If not, you may be missing out on some timely, great feedback! Let's face it- we all have extraordinarily busy days if we are working hard to succeed with whatever it is we enjoy doing. Seconds count! Budgets matter!As a music reviewer, it means a great deal to me to save as much time as I can by not having to worry about what I refer to as 'second wasters'.
Most Indie-music reviewers are volunteers, and most of us have guidelines on how to submit in place on the websites we publish our material on.
Do you look for and follow those guidelines?
Do you treat us as individually as you want us to treat you?
If not, here are some things you can consider when sending us your projects for review. It really may matter on whether we get to you when we actually grab your CD, or later when we have time to rifle through the tons of mailing materials, useless tape and cellophane to hear your music.The CD's I like getting the best are the ones that are in a simple envelope with a tearable material. Your CD's are not impact explosives. All you need is a simple mailing envelope, and some bubble wrap to protect the case if it's plastic. Some of the envelopes come already padded and those are fine. As long as you don't resurface them with postal tape like you are afraid someone is going to peek inside before it arrives on the reviewer’s desk.I cannot stand the plastic mailers that fuse together like brick and mortar. They are IMPOSSIBLE to open without pain....and if Edward Scissorhands isn't nearby...you are getting tossed to the side, for now - because I can't always locate my razor blades.
Please, think about the poor reviewers with arthritis and make your delivery pouch joint-friendly.You know those really thick mailers with loose insulation in them that explodes everywhere if you tear them in the wrong place? DON'T DO IT! Please! Don’t use staples! They are annoying, painful and if we miss one flying off it can end up in our foot. Budget friendly and simple 'manila envelopes' or plain padded mailers with reinforced tape along the opening edge are sufficient. I've never received a cracked CD case or a bent CD in my life because the CD wasn't mailed with a quilt. Remember...it's your money you are wasting. The mailers get thrown away here.
If you are still having your CD's wrapped at the factory - PLEASE remove the wrappers before sending them out. It is your non-biodegradable garbage. You throw it away.No need to send a transcript for a press kit either. We are interested in the music and enough info to fit on one or two pages about your act. So a 1-2 page bio and a CD is all we need. Again, check with a reviewer you are sending your CD to if they don't provide you with submission guidelines anywhere. I asked 10 reviewers and 9.5 feel the same way I do. Some .5 dude wants your life story, but he isn't here.
Address the outside of the envelope properly. Let us know who you intend for this CD to go to, publication wise. And keep track of who you are sending CD's to. There are reviewers out there that write and review for multiple places. Unless you enjoy throwing money in a bonfire...don't send one CD for each zine in which you want a review published, to the same person.Remember, we get busy and have so many CD's coming in...sometimes it can be overwhelming. And we forget who we've reviewed sometimes and where....but CD covers nag at our memory....
Peace, and Purpose!
Annette Warner
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Promotion Tips for the Local Show Promoter
Offering your community something extra for coming to the shows you promote is a great thing to do. Everyone is suffering at the moment with attendance, and everyone is in need of more 'bang for their buck'. Here are a couple ideas!
1. Make sure the entertainment you book...is truly great entertainment. And entertainment that the following you wish to pull in will enjoy. Your reputation depends on it and your show-goers will talk when they leave about either what a great show it was...or what a bad show it was.
2. Depending upon what kind of show you are booking...one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a promoter is not separating friendship and business. If your 'friends' or local aquaintances just don't do it for your ears....don't book them for your shows. As a promoter..you are selling your ears. And your 'ears' are what you build your reputation on. Don't be afraid to say "NO". But remember to do it with kindness and forethought.
3. Work with your area businesses to offer door prizes at ALL of your shows in exchange for advertising. People love winning things, and music doesn't have to be THE only reason people show up...but you DO want it to be the reason they stay. It doesn't have to be a special event to give things away...make EVERY gig a special event! One of the things I do, is offer up independant music CD's to the first 50 or 100 in the door. Tip: Partner with area musicians, and offer to promote them by giving away demo's or old CD's of their music. Another ID would be to help sell your appearing artists CD's by offering a bonus random CD with it's purchase. It's a win-win.
Peace and good music..always!
Annette Warner
1. Make sure the entertainment you book...is truly great entertainment. And entertainment that the following you wish to pull in will enjoy. Your reputation depends on it and your show-goers will talk when they leave about either what a great show it was...or what a bad show it was.
2. Depending upon what kind of show you are booking...one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a promoter is not separating friendship and business. If your 'friends' or local aquaintances just don't do it for your ears....don't book them for your shows. As a promoter..you are selling your ears. And your 'ears' are what you build your reputation on. Don't be afraid to say "NO". But remember to do it with kindness and forethought.
3. Work with your area businesses to offer door prizes at ALL of your shows in exchange for advertising. People love winning things, and music doesn't have to be THE only reason people show up...but you DO want it to be the reason they stay. It doesn't have to be a special event to give things away...make EVERY gig a special event! One of the things I do, is offer up independant music CD's to the first 50 or 100 in the door. Tip: Partner with area musicians, and offer to promote them by giving away demo's or old CD's of their music. Another ID would be to help sell your appearing artists CD's by offering a bonus random CD with it's purchase. It's a win-win.
Peace and good music..always!
Annette Warner
Friday, April 18, 2008
So You Got The Gig. Now What?
10 simple tips on how to make the best impression at a new gig location.
1. Always make sure to confirm your gig prior to leaving town if you are traveling. Mistakes happen and schedule changes are possible. Even at the last minute, venues have and will toss a new person coming in when given the opportunity to book a returning favorite that is guaranteeing a crowd. It's not nice to do so, but it happens. So best protect yourself and make sure you are still scheduled. If a cancellation does happen. Ask for a new date right away, but never appear rude or inconvenienced to make the venue feel bad. It'll haunt you later.
2. Ask when the load in time frame is and follow it. If you find out you are going to be late for load-in for instance at a restaurant, call the venue as soon as you know you will be late, to find out if it's ok to load-in late. I have witnessed musicians being turned away for their gig because they arrived late at a restaurant that specifically required load-in be complete prior to peak dinner hour. And even though the musician would have been able to start the gig on time, the musician being late was inconvenient for the restaurant.
3. Ask the venue if there are any particular drink specials or announcements they would like announced on the PA between sets. It shows you care about their business and want to help increase the register for the evening.
4. Do not forget to announce reminders for tipping for the wait staff and bartenders. They really do appreciate acts that do that. At the end of the evening, tip the wait staff yourself. Even if they didn't bring you anything to the stage. Nothing says you shouldn't just because you are playing there. Waiters talk amongst themselves. And impressing them is a big part of the game. They will ask venue owners when you are coming back, and they will tell their friends when you play. Little things matter. And you'll be the last, maybe the only, good thing of the night to happen to them. Who wouldn't want to be that kind of thought? :)
5. Clean your stage area of drink bottles, put chairs back that you used and leave things as you found it, or better, when you exit the venue. You'll stand out - believe me.
6. Assuming you liked the venue, add the venue to your holiday card list - and send them a thank you card after your first gig and let them know you appreciated being there and look forward to coming back. But, do so even if you don't want to gig there again, it's easy enough to 'not be available'. But it's not easy to recover from being unappreciative. Again...you'll stand out.
7. Give the venue a CD for their overhead player. Many venues will play them. Especially for the ones that have made the best impression.
8. Offer their customers some raffle prizes through the night. Play some games like "First one to buy the newest drink on the menu, gets a free t-shirt" Always come prepared to give away things at your gigs. It really does make a difference and it's easy to do.
9. Make an effort to remember names of the staff so you can name them on stage. "Billy behind the bar makes a fabulous Margarita guys - go grab one!" or "Lisa is a fabulous waiter everyone, remember to tip her good.", sounds so personal and warm. You just can't help but like someone who calls your name from a stage :)
10. BE ON TIME starting, and stopping your gig. Leave it up to the venue to ask you to play later if it's an option. Or if the crowd is going strong, think to ask them if they want you to play longer. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and don't hesitate to barter if you've done a fabulous job at maintaining the crowd. Offer to stay another hour for a certain sum of money. (whatever applies, but be fair) Most would be happy to let you play all night as long as they are making money, but don't assume, and don't stop cold and empty the place without showing you care enough to ask what they would like for you to do. And whatever you do....avoid taking breaks when it's starting to pick up, and when you do..keep them short. You are being paid to play, not drink and sit around.
Happy giggin'!
Annette Warner
1. Always make sure to confirm your gig prior to leaving town if you are traveling. Mistakes happen and schedule changes are possible. Even at the last minute, venues have and will toss a new person coming in when given the opportunity to book a returning favorite that is guaranteeing a crowd. It's not nice to do so, but it happens. So best protect yourself and make sure you are still scheduled. If a cancellation does happen. Ask for a new date right away, but never appear rude or inconvenienced to make the venue feel bad. It'll haunt you later.
2. Ask when the load in time frame is and follow it. If you find out you are going to be late for load-in for instance at a restaurant, call the venue as soon as you know you will be late, to find out if it's ok to load-in late. I have witnessed musicians being turned away for their gig because they arrived late at a restaurant that specifically required load-in be complete prior to peak dinner hour. And even though the musician would have been able to start the gig on time, the musician being late was inconvenient for the restaurant.
3. Ask the venue if there are any particular drink specials or announcements they would like announced on the PA between sets. It shows you care about their business and want to help increase the register for the evening.
4. Do not forget to announce reminders for tipping for the wait staff and bartenders. They really do appreciate acts that do that. At the end of the evening, tip the wait staff yourself. Even if they didn't bring you anything to the stage. Nothing says you shouldn't just because you are playing there. Waiters talk amongst themselves. And impressing them is a big part of the game. They will ask venue owners when you are coming back, and they will tell their friends when you play. Little things matter. And you'll be the last, maybe the only, good thing of the night to happen to them. Who wouldn't want to be that kind of thought? :)
5. Clean your stage area of drink bottles, put chairs back that you used and leave things as you found it, or better, when you exit the venue. You'll stand out - believe me.
6. Assuming you liked the venue, add the venue to your holiday card list - and send them a thank you card after your first gig and let them know you appreciated being there and look forward to coming back. But, do so even if you don't want to gig there again, it's easy enough to 'not be available'. But it's not easy to recover from being unappreciative. Again...you'll stand out.
7. Give the venue a CD for their overhead player. Many venues will play them. Especially for the ones that have made the best impression.
8. Offer their customers some raffle prizes through the night. Play some games like "First one to buy the newest drink on the menu, gets a free t-shirt" Always come prepared to give away things at your gigs. It really does make a difference and it's easy to do.
9. Make an effort to remember names of the staff so you can name them on stage. "Billy behind the bar makes a fabulous Margarita guys - go grab one!" or "Lisa is a fabulous waiter everyone, remember to tip her good.", sounds so personal and warm. You just can't help but like someone who calls your name from a stage :)
10. BE ON TIME starting, and stopping your gig. Leave it up to the venue to ask you to play later if it's an option. Or if the crowd is going strong, think to ask them if they want you to play longer. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and don't hesitate to barter if you've done a fabulous job at maintaining the crowd. Offer to stay another hour for a certain sum of money. (whatever applies, but be fair) Most would be happy to let you play all night as long as they are making money, but don't assume, and don't stop cold and empty the place without showing you care enough to ask what they would like for you to do. And whatever you do....avoid taking breaks when it's starting to pick up, and when you do..keep them short. You are being paid to play, not drink and sit around.
Happy giggin'!
Annette Warner
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thanks for visiting!
This blog space will hold a wealth of opinion, articles, interviews and announcements written by me. Articles and interviews are available, in whole or part, for reprint with express written permission only. If any item has been previously published elsewhere, it will say so along with the month and year of publication.
All posted content of this blog is copyright 1995-2008 Annette Warner
All posted content of this blog is copyright 1995-2008 Annette Warner
Monday, April 7, 2008
Fundraising - How To Do It Right - Part ll
In my last article about Fundraising, I covered some very important issues regarding fundraising as a musician and how to properly account for your "self-less"work in the name of charities. What I want to cover is how to promote a fundraising event to help you get maximum exposure and attendance.A big mistake people make when organizing fundraising events, is assuming that just because you are doing something for a good cause...that people will come. That's simply not true. If the truth is to be known, fundraising events must work harder to attract attendee's than a regular event. Why? Because everyone wants money, and everyone needs money. And people get tired of giving money. Plain and simple. Not only that, it's difficult to tell anymore who is honest and really out for the cause and who is out for themselves in the name of a cause. So instead of worrying about it...most people don't give anything...or they give to the known and familiar efforts. So, your goal should be to become one of those known and familiar events. How do you do that? Well, it doesn't happen overnight. Here are just a few ideas to help you, help your cause more productively.
1. Think of ways your event can stand out...and promote those ways. Your event needs to be different. Like a song. Find a new way to do the same thing. Invent a gimmick for your event and make it stick. Avoid "cheesy", but come up with something that sets you apart and pleases the crowd.
2. Find out what other type of events for charity go on in your hometown. If there are events too similar to yours...network with someone. Most organizations can't have enough volunteers. And you could add something different to their current calendar of events rather than start your own thing. Don't step on the toes of another organizer for the same type of cause. It's worth your while to attend area club meetings and get to know the commuity leaders. It's always better to work with someone than as a separate entity. After all...it's about the cause right?
3. Remember that the more you do it, the more it will grow. The more events you have and the more press you get, the more legitimate you become to the public. Don't get discouraged if the first one or two events flop. The most important thing to do is stay consistant. People just respond to things that are consistant much more.
4. Find out what businesses other charities use as sponsors, and stay away from their sponsors. It's never good politics to try and tap in on what someone else already has or do what someone else already does. Don't copy other people. Be unique. Even if you come up with good ideas on your own - people will still accuse you of stealing them, so make sure you don't :)
5. Immediately after the event - send a thank you note in the form of a press release to your community. Mention all sponsors, and let the public know how much money was raised and how much will be going to the charity for each event.
6. Always remember that your fundraising event is about the cause you are raising money for. Not you. Don't be a ham. And avoid the "I" syndrome. Never forget to thank people that help you and don't take anyone for granted that offers their assistance.
In closing, my favorite quote from Jerry Springer comes to mind - "Take care of yourself....and each other"
Rock On!
Annette Warner
1. Think of ways your event can stand out...and promote those ways. Your event needs to be different. Like a song. Find a new way to do the same thing. Invent a gimmick for your event and make it stick. Avoid "cheesy", but come up with something that sets you apart and pleases the crowd.
2. Find out what other type of events for charity go on in your hometown. If there are events too similar to yours...network with someone. Most organizations can't have enough volunteers. And you could add something different to their current calendar of events rather than start your own thing. Don't step on the toes of another organizer for the same type of cause. It's worth your while to attend area club meetings and get to know the commuity leaders. It's always better to work with someone than as a separate entity. After all...it's about the cause right?
3. Remember that the more you do it, the more it will grow. The more events you have and the more press you get, the more legitimate you become to the public. Don't get discouraged if the first one or two events flop. The most important thing to do is stay consistant. People just respond to things that are consistant much more.
4. Find out what businesses other charities use as sponsors, and stay away from their sponsors. It's never good politics to try and tap in on what someone else already has or do what someone else already does. Don't copy other people. Be unique. Even if you come up with good ideas on your own - people will still accuse you of stealing them, so make sure you don't :)
5. Immediately after the event - send a thank you note in the form of a press release to your community. Mention all sponsors, and let the public know how much money was raised and how much will be going to the charity for each event.
6. Always remember that your fundraising event is about the cause you are raising money for. Not you. Don't be a ham. And avoid the "I" syndrome. Never forget to thank people that help you and don't take anyone for granted that offers their assistance.
In closing, my favorite quote from Jerry Springer comes to mind - "Take care of yourself....and each other"
Rock On!
Annette Warner
Fundraising - How To Do It Right - Part ll
In my last article about Fundraising, I covered some very important issues regarding fundraising as a musician and how to properly account for your "self-less"work in the name of charities. What I want to cover is how to promote a fundraising event to help you get maximum exposure and attendance.A big mistake people make when organizing fundraising events, is assuming that just because you are doing something for a good cause...that people will come. That's simply not true. If the truth is to be known, fundraising events must work harder to attract attendee's than a regular event. Why? Because everyone wants money, and everyone needs money. And people get tired of giving money. Plain and simple. Not only that, it's difficult to tell anymore who is honest and really out for the cause and who is out for themselves in the name of a cause. So instead of worrying about it...most people don't give anything...or they give to the known and familiar efforts. So, your goal should be to become one of those known and familiar events. How do you do that? Well, it doesn't happen overnight. Here are just a few ideas to help you, help your cause more productively.
1. Think of ways your event can stand out...and promote those ways. Your event needs to be different. Like a song. Find a new way to do the same thing. Invent a gimmick for your event and make it stick. Avoid "cheesy", but come up with something that sets you apart and pleases the crowd.
2. Find out what other type of events for charity go on in your hometown. If there are events too similar to yours...network with someone. Most organizations can't have enough volunteers. And you could add something different to their current calendar of events rather than start your own thing. Don't step on the toes of another organizer for the same type of cause. It's worth your while to attend area club meetings and get to know the commuity leaders. It's always better to work with someone than as a separate entity. After all...it's about the cause right?
3. Remember that the more you do it, the more it will grow. The more events you have and the more press you get, the more legitimate you become to the public. Don't get discouraged if the first one or two events flop. The most important thing to do is stay consistant. People just respond to things that are consistant much more.
4. Find out what businesses other charities use as sponsors, and stay away from their sponsors. It's never good politics to try and tap in on what someone else already has or do what someone else already does. Don't copy other people. Be unique. Even if you come up with good ideas on your own - people will still accuse you of stealing them, so make sure you don't :)
5. Immediately after the event - send a thank you note in the form of a press release to your community. Mention all sponsors, and let the public know how much money was raised and how much will be going to the charity for each event.
6. Always remember that your fundraising event is about the cause you are raising money for. Not you. Don't be a ham. And avoid the "I" syndrome. Never forget to thank people that help you and don't take anyone for granted that offers their assistance.
In closing, my favorite quote from Jerry Springer comes to mind - "Take care of yourself....and each other"
Rock On!
Annette Warner
1. Think of ways your event can stand out...and promote those ways. Your event needs to be different. Like a song. Find a new way to do the same thing. Invent a gimmick for your event and make it stick. Avoid "cheesy", but come up with something that sets you apart and pleases the crowd.
2. Find out what other type of events for charity go on in your hometown. If there are events too similar to yours...network with someone. Most organizations can't have enough volunteers. And you could add something different to their current calendar of events rather than start your own thing. Don't step on the toes of another organizer for the same type of cause. It's worth your while to attend area club meetings and get to know the commuity leaders. It's always better to work with someone than as a separate entity. After all...it's about the cause right?
3. Remember that the more you do it, the more it will grow. The more events you have and the more press you get, the more legitimate you become to the public. Don't get discouraged if the first one or two events flop. The most important thing to do is stay consistant. People just respond to things that are consistant much more.
4. Find out what businesses other charities use as sponsors, and stay away from their sponsors. It's never good politics to try and tap in on what someone else already has or do what someone else already does. Don't copy other people. Be unique. Even if you come up with good ideas on your own - people will still accuse you of stealing them, so make sure you don't :)
5. Immediately after the event - send a thank you note in the form of a press release to your community. Mention all sponsors, and let the public know how much money was raised and how much will be going to the charity for each event.
6. Always remember that your fundraising event is about the cause you are raising money for. Not you. Don't be a ham. And avoid the "I" syndrome. Never forget to thank people that help you and don't take anyone for granted that offers their assistance.
In closing, my favorite quote from Jerry Springer comes to mind - "Take care of yourself....and each other"
Rock On!
Annette Warner
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