Building Relationships=Getting Reviewed

Over the past few weeks I've been submitting Highway Jackson's album for review in a number of publications across New England. I've also been seeing this topic spring up on online forums so I thought it'd be a great time to touch upon the subject of how to get your record reviewed, whether it be through your local paper or a music blog.

Build a Relationship:

One of the most important things to remember, and this goes really for anything, is that building a relationship is so much more important than getting your record reviewed. If you go about the task with that mentality it will help the process along ten-fold.

It's way too easy to just grab a list of 25 emails and put out a massive email like this:

"Hey So and So,

I'm sending along [insert artist name here]'s new album and I was hoping you would consider it for review.

Thanks!

-You"

On a local level you really want to establish a relationship with the person you're hoping to review your album. If you can't do that, a simple email like this should suffice:

"Hey So and So (make sure you know their actual name!!!),

This is Your Name from the Portland based band "Your Band Name". I am contacting you
in regards to possible inclusion in an upcoming local music section to focus on our new EP
"Album of the Year", which is set for release on September 1st. I'd be more than happy to
send a copy of the CD over to you but have not been able to find an actual mailing address.
I'd love to get some more info on how to go about this. Oh and I also wanted to thank the "8 days a week" crew for the very large photo and caption of us that was placed on page's 12 and 13 of the July 25th-31st issue. It was a nice surprise. Thanks.

-Name Here
www.myspace.com/yourbandpage"

By metioning a past issue of the publication you let the reviewer know that you're familiar with the magazine. I happen to know this particular reviewer and band. Because of this initial email they recieved a review in the magazine. Because of their music, it was a positive review.

Building a relationship also helps for future releases. A reviewer that you've already worked with in the past is that much more likely to review your act again if you've maintained that relationship!

So next time someone says, "Let's keep in touch", do it. It'll pay dividends in the end.

Over and Out! -Kris

Free Press Release Service

I came across this great site for putting out a press release called FreePressRelease. It's based in the UK, and it's totally free. There are some great tips on how to write a effective press release. Use this instead of paying at first, it's a good way to get whatever you have to say out to the masses, and there is no risk involved financially. Rock it.

Writing a Press Release: Top 10 Tips

Publicity is a huge driving force when you’re looking at success in the music industry. Although it’s definitely beneficial to retain a publicist once you have your music career in gear, you can still manage to create a little buzz on your own in the meantime. Below are the top ten tips for generating your own publicity as a music artist. (Read Article)