January 2010 This month's newsletter features the listings that were submitted to us this past month. The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections. 1. Publications that will REVIEW your music 2. Radio Stations/Shows that will PLAY your songs 3. Labels, Vendors and Promotional Services that will help you to SELL your CD 4. Sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3s or videos 5. A wide range of Helpful Resources for recording artists
SECTION ONE: SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED Great Unknowns Music Expose Leicester Bangs Eclectomatic Ezine Awaken Music MuzikReviews.com
SECTION TWO: RADIO SHOWS AND PROMOTION 2.1 RADIO - STATIONS AND SHOWS The Great Unknowns Presents 1944 E. Brookport St., Covina, CA 91724
PH: 626-290-6977 Michael J.
[email protected] www.greatunknownsmusicexpose.com A radio podcast dedicated to spotlighting new artists in the unsigned and independent industry. Each artist is interviewed in order to give listeners exclusive information about them. Interviews include an exclusive music preview. All music submissions are handled through Musicxray.com Be Heard Radio 1829 Stone Brook Ct. Lawrenceville, GA 30043 PH: 469-831-5423 Patrick Tarver
[email protected] http://www.beheardradio76fm.com Licensed professional internet radio station that plays all Indie music and the spins count. We report to all music monitors - BMI, Soundexchange and ASCAP. Rock Solid Pressure Radio Show JRock & Patty The Radio Girl
[email protected] www.rocksolidpressure.com Unsigned Rock/Metal artists and bands compete weekly for prizes. There will be '4' contestants featured on each episode. One song from each artist/band will be selected for airplay and competition. Voters cast online votes for their favorite artist/band while the song plays. . KURT Radio attn: Drew Slattery (Music Director), 100.7 KURT, Box T-0095, Tarleton State U. Stephenville TX 76402 www.tarleton.edu/ktrl Send us your Rock music.
Detour Radio Show Don Keith
[email protected] www.thedetour.org Internet show featuring Christian Rock, Hip Hop, Reggae and Techno. Upstream Radio http://www.usa4real.com Internet radio station. We are looking for submissions from all genres.
Unsigned Artists Radio Julian Bankston
[email protected]
www.uaradio.net Our primary goal to provide you with a new revenue and distribution model for your music. You will also be featured on our internet radio station which is broadcast globally. Island Girl Radio PO Box 520, North Beach, MD 20714 PH: 301-908-4135 Deanna Dove
[email protected] www.islandgirlradio.com The best free music from unsigned artists from around the globe. We require all artists to register online and sign a release form before submitting. Visit online for details. YouRockRadio.com Uncle Indie
[email protected] www.yourockradio.com The way radio was meant to be! In todays world of playlists and radio with zero personality You Rock Radio stands apart from the rest! Give us a listen and see what you've been missin'. We play the best Pop, Rock and Variety music the internet has to offer! eoRadio PH: 303-808-8140 Ryan Smith
[email protected] www.eoradio.com The best free music from unsigned artists from around the globe. We require all artists to register online and sign a release form before submitting. Visit online for details.
2.2 RADIO - PROMOTERS Radio Submit 550 N. Main, Ste. E, Moab, UT 84532 PH: 512-938-3461 Shane Cody
[email protected] www.radiosubmit.com Online broadcast quality music distribution directly to radio stations around the globe. Help keep the planet green. Don't mail plastic CDs. God's Country Promotions 2501 US 70 East, Morganton, NC 28655 PH: 828-403-0487 Doug Hudson
[email protected] www.godscountrycd.com
Promoting indie artista To worldwide radio. Release your next single with us today!
The Black Label Radio Promotion Company
[email protected] http://www.theblacklabel.co.uk UK based radio promotion. We are successful because we are cost effective and allow all artists to have an equal opportunity of getting real airplay for their releases. Please call us for a friendly chat about radio plugging, the radio blast, press campaigns or retail promotion and find out just how cost effective we can be. Prices start from just £200.00 Planetary Group PO Box 52116, Boston, MA 02205 PH: 617-451-0444 FX: 617-451-0888
[email protected] www.planetarygroup.com Check out our radio team that provides full promotional services at the College, commercial specialty promotion, AAA, public, RPM, Hip Hop and Jazz; as well as targeted radio mailing services. We also do publicity! Is the only time you see your name in print when you open up the phonebook? Our veteran in-house publicity department will pitch your project to the print media moguls to help you get the results you need. UE3 Promotions Jen
[email protected] www.ue3promotions.com Specializes in radio promotion, artist development, consulting services and corporate endorsement acquisitions, along with a state of the art music licensing division. Powderfinger Promotions 47 Mellen St., Framingham, MA 01702 PH: 800-356-1155 x234
[email protected] www.powderfingerpromo.com We have solid connections at over 500 college and AAA stations across the U.S. and Canada and hundreds of press contacts. National Record Promotion 137 N. Larchmont #500, Los Angeles, CA 90004 PH: 323-658-7449 FX: 323-658-7699 Larry Weir
[email protected] www.heartlandent.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. National Record Promotion-NRP will assist you in weekly tracking reports...national chart activity & radio interviews.
SECTION THREE: SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC 3.1 SERVICES - PROMOTION/PUBLICITY iBrand Consulting 16314 Dawncrest Way, Sugar Land, TX 77478 PH: 281-827-9097 FX: 928-222-9097 Derrick Banes
[email protected] www.iBrandConsulting.net National distribution covering all major and independent retail and digital outlets in North America and the world. iBrand provides label services such as securing product distribution deals, radio & digital album promotion, social media marketing, as well as career management. We are also a 1 stop solution for your all of your advertising, marketing and promotional needs. Bulletproof Management 111 S. Morgan St. #420, Chicago, IL 60607 PH: 312-882-1392 Matt Kelly
[email protected] www.myspace.com/bulletproofmanagementchicago Chicago based management and booking services for bands and artists. 32° Entertainment Group 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., Bldg 12, 3rd Fl. Houston, TX 77024 PH: 866-755-9923 FX: 866-328-3479 Terrence Gaskin
[email protected] www.32degreesonline.com Booking agency, tour Management and artist management. In the Spot Light Entertainment PH: 615-440-7234 Shenia Moyer
[email protected] www.myspace.com/inthespotlightpromotions I provide artist management, artist promotions, radio promotions and booking services for Country artists. Music for Film and Television (MFTV) 6832 Zelzah Ave. Ventura, CA 93001 PH: 805-667-8568
[email protected] www.musicforfilmandtelevision.com A collective networking source for film makers and musicians to combine talents through the art of placing music to film and television. The MFTV website contains well-produced independent music for immediate placement in TV and film productions. Carnelian Agency PH: 360-752-9829 www.carnelianagency.com Our mission is to provide musicians with the services, products and resources they need with professionalism, integrity and an invested belief in the unlimited potential of our clients. Our vision is to offer a one stop artist’s services and products company with several departments under one parent corporation. We provide exceptional customer service and nurture each client relationship with personal dedication. CTW Promotions PO Box 40701, Redford, MI 48240 Mike Warden
[email protected] www.ctwpromotions.com We do MySpace promotion for labels, authors, bands and artists. Would you rather have your music profile blowing up daily or just sit there collecting dust? Countdown Entertainment 110 W. 26th St., New York, NY 10001-6805 PH: 212-645-3068 FX: 212-989-6459 James Citkovic
[email protected] www.countdownentertainment.com Represents bands, groups, singers, songwriters, musicians, composers, music producers and music managers to independent music labels and major recording labels for record deals, music licensing deals, film music deals, TV music deals, record distribution and music publishing. IndiePower.com PH: 818-505-1836
[email protected] www.indiepower.com Started by industry veterans to further the goal of helping develop the cutting edge of new artists and labels with innovative marketing and talent. Combining 25+ years of valuable experience with an arsenal of talents and a passion for breaking albums and artists, Indie Power is about to add a few new pages to the history books! Aditude Advertising PH: 770-236-0738
[email protected] www.aditudeadvertising.com Our specialty is helping you find and customize the perfect promotional look that will set
your group, company or idea apart from the masses.
AIF Records/Music Productions PO Box 691, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 PH: 914-510-9022 R. Jackson
[email protected] www.robertjackson.net Artist career planning and consultation. Mailouts in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and or Asia to both major labels and indies. Music publishers, music supervisors for possible film/TV/ad agency soundtrack placement, internet record labels. Music Dealers 650 W. Lake St., Ste. 320 (3S), Chicago, IL 60661 PH: 888-584-0005 x5 Rob Lindquist
[email protected] www.musicdealers.com Licenses music for use in commercials, TV shows, movies, video games and more. We've established relationships with some of the biggest brands and companies in the world. xo publicity PH: 503-281-9696
[email protected] www.xopublicity.com Our firm developed out of a desire to help indie and smaller labels compete in the press race. We offer lower rates and maximum flexibility to make our campaigns run smoothly. XO has a staff of 12 who work on projects as a team. The XO policy is to ensure the continued development of relationships with our artists, labels, writers and editors. Along with press we also offer radio campaigns.
3.2 SERVICES - VENDORS AND LABELS IndieRhythm 160 Aztec Way SE, Acworth, GA 30102 PH: 678-574-6310 James McCullough
[email protected] www.IndieRhythm.com A CD megastore that is dedicated solely to independent music and the artists that create
this music. We've got room for all styles, genres and categories!
Apocrypha Records PO Box 2570, San Francisco, CA 94126 PH: 503-616-3247 FX: 866-395-9752 John MacMurphy
[email protected] www.ApocryphaRecords.com Metal only record company that provides label and distribution services for artists and other labels.
SECTION FOUR: SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS Mixposure Bandder.com StartMySong Broadjam Music Gorilla Music Forte JukeBoxAlive
SECTION FIVE: HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND 5.1 RESOURCES - GENERAL Festival Network Online www.festivalnet.com There's nothing like a live performance! FNO lists more than 7,000 events throughout the U.S. and Canada seeking performers, from local & regional to national & international. Search by 22 different music genres, event attendance, zip code radius &
more. Plug in festival dates with club dates.
5.4 RESOURCES - MERCH shirtmanufaktur Maschenpromenade 23, D-39340 Haldensleben, Germany PH: +49-3904-499111 Holger Jaeger
[email protected] www.shirtmanufaktur.de Screen printing + promotion wear. Organic cotton + fairwear-shirts. ABC Pictures 2838 N. Ingram Ave. Springfield, MO 65803 PH:417-869-3456 FX: 417-869-9185 www.abcpictures.com Quality publicity picture reproduction, posters, 8x10's, headshots & composites for the entertainment industry Band Merch Canada PH: 778-988-4286 Chris Murphy
[email protected] www.Bandmerch.ca Conceived to act as a central networking hub for musicians, artists, designers, producers and engineers working in the Canadian music industry. The core base of our company remains providing quality merchandise, graphic design, and production services for some of Canada’s hottest up-and-coming musicians. Band Merch Canada PH: 778-988-4286 Chris Murphy
[email protected] www.bandmerch.ca Conceived to act as a central networking hub for musicians, artists, designers, producers and engineers working in the Canadian music industry. The core base of our company remains providing quality merchandise, graphic design, and production services for some of Canada`s hottest up-and-coming musicians. Imprint Indie Printing 3449 Technology Dr. #212, North Venice, FL 34275 PH: 941-484-5151 FX: 941-484-5154 Walter
[email protected]
www.iloveimprint.com Since 1994 we've been helping people create projects to be proud of. We understand every step in the process of putting out records and CD's... We know this because we have done this ourselves... From 7 inch covers to posters, CD replication to custom print work, we take as much pride in your project as you do. We are equipped to give you the best quality at great prices. No matter how big or small your project is, we handle them all with the same attention to detail and care.
5.5 RESOURCES - MUSIC EQUIPMENT Dot On Shaft Guitars 37 Livingstone St. W., Barrie, ON L4N 7J2 PH: 705-812-1061 http://dotonshaft.com "The Dot On Shaft name is incredibly significant to us because it represents principles that are near and dear to our hearts and beliefs that we choose to live by. We strive to be independent from the rest, innovate in ideology, intelligent in thought and iconic in stature. WTSmedia 2841 Hickory Valley Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421 PH: 888-987-6334 FX: 423-894-7281 Micah Boaz
[email protected] www.wtsmedia.com CD & DVD recordable media, CD & DVD duplicators, blank audio cassettes, video tapes, labels, professional audio/video recorders and a variety of pro-audio products WTS Media offers the very best. We carry a full line of well-known, professional-grade audio equipment including: Microboards, Shure, Graff, Fender Audio, Verbatim, Sennheiser, Nady, Tascam, Rimage, Marantz, Sony, and many others. Pick Guy PO Box 70, Westfield, IN 46074 PH: 317-698-5141 Marty Camire
[email protected] www.pickguy.com Get NOTICED with custom printed guitar picks! Get guitar picks printed with your own artwork! Our custom printed guitar picks are a great way to promote your band or event and make excellent gifts.
onlineartistpromo.com
[email protected] www.onlineartistpromo.com An internet marketing resoucre guide to aid musicians in marketing themselves online. We’ll do all the leg work to bring you the most up to date internet marketing resources to assist you in getting your music out into the world. The Muse's Muse www.musesmuse.com Since 1995 the Muse's Muse has provided tips, tools and opportunities for you to connect with your fellow songwriters around the world, find collaborators, and get the friendly support you need to improve your craft - no matter what stage you're at on your journey to better songwriting. So come check us out and start building your songwriting support network today! North by Northeast Music and Film Festival 189 Church St. LL, Toronto, ON M5B 1Y7 PH: 416-863-6963 FX: 416-863-0828
[email protected] www.nxne.com Canada’s #1 showcase for new independent music, where fans can catch great local and international performers at intimate venues. An industry conference featuring celebrity interviews as well as panels and information exchanges for artists and musicbiz professionals. NXNE has always been about the music. The festival gives 500 local, national and international artists the chance to rock the crowds and to showcase for agents, talent buyers, media, promoters, labels and management company heavies at a variety of essential downtown venues.
5.9 RESOURCES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES BANDiZMO
[email protected] www.bandizmo.com As an artist your first step is to become a member. This is completely free. There are 3 member types: Singer/Songwriter, Band who writes own material and Songwriter/Composer (This site is for unsigned artists only).
SECTION SIX: THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE How to Turn Your Gigs Into Major Media Events by Jeri Goldstein, Performingbiz.com
© 2010 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission
So you're barreling along, booking tour dates, doing your promotion, playing the gigs and generally feeling pretty good about the way things are going. Yes? But you're thinking to yourself, "How can I spice things up, make them more exciting for everyone, especially the media and bring a bit more attention to this road show?" The answer—Themes. Upon returning from New Orleans where I moderated a panel on "Accessing the Media." My panelists were a music critic, a publicist and a radio programmer. At one point during the workshop our attention was focused upon creating media events to capture audience, press, TV and radio. We were not talking about media events for visiting dignitaries. We were discussing a simple CD release and how, with a little creative mind expansion, some planning and some outreach to community businesses and organizations, you can turn that simple CD release into a media event. So what does it take to make the media notice you? How can you incorporate this approach each time you want to stir things up? First, let's talk about themes. I always teach my seminar attendees to crystallize a description of their act into a single sentence and then into three to five words. If we take this approach a bit further, think about how you can create a theme around a CD title, the type of music you play, your name, the title song you want to push to radio, create a name for the upcoming tour, etc. For example, the publicist on the panel had worked with B.B. King. Not only did they focus on the Blues genre by working the color blue into all the decorations when hosting a restaurant event, but they manipulated a menu of foods to include everything with "King" in the name— King Crab Legs, Chicken a la King, you get the idea. When planning, these ideas were incorporated into the invitations, press releases and all of the pre-promotion to get people and the press excited about the event and what they could expect when attending this shin dig. It grabbed their attention. Another angle that becomes very important is how you involve community businesses and organizations. When you approach a restaurant or club about hosting a CD release, they are likely to pull out their room rental sheet and begin tallying up costs to give you an estimate. But, if you approach them with a theme that reaches beyond just you and your CD release, and incorporates a local, regional or national charitable organization, then they start figuring "in-kind" services as their donation and the media attention the event is likely to get. The theme gives them something to get excited about and gives them a creative jumping off point. As a marketing tool, all involved in supporting a theme become inspired co-workers eager to add their specialty to the overall product or event. It really does get people's creative juices flowing. When the event is coordinated so that a charity is the ultimate beneficiary, media coverage grows exponentially. Businesses are more likely to donate services in exchange for association with the event and the subsequent media attention they'll receive. This attention far outweighs that which they might receive from straight advertising. The event takes on a new meaning as you bring a great deal more attention to the cause and ultimately your CD, your act and the event than would have been possible using a non-thematic approach.
It takes creative thinking, even exercising some outrageous ideas to move beyond the basics and into the realm of staging media events. Finding a theme to ignite your ideas makes it easy and more exciting for all involved. Here are a few suggestions as you consider incorporating a thematic approach into your career. 1. Think about your plans for the next two years - What events, projects, tours are in the works? Begin to think about themes for these new projects. Brainstorm with group members, managers, record labels and publicists as you discuss the next projects. Work the theme into your plans as you develop the project, tour, or recording. 2. Think about the businesses that you could involve in the theme. When ready, create a proposal that will get them excited about being an integral part of the event. Think about how this will benefit them and share that with them when presenting the proposal. 3. Think about community charities that you could align yourself with that would be a natural fit with your theme. If you are particularly interested in a specific organization, strive to create a long-lasting relationship that might span the years as you grow your career. 4. Consider your graphics, posters, colors, and any design features that will enhance the overall execution of the theme to expand its impact on the media and the public. 5. Will food be involved in the event? If so, how can the theme be carried over into the catering? This can be very simple and low cost. When all the players involved are participating because it benefits a higher cause, the sponsor donates most of their costs. When you have a clever theme and a good cause, sponsors will be attracted to your event and want to participate. 6. Will a specific location be important to the theme's execution? Get any licenses you might need from the city or county. Check local event calendars to make sure your event won't interfere with another scheduled for the same day. Now might this cost some money? Yes! Will the payoff be greater? Many times greater than sending out a few press releases hoping they get printed or even noticed. If you plan ahead and build associations as you incorporate these themes into your plan, donations, sponsorships and in-kind services will cover many costs. When you consider the cost of a large mailing or a phone campaign to get radio attention, a media event approach has potential to impact a much broader audience. As you get used to creating budgets for each project you undertake, it becomes apparent how you might dole out bits of your budget to prospective sponsors to have the costs of various line items completely covered by the sponsor. When you being incorporating a thematic approach to each project, the planning, the budgeting and the creativity all become worth the effort as you evaluate the results. Yes, it is a bit more work initially, but the outcome is magnified many times over, placing you among the true professionals to be reckoned with in this business. Step out of the ordinary and place your act among the unique, the outrageous and the extraordinary, who are gaining momentum in their careers because they dared to be more interesting than the competition. It all starts with choosing a theme for your next project. Work that theme from all angles and you will be pleasantly surprised at the end results.
Jeri Goldstein is the author of, How To Be Your Own Booking Agent The Musician's & Performing Artist's Guide To Successful Touring 2nd Edition UPDATED. She had been an agent and artist's manager for 20 years. Currently she consults with artists, agents and managers through her consultation program Manager-In-A-Box and presents The Performing Biz, seminars and workshops at conferences, universities, for arts councils and to organizations. Jeri has released a 3-hour seminar on CD-ROM, Marketing Your Act. The Seminar is set up in 5 modules with information about Marketing, Creating Effective Promotional Materials, How To Access the Media, A Marketing Template and Niche Marketing. No expensive conferences to attend-learn at your convenience to boost your career. Her book, CD-ROM and information about her other programs are available at are available at Performingbiz.com or phone (434) 591-1335 or email Jeri at
[email protected]
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