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Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Sites Where You Can Get Your Music Reviewed 3. Radio Shows that will Play Your Music 4. Services/Labels that will Help to Sell Your Music 5. Sites Where You Can Upload Your Band's MP3s or Videos 6. Helpful Music Resources 7. Knowing The Difference Between Good PR And Bad PR (PART I) by John Foxworthy, Garage Radio --------------------------------------------------------------------- STOP JUST SELLING CDs! Own or control quality material (IN ANY GENRE)?? Then pursue licensing opportunities for your music with indie911. One of our artists just landed an $85,000 licensing deal for a single song - that's a lot of CD's to sell! BILLBOARD: "indie911 is MUCH MORE EVOLVED than most" MUSIC CONNECTION: "indie911 has become one of THE FASTEST GROWING INDEPENDENT MUSIC COMMUNITIES by providing the resources that artists need to grow a career." MSNBC: "THE BEST TOOL FOR AN ASPIRING ARTIST or executive that has EVER come across my desk" Guest Accounts are STILL FREE so HURRY UP. LISTENING IS ALWAYS FREE at http://indie911.com Call us: 310-943-7164 --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION DEADLINE LOOMS Last month to enter the 10th Annual USA Songwriting Competition this year. Win $50,000 cash Grand Prize, cool music gear from Sony, Steinberg, Ibanez Guitars, Audio-Techica and more! Winning songs will receive airplay on a nationally syndicated radio program in the US and Canada. Judges include A&R from Universal, BMG, EMI, Warner and SONY Music. Please obtain the entry form from the internet at: http://www.songwriting.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Sell your artwork on your *OWN* account $ 1.99 / month .o0o. unmetered bandwidth .o0o. 200 MB FTP upload .o0o. MP3 on-site conversion .oOo. Radio Stream http://www.tradebit.com - Sell digital goods --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- THIS MONTH'S PRIZE WINNERS The winner of the Sennheiser E835 microphone (visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com ) is: - Ekendra Dasa, Alachua, FL The winner of a pair of Sennheiser HD280Pro headphones (visit http://www.sennheiserusa.com ) is: - Al Mikula, Taylor, TX The winners of the A&R Directory (for more information visit http://www.musicregistry.com ) are: - Bruce Boyers, Glendale, CA - Talicia Vanacor, Des Allemands, LA This month's winners of the Musician's ToolKit CD (for more info visit https://www.bookingagentsdirectory.com ) is: - DB Kinney, Washington, DC This month's winner of "The Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook" e-book by Bob Baker (for more info visit http://www.thebuzzfactor.com) is: - Anita Daher, Winnipeg, MB The winners of the Galaris Musician's Directory (for more information visit http://www.galaris.com/GMD.html?icb ) are: - Wildfire Publicity, Smyrna, TN - Kristin Anderson, Sherman Oaks, CA The winner a spot on the Co-Op CD (for more information visit http://www.indie360.com ) is: - Jodi Harman, Baltimore, MD The winner of a pair of tickets to the Camp Betty Campout (for more information visit http://www.campbettycampout.com ) is: - Martine Locke, San Francisco --------------------------------------------------------------------- LICENSE AND SELL YOUR INDEPENDENT MUSIC WITH TUNETRADER! If you own or control quality-produced music in any genre you can submit your tracks for review. Tunetrader offers artists a platform to promote your music for licensing opportunities in film, television and advertising. We will get your music heard by hundreds of music supervisors and creative directors working on a variety of projects. We also offer the facility to sell your tracks to fans via paid download or our online CD store. You will have your own dedicated profile page to showcase your music to industry professionals and music listeners. Submission to our licensing database is free! Listen to great new tunes at http://www.tunetrader.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HAS YOUR MUSIC BEEN FEATURED IN NEW YORK TIMES? Beat Wire will deliver your press release directly to the desk tops of over 5000 music editors at daily newspapers, magazines, news agencies, top Web sites, radio stations--every place you need to be promoted. Whether it's a new CD, upcoming tour, charity concert, or any other music-associated event you want to announce, there is hardly anything more potentially rewarding than a positive response to a well-written press release. Our clients have had their music featured in major media outlets like New York Times, CNN, Entertainment Weekly and USA Today to name just a few. In addition to press release distribution, Beat Wire can also write a press release for you. For more information, please got to http://www.beatwire.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. INTRODUCTION Welcome to the May Indie Contact Newsletter. I'd first like to apologize to those of you that haven't received this newsletter for awhile. I've switched mail hosting services this month, and this should remedy the problem. This month Radio Host John Foxsworth of Garage Radio presents an article that is LOADED with great tips on how to go about submitting your music for airplay. The article includes the key elements to consider when making initial contact. John is also quite clear on what NOT to do. On another note, I'm preparing to create a 'new series' of banners for the Indie Bible that reflect ALL the genres of music that the book covers. If you (or your band) would like to be displayed on one of these banners, please send your photo to mail@indiebible.com. It's a great way to get some free exposure! The Indie Bible banners are up on some of the most popular independent music sites in the world. The ONLY requirement is that the photo "obviously" reflects a particular style of music: ie: Classical, Punk, Country, Jazz etc. Your band will be credited on my site as well as within the code of the banner. Make sure to send along the city you are based in and your web address. As is the case every month, there is a large group of new contacts in this newsletter that can help you to gain more exposure for your music. So dig in, and enjoy the May issue of The Indie Contact Newsletter! David Wimble Editor The Indie Contact Newsletter newsletter@indiebible.com ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Below are the contacts that were submitted to me in April. The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections. 1. Publications that will review your music 2. Radio stations/shows that will play your music 3. Services/labels that will help you to sell/promote your music 4. Sites where you can upload your band's MP3s or videos 5. Helpful resources and promotional sites for recording artists ------------------------------------------------------------------- SELL THOUSANDS OF CDs ON THE INTERNET! "How to Build a Music Web Site That Sells" is a step-by-step guide to the best-kept secrets of selling more CDs on the Internet you ever thought was possible. "This is the most on-the-money best laid-out easy and entertaining incredibly informative absolutely accurate and insightful book I have ever seen on the subject of promoting your music online." - Derek Sivers, CDBaby and Hostbaby Beat major labels on the Web: http://www.musicpromotiontips.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTABLE DUAL DRIVE CD RECORDER FOR SONGWRITING Record yourself directly to CD. Play along to CD accompaniment and change key, change tempo, reduce vocals, and set A-B repeat loops. It's easy with the new Superscope PSD340 dual drive CD recorder & CD player. The PSD340 is designed to be as easy to use as a tape recorder. You can make great sounding stereo CDs simply by plugging in a pair of mics and pressing RECORD. Record ideas, demos, and performances hassle-free. Visit our site for details! http://www.superscope.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 2. SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ OUtlET Magazine 181 Market St, Lowell, MA 01852 PH: 978-618-1781 Mark Henderson lopez@outletzine.org http://www.outletzine.org An independent performance magazine. We accept submissions for review. First Coast News/Smitten 1783 Van Wert Ave Jacksonville, FL 32205 PH: 904-633-5568 Paul Zimmerman pzimmerman@firstcoastnews.com http://www.firstcoastnews.com/entertainment/musicreviews Music reviews, interviews, on Firstcoastnews.com. DJ/club promotions via Smitten. The Daily Sentinel Web Blog Reviews 734 S. 7th St., Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 PH: 970-256-4269 FX: 970-244-8578 Beverly Durfee bdurfee@usa-navi.com http://www.gjsentinel.com Music reviews of both Indie and major label CDs. We review almost everything. No Christian, no Gangsta. Country Music News Box 7323, Vanier Terminal, Ottawa, ON K1L 8E4 PH: 613-745-6006 FX: 613-745-0576 Larry Delaney larry@countrymusicnews.ca http://www.countrymusicnews.ca Canada's national Country music publication. Now in its 26th year!! Rock Music Review 1009 W. North St., Muncie, IN 47303 PH: 317-345-5986 Jack Shepler indiebible@rockmusicreview.com http://www.rockmusicreview.com Honest independent CD and concert reviews. Alberta Rock - The Best In The West Jake jake@albertarock.com http://www.albertarock.com A website/publication that reviews independent music. Helping artists to gain more exposure! Indie-Music.com PO Box 3339, Cary, NC 27519-3339 Jennifer Layton writers@indie-music.com https://www.bookingagentsdirectory.com/reviewpolicy.php We use a cooperative of independent freelance writers to review indie CDs. You can request a certain writer, or you can simply submit your package and it will be distributed among our current pool of active and new reviewers. Jennifer Layton is our Review Editor/Coordinator. Music Morsels PO Box 2760, Acworth, GA 30102 PH: 678-445-0006 FX: 678-494-9269 Sandy Serge sergeent@aol.com http://www.serge.org E-zine with independent CD reviews, unsigned band spotlights and an industry profile. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Do your records rock? Do they sound huge like the big names? Punchy, warm, loud? Better than the competition? If not, Rare Form Mastering is the answer. Our experienced engineers, mastering grade processing and reference monitoring can bring that major label sound to your music. From your original mixes to the final delivery master, from our engineer's hands to your fans' stereo or surround system. Whether CD, DVD or vinyl, we have the experience to make your music sound the way your audience wants it to sound. Put our 2,500+ albums of mastering experience to work for you. http://www.RareFormMastering.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Get started selling your CDs at IndieGate.com for only $30.00 Have you wanted to get involved with the online indie pioneers at the InterMixx IndieGate, but those pesky $$$ were holding you back? Well, not any more! Sell your indie CD through the InterMixx IndieGate and get started right now for a low set-up fee of only $30.00. It's never been this affordable to get involved with InterMixx, so let the company that's been helping the indie market grow for almost 20 years help YOUR market to grow as well! Please visit http://www.IndieGate.com and become a Merchant Member right now! --------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 3. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ SpiderBiteRadio.com 435 Elm St., Manchester, NH 03101 PH: 603-645-1449 FX: 603-657-7202 Tracy Vail Tracy@spiderbiteradio.com http://www.spiderbiteradio.com Free internet based radio station spinning independent music 24/7. Includes interviews and acoustic performances. Radio Muse 1111 Davis Dr. #1-456, Newmarket, ON L3Y 9E5 Jodi Krangle jodi@musesmuse.com http://www.musesmuse.com/radiomuse.html An internet broadcast featuring independent songwriters. The idea behind the show is to bring together the very best Indie music from songwriters at all levels and stages of their musical journey. Please visit our site for submission details! M3 Radio 259 W. 30th St. 12th Fl., New York, NY 10001 Tony-O (Music Director) M3Radio@aol.com http://www.M3Radio.com Besides playing a large amount of unsigned music, we also announce tour dates and do ticket give-aways. Since we're an Internet station we have a worldwide audience, so no matter where an artist tours, we can let their fans know. etown 207 Canyon, Ste. 302, Boulder, CO 80302 PH: 303-443-8696 FX: 303-443-4489 Nick & Helen Forster info@etown.org http://www.etown.org We're heard from coast to coast on both NPR and commercial stations. We present a variety of musical styles and talent, from household names to regional artists and emerging performers. Live performances and interviews. All Independent Radio New England Inst. of Art, 10 Brookline Pl. W., Brookline, MA 02445 PH: 617-277-8616 http://www.neia.aiiradio.com A new radio station playing only cutting edge music from every genre, from every continent. Musician Showcase with Sherri Mullen PO Box 177, Middletown, PA 17057 Sherri musicshowcase@sherrimullen.com http://www.sherrimullen.com/musicshowcase Attention ALL-INDIE artists!!!! Get YOUR music heard! Visit our website for submission details. Garden Of Earthly Delights The Broadcast Centre, 14 Vincent Ave. Crownhill, Milton Keynes MK8 OAB UK Shane Quentin shanequentin@yahoo.co.uk http://www.gardenofearthlydelights.com In the 12 years I have been producing and presenting The Garden, it has been simply for the love of playing and promoting the music I enjoy. Electronica, Punk, Hip Hop etc. RelaxRadio Ron Trigwell relaxradio@perthinternet.com http://www.relaxradio.net.au Australian Internet Radio Station supporting independent artists worldwide. We play most genres of music except Heavy Alternative. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Independent Music Conference (IMC), presented by IndieGate.com and now in its third year, is the only event of its kind. The IMC focuses on what's really important at a music conference: education and internetworking. This year's event will once again be held at the Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia, August 31 - September 6, 2005. The IMC focuses on important topics for independent musicians, including: legal issues, digital rights, digital distro, hearing and voice protection, CD project planning, contract negotiations, copyright education and so much more! You are encouraged to visit the web site and learn more about the IMC before purchasing a registration. It's important to us that you get the maximum value out of the event, so please make sure it is right for you based on your career goals and objectives. For more info, visit: http://www.IMC05.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------- NEMO MUSIC FESTIVAL - DEADLINE APPROACHING NEMO (Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2005) is currently accepting submissions until June 3rd for our 2005 fall showcases! The NEMO Music Festival showcases are hosted at over 25 venues throughout Boston and Cambridge. Each showcasing band or artist receives one complimentary badge to the Festival per performer (trio=three badges), special discounts and offers from the 2005 NEMO Sponsors and the chance to have a track featured on the NEMO 2005 Showcase Compilation CD distributed by Starbucks. For more information go to: http://www.nemoboston.com/showcase/index.html -------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 4. SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ MUSIK INTERNATIONAL Distribution and Promotion 154 Betasso Rd. Boulder, CO 80302 PH: 303-444-9575 FX: 303-444-9122 info@musikinternational.com http://www.musikinternational.com Promotion, Marketing and Consulting to the worldwide entertainment community. ***We are offering you a FREE 15-minute consultation! I am best reached between 10 am and 4 pm (Mountain time) Tuesday- Friday. Genres of Music covered: Rock, World, Jazz, Latin, Hip Hop, R&B, Folk, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Acoustic, Electronic, Ambient, New Age, Contemporary Classical/Crossover. NO Country, Gospel or Christian, please. Boosweet Records PO Box 451594, Los Angeles, CA 90045 PH: 310-613-3535 FX: 909-877-9199 Vernon Neilly VNeillyI@aol.com http://www.boosweet.com Specializing in the recording and distribution of major acts as well as up and coming artists. We will promote and sell your products worldwide via the Internet. We can get any artist's material into the major digital download stores as well. Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group 742 Bergen Blvd. 2nd Fl. Ridgefield, NJ 07657 PH: 201-840-9980 FX: 201-840-9921 Jerry Lembo jerry@lemboentertainment.com http://www.lemboentertainment.com A music consulting firm specializing in Radio Promotion, Artist Management, Music Publishing, Publicity and more. True North Marketing 2435 Albee St. Suite B, Eureka, CA 95501 PH: 707-269-5200 Ariane Stekol artists@truenorthmarketing.com http://www.truenorthmarketing.com Event Marketing, Publicity and Sponsorship Programs. See http://www.CampBettyCampout.com v DIG Music 1831 V St., Sacramento, CA 95818 PH: 916-442-5344 FX: 916-442-5382 Holly Holt holly@digmusic.com http://www.digmusic.com Independent record label and Artist Management company. AAA, Roots/Americana, Singer/Songwriter. c367 Records PO Box 771, Estill Springs, TN 37330 PH: 931-588-3109 Christopher Sisk c367records@gmail.com http://www.c367.com An Electronic music label focusing on Ambient and laid back Experimental music. On Target Media Group 6464 W. Sunset Blvd. Suite 829, Hollywood, CA 90028 PH: 323-461-4230 FX: 323-461-4229 Jason Feinberg info@ontargetmediagroup.com http://www.ontargetmediagroup.com Internet marketing, publicity and promotion; music video and EPK editing as well as DVD authoring. MassiveRecordProductions.com 10 Royal Orchard Blvd. #53081, Thornhill, ON L3T 7R9 PH: 905-764-1246 Jerry Bader info@mrpwebmedia.com http://MassiveRecordProductions.com A music production and marketing company. We produce and promote the music of talented independent musicians, bands, and Singer-Songwriters who want to take their fledgling careers to the next level. Posse Up Entertainment 7575 Tyler Blvd. Bldg C-31, Mentor, OH 44060 PH: 440-269-8311 FX: 440-269-8344 Jessica Hollenbach jessica@posseupent.com http://www.PosseUpEntertainment.com We are full service Management and publicity firm specializing in press kit design, radio promotion and more. We will get the "Buzz" going for up and coming talent and established artists. Red Haired Girl Publicity 905 N. Tacoma St. #3, Allentown, PA 18109 PH: 484-221-1026 Liz Winchester LizWinchester@earthlink.net http://www.RHGPublicity.com PR firm specializing in publicity for independent musicians and Indie Labels in the Americana & Texas music formats. Canadian Music Direct PO Box 21056, Bower Pl. Red Deer, AB T4R 2M1 Chad Gillies chad@canadianmusicdirect.com http://www.canadianmusicdirect.com Features the very best of Canadian musical artists. Sell your CDs and downloads. All genres accepted! Tomboy Entertainment 999 SW 16th Ave. #11 Gainesville, FL 32601 PH: 352-213-0277 Mercy tomboyentertainment@gmail.com http://www.tomboyentertainment.com Promotion and concert events by and for women who want to rock the music industry. A hands on circle of estrogenerated Rock power. Captiva Records 1300 Guadalupe Ste. #206, Austin, TX 78701 PH: 512-322-9293 FX: 512-479.1805 Chris Perez captiva@captivagroup.com http://www.captivarecords.com Indie label with a focus on artist development. Jello Records Mountfield, E.Sussex, TN32 5JN UK PH: 44-1580-881310 FX: 44-1580-882032 Ray ray@jellorecords.com http://www.jellorecords.com An indie music label that has been in existance since the 70's promoting Punk and Rock music. We now have a new studio (Jelly Studios) in Sussex. Merchant Records 44 Ryneveld St., Stellenbosch, South Africa PH: +27218875705 FX: +27218875705 Helmut Meijer helmut@merchantrecords.com http://www.merchantrecords.com Independent South African Record Label and Publishing House. Produces international standard music in all styles and genres. -------------------------------------------------------------------- *INDIEBIBLE discount e-code* - SAVE $10 off Camp Betty Tickets e-code: INDIEBIBLE expiration: July 21, 2005 at 4pm online at: http://campbetty.inhousetickets.com CAMP BETTY CAMPOUT 2005 - JULY 22- 24 - Laytonville, CA Celebrating the music, arts and creativity of women. Open to all. *OVER 50 FEMALE ARTISTS PERFORMING* See Who's Playing: http://www.CampBettyCampout.com/2005/behindthescenes --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Your website is how all labels, radio, writers, and fans see you. Is it professional, current, complete, and easy for you to update? If not, you need HOSTBABY - WEB HOSTING FOR MUSICIANS. Your own ".com" domain, with no HTML needed, will have automatic concert calendars, streaming audio, mailing list management, photo galleries, news/blog, guestbook, webmail, and even your own store! All of this for only $20/month. See a tour at http://hostbaby.com No payment to start. First month free. Sign up with no commitment. Web hosting for musicians, by Derek Sivers, founder of CD Baby. Bring your music career to the next level. http://hostbaby.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ CPU Records c/o Loop Studios, Space 28, North Lotts, Dublin 1, Ireland PH: 00353-87-785-8572 Eddie Sheridan info@cpu.ie http://www.cpu.ie Dedicated to unsigned bands around the globe. Has Ireland's first download MP3 chart. Hundreds of artists have made their music available free of charge. Unlimitedtracks.com 922 Hwy. 81 E. Box 315, McDonough, GA 30252 PH: 678-432-1229 Lincoln Parks lparks@Unlimitedtracks.com http://www.unlimitedtracks.com An online portal for Urban music. Sell your tracks online for .99 cents per track. You can also sell your CD from our site. IndyReview.net Paul Leclair info@indyreview.net http://www.indyreview.net Our job is to attract visitors to the great variety of music online here! I record a monthly best picks list and promote many of the new artists, I take a personal involvement and have audio interviews with a number of really great bands. RadioSubmit.com PO Box 1726, Fredericksburg, VA 22402 PH: 866-432-7965 R.W. Shamy Jr. radiosubmit@radiosubmit.com http://www.radiosubmit.com An online platform that allows artists and record labels of all genres to submit their music directly to radio stations around the world. Radio stations can now search by artist name, genre, song title or by record label, pre-listen and then download CD-quality music to air on their station. Check our website for submission details. MusicSA Music House, Level 1, Corner North Tce & Morphett St., Adelaide, SA 5000 Australia PH: 08-8218-8404 FX: 08-8218-8122 Elizabeth Reid info@musicsa.com.au http://www.musicsa.com.au Non-profit government funded website offering South Australian artists free listings (including space for MP3s & video clips), reviews and other free promotional opportunities. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW! Subscribe to the Online Version of the Indie Bible - Search through the 8500+ contacts electronically - Send emails to contacts online - Click on links to go directly to websites - Updates are automatically included in the online database How? The Indie Bible Online is available through LiveWire Musician. Simply sign up for a free account with LiveWire http://indiebible.lwcr.com/indiebible/signup and click on PRICING to subscribe to the Indie Bible Online. It's only $36.95 for a full year. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- New CD prices at Disc Makers! 1,000 as low as $1,290 (was $1,390) Price includes CDs in jewel boxes with full-color one-page inserts and tray cards, and three-color on-disc printing. FREE Exclusive promotional tools: Packages include a UPC bar code, download sales of your music and worldwide CD distribution with CD Baby, review of your music by TAXI, six-month subscription to Sonicbids, the Indie Bible on CD-ROM, countertop display, and more. Click here for more detailed information. For more information, visit http://www.discmakers.com/imbible -------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Music Plus TV 517 North Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 PH: 213-572-0240 Marc Cubas marc@musicplustv.com http://www.musicplustv.com We air undiscovered and indie artists of all genres 24/7 on our cable and Web TV stations. Garygoodstuff 4920 Hwy.9, PMB#326, Alpharetta, GA 30004 PH: 678-938-1670 FX: 678-366-6032 Garygoodstuff Gary@garygoodstuff.com http://www.garygoodstuff.com We are a full service music store that promotes independent music artists on our "Featured Bands", "News" and "Research" pages. YourLocalScene.com Los Angeles PO Box 41669, Long Beach, CA 90853 Eric eric@yourlocalscene.com http://la.yourlocalscene.com Los Angeles' home on the internet for local music information, bands, venues and more! Chicks Rockfest 5857 Childs Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45248 PH: 513-404-0385 Jenny Schmidt chicksrockfest@gmail.com http://www.chicksrockfest.com Annual festival for independent artists who feature at least one girl in their band. We also sponsor fund raising tours throughout the year a.k.a. Chicks on the Road. New Game Media 332 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 PH: 949-650-6229 Ken Tamplin Ken@NewGameMedia.Com http://www.NewGameMedia.com A strategic entertainment marketing investment company focussing on talent with pre-existing fan bases and taking them to the next level. We are looking for an exceptional Indie artist that we can help with corporate endorsements, TV, Film etc. Groove House Records 5029 Serrania Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91364 PH: 888-476-6838 cdrep@groovehouse.com http://www.groovehouse.com Your source for premium quality CD manufacturing, DVD manufacturing, CD replication, DVD replication, CD duplication, DVD duplication, Digipaks, alternative, recycled and eco-friendly packaging, posters, postcards, stickers and more. AcidFlyers.com 4491 62nd Ave. N. #210, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 PH: 727- 520-7399 FX: 727- 520-0430 Brooks Palmer brooks@acidflyers.com http://www.acidflyers.com Good source for printing club flyers, business cards, postcards and posters. Baudier Graphics 5134 Storey St. Harahan, LA 70123 PH: 504-734-3278 FX: 504-734-2090 http://www.alternativetees.com Screen printing, embroidery and custom manufacturing. Providing high quality work at a competitive price. Boomerang Musical Products 3704 Oakwood Dr. Grapevine, TX 76051 PH: 817-421-2762 FX: 817-251-8509 http://www.boomerangmusic.com The Rang is the coolest phrase sampler around. Rock Star Promotions PO Box 5867, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33310 PH: 954-739-9205 FX: 801-740-6554 Aaron Schimmel servicedesk@rockstarpromos.com http://www.rockstarpromos.com Dedicated to helping everyone live like a Rock Star, even if you can't play a note! Perlinski Design PO Box 714, Middlesex, NJ 08846 PH: 732-469-2508 Gerry Perlinski info@perlinskidesign.com http://www.perlinskidesign.com Whether it's a logo, website or marketing campaign, we work hard to make sure your message is heard loud and clear. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the new InterMixx DIScPLAY! Now indies can sell more CDs at live events with this durable mobile listening station! Comes complete with integrated CD player. Easily portable, it closes to contain and protect all items neatly. Simple, quick and easy to use... just open it and set it on your merch table. Purchase price includes one set-up fee for IndieGate.com. http://www.DIScPLAY.net --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Atlantis Music Conference and Festival, Aug. 10 to Aug. 13, 2005 Artist submissions are flooding AMC+F headquarters right now and it has become clear to all of us that this year's showcasing roster will be one of our best, most diverse and most promising to date. The new talent on the scene today, from all across the US and overseas, is exciting for all of us to see and hear. Because of this, we have decided to extend our artist submission deadline until April 30, 2005. Visit http://www.atlantismusic.com for info. For its eighth year, the event will once again bring together professionals representing all sectors of the music industry, music enthusiasts, students, media and more than 300 of music?s most promising new artists for 4 around-the-clock days and nights of performances, panels, parties, keynote addresses and more. -------------------------------------------------------------------- @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 7. KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD PR AND BAD PR (PART I) by John Foxworthy, Garage Radio ? 2007 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Publicity and networking are the two most important parts of any successful music project. Unless you lack aspirations to venture beyond your local scene, your career risks stagnation without them. This is why it's important to get a handle on how to conduct yourself when interacting with radio, publications, labels or any other facet of the music business ? otherwise you chance snuffing your credibility before you even get out of the gate. Whether you work PR for your own act or someone else's, your role seems simple ? create and maintain public interest; however, even the most marketable project and the most interesting press releases are hardly enough to achieve these goals. As with anything you do, there are unwritten laws of etiquette you must follow to function effectively as a publicist. As the Chief Editor of a busy e-zine and Host of a widely listened radio show, bands, labels, publicists and other publications contact me regarding press and airplay on a regular basis. This correspondence is truly the backbone of what I do ? it keeps me in the know on many levels and provides me the opportunity to make new contacts. On the other hand, it also aggravates and frustrates me more often than not. I'm learning that better than half of the folks taking responsibility for public relations are most likely shooting themselves in the foot. Do Your Research This is a point I just can't stress enough. In fact, I could write this entire article on just that subject. It requires a lot of work, but the rewards will come back ten-fold. There are so many s ource guides and directories out there that it's virtually impossible to keep up and these are great tools, but used unwisely they can actually work against you. Here's a scenario based on my own experience: I host a Rock/Punk/Metal radio show that's clearly described as such on my web site, as well as every directory in which it appears. Yet, almost daily I get press releases and requests for airplay from artists who play anything but Rock, Punk or Metal. This probably wouldn't annoy me as much if I didn't also get the same, exact emails to my e-zine inbox. You may ask me, "What's the problem? Why not just delete the email?" That's a simple solution and often times I do, but this is the symptom of a behavior that's sure to thwart the efforts of the sender. Think about it ? if they're doing it to me, they're doing it to their other contacts as well. It tells me that this is someone who uses the gum-at-the-wall approach and may not be worth looking into ? plus they tend to go onto my SPAM list. I also stay in regular contact with my other colleagues in the biz, so they may even end up on a "blacklist" and could even get stonewalled press- wise in the future. The solution? Take some time to find out to whom your email is going by doing a simple search to check out their site, show, magazine or whatever. It's even acceptable to send a preliminary email to introduce yourself and get a better idea of what they're looking for (or if they even want your correspondence) before you fire off that request. This is also a great way to make first contact, which makes for an appropriate segway into our next topic. First Contact I leave my email address publicly accessible to make it easy for people to contact me. This also contributes to the amount of SPAM I receive ? a necessary evil in my position ? so I spend an average of eleven hours a week sifting through my new messages in an attempt to separate the SPAM from the news. Why? First of all, most people don't know how to effectively title the subject of their message. Secondly, it's first contact ? I may not know who sent the email because I've never corresponded with them. In the last eight years I've trained myself to tell the difference between South African bank scams and artists trying to get exposure for new releases. This doesn't mean I've trained myself to stop deleting messages based on the subject. Titles like, "WE REQUEST YOUR ATTENTION" or "THE NEXT BIG THING" equate to "GET THE LOWDOWN ON THE SMALLEST CAPS" and will quickly prompt most of your potential contacts to hit the delete button. First contact is the most important contact. The old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression holds very true ? especially with the sensitive nature with which people have been conditioned regarding SPAM these days. So, the first lesson on the subject is to make sure your email says what it means before it's even opened. "New Alternative Rock Band From NYC" is a simple, yet operative title for an email to a new contact. They'll get an idea of the message you're trying to get across and you'll notice it wasn't all capitalized, which could be another form of suicide! Next, you'll want to make sure you tailor the body of your email to fit your expected recipient. Address them by name (if you have it), be cordial, introduce your act (or yourself) and get to the point. Proper grammar and punctuation play a big role here, so if you have no clue what I mean by that, you shouldn't be doing PR in the first place. Your first email should be more of a request than a release. Remember, you're dealing with people that are busy, so summarizing a description of the music, adding a few stats (including CD sales) and press quotes is quite alright as long as you keep it to a minimum ? 3 short paragraphs will suffice. Then, you can include links and contact info for your recipients to explore further if they're interested. DO NOT, and I reiterate, DO NOT email MP3 files or other attachments. This is annoying and will piss your target off in a heartbeat. After you've made your first contact, it's wise to set a waiting period before following up. Again, these people are busy and prone to a lot of email, so there is a fine line between correspondence and SPAM. ***** Part II next month ***** ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In 2002 John Foxsworthy co-founded Garage Radio, a site dedicated to the indie community, which has seen great success over the past couple of years. He 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. Contact: roadrash@garageradio.com http://www.garageradio.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- ... if you don't have a copy of the indie bible YOU'RE REACHING A FRACTION OF THE PEOPLE YOU COULD BE!!!! The Indie Bible lists 4200 publications that will REVIEW your CD and 3400 Radio Stations that will PLAY your Songs. 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