Q: I have seen that numerous bands go on tour, and it increases their popularity - how do you do it? I am perplexed - NY
A: hmmmm let's see...
What is the purpose of touring? To sell CDs.
-Who is the audience for my CD
-Where do they hang out
-How do I contact those places
-Do I have a Press Kit
-Do I have transportation
-Once I'm booked, do I know the local paper's & radio stations, do I have my press release & sample CD ready to send
-How much am I willing to work for... how far will that go... who keeps the door, do I get a share of the bar... where do I stay.
-If I were you, I'd start small touring nearby towns, playing festivals, get your feet wet.
-use songwriting boards and other communities to help you scope out the locale
These are just some ideas - do some research on the net - there's plenty of expert musicians and others who share their expertise! 'Indie Bible 'might help too.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
how do I write a good bio?
Q: I need tips on writing a bio... how should the bio be formatted? Should there be name and addy at the top along with phone number...
~~
A: Good question! I write this kind of stuff all the time - think of the bio as a 'one sheet' - and write it like a newspaper story. newspaper stories are writeen like pyramids - the most important info is at the top. Limit yourself to 3 paragraphs max. Definately your contact information should be above or below (contact information should be on everything) the bio. Keep the format simple & easy to read.
As to what's in it... remember that this bio is part of your marketing... without being hard sell.For me I'd want my bio to reflect who & am and what I do... and also, in some way, how I do it differently - and perhaps how successful I'd been with it so far. Avoid gushy language that says how great you are.
There's some good articles at: http://www.bob-baker.com/musicpromotionblog/index.html
If I can quote Barbara Cloyd - "when you approach people to get bookings, try to remember that to them you are just a speck in orbit around them and not the center of their universe. If you think about what they need and approach them from an angle of "here's how I can help you" rather than "here's how you can help me" it is much more effective."
She also says this: "When I sit down to go through that pile of submissions on my desk, here's what I want to know:· What kind of music do you play? · What type of image do you project? · Where have you played before? · With whom are you or have you been associated? · What do other people say about you? · What do you sound like? "
For more of Barbara's great advice, link to http://www.barbaracloyd.com/articles.htm
If I can add to that, besides getting someone to proof your bio before you send it out - make sure it is easily understood by others.... get some help if need be, this is an important sales tool for you as a musician/songwriter/performer.
~~
A: Good question! I write this kind of stuff all the time - think of the bio as a 'one sheet' - and write it like a newspaper story. newspaper stories are writeen like pyramids - the most important info is at the top. Limit yourself to 3 paragraphs max. Definately your contact information should be above or below (contact information should be on everything) the bio. Keep the format simple & easy to read.
As to what's in it... remember that this bio is part of your marketing... without being hard sell.For me I'd want my bio to reflect who & am and what I do... and also, in some way, how I do it differently - and perhaps how successful I'd been with it so far. Avoid gushy language that says how great you are.
There's some good articles at: http://www.bob-baker.com/musicpromotionblog/index.html
If I can quote Barbara Cloyd - "when you approach people to get bookings, try to remember that to them you are just a speck in orbit around them and not the center of their universe. If you think about what they need and approach them from an angle of "here's how I can help you" rather than "here's how you can help me" it is much more effective."
She also says this: "When I sit down to go through that pile of submissions on my desk, here's what I want to know:· What kind of music do you play? · What type of image do you project? · Where have you played before? · With whom are you or have you been associated? · What do other people say about you? · What do you sound like? "
For more of Barbara's great advice, link to http://www.barbaracloyd.com/articles.htm
If I can add to that, besides getting someone to proof your bio before you send it out - make sure it is easily understood by others.... get some help if need be, this is an important sales tool for you as a musician/songwriter/performer.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
what goes into a press kit + CD packaging
Q: What's in a Press Kit? How professional does the demo jewel case and CD label have to be?
~
A: don't bother with fancy wrappings and jewel case inserts if you're submitting to record labels. They're only interested in the music.
Press Kit:
here's a helpful link:
http://www.vocalist.org.uk/press_kit.html
Don't take my word for it, research further, but here's some general notes:
- a professional headshot (I got my headshot done, I scanned it in, I print it off myself on good quality photo paper). Think about what you want the photo to say -- image is crucial in pop music... get make-up & hair done, pick clothes approporate to that image -
- a "one-sheet" bio
- lyric sheets
- copies of press clippings-
- make sure every piece of info has full contact info - paste a label on the back of the photo if need be
- CD with tracks clearly marked & full contact info
- in a jewel case is fine, but no wrapping.
- any info on CD sales, fan base, upcoming tours, etc
don't forget the all-important cover letter when sending it out.
~
A: don't bother with fancy wrappings and jewel case inserts if you're submitting to record labels. They're only interested in the music.
Press Kit:
here's a helpful link:
http://www.vocalist.org.uk/press_kit.html
Don't take my word for it, research further, but here's some general notes:
- a professional headshot (I got my headshot done, I scanned it in, I print it off myself on good quality photo paper). Think about what you want the photo to say -- image is crucial in pop music... get make-up & hair done, pick clothes approporate to that image -
- a "one-sheet" bio
- lyric sheets
- copies of press clippings-
- make sure every piece of info has full contact info - paste a label on the back of the photo if need be
- CD with tracks clearly marked & full contact info
- in a jewel case is fine, but no wrapping.
- any info on CD sales, fan base, upcoming tours, etc
don't forget the all-important cover letter when sending it out.
resources for touring BC
Q: I would love to do a show up there in B.C. can you possibly help or point me in the right direction. I am looking into the spring 2006 as I should just be releasing a new album. Let me know if you can help. ~ Montana
~~
A: A good resource to start with might be Music BC's directory... it lists BC radio stations, venues, etc. I don't know what it costs, but here's their contact info...
Music BC, #501 - 425 Carrall St Vancouver, BC V6B 6E3 Canada
Telephone(604) 873-1914
If you're a member of a US musician's union, contacting the one up here might help - http://www.vma145.ca/
since you play acoustic... you might fit folk/world... here's a local org that organized fesitvals - http://www.folkalliance.net/
if you're interested in playing colleges/universities - http://www.naca.org/NACA
good place to list your show dates - http://livemusicvancouver.com/?&PHPSESSID=4be11da9d8923ddee7b64060bf7dec3d
It's US, but check out Seattle's 'Bumbershoot' festival - http://www.bumbershoot.org/
~~
A: A good resource to start with might be Music BC's directory... it lists BC radio stations, venues, etc. I don't know what it costs, but here's their contact info...
Music BC, #501 - 425 Carrall St Vancouver, BC V6B 6E3 Canada
Telephone(604) 873-1914
If you're a member of a US musician's union, contacting the one up here might help - http://www.vma145.ca/
since you play acoustic... you might fit folk/world... here's a local org that organized fesitvals - http://www.folkalliance.net/
if you're interested in playing colleges/universities - http://www.naca.org/NACA
good place to list your show dates - http://livemusicvancouver.com/?&PHPSESSID=4be11da9d8923ddee7b64060bf7dec3d
It's US, but check out Seattle's 'Bumbershoot' festival - http://www.bumbershoot.org/
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