If getting a record deal is your ultimate goal as a band or artist, it's probably because you need some help from a third party in the way of helping to spread the word about your music. That, and you desire the prestige of being a band on a label. But getting signed isn't quite what it used to be. Oftentimes, a band signs with a label and if there isn't instant success, the label either drops the band, or holds them hostage until they are dropped or ask to be dropped. Of course, that doesn't mean success doesn't happen, because it does.
Still, the best way to get a record deal is to sell albums yourself, and lots of them. Not only does this ensure that you'll make money, it assures that record labels will notice you before you even have to approach them. And usually the way you sell lots of units is by touring and starting a buzz. And oh yeah, having a great live show helps a ton.
So where are you at on this spectrum?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Helping a Brother (or Sister) Out
The relationship between publicist and client goes both ways, in many ways. One of those ways is in the relaying of information, or at times, the lack thereof.
I was reminded of this again last night when information about one of my clients' upcoming shows had incorrect band lineup information. Granted, I had not submitted this information to the venue that posted this on their website, but the band's manager forwarded me an e-mail from the band, who had caught this.
My first reaction was one of defense. I hadn't submitted the info. However, it's still ultimately my responsibility to ensure that this kind of thing doesn't happen. And I've come to realize a couple of things over the years--venues and newspapers and blogs are going to grab information or photos from the web without our knowledge. It happens WAY more often than you might think. So getting them updated bio and photos are such an important part of a publicist's job these days. That doesn't mean, however, that we can always catch these things.
I've also come to realize that what ultimately matters is that the information published is correct. That means a good publicist should communicate with his/her clients and make sure they know of all lineup changes, show information, or other shifts in the musical solar system.
I always jump on my clients' websites (weekly) to make sure I know of shows coming up that I have to work. And I feel like I may be in the minority here. But it helps me, and helps my clients to do so.
That said, I think it's also the client's responsibility (or the label, or the manager, as it were) to update the publicist with any and all changes to the band's schedule, the band itself, or, most importantly, any breaking news.
We should all help each other out, because after all, we're working toward a common goal--getting the artist exposure.
I was reminded of this again last night when information about one of my clients' upcoming shows had incorrect band lineup information. Granted, I had not submitted this information to the venue that posted this on their website, but the band's manager forwarded me an e-mail from the band, who had caught this.
My first reaction was one of defense. I hadn't submitted the info. However, it's still ultimately my responsibility to ensure that this kind of thing doesn't happen. And I've come to realize a couple of things over the years--venues and newspapers and blogs are going to grab information or photos from the web without our knowledge. It happens WAY more often than you might think. So getting them updated bio and photos are such an important part of a publicist's job these days. That doesn't mean, however, that we can always catch these things.
I've also come to realize that what ultimately matters is that the information published is correct. That means a good publicist should communicate with his/her clients and make sure they know of all lineup changes, show information, or other shifts in the musical solar system.
I always jump on my clients' websites (weekly) to make sure I know of shows coming up that I have to work. And I feel like I may be in the minority here. But it helps me, and helps my clients to do so.
That said, I think it's also the client's responsibility (or the label, or the manager, as it were) to update the publicist with any and all changes to the band's schedule, the band itself, or, most importantly, any breaking news.
We should all help each other out, because after all, we're working toward a common goal--getting the artist exposure.
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