Music Promotion, Marketing and Distribution Newsletter

April 2018

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. Websites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos
5. Helpful Resources for recording artists

SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED

BritznBeatz
Lucy Lerner lucy@britznbeatz.com
www.britznbeatz.co.uk
An online music discovery publication which features emerging music artists of all genres from all over the world. We offer the very best in music news, reviews, events, venues and exclusive music interviews as well as featuring the latest music videos and original playlists. For lovers of music and culture, there is something for everyone. From all walks of life. For all ages. Music is our religion and we are thrilled to be able to give rising artists the chance to get featured and their name out there. We welcome contact from and seek out both established and emerging artists from all music genres. For your work to be considered and possibly featured kindly show appreciation by following us on our social media pages and by subscribing to our newsletter. facebook.com/britznbeatz @BritzNBeatz

Mark Heard It First
8721 W Sunset Blvd. #200, West Hollywood, CA 90069
PH: 310-854-6000
Mark Miller mark@corniche.com
www.markchristianmiller.com/mark-heard-it-first
A Jazz blog featuring CD and live performance reviews.

Indie Shuffle
www.indieshuffle.com
Covers Indie Rock, Hip Hop, Alternative, Folk, Punk and much much more. We shuffle through piles of independent music - old and new - so you don't have to. We'd also like to think we've got the best in-house music player of any blog. Send us your music via SubmitHub submithub.com/blog/indie-shuffle facebook.com/indieshuffle @indieshuffle

LA Jazz Scene
8207 Grenoble St., Sunland, CA 91040
PH: 818-293-0584
Myrna Daniels info@lajazzscene.buzz
www.lajazzscene.buzz
Our aim is to present Jazz events, profiles, CD reviews, club & concert reviews and an interesting cover subject every month. Our writers put a lot of passion into their work, which makes a fine array of opinions and insights when they are writing CD reviews, club reviews or an interview with a Jazz performer.

SECTION TWO: RADIO STATIONS, SHOWS AND PROMOTERS

2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS

To The Echo Radio Show
Derek Nicholas totheechoradio@gmail.com
www.totheecho.com
The show focuses on entertainment news, comedy and music. We take a 15 minute segment of every show to showcase an indie artist's single and interview them to help them promote what they're doing. We then create a blog post on our site, with links to their songs or music videos, websites and also showcase the song on our website media player. There's no cost for this service. We prefer to work with Singer/Songwriters or Pop artists/bands. This can range from Pop/Rock, Alternative, Pop Country, Country or Top 40 sounding Pop. All you need to do if interested, is contact us through the ONLINE FORM on our CONTACT page with a link to your stuff and a brief bio of what you're doing. We then reach out and if we both dig each other, we schedule you a time to call in (or come in if you are in the Charleston, SC area) and we showcase your single and talk! facebook.com/ToTheEchoRadioShow @Totheechoradio

Pop Tragedy
poptragedymedia@gmail.com
www.poptragedy.com
We play the most visceral and unconventional Pop music on Earth. It is a cleverly curated mix of Pop-Punk, Power Pop, Dream Pop, Noise Pop, Britpop, and Indie Rock/Pop ranging from the 70s through today (including many new songs). Sometimes "Pop" in the classic sense, sometimes not - our hand crafted playlist is mostly guitar-driven with plenty of hooks and is always fierce and visceral. We feature mostly underground artists with a few visits above the surface to sip some conventional air. Imagine Little Steven's Underground Garage meets DKFM. Or your favorite online Indie Rock station minus the mandolins and faux-house beats. Listen for a full hour of new music every day at every noon and midnight (pacific). @poptragedy

Mundofonias Radio
C/ Cabo San Vicente, 2, dcha., 9-A, 28924 Alcorcon (Madrid), Spain
Juan Antonio Vazquez & Araceli Tzigane radio@mundofonias.com
www.mundofonias.com
Weekly show featuring two hours of World music. facebook.com/mundofonias @mundofonias

Berklee Internet Radio Network (The BIRN)
MS-150-WTDV, Boston, MA 02215
submit@thebirn.com
www.thebirn.com
Four unique channels streaming 24/7, commercial free. The BIRN accepts both physical and digital music submissions for airplay. Digital submissions should be sent by e-mail with LINKS to download from Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Dropbox or any other file hosting or music hosting service (we do not accept attached music files). Please also include LINKS to your artist biography and/or electronic press kit. facebook.com/thebirn @birn

BIRN Alive!
MS-150-WTDV, Boston, MA 02215
birnalive@thebirn.com
www.thebirn.com
Berklee Internet Radio Network's weekly live performance and interview show Send your band LINKS to our e-mail address along with your availability. Include LINKS to recent performance video if possible. facebook.com/thebirn @birn

Bongo Boy iSpin Radio
472 Highway 46, Belvidere, NJ 07823
PH: 908-455-1576
submit@bongoboyrecords.com
www.bongoboyrecords.com/ispinradio
Please note that all music played is for promotional purposes only and no royalities are paid or collected for this promotion. facebook.com/bongoboyrecordsllc @Bongoboyrecords

Behind The Shadow
PO Box 13526, Macon, GA 31208-3526
PH: 478-742-7956
Joey Stuckey joey@joeystuckey.com
www.joeystuckey.com
A Web TV show designed to promote bands and artists that are working hard to make music full time. I know how hard it is to give your life to the creation of art, in my case, music. I want to support those people that make music their livings and to share the vast and incredible array of talent out there. Besides interviewing artists and bands and having them perform their music live in studio, I also have talks with music industry professionals like entertainment lawyers on the program to teach artists and bands about how to be successful and to highlight how to get started in the music business. facebook.com/joeystuckey @Jstuckeymusic

The Mad Music Asylum
PH: 347-687-4279
Uncle Duke themadmusicasylum@gmail.com
www.themadmusicasylum.com
If you are an artist looking for exposure, we would love to hear your stuff. I don't want to come across as a snob but my musical tastes run from the Baroque Classical period to the music of today. I cannot guarantee you a slot on the program but am always, always looking for new tunes to listen to and love. I cannot give you any direction as to what to submit because depending on the mood I am in, I have the potential to like anything and everything. I would say please no head banging really Hard Rock, but at times I like Black Sabbath and Ted Nugent as much as the next guy so....anything goes. The best way to get our attention is to fill out our ONLINE FORM and send us a LINK to your music. If that seems too complicated, you can just send the LINK to our e-mail address. Also, it helps to interact with us on any of our various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest). If we like what we hear, we will contact you to obtain the MP3 file so we can mix it in to the program. facebook.com/MadMusicAsylum @MadMusicAsylum

Halshack Indie Rockcast
Hal Jester jesterman9000@gmail.com
www.halshack.com
I began my company HALSHACK as an independent A&R, public relations manager and now a radio personality to source bands and artists that I feel are in viable contention of possible notoriety or even stardom in the mainstream music industry. I look for quality emerging artists an aspire to working with only the best indie and unsigned acts. I produce my own radio show in order to gain attention for these artists by giving full promotion on my website, radio show and various social media outlets and platforms as well as possibly having an article or review written about certain acts that garner the attention. We also provide blogs and music reviews for certain artists that we deem worthy of the extra exposure by my highly trained staff of ex record label scouts and musicians. I cater mainly to Rock/Alt/Pop with a smattering of Reggae, Ska, Americana and Funk occasionally mixed in. facebook.com/halshack @halshack

2.2 RADIO PROMOTERS

Devine Jamz Gospel Network
5210 Griggs Rd. #321281, Houston, TX 77021
PH: 832-834-3392
Ray Oster support@devinemarketers.com
www.devinejamz.com
We have established a working relationship with executives from Commercial FM and Digital Radio Networks to help promote positive music and get it heard by a national audience. Approved quality music can receive 2-month campaigns through legitimate radio stations that are monitored by Digital Radio Tracker, Mediabase or DBS. Quality music is guaranteed radio spins, charting (select packages), long-term publicity and additional marketing promotions. Radio stations include Terrestrial Commercial FM Radio Stations, major radio stations played on Internet Tunein, Streema, Streamlicensing, Radionomy, AOL, iTunes Radio, Pandora, Accuradio, iHeart Radio, Audiorealm, On Demand, Yahoo! Rhapsody, MTV Radio, Shoutcast Radio Broadcasters, BBC Radio, Satellite Sirius XM & Music Choice. Formats that we work with are CHR Pop/Top 40 Mainstream, Gospel/Christian/Christian Rap, UrbanAC/Adult Contemporary, Rhythmic Urban/HipHop Mainstream. facebook.com/devinejamzz @DevineJamz

Power Source Music Nashville
PO Box 101336, Nashville, TN 37224
PH: 615-248-8105
www.powersourcemusicnashville.com
Inspirational Country Music radio promotion service. If you want to record a project or release a single with radio promotion, then we are your logical choice. We want to assist in finding the right resources to direct you in the path God is leading. Our dedicated staff loves working with our artists to promote their God given message through their songs and music. facebook.com/powersourcemusicnashville

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

National Record Promotion
137 N. Larchmont #500, Los Angeles, CA 90004
PH: 323-658-7449
Larry Weir larry_weir@sbcglobal.net
www.larryweir.com
We promote artists and groups at radio with an emphasis on independent labels and recording artists. Over the last five years NRP has worked with many major acts. NRP will assist you in weekly tracking reports...national chart activity & radio interviews. facebook.com/National.Record.Promotion

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

SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC

3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY

Empire Music Promotions
Ryan Donnelly yourempiremusicpromotions@gmail.com
www.empiremusicpromotions.com
A premiere music PR company focused on ensuring that all of our clients receive both prominent and quality, news-worthy press results; every single time. Here at E.M.P we truly believe that every band or musician that we choose to work with is unique, and that each client of ours deserves a custom campaign that reflects that core belief. We understand that what works for one band simply will not work for another, and using both tried and true methods of the past, Ryan focuses his efforts on reaching out to the multitude of publications personally, to guarantee that every one of our musicians receive the very best support possible from us. We can't wait to hear your music and we can't wait to share it! facebook.com/EmpireMusicPromotions @empiremusicpr

Music Blog PR
Bootsbauerstr. 24, 12245 Berlin, Germany
Tokaro Balasy tokaro@outlook.de
tokaro4.wixsite.com/cloudmusicpr
We promote all genres except Classical music. We'll get your music on Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Deezer etc. Official playlist curators & independent curators.

Moonstruck Management
PH: 626-893-5216
Josh Trivett josh@moonstruckmanagement.com
www.moonstruckmanagement.com
A modern music management company that focuses on the Country and Bluegrass music business. Moonstruck incorporates artist development, management, growth and booking into one controlled business. This consolidation creates a seamless model for an artist or group to have all critical aspects of their careers to be developed and controlled under one roof. This consolidation minimizes the chance of mistakes and loss of opportunity caused by communication failures. Understanding the direction and vision of each genre is the key component to growth in an ever-changing music industry. facebook.com/MoonstruckManagement

Affluent Records
Oscar Sanchez oscarsanchez@affluentrecords.com
www.affluentrecords.com
The first digital Hip Hop record label offering prepaid artist services such as distribution, subscription label services, marketing, promotions, strategic planning, music licensing and brand management to the urban digital market. What inspires me everyday at Affluent is that our main focus is to produce for our clients top tier content and brand management. I distribute thru the digital world music, videos, and now expanding into films and TV shows. I also engage daily with the artists & companies to develop their products into key brands and into lifestyle products. The biggest blessing of all this is the ability to open doors for people to win. To be able to become more than a record label but instead more as a centralized creative service center for artists and their projects. Affluent is an entertainment brand that specializes in digital distribution, brand management and development. facebook.com/AffluentRecords @Affluentnyc

All Eyes Media
PH: 615 227-2770
Jim Flammia jim@alleyesmedia.com
www.alleyesmedia.com
A boutique media relations firm that specializes in tailor-made national, regional and digital press campaigns for each of our music clients. With over 20 years of experience creating and implementing successful campaigns in Rock, Pop, Indie, Americana, Jazz, World, Dance, Country, Singer/Songwriter and more, All Eyes Media provides an intelligent, thoughtful and effective approach to public relations and the development of sustainable careers. facebook.com/AllEyesMedia @AllEyesMedia

RAPIDFIRE PR
PH: 360-509-1779
Cyrus Rhodes rhodesm@wavecable.com
www.rapidfirepr.com
RAPIDFIRE PR is the only PR firm in the world that can deliver 10 music reviews, written by 10 separate music critics, posted on 10 separate websites in as little as 10 working days. No matter if it's an EP, LP, single or video/press release RAPIDFIRE PR has got you covered with over 50+ writers on staff and top web affiliates all working on your behalf. From the indie artist to the pro publicist - RAPIDFIRE PR delivers music marketing for all. @cyrusrhodes

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

3.2 SERVICES - LABELS, DISTRIBUTORS AND ONLINE VENDORS

Do Music Records
Ronningstorpsvagen 4, 738 33 Norberg, Sweden
PH: +46 76-671-31-00
Rolf Bokning rolf.bokning@gmail.com
www.domusicrecords.com
We are a Swedish independent music label and music production and promotion company. We started out as a label in late 2007 and since then we have actively scheduled approximately 3-10 recording projects per year. We believe in the cross-pollination of different music styles, and how it can enrich our experience as listeners as well as performers, therefore our ambition is to represent, produce, promote and release music within any genre, as long as it is performed by a band or an artist with a strong artistic profile. So far, our catalogue comprises genres as diverse as Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, Funk, Pop, R&B, Folk and Latin. facebook.com/domusicrecords

SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS

Disctopia
601 E. 5th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
PH: 704-780-4707
hello@disctopia.com
www.disctopia.com
A streaming platform for indie music, artists and their fans. Finally a platform dedicated to indie artist and creatives. Sell your creative digital work. Any price. No commissions. No obligations. EVER! What an artist wants the most is true freedom, so that everyone can prosper - not just record labels, studios, and publishing conglomerates, but the creative artist themselves. We offer different packages that include: upload unlimited original songs to promote. Weekly artist payouts. Artist reporting. Artist collaboration. Unlimited online streaming. facebook.com/playdisctopia @Disctopia

SECTION FIVE: SOCIAL NETWORKS AND ONLINE COMMUNITIES

OurStompinGrounds.com
www.ourstompingrounds.com
It's like an online dating site for bands, musicians and venues. OurstompinGrounds.com helps bands organize the business side of making music by helping them connect with other bands through their exclusive Show Swap feature. It also allows bands to search for, and book shows with music venues across the country. It also helps those music venues search for bands and musicians. Features allow members to upload photos and music, schedule shows, post availability, build shows with other bands, and chat with other bands, musicians, and venues. facebook.com/ourstompingrounds @ourstompingrnds

SECTION SIX: HELPFUL TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND

6.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL

Soul Graffiti Productions
6323 San Pablo Ave. Oakland, CA 94608
PH: 510-463-4769
Justin Ancheta info@soulgraffiti.info
www.soulgraffiti.info
An artists-for-artists label created by musicians of the Bay Area music community. We care deeply about what is being put into the world as entertainment and consciousness. We support culture through the arts by teaching, recording, performing and event production. facebook.com/soulgproductions @soulgraffiti1

Emidio's Rock Den Volume Series
PH: 908-455-1576
Emidio Vaz submit@bongoboyrecords.com
www.bongoboyrecords.com
One of Bongo Boy Music Group???s new music project is the album release series for Hard/Metal Rock music by Various Artists. This album release series is non-exclusive with DIY sponsorship and comes with a motherlode of Promotions, WORLDWIDE Distribution, Radio Campaign, Album Reviews, Social Media Marketing and more. To Submit for Volume 1 your music, e-mail us your MP3 for consideration. Add to your e-mail subject line: Emidio's Rock Den Vol. 1. Bongo Boy also offers other genre of albums by Various Artists releases; see website for the current open project's submissions details. facebook.com/bongoboyrecordsllc @Bongoboyrecords

Marmoset
2105 SE 7th Ave. Portland, OR 97214
PH: 971-260-0201
compass@marmosetmusic.com
www.marmosetmusic.com
We are a conduit, connecting hardworking musicians who are striving to earn a living with their art, and the creatives, producers and filmmakers who can help make that happen. Our belief is this: we're all better when we collaborate, when we lean into one another and support each other. And if that collaboration leads to the perfect pairing of music and picture, that's pretty cool, too. Marmoset is a community of like-minded artists who pay special mind to their craft. Together, we have a sound and a style that cannot be copied, and we're always on the lookout for awesome new sounds. If you have a collection of music, share it with us - fill out our ONLINE FORM and send us your material. If we find it to be a good fit, we'll be in touch. facebook.com/MarmosetMusic @marmosetmusic

DigitalRadioTracker.com (DRT)
PH: 646-494-3783
support@digitalradiotracker.com
www.digitalradiotracker.com
Your premier radio airplay broadcast monitoring service that tracks radio airplay of songs in the US and worldwide on more than 5000+ radio stations. These radio stations include Major FM Terrestrial, College, Commercial and Non-Commercial as well as thousands of streaming Internet radio stations. Some of the radio broadcasting networks Although there are many genres of music, DigitalRadioTracker.com specializes in monitoring radio broadcasters in the following formats: CHR/Pop (Top 40), Rhythmic, Urban/Hip Hop/R&B, Country/Americana, Rock/Alternative, Gospel/Christian/Inspirational, Adult Contemporary and Jazz/Fusion. DigitalRadioTracker.com gathers millions of songs being played each day and compiles DRT Reports for our clients. A DRT Report breaks down exactly who is playing a song, when it's played and how often it's played. DigitalRadioTracker.com also offers Historical 8 Week Reports which list the history of airplay detections on all of our monitored stations during the last 8 week period. In addition, we provide Comprehensive Reports which shows the exact time of day/night a song is played on each of our monitored radio stations. If you have a song receiving airplay on radio and want to know when and where it's being played, get your DRT Report today!

USA Songwriting Competition
2881 E. Oakland Park Blvd. #414, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
info@songwriting.net
www.songwriting.net
The world's leading international songwriting competition. Winners will be chosen by a Blue Ribbon Judging Committee comprised of music industry professionals including A&R managers from record labels, publishers and producers. Songs are judged equally on originality, lyrics, melody and composition. Songs may be in any language. Quality of performance and production will not be considered. Many USA Songwriting Competition winners in the past have received recording and publishing contracts, have their songs placed on the charts as well as having their songs placed on film and television. facebook.com/usasongcomp @usasong

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

From Indie To Empire: The only DIY music marketing tool needed for today's Indie Musicians Paperback
www.empiremusicpromotions.com
This DIY Music Marketing Guide is a must-have book for any serious-minded Indie Musician. Created by Founder of Empire Music Promotions (www.empiremusicpromotions.com), Ryan Donnelly. This book was created to help serious-minded Independent Musicians, all over the world, bolster their own music PR efforts, starting today! In this book, musicians will find a wealth of powerful promotional and marketing information. Focusing on the three most relevant promotional styles for any indie musician, From Indie To Empire offers the tools necessary to create your own exciting music PR Campaign! Some Topics Included (but not limited to) are: *How to build a proper band website *Guerilla, Viral, and Background Marketing tactics. *Music Video Help (get it funded and get it made!) *Creating your own podcast. *Creating a professional, unique and effective Press Release *Powerful music industry links to help you get your music distributed and shared today! *AND MORE! With homework assignments focused on getting you started immediately, From Indie To Empire is filled with hands on tactics to help you succeed in your own music PR efforts! facebook.com/EmpireMusicPromotions @empiremusicpr

DIY Musician Podcast
13909 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230
Kevin Breuner podcast@cdbabypodcast.com
www.cdbabypodcast.com
Join CD Baby's Kevin and Chris as they discuss current music news, interview artists and industry professionals, offer tips and tricks to help today's independent musician move their career forward and much more! Interviews about how to be a successful musician without compromising your art. It's a perfect time to take advantage of the many opportunities for Do-It-Yourself artists that are springing up everywhere. @cdbaby @kbreuner

6.3 RESOURCES - TOOLS AND APPS

Pledge Music US
282 Moody St. #3, Waltham, MA 02453
PH: 781-373-3753
info@pledgemusic.com
www.pledgemusic.com
Provides fans and artists the opportunity to work together to make new records and raise money for charity. By combining new social networking technology, old school music biz know how and an irresistible menu of exclusive incentives, fans can visit the site to hear great new music, enjoy and share unique experiences with the artists they love and actively participate in the release process. For all U.S. customer service calls please contact this office. facebook.com/pledgemusic @PledgeMusic

Pledge Music UK
22 Endell St., London, WC2H 9AD UK
PH: +44 (0) 20-3771-0320
info@pledgemusic.com
www.pledgemusic.com
Provides fans and artists the opportunity to work together to make new records and raise money for charity. By combining new social networking technology, old school music biz know how and an irresistible menu of exclusive incentives, fans can visit the site to hear great new music, enjoy and share unique experiences with the artists they love and actively participate in the release process. For all U.S. customer service calls please contact this office. facebook.com/pledgemusic @PledgeMusic

VideoBlocks.com
PH: 866-282-5360
support@videoblocks.com
www.videoblocks.com
A members-only site offering a one-stop shop for stock video. Our members enjoy access to our unlimited library and our global marketplace. facebook.com/VideoBlocks @VideoBlocks

MyNewsletterBuilder
comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com
www.mynewsletterbuilder.com
A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike. facebook.com/MyNewsletterBuilder1

6.4 RESOURCES - AUDIO

DISC MAKERS
7905 N. Crescent Blvd. Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1402
PH: 800-468-9353
www.discmakers.com
The nation's leading CD / DVD duplicator, replicator and printer. When you're ready to make CDs, we're ready to make it happen. We're musicians too, so we know what you need to make it in this business: The best-looking product, the hottest-sounding audio and the most valuable (and free) promotional tools, including free distribution, a free UPC bar code and much more! facebook.com/discmakers @discmakers

OASIS CD Manufacturing
7905 N. Route 130, Delair, NJ 08110
PH: 540-987-8810
info@oasisCD.com
www.oasiscd.com
We help you manufacture your CD or DVD project. We also help you package it creatively, promote and distribute it so it doesn't become just more clutter in your apartment. facebook.com/OasisCD @oasisdisc

6.5 RESOURCES - ORGANIZATIONS

Americana Music Association of Australia
music@americanamusic.org.au
www.americanamusic.org.au
A non-profit organisation that aspires to foster the enjoyment, growth and recognition of Americana music in Australia by providing information, support and opportunities to our members and the Americana music community within Australia. Embracing creativity, integrity, and independence, the Americana Music Association of Australia Incorporated works to build the Australian creative and professional community in order to encourage the growth, recognition, and opportunities for the Americana genre within our country, and for Australians travelling overseas. We do this through activities that encourage understanding, networking, and collaboration. facebook.com/AmericanaMusicAssociationAustralia

The Spokane Jazz Connection
spokanejazzscene@gmail.com
www.imaginejazz.org
A project to connect musicians, promote local Jazz and stimulate the music and arts scene. We organize events and jam sessions and more. facebook.com/spokanejazzconnection

SECTION SEVEN: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE

How To Approach Booking Agents
by Jeri Goldstein, Performingbiz.com
© 2018 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission

Here is a how to approach booking agents template that you need to incorporate into your plan if you are putting together a professional team to advance your career.

I hear it time and time again, "If I only had an agent, I'd have tons of gigs."

Or, " I wish I had an agent so I don't have to make any of these booking calls and can then just concentrate on my craft."

Or how about, "If I had an agent, I'd get better gigs."

And then I am asked for a referral to an agent or a list of potential agents.

If and when you are really ready to work with an agent, here are three important steps to take that will help you make a much better pitch and make your approach to an agent more likely to get some attention and consideration.

1. TAKE INVENTORY AND CREATE AN OVERVIEW OF YOUR CAREER PARTICULARLY THE LAST TWO YEARS.

You need to present a clear picture of your career.

Include:

a. a list of all your past performance venues

b. the fees you actually received

c. the capacity of the venue and the number of seats you sold.

d. a list of merchandise sales

If your numbers increase each time you play a venue, there is good indication you are building a following in the market. This is exactly the type of information a booking agent wants to know when determining whether they will invest their time and money to add you to their roster.

2. CREATE A SET OF CAREER GOALS, TIMELINES AND PROJECTIONS.

Most artists are looking for an agent to relieve them of work they dislike doing for themselves???making calls to book gigs.

Look for an agent to help you raise the level of your performance dates, increase the number of dates and the performance fees.

Set career goals for the types of venues you would like to play and present this to prospective agents. Determine a specific time line in which you would like to have these goals accomplished. Then based on the kind of concrete information you've gathered from your evaluation (step 1 above), you can make some realistic projections about what percentage of increase you foresee in the next two years. For example, based on last year's information, you are able to determine that your bookings, fees and merchandise will increase by 20% during the next year and 20% the year after.

When you present an agent with hard numbers they can more effectively evaluate whether or not it is worth their involvement.

3. RESEARCH AGENCIES

It doesn't matter how well organized you are or how talented you are, if you are calling the wrong type of agent, you are wasting your time. There are many different databases or agency listings one can review. You may need to purchase some of these directories, but it will be well worth the expense when you begin calling appropriate agencies for the type of performance you present. Some resources with agency listings are:

The International Booking Agent's Directory (created by The Indie Bible)
The Musician's Atlas
Pollstar
Association of Performing Arts Presenters
Musical America
Chamber Music America

Some agents book specific genres of music or styles of performance. When researching agencies, determine if the genre of music or the type of performance is compatible with your own.

Check their roster of artists to see if you recognize anyone. There may be some acts for which you might open. When finally speaking with someone at the agency, mention that.

Create a list of appropriate agencies and make sure you get the names of one or two or the head of the agency if it is a small company. If you know any acts that are working with a specific agent with whom you might be compatible, ask that act if they would mind sharing some information about their agent. You may get some insider information regarding whether or not it is a good time to make your pitch based on who the agent just signed or if they are looking for new acts to add.

Now you can confidently present yourself to appropriate agencies when you feel you are ready to make a pitch. You will present a much more professional overview of your act. How to approach booking agents takes preparation, planning and professionalism. It is not something you should begin on a whim if you are serious about landing on a really good agency roster.

To get really comprehensive info on how to work with agents, listen to my free audio class, Hot Tips About Working with Agents.

Have you made attempts to work with an agent in the past? How did that go? Did you use any of the three suggestions above to help you with your pitch?

Leave me a comment on the Blog or on the Performingbiz Success Strategies Facebook page.

I can't wait to hear about your success.

For more career boosting tips, articles, books, resources, tele-seminars and online courses, visit Jeri at Performingbiz.com Performingbiz.com

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