destiny, in the direction that their careers are going. Tinku Records 539 Telegraph Canyon Rd. #265, Chula Vista, CA 91910 PH: 619-397-5120 FX: 619-397-5120 Letty Astudillo info@tinkumusic.com http://www.tinkumusic.com An independent recording label established in 1999 to introduce native Latin rhythms. We currently are focusing on Andean & Latin Folk music.
5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS Music Torch PO Box 280, Nanuet, NY 10954 PH: 917-232-4624 Kevin Rath kevin@musictorch.com http://www.musictorch.com A digital music store for independent artists who are looking for a place to sell their music. Radio Radio 553 E. Main St., Jackson, TN 38301 PH: 615-986-9271 FX: 866-294-7843 RT Curtis webmaster@radioradio.us http://www.radioradio.us As an artist of our community you gain access to your own store to start selling music. All music that you upload to your own store will automatically be played on our radio station to begin promotion of your songs immediately. Ouviste.com Music Portal 55 Strathaven Dr #314, Mississauga, ON L5R 4G9 PH: 905-890-1122 Eddy Costa epcosta@sympatico.ca http://www.ouviste.com Your source for Portuguese music! A site for bands and artists, with MP3s, charts, spotlight, news, articles, interviews and a radio show.
6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND CountryWesternBands.com - Country Artist Showcase PO Box 677, Cave Creek, AZ 85327 PH: 480-595-5057 Cindy info@countrywesternbands.com http://www.countrywesternbands.com CWB is the #1 Country Western indie artist showcase. We'll showcase your band to thousands of country music fans. Ill Crew Universal 200 S. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954 PH: 707-778-1314 Steve B. steveb@illcrew.org http://www.illcrew.org A worldwide Hip-Hop organization dedicated to the preservation, activism, empowerment, balance and unity of Hip-Hop culture expressed in all of its elements. Dirtbag Clothing 1945 E. Francisco #F, San Rafael, CA 94901 PH: 877-347-8224 FX: 415-460-0206 Doug Canning contact@dirtbagclothing.com http://dirtbagclothing.com Killer Sport, Streetwear and Skate clothes. Wear it 'til it stinks! Infinite Limits Publishing 821 Shadyside Ln, Todd, NC 28684 PH: 336-877-3533 Greg Taylor infinitelimits@quickspeed.net http://www.infinitelimits.net I provide music publishing, graphic design for CD covers and promo packages and website design. I also accept CDs to sell online and list bands in the Performing Acts section. ODT Records 655 Ramos St., Odessa, TX 79761 PH: 432-208-0892 Roy P. odtrecords2k1@hotmail.com http://www.odtrecords.com Hip Hop label offering Rap beats, CD artwork, DVD production and editing, web design, screwed & chopped and more. Houston Band Coalition Silverdene, Scaleby Hill PH: 01228-675822 hbcpromotions@sbcglobal.net http://www.hbclive.com Houston bands working together to bring Houston music to the masses. Includes a forum for musicians, fans and industry pros. Mark Peterman Photography 4170 Francis St. Kansas City, KS 66103 PH: 913-558-3175 Mark Peterman info@markpeterman.com http://www.markpeterman.com I'm a freelance photographer whose work covers a broad range of subject matter for a variety of applications including: commercial, editorial, people and places. Earth 2 Earth 111 N. Perry, Pontiac, MI 48342 PH: 248-335-7015 FX: 248-335-7638 Lisa Angelilli art@freshhotshirts.com http://www.freshhotshirts.com Your one stop shopping for custom screen printing, embroidery and all types of promotional items. Cyclone Records Canada 84 Martin Crossing Rise NE, Calgary, AB T3J 3P1 PH: 403-285-9586 Brad Trew info@cyclonerecords.ca http://www.cyclonerecords.ca Producer of high quality CD compilations at a local, regional, national and international level. We are always seeking new talent to promote to a wider audience.
7. KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD PR AND BAD PR (PART II) by John Foxworthy, Garage Radio © 2007 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission Follow-up I'm one to appreciate diligence and I'll be the first to admit that some of my attempts to create steady contacts have backfired on me more than once. Now, finding myself on the receiving end, I see what I was doing wrong. A beleaguered ally can quickly become a foe and it's for this reason I find it essential to define the difference between follow-up and pestilence. Let's disregard the preceding tips for a moment and imagine you've emailed your press release or a request for coverage to a few addresses. It's possible that a few of the folks you contacted have contacted you back, but there are some that haven't responded. Many of them may be preoccupied with current projects or might even be completely uninterested. You have no way of knowing where they stand, so how do you decide when (or if) to send a second email? Five business days is a good rule, but hinges on when you sent your initial correspondence. Monday through Wednesday are the best days to get in touch with your potential outlets. Due to the fact that most schedules revolve around the standard workweek, it stands to reason that these are the best days to send your follow-ups. If you still get no responses, you'll be better to write these contacts off and continue your exchange with the responsive set. Mailing Lists This falls more closely under the subject of "netiquette" than etiquette. Just because you have contact email addresses, doesn't mean you have contacts. The inventory of rules surrounding mailing lists is another that could be an entire handbook and could be one of the single most contributors to death in the press/play world, but I'll try to emphasize the biggest no-nos. Never, never, NEVER add arbitrary email addresses to your list. There's no negotiating this rule here's why: Out of hundreds of emails a day, only about 30% apply to my day-to-day dealings. Another 5%-10% are personal and the rest are just garbage. In my capacity, I have to consider every message as a possible contact even though I have a "strict" policy that defines how I want to communications to be sent. My standards are such that I never post uninvited news to other sources and with that, I avoid accepting the same. I personally don't have time to sift through everything I get, so a great percentage is deleted out of constraint. What does this mean? I'm flat-out not interested in getting updates from unsolicited suppliers. It also implies that I'd like permission from people to be added to their mailing lists and I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people out there that feel exactly the same way. Not separating your contact lists is another hugely horrific move. This is a chapter right out of "BE ORGANIZED!" Sending gig updates to radio shows or publications that specifically do CD reviews is a waste of time. Additionally, sending the next gig on the morning of your next gig is just plain stupid. Your fans may want to know this (even though they probably already do), but it does no good to inform anyone else that you'll be playing CBGB in seven hours. Plan out your itinerary and send a release with your calendar for the next month or so. If your target wants to announce it, they'll have time to get the word out. It's best to separate the lists of publications, shows, and other entities by type and tailor your announcements accordingly. You'll never ruin a contact faster than if you send a daily barrage of so-called updates and/or messages containing your personal agenda. Last, but NOT least is how to send to your lists. Your email program or web-based mail will have the fields "To" "CC," and "BCC." Forget all about the "CC" field when sending to multiple recipients and I mean FORGET IT! No matter your capacity in the biz, this line is bad MoJo. Every contact in this field can be seen by every other contact that receives the email. Use "BCC" and save yourself a bevy of pissed off contacts! Is Your News Really News? I get everything from updates on CD sales figures to reminders that bands will be playing venues the same venues several times a week. This goes back to a behaviorism, and a destructive one at that. I, and many in my position, are extremely turned off by this and are very likely to disregard further contact. Constant updates are not a great way to keep your act in the forefront of our minds. We like to stay informed, but it's good form to save up the news. One release with the band's future happenings, or a retrospective of the last month or so will go a lot further than a daily barrage of minor occurrences no need to desensitize your awaiting public. Press Kits Press kits are arguably the meat and potatoes of exposure for any act. This is a pretty easy subject, as you won't likely get an address which to send them without permission. For those that make their mailing info readily available, it's a good idea to look further and find an email contact. Make your target privy of the impending envelope and allow a week for it to arrive, but DO NOT follow up in a week! One thing you must understand is that many of these folks get quite a few of these packages every day. I myself get 30 per week, so I really don't have the time I need to properly distribute and/or review them in seven days. In this case a good follow-up rule is probably 2 weeks even if you never heard back from your email. These are the best tips I have without writing an entire book on public relations. My advice is a culmination of my experience and that of the professionals I work with every day. Following it can enhance your effectiveness as a publicist and help create your niche in the music world not following it may greatly reduce your chances of success in this fickle world we call the music biz. In 2002 I co-founded Garage Radio, a site dedicated to the indie community, which has seen great success over the past couple of years. I also hosts a radio show called "The RoadRash Bash," a Rock and Metal extravaganza featuring indie bands and name bands that are on indie labels, but not getting the exposure they deserve. I work with the industry on every level these days and that experience has given me the insight and contacts I need to bring informative commentaries to the people who need them most ... the DIY and independent community. Contact: http://www.garageradio.com broadrash@garageradio.com
|