Are Music Reviews and Music Press Helpful Tools in Promoting Your New CD Release?

Well, some might say that by asking me, you may be asking the wrong person. As a professional music publicist and music marketing consultant myself for hundreds of successful independent music artists, I can only tell you what I have experienced over the last 27 years plus of doing this for independent musicians. A good music publicist can facilitate interviews for you and get your music reviewed. Its positive impact on your project and career can be more than considerable.

I am writing this article to bring this to the attention of independent artists. Most indie musicians may feel that their music does not stand a chance out there in the sea of hundreds of thousands of independent music releases annually. Unfortunately, with that kind of competition, this is not far from the truth. Most CD releases, without professional promotion, no matter how good, usually get lost or forgotten. However, a good indie music publicist can move your music to the forefront and bring it to the attention of the industry and the public alike with press, interviews, and music reviews. As long as your music is noteworthy, this makes generating the exposure and creating the buzz (if you will) much easier. CD reviews, interviews, and the press can do this efficiently if it’s done right and by a credible professional music publicist.

Album and single reviews, written by professional music critics on credible music blogs and in the music media are read by thousands of potential fans, music journalists, booking agents, music publishers, and A&R representatives from both major and independent record labels on a daily basis. Professional Music Publicists are the curator of these creative placements. This being said, there are still a lot of indie musicians that are just now aware of the positive impact favorable CD reviews, interviews, and the innovative press can have on their project and new record release; while accelerating their music career to the next level.

Our Band is on a Shoestring Budget. How Much Does a Publicist Cost?

The cost for a professional music publicist can vary greatly, depending upon how good they are, how much experience they have, and the extent and quality of their professional Rolodex (contacts-reach). A lot of musicians don’t even bother to inquire on the cost of a publicity campaign with a professional publicist fearing upfront that the cost will be astronomical. A lot of artists and bands are marketing their music on a shoestring budget, and they believe that they just can’t afford the services of a professional music publicist and marketer. They just keep pounding and going the DIY route. Not because they want to, but feel they have to. If you inquire, you may be surprised how reasonable a publicity campaign can be with an established professional music publicist who is willing to work with you. (willing – being the key word here).

It’s unfortunate as well that music media blogs, and credible music critics, much like record labels, do not honor unsolicited requests to review music that is submitted by the artist themselves. This is mostly reserved for professional music publicists and labels with whom they work with on a relatively exclusive basis. It is true of course that money can be a major deterrent to your efforts to solicit the services of a professional. I can only tell you that if you are truly serious about your music, you just need to find a way. If your music is there, this may be one of the only ways to get it noticed. Simply put; find a publicist who is willing to work with you and your budget. Work out a payment plan, find an investor. Just do what needs to be done. Save money on other things – not publicity. It is important though to remember not to pick the least expensive publicist. As with anything else in life – “You Get What You Pay For.” Artists that do not professionally market their wares, or stop marketing their music to save money are like those who try to stop a clock to save time. Pretty Crazy –Right?