The most commonly asked question to the A&R Reps is how can I get noticed by the people the man? The answer is that your efforts need to start locally and work your way out. Following are some very useful tips, suggestions and music promotional ideas that should be applied in your plan of attack for getting noticed.
#1.Rule to live by: Never send your package to a label that doesn't accept unsolicited material. Unfortunately, these days, this applies to most major labels.
#2. Build a Press Pack: This is the best musician resource for you to use because it is an independent piece of product that can be used for booking your band, writing or reviewing your material or perhaps just forwarding it to a friend. It should include the following: Your CD, properly labeled, band name, song titles, and contact person.
#3. Live Shows: Have your stuff together at your show! Know that this is how to promote your CD and promote yourselves to whoever may show up.
#4. Your Photo: One of the best music promotional ideas is a killer photo of you or your band.
#5. Fanbase: Constantly grow your fan base because they know how to promote your CD. How many people come to your shows? Do you have a mailing list? How many CDs have you sold independently? How many T-shirts have you sold? Make sure you have a place where new fans can sign up for your mailing list which is a powerful musician resource itself.
#6. Don't underestimate the power of local press: Get all of the willing and able local media involved in the happenings of your band.
#7. Identify Local Resources: Make use of all your local resources , such as record stores, schools, colleges, festivals, holiday events. Build locally, first then work on expanding. Never consider yourself to big for anyone's music promotional ideas.
#8. Network! Network! Network!: People are the best musician resources there are. Meet as many people as possible and give your card to everyone. Remember, it is not always what you know, but who you know.
As a musician searching for how to promote your CD or looking to get noticed by A&R then live by these tips. A career-minded artist never should sit back and wait for things to happen to them. Start small with big goals and only good things can come your way!
