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One of the most perplexing challanges in the music industry is capturing the favorable attention of a music journalist. Today, most bands, artist and musicians shy away from those that live and die by the pen. Yet, the pen is mightier than the guitar!

As an artist, you should cozy up to music reviewers and journalists. They are your voice to the general public. Here are a few tips in choosing and working with music journalists.

1. Get acquainted with your local music reviewers. Seek those who know your genre/style of music. If you're a Country act, don't think that a Rock music journalist will embrace you like someone who enjoys a more country music fare.

2. Seek out the reviewers who enjoy YOUR music. Some of your biggest fans could very well be music journalists. If you entrust your music to those that like it, you'll get better reviews.

3. Do not brush off the small time music journalists. The big boys and girls probably won't give you the time of day unless you are big time too. The little guys give better reviews and they will usually submit one review multiple times to more than one publication, website or blog. Grassroots music reviewers get your music out to the people who WILL buy your music and come to your shows.

4. Allow some of the reviewers to hang out with you and your band backstage or after a show. Remember, you catch more flies with honey than you would with vinegar. Always be yourself with music journalists and don't act arrogant. That's a surefire way of getting a bad review or worse, no review at all.

5. Always give comp CD's and concert tickets to your most trusted music journalist friends. The music media people you build around yourself will become your most faithful street teamers.

6. Never turn down the chance to be interviewed. Big or small, give every music journalist the opportunity to get the big story from you! In a nutshell, be accessible.

Nine out of ten times, no matter where you're performing, there will always be at least one music journalist in the audience. Find out who they are and introduce yourself between sets. The friendlier you are, the more likely you'll be getting a review come Monday morning. Sell yourself to those who want to write about you!

Learn more about this author, Timothy Edward Jones.
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