Marketing Your Music: The Tools You Need and How To Connect

So, I 've been involved in music for a while now, and I've learned a lot of things about the industry. I'm no expert by any means, but I would like to share some of what I've learned with other aspiring musicians. In addition to news that I post on this blog, I'm going to start adding some articles about music promotion, tips, etc. This first article is one that I contributed to Songstuff.com with a few updates to reflect more current information . . .

Creating Your Press Kit

First you need a press kit that you can use to market yourself to people in the industry, different performing venues, etc. A press kit consists of the following:

• Several promotional photos.
• A bio/fact sheet.
• A three song demo of your music.
• Your contact information, including your website address.
• Any press you've received from news papers, websites, etc.

Next, I would recommend setting up a website with pictures, some samples of your music, and a bio (basically an online press kit). You can easily do this by creating a profile on some of the websites listed below. Then you can link to it from other music websites. These are just a few websites that you can check out:

• SonicBids - the ultimate online press kit; is used by many venues, competitions, and media outlets as a source for music submissions
• SoundClick - free music community with artist profile pages and genre charts
• OurStage - free music community in partnership with AOL; features an online competition
• BeSonic - another free music community with artist profile pages and genre charts

Making Connections

While you're getting some attention online, start making connections with others involved in the industry. It really is all about who you know in this business. You might want to purchase a copy of Songwriter's Market. It is a directory of the contact information for managers, producers, labels, contests, agents, and more. Also get out and start performing some at coffeehouses, clubs, bars, colleges and other venues in order to build your fanbase. At your performances, you can also promote your website and sell CD's once they are finished.

Enter some songwriting competitons. These will get you direct exposure with the industry who often are contest judges. You will also be able to get press more easily if you do well in these contests. ASCAP and BMI are two national songwriting / performing organizations. They have showcases which are highly attended by the industry.

If you do all of this, it should give you the opportunity to get lots of exposure and meet people who could help you further your career. These ideas are by no means the only way of going about advancing your career. This is just the basic plan that I've followed. Just use this for some ideas.

To get further feedback, advice, and to make more connections, consider joining your local or state songwriter's organization (if you have one).

If anyone else has any ideas, please share! - Jessi