"How do I go about putting together a press release/press blast for a song for an artist I represent?" - Justin W.

 

Despite what most think press releases are quite simple to draft. Especially if you stick to one important rule "Keep it simple!"

 

Seriously, especially when it comes to announcing the release of an artist's new song, event, and things of that nature. Now, you say "Gee Arie, why must I keep it simple and as direct as possible?"

 

Fact, your press release is one of millions sent to various media outlets and daily news wires. You ONLY have 15 seconds if that to convince editors and program directors why they should cover, interview or attend what your press release is announcing. Don't lose their attention trying to sound overly professional and wordy with nonsense no one cares about. Cause, please believe, you will get passed over to the trash w/in the first 3.5 seconds if your point doesn't appear to be in the next sentence. Think I'm lying??... Try the wordy game and keep me posted on your results. [Laughing]

 

Press releases are nothing more than the 5 "W's" and 1"H" (depending on the topic): Who, What, When, Where, Why and the occasional How. [Takes you back to grade school right? Go figure.] Hell some press releases are literally in the format of:

 

 

Contact Info (Blah, Blah, Blah)

 

Title

(Sub title)

 

WHO:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHERE
WHY:
HOW:

###

(Indicates end of release)

 

While other releases are in the invisible format, without listing each "W" factor. You may use whatever format floats your boat. Below are a few links to some very useful sites with FREE press release templates. Also, a great resource is Google. By Google-ing press releases similar to what you're trying to draft, you'll have a better idea of how such releases should look.

 

 

"I notice there are tons of music festivals during the summer. I was thinking about signing up for a few, do you think this will be a good look?" - James

 

Absolutely, for the most part participating in events such as music festivals can be very beneficial to unsigned artists. Especially, those [reputable/established] held annually. These events unlike your local bi-monthly neighborhood show cases have people worth networking with. [no disrespect, but let's be real on the legitimacy and effectiveness of most "promoter" backed talent shows]

 

BUT, there are so many festivals out here; I highly suggest doing your due diligence aka homework first. It's important to review the requirements and statistics for each festival as they all differ from one and other. Some things to check:

 

With proper preparation, artists may use music festivals as their own mini tour [laughing] Seriously! Think about it, you save money on marketing (festivals have great marketing campaigns and once you're on the upcoming roster, you become included in all the promo for that year's event). You travel the country introducing your music to new fans, and have the opportunity to network with people that may be influential in the advancement of your career etc. [IDK just a thought] the possibilities are endless. Anyways....

 

Here are a few of my top festival picks ---- Good Luck and get moving!!!

 

A3c Festival (Atlanta)::Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival (New York)::Trinity International Hip Hop Festival (Connecticut)::Paid Dues Festival (San Bernandino, CA)::Portland Oregon Hip-Hop Festival (Portland, Oregon)::The Hip Hop Theatre Festival (Washington DC)::Manifesto Hip Hop Festival (Toronto, Canada):: Audiotistic Festival (San Bernardino, CA)::Cypress Hill Smokeout (San Bernardino, CA)::Hip Hop 360 - Canada Festival (Ottawa, Canada)::Rock the Bells (Los Angeles, CA)::Pitch Fork Music Festival (Chicago, IL)