Category: MARKETING TIPS
0 REFUGEE ALL-STAR SEAN DA ENTERTAINER MADHOUSE STARTS EUROPEAN TOUR WITH SLOWBOUNCE
Refugee All-Star Sean “Da Entertainer” Madhouse is set to begin his 9th European in August with Slowbounce in Brussels; Belgium. This is Sean’s 3rd trip back to Europe this year and our whole staff is very proud of the progress and the HUGE buzz Sean has been making all around the globe. In addition to his busy tour schedule, Sean has been holding down 3 radio shows each week and handling the production of The Warrior DJs radio shows as well. Check below for air-time listings.
TO BOOK WYCLEF REFUGEE ALL-STAR SEAN DA ENTERTAINER MADHOUSE FOR YOUR VENUE DURING HIS EURO TOUR IN AUGUST PLEASE EMAIL: STAFF@SEANMADHOUSEMUSIC.COM
RADIO LISTINGS
Sean Da Entertainer spinning reggae on Jamrockvybz Radio:
Saturdays @ noon eastern standard time http://www.jamrockvybz.com
Sean Da Entertainer spinning hip hop on Spizzle Radio:
Sundays @ Noon Pacific Standard time
&
Warrior Wednesdays @ 7pm PST
0 Jean Brothers Release Trayvon Martin Tribute
(GiGi Capone Pr)- Early Friday afternoon the Grammy award winning brother duo Wyclef and Sedeck Jean released a tribute song entitled “Justice (If your 17)”. The murder of Trayvon Martin is a heart wrenching tragedy that has affected the entire nation by bringing to light a deficiency in our society that has been ignored for far to long.
America wants JUSTICE not only for Trayvon Martin; but for every 17 year old child. Profiling is an epidemic that must come to an end. Please support this song by Wyclef and Sedeck Jean by reposting to your blogs,websites, sharing on your social networks and by sharing your thoughts and comments with them on their sound cloud.
Our Youth should not have to live in fear..
0 What is an EPK and why is it so important?
I often run across indie artist and veteran artists alike who do not know what an EPK is or what it is for. Simply put, an Electronic Press Kit better known as an “EPK” is one of the most important tools that you will ever need to shop your music to media and the industry. The contents of a EPK varies from artist to artist but there are some very important core basics that always need to be included; no matter level of the game you’re on in the music business.
Who might ask to see my EPK?
- Record Labels
- Members of the press
- Distribution companies
- Taste-makers
- Consultants
- A&R
- DJ’s and more!
Below you will find 4 of the most important of a variety of elements that make up an EPK.
- A Biography – This is the real life story of you and how you became involved in music, What inspires you, what you have accomplished so far, where you are currently with your music and finally where you plan to take your music in the future and how you plan to do it. Here’s the catch; a bio should be no longer that ONE page.
- A Discography – A detailed listing of every properly copy-written or in some indie cases “promotional song or remix” you have released. Make sure you start from newest to oldest so that the first thing the reader sees is your current material.
- Press Pictures – One of the most important things that I like to stress to artists about pictures and the press is, ALL pictures must be HIGH RESOLUTION pictures. For example 1280 x 1024 300 dpi is considered a high res picture. The graphic designer doing the visuals for your EPK is sure to have a fit if your press pictures aren’t high res as well; the higher the quality the better the design is the general rule of thumb.
- A Link list- a list of all your social networks, websites and video links so that the person receiving your EPK can easily find all of your online data.
I can not stress enough how your visual presentation is just as important as your audio package and should be shown the proper attention by a professional; you never know who may see your EPK and you want it to be right. I also recommend having printed copies on hand, some labels still do it the old fashioned way and don’t accept email solicitations. Some labels may also require you to mail them a physical copy along with a demo CD.
When it comes to your EPK you have to ask yourself “What makes my EPK stand out among the sea of EPK’s industry professionals see every single day?”. That question alone makes all the difference in the world and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
0 IT’S A NEW GENERATION; MEET THE FUTURE
There’s a new generation of youth out there in 2012 and they mean business. 15 year old “Yung Blu” is hailing out the west like a champion; microphone in hand and ready to serve anyone, any time – anywhere. Unlike the typical kiddie music you hear coming from artists 18 and younger; Yung Blu is come with lyrical content that slices through even the finest armor.
The amazingly talented youngster is proud of where he comes from and makes it clear when raps about being “from the bottom” in this video. It’s no secret that the industry has been in need for desperate change since the digital era consumed it and made the music about marketing instead of the marketing about the music. Yung Blu blatantly exposes some of the phoniness that goes on within the music industry and backs his attacks up with truthful facts poignant punchlines that blows the minds of grown folks and motivates any youth that comes within the realm of his very CLEAR message.
Often referred to as ” The Mexican 2Pac” within his camp; Yung Blu maby not so coincidentally is reported to be born on the anniversary of 2Pac’s death. After a chin checking intro aimed at mainstream for the part they’ve played in destroying today’s youth; the opening line in the first verse for this video is “you doin business with them then you doin business with the devil”. The hook shares a powerful message or maby even cry for help that is on the mind of all young independent artists “ain’t nobody here to save us”.
Rest assured Yung Blu; the industry hears you loud and clear. Keep spreading your message! The real support you.
Please leave us a comment and tell us what you think about this video. info@gigicaponepr.com for Yung Blu press inquiries
1 Is your music worth it?
Through out my PR journey in music I have observed and profiled many independent artists and their PR trends. One of the most significant discoveries I came across is that because there is a severe lack of A&R AND management resources available to to these indie artists; they are not well informed on the core basics of running and operating businesses; in turn their music careers are often affected.
One of the biggest truths in all businesses is that it takes money to make money; there is no getting around this. I can’t recall the amount of times that an indie artist has asked me to do their publicity or promotional services and never even thought about the fact that they will also be needing a marketing budget to get anywhere worth while. Without a marketing budget; PR is going to be a waste of money for you.
The words “marketing budget” have the tendency to cause indie artists to stop and pause instantaneously; the very next thought is ” I have to spend money?”. Artists with out a major label’s budget behind them pay for 99.9% of their own overhead, so marketing budgets are not always a thought in their mindset….. until ” IT ” happens. What i am talking about when I say “IT” happens is when a mediocre buzz starts to generate and “epiphany” occurs. This is the moment that the artist realizes that if they started professionally marketing and distributing their music they can profit off all of their hard work and create an even bigger buzz. Cause & effect. “It” is the moment the artist realizes that it is indeed time to take their craft to the next level. At some point in every career one has to ask themselves “Is my music worth it?”.
With today’s advancements in technology and social networking; there is a lot that you can do for “Free” using “Free” tools and “Free” services; but the one thing that is a reality that if everything you use to market your music is “free” then you can absolutely expect what you pay for … FREE. Ask yourself, “Will I actually monetize off these free outlets?”. Chances are not enough worth talking about; if all you use is “FREE” outlets to market your music; expect people to want your music for free. If people know you will give away your music for free; what reason do they have to buy it?
Creating a buzz that is going to transform into sales is an art form and something that requires not just the know how; but is backed by the appropriate tools and contacts to do it with. These are things that professional gain over time and generate through doing viable business. You can’t can’t cut corners in your overhead in this area and expect real results. If you don’t invest in your own music; you will find that no one else will either. Why should a business invest into your music if you can not show them a track record of you being serious enough to monetarily invest into your own music first? How can anyone else belive in you if you don’t belive in yourself first? I ask these things not to lecture but to generate a thought process that there is an extreme lack of in this business. These type of questions are the BASIC things labels and investors look at first.
Creating strategic marketing and publicity plans that are focused on generating not only a buzz, but a profit is one of the biggest elements in your overall packaging as an artist. NEWSFLASH – the big guys with the money who you want to invest in your music are only interested in your buzz & numbers; you’re only as good as your last game as they say in sports. They want to know what your record sales have been like as an independent artist before they spend money to cross you over into that mainstream lane. Well.. if they are a smart label with business sense they do anyway. A label has to know the potential of their investment and how quick they will see a return; if your independent album sales eat the big one, chances are your EPK is hitting the trash and they are moving on to the next best thing.
Finding the services you need to help take your career to the next level does not have to start out as a “HUGE” expense; but doing your research and being realistic is a good way to stay grounded in your search. Hiring professionals that SPECIALIZE in servicing the independent lane and are willing to work with you as your career develops is vital; you need companies on your side that understand your needs. When sending artists information on my services and pricing; the first thing I tell them is ” take your time to review the materials that I have sent over and get back to me after you have had time to check things out”. I tell people this not only so they can go and do their competitive shops and price comparisons; but also so I can take the time to check the artist’s music out and see exactly how serious they are about their career as well. Good business begets good business. Some PR people will take on any client with a wallet; which damages their reputations in the long run because they become known for putting their “stamp of approval” on anything. It is as equally important for the company who is offering services to an artist to do their research on the potential client as it is for the artist seeking services to research the company offering them. Be exact when discussing what your needs are; also be ready, willing and able to negotiate contracts. Anyone doing real business will always put exactly what they are going to do for you in writing and contract negotiations is the opportunity for both parties to compromise, get exactly what they want at an agreeable price. When all is said and done and that tiny little voice in your head starts to say “Am i ready to spend money on these services” or “Can I afford this” is the exact moment you have to stop and ask yourself a question only you can answer ” Is my music worth it?”.
Gigi Capone PR & Associates specialize in working with emerging independent artist’s and has services available that cater to most budgets. To receive more information please contact us: info@gigicaponepr.com
0 FALL SAVINGS ARE HERE! THE @GIGICAPONEPR BLAST: CONSISTENT EMAIL MARKETING W/ NEW LOW MONTHLY RATES!
MENTION THAT YOU HEARD ABOUT US ON @TWITTER AND RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF! ( MUST BE FOLLOWING @GIGICAPONE & @GIGICAPONEPR )
0 The Madhouse Experience
The Madhouse Experience with Sean “Da Entertainer” Madhouse is 2 full hours of the hottest reggae & hip hop vibes to ever rock your speakers; featuring hot celebrity interviews, features and more! Airing every Friday from 9-11 PM EST on Menace Radio: www.hiphopmenace.com
Promoters do you like what you hear on The Madhouse Experience?? Book Wyclef Refugee All-Star Sean Madhouse for your venue! Email wrasbooked@gmail.com for more information.
Follow us on twitter:
1 PROMOTIONS, MARKETING AND YOUR MUSIC.
As the heart beat of technology continues to thrive and beat loud like a freshly laid 808 drum on a brand new track; artist have began to take more time to educate and arm themselves with some of the most advanced marketing applications and software known to mankind for their music campaigns. For some independent artists the realms of technology are brand new territory and can be a flat out pain and distraction.
The technology trends in the beginning of 2011 appeared to be all about who had the most apps between Microsoft and Google, in which by far Google is clearly whipping Microsoft’s ass; perhaps we will see a merger sooner than later? Now as we gear ourselves up for the last quarter of the year marketing technology trends are appearing to focus more on quality than quantity, being that nowadays any 5 year old with access to a computer can create a computer app before they can barely even read. Which quite frankly pisses the majority of adults off who are still trying to embrace the marvels of modern technology. Ever had a kid give you a digital beat down? It’s not pretty.
As an independent artist who does the greater percentage of your own footwork on your own ; trying to figure out the right apps to properly promote and market your music online can often be time consuming, confusing and a distraction from your main focus; making music. There will come a point in your career where your music starts to create a tangible buzz but you are still doing everything yourself and are constantly feeling tired no matter what. This is called the fast road to BURN OUT on the music highway to success; which can often lead to writers block or fatigue. When this happens it is clearly time to sit down and review your statistics online and in your bank account; without a marketing budget, you can only go so far. Creating a 5 year plan detailing the goals for your music career and committing to stay on track before you get to this point is a great preventive step to avoiding burnout.
One of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that once you hire a publicist that all your marketing and promotional headaches will disappear; fat chance. A publicist is responsible for your publicity; not your promo, That is what promotions companies are for; but definitely not with out a marketing budget. The time that a publicists spends on your press materials, securing quality interview placements, constantly updating your materials and circulating them; is extremely consuming and the standard monthly fees in publicity contract’s are rarely inclusive with the marketing budgets it takes for successful promotions unless specifically negotiated into the contract.
The most successful marketing campaigns are those in which everyone on your team is happy with their compensation for their services, communicating properly with each other, sharing the same enthusiasm and respective of each others roles. Without these 4 elements being enforced in your music career’s plan to reach the top on the road to success ; you are sure to have a bumpy ride and a few accidents getting there. If there is someone on your team who is not adding to your career; they are in fact taking from it. Everyone has to be a team player in order for you to make consistent progress with your music. Leading by example is the best way to encourage successful behavior on your team.
Gigi Capone PR & Associates main goal is to take the headache and confusion out of your publicity, online marketing and promotion by offering all 3 services under 1 umbrella. This enables you to save money and keep your publicity, online marketing and promotion neatly organized with one company. Our unique business partnerships with heavy hitters like Digiwaxx, Virdiko, InYo Face Filmworks and more along with our Press/Media clearance and the longstanding great relationships with the top DJ’s & Coalitions, record pools, top music websites, distribution companies just to name a few things is what enables us to empower your music with the best impact the industry has to offer at or below reasonably competitive pricing.
Each artist, producer or label’s needs for their music are different therefore we offer a free consultation in order to find out exactly what you needs and goals are; then custom tailor an offer that will best suit your needs in a cost effective manner.
Gigi Capone PR & Associates take your music career just as serious as you do and aim to give you high quality service in a time efficient manner; a waiting list is not uncommon during certain times of the year considered to be our full time clients busy season.
For more information on our services please contact info@gigicaponepr.com
