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Saturday, 12 June 2004 |
Have you ever wondered what happened to the promo kits you send out to all those industry folks? Your answer lies in the creativity used in it's preparation or lack of it.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the promo kits you send out to all those industry folks? Your answer lies in the creativity used in it's preparation or lack of it. Ask yourself this, who are you most apt to purchase a product from, the guy who presents a creative, professional portfolio or the nit wit who throws something together. 7 out of 10 kits that cross my desk look like the grade 1 class at the local school had a project and I was grading their work. For a 1st grader the marks would be high, but for a professional artist to send something that looked like a 1st grader produced it, is crazy. It takes no more work and yes maybe a little added cost toproduce something, original, creative and professional. If the packaging is substandard then the product is probably just as substandard. AND where do you suppose the garbage goes, I know I don't hang on to it. If it's recognition you seek, make sure your kit contains the following:
THE PHOTO -an 8x10 photo (not a copy).
THE BIO -an 8X10 BAND bio 2-3 pages tops (not a damn scrap book, with your life history)
SUPPORTING INFO -current reviews, radio airplay & other achievements (what you did 10 years ago with another unknown band isn't newsworthy, it only reinforces the fact that you still don't have what it takes)
THE RECORDING -a 3 song demo is all they want, make it your best stuff that shows your versatility (3 songs that sound alike are no no's) Make sure the recording is great, and label it properly with the band name, the songs and the contact info, that's all (get cassette labels at your local business supply place)
CONTACT INFO -on all materials ONLY your representations contact info (professionals have representation)
THE FOLDER -You know the 8X10 folders most bio's come in LOSE THEM, (unless you have them personalized PROFESSIONALLY, they tell the receiver that you have little imagination) let the kit be a unique expression of you.
ADD A SURPRISE -include a toy, a candy bar, gum, T-shirt, hat, hell even a condom labeled with the name of your band, as long as it's unique.
THE MAILING ENVELOPE -the post office & all couriers have these neat cardboard envelopes that are a far site easier to open, pile & carry, but just so you know the bubble wrap envelopes fit quite nicely into the trash.
COPIES -use only 1st generation copies, those copies of copies of copies are awful and prove you're un-professional (as well,crappy copies of cut & pasted, odd shaped newspaper clippings are also on the list of don't do's). All the info you send should be direct and relating to your music, it is your resume to the label. All the hype, bragging and bullshit about how wonderful you are doesn't impress anyone. Let your product & professionalism impress them. BUT before you go on a sending binge make sure you have an invitation. Many industry folks will not accept un-invited or un-solicited submissions. Those have a direct link to the garbage bin. Everything must be clearly typed, NEVER HAND WRITTEN, especially if like me your penmanship sucks. Use typed labels, if at all possible for the mail-out, it looks much more professional and include a self addressed stamped envelope for any return correspondence. From someone who receives packages daily I can tell you that those that are well put together have a greater chance of getting my attention and those that are thrown together well lets just say, the dog ate YOUR homework. A harsh reality this may be and it may even piss a few people off, but remember this is the first impression of you make it one that stands out not gets thrown out.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 March 2006 )
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