2008 Woodie Awards
Promoting music
Keri Todd
Issue date: 9/27/06 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
MySpace.com has become an addictive phenomenon for both people keeping in touch and rising artists hoping to one day gain their 15 minutes of fame. Recently, the point has been raised that these artists are receiving more visibility than ever through MySpace.com and other web sites that serve the same purpose. However, this visibility alone isn't making the young stars any profit.
An interview with Stephanie Moore, 24, Sunny Hutchinson, junior mass communication major, both agents at Triple S Booking and Promotion, and Luke Pilgrim, 19, front man of Last November, give advice to up and coming artists on how to use MySpace and other resources.
Q: How do bands use MySpace to promote music?
Pilgrim: We use it to constantly interact with our fans. MySpace makes it easy for our fans to get to know us because constantly updating and posting comments and new pictures. In turn, it's easy for us to write personal letters back because the internet is at our fingertips.
Moore: MySpace can be used to build a bands fan base and to get people from all over the country to hear its music. Once you have a big fan base, you can tour in those areas and have a good crowd at the show.
Hutchinson: Once the music is out to the public, you properly promote your shows and create a fan base. Then once you have people coming to shows, you sell them merchandise such as t-shirts, key chains and posters.
Q: So after an artist gets his or her music out, what does he or she need to do in order to be a success?
Hutchinson: Unless someone in the group is business savvy, and knows how to book and promote shows, the group will need to sign with an agency, like Triple S Booking. Many artists are just that, artists. They basically have to think of themselves as a business and promote themselves to be successful.
Moore: Most bands do know about the business part of it, but they don't have time to do it. That's where promotions people come in because the bands themselves don't have time. A lot of bands we book have just released an album and they are touring non-stop. When they are in the van traveling the country it's hard for them to do all the promo stuff that needs to be done.
Q: If a band is just starting out, what do you recommend they do?
Hutchinson: Go to open house and open mics. That venue just might get you an invite somewhere else. The business also is about networking and making connections. The more times you perform, the more your opportunities will expand.
Moore: If they are a new band, sometimes you just have to take a chance on them. The bad thing about that, is they if they never played anywhere, it's hard to find venues.
Q: Do you have an advice for rising bands?
Pilgrim: Practice! Spend time learning the songs well, and play as many gigs as you can, even if it's for free. And before you post your music, make sure it's the music you want the world to hear. Just because you can post it doesn't mean you always should.
An interview with Stephanie Moore, 24, Sunny Hutchinson, junior mass communication major, both agents at Triple S Booking and Promotion, and Luke Pilgrim, 19, front man of Last November, give advice to up and coming artists on how to use MySpace and other resources.
Q: How do bands use MySpace to promote music?
Pilgrim: We use it to constantly interact with our fans. MySpace makes it easy for our fans to get to know us because constantly updating and posting comments and new pictures. In turn, it's easy for us to write personal letters back because the internet is at our fingertips.
Moore: MySpace can be used to build a bands fan base and to get people from all over the country to hear its music. Once you have a big fan base, you can tour in those areas and have a good crowd at the show.
Hutchinson: Once the music is out to the public, you properly promote your shows and create a fan base. Then once you have people coming to shows, you sell them merchandise such as t-shirts, key chains and posters.
Q: So after an artist gets his or her music out, what does he or she need to do in order to be a success?
Hutchinson: Unless someone in the group is business savvy, and knows how to book and promote shows, the group will need to sign with an agency, like Triple S Booking. Many artists are just that, artists. They basically have to think of themselves as a business and promote themselves to be successful.
Moore: Most bands do know about the business part of it, but they don't have time to do it. That's where promotions people come in because the bands themselves don't have time. A lot of bands we book have just released an album and they are touring non-stop. When they are in the van traveling the country it's hard for them to do all the promo stuff that needs to be done.
Q: If a band is just starting out, what do you recommend they do?
Hutchinson: Go to open house and open mics. That venue just might get you an invite somewhere else. The business also is about networking and making connections. The more times you perform, the more your opportunities will expand.
Moore: If they are a new band, sometimes you just have to take a chance on them. The bad thing about that, is they if they never played anywhere, it's hard to find venues.
Q: Do you have an advice for rising bands?
Pilgrim: Practice! Spend time learning the songs well, and play as many gigs as you can, even if it's for free. And before you post your music, make sure it's the music you want the world to hear. Just because you can post it doesn't mean you always should.
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