by Rose Cora Perry

Created on: May 06, 2008

So You Wanna be a Rockstar?
Vol 1, Issue 11: Getting the Right Kind of Press

When it comes to making or breaking an act in the music biz, a philosophy that I have come to fully embrace explains that in order to obtain success, the first step begins with not being afraid to ask others for what you want. Afterall, the worst they can say is "no," but if you never ask, you'll never know what possibilities are at your disposal.

When I say "others", I'm referring to bookers, labels, potential sponsors, and the media. You will learn quickly that essentially those within each of these career disciplines operate similarly, and thus, one's approach to garnishing media exposure parallels that to one's request for a show at a particular venue.

Just like Canada's high profile clubs, notable media outlets such as Chartattack Magazine, Edge 102.1, or MuchMusic's "The Wedge" (akin to the US' MTV & Alternative Press)are bombarded with press kits, cds, emails and telephone calls from bands from all over the world, at varying career junctures, looking to get their 15 minutes of fame. Like venues, media outlets need to first and foremost consider their audiences and their needs. Coverage of stories and/or events is largely determined by what will merit the highest ratings and/or readership (i.e. once again, not surprisingly what will bring in the most profits). Therefore, the likelihood of a noteworthy media outlet providing coverage of your indie act with its humble origins, instead of promoting a national touring band's appearance in a nearby city, is slim to none. However, this is not meant to discourage you.

Eventually, after your act has proven themselves through a lot of hard work and persistence, these forerunners of the media will come to you. But, in the meantime, don't disregard the multitude of local and internet based media outlets that are more than willing to provide "up and comers" with exposure. Getting your name out there in the papers, on TV and radio, irrespective of whether the media outlet is a major publication, or just some guy with a website who thinks he knows how to review cds, is essential to the success of any band. Just as the old adage states, "there's no such thing as bad press."

Not only is it advantageous to have several quotes from various press outlets on your resume, but you never know who is reading or looking at what. The greatest thing about attaining media coverage (especially through the internet) is that it allows you access to a worldwide audience.

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