From A Promoters Point Of View – Part I

October 14, 2009 | Posted by Bear Mills

Bazz

Foreword – Recently, a local band asked me for advice and ideas on what their next move should be. This led me to think about what Bear and co have accomplished so far with Maniacal Edge. I decided that not only were the band very good but Bear had obviously put into practice a few things he’d picked up whilst promoting other bands. I mean, this is a band that are on the Metal Hammer cover disc this month and they haven’t played a gig yet! I asked Bear if he would summarize the most obvious stuff in an article for Dorset Rock Online. What I got instead was a series of smaller, bite-sized articles which is, I’m sure you’ll agree, far better! Dan Renton – Editor.

Bear + horns

I have been booking bands for a couple of years now and although I am definitely no expert, I have picked up a few tips and tricks of the trade along the way. So whether you are just starting out as a band, a musician or a promoter I hope this article has something that at least someone can benefit from.

Part 1 – Promoting

If you want to get yourself out there, the best way to do that is promote!!!

Although there are guidelines to follow, I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way to promote as it is mainly what works for you. Every band, artist or promoter is individual and has their own methods. What works for someone else may not work for others. But then again, finding your feet and your own way of doing things is one of the first steps.

The first thing is to look to every medium that you know people will notice. Let’s talk about the internet. Internet networking websites such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter are all great for different things. Facebook is great for creating groups, messaging your fans and inviting them to events. Twitter, as well as Facebook, is great for status updates. These updates will help to give your fan base consistant news (and also help to keep you in the public eye and help people connect with you – Ed).

Myspace, although now an aging site, is still, in my opinion, the most essential piece of promotion out there for a band as it gives people the opportunity to not only read about you, but to hear you too. This brings me to demo’s. Check In next Thursday for Part II of ‘From A Promoter’s Point Of View’.

Share this post: