What's that Darling?

To be graced with the presence of Dessa Darling, who accounts for 1/7 of the Doomtree Hiphop Collective, raps, sings, and is responsible for the groups promotional necessities, seems a veritable honor.  On that account, I listened intently to her words of wisdom.  This is what she had to say:

There are two dominant aspects to gaining publicity and visiblility in the world of music: the entrepreneurial and the promotional.

So what does this mean; what is the entrepreneurial aspect of the music business?

If you want to make it big, you want to get signed, but there are pitfalls.  A serious problem in the realm of record deals is shelving.  Apparently this is a killer; labels will sign artists with the intent of keeping them quiet.  It's a perverse way of eliminating the competition.  If you and someone like you are both on the horizon of stardom, you may both be signed.  What you're not told is that one of you may be signed purely to keep the other unopposed.  Not cool record companies.  Keep an eye out hopeful artists!

 Let's not forget the promotional side of things...

If you've got an upcoming show or *gasp* album release, the public must be made aware.  Be sure to get the news into papers, blogs, and on the air.  Show attendance will see improvement and publicity is almost always welcomed.  What does one send to these promotional beacons? A bio, of course!  Be sure to only include "the coolest, most interesting stuff" (Dessa's words, not mine); 200 to 250 words oughta do it, and no introspective analysis.  Save that stuff for later in the game.  Here's what you should include:

• Who does your music sound like -> 5 artists you sound like and then use to generate adjectives with no mention of the artists.
• What is a live show like?  (How does it look? How does it feel? What is the band doing? What is the crowd doing?)
• What are your players like as people? (Personalities? Notable histories?)

Include this in a press release with a music sample and at least 3 photos (a few black & white, a few color, all hi-res).

Make contact with these things one month before the event... Wait, contact?  Oh yeah, you should have a "press list".  Basically, it's the names and contact info of all your press connections.  Don't have one?  Start compiling!

Side notes: A show should be the friday after an album release.  The album release should be on a Tuesday... otherwise, you'll look like an amateur.

Thanks Darling!