Show Posts
1
THE FUTURE OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS / Re: Promotional Work
« on: March 23, 2011, 06:38:24 pm »
Interesting that I should pick this as my first post to the forum. Hope it's an acceptable introduction.
I'm a DJ who plays New Age/Ambient/Electronic music at a small college station in upstate New York. I've been doing this since the dawn of time, it seems. Promotion isn't an easy thing, especially in this day and age. You'd think otherwise with the Internet and all, but it's more about a return on your investment. I've always been very aggressive in seeking out new and interesting music to play. Takes some work, but the rewards have been incredible.
To answer Rupske, I don't know the politics of your station. We're pretty open minded about such things (and it helps that I've been there forever). I get things sent to me directly as it's easier that way. But I can see why some stations are more stringent about that. They want to build up the station's library. It's a fine line. The best I can tell you is to try and work with your music director to try and encourage them to try new things. There's actually been some interesting things on our playlist of late (12K/Type/Dragon's Eye), which is a good thing. I've always encouraged other radio people to think outside the box and seek out new things to play. Sadly, many of them just don't have the time or inclination. I'm hoping more DJ's and reviewers will ease their stance on digital promos. They've certainly made my life easier.
For the musicians and labels out there who are looking at promotion, I've found that for the most part, paying for promotion isn't a great return on your investment these days. If you can afford it, great. Better to seek out interested parties. Connect with other musicians and labels for contacts. Even talk to DJ's and reviewers. We tend to know some of our compatriots. To echo Taylor's words, be smart and target. Better to send out 25 or 50 copies to people you know will give it the attention it deserves than 250 or 500 copies to people who just don't care. Send an email of introduction. I've discovered a lot of great music from people sending me random emails. And if you don't get a reply, it's not the end of the world. Some people are just too busy. Keep in touch and keep them apprised and see what happens.
It's not an easy time for the music business, but I'm hopeful that if people work together, we can get through it.
P.S. Taylor, in response to your earlier post, we should talk sometime.
I'm a DJ who plays New Age/Ambient/Electronic music at a small college station in upstate New York. I've been doing this since the dawn of time, it seems. Promotion isn't an easy thing, especially in this day and age. You'd think otherwise with the Internet and all, but it's more about a return on your investment. I've always been very aggressive in seeking out new and interesting music to play. Takes some work, but the rewards have been incredible.
To answer Rupske, I don't know the politics of your station. We're pretty open minded about such things (and it helps that I've been there forever). I get things sent to me directly as it's easier that way. But I can see why some stations are more stringent about that. They want to build up the station's library. It's a fine line. The best I can tell you is to try and work with your music director to try and encourage them to try new things. There's actually been some interesting things on our playlist of late (12K/Type/Dragon's Eye), which is a good thing. I've always encouraged other radio people to think outside the box and seek out new things to play. Sadly, many of them just don't have the time or inclination. I'm hoping more DJ's and reviewers will ease their stance on digital promos. They've certainly made my life easier.
For the musicians and labels out there who are looking at promotion, I've found that for the most part, paying for promotion isn't a great return on your investment these days. If you can afford it, great. Better to seek out interested parties. Connect with other musicians and labels for contacts. Even talk to DJ's and reviewers. We tend to know some of our compatriots. To echo Taylor's words, be smart and target. Better to send out 25 or 50 copies to people you know will give it the attention it deserves than 250 or 500 copies to people who just don't care. Send an email of introduction. I've discovered a lot of great music from people sending me random emails. And if you don't get a reply, it's not the end of the world. Some people are just too busy. Keep in touch and keep them apprised and see what happens.
It's not an easy time for the music business, but I'm hopeful that if people work together, we can get through it.
P.S. Taylor, in response to your earlier post, we should talk sometime.