[mplpost] Promoting and Marketing

[Lynn Harrison]

Hi Bill,

Good threads.  

Being a newcomer, I'm fascinated to read how things were in the 70's.  Entering this business now, I think one has to first deal with the reality that we're not so special...lots of talented people put out lots of good cds.  I guess the question "why do this?" is another thread altogether, but it's almost always on my mind.  

On promotion:  Last year I hired an apparently experienced and very enthusiastic publicist to promote my release, much as an experiment (actually most of the things I've done I've viewed as experiments, which I think is a good idea).  Anyway, she didn't have as much success getting press for me as she expected.  Why?  Was it her?  Me?  My music?  Circumstances?  Timing?  Strategy?  I have lots of theories.  The experiment, though expensive by some yardsticks, netted me some much-needed admin work, a lot of information, considerable promotion but not much actual publicity. So I didn't get exactly what I wanted (paid for) but some good came of it. Next time (with a new cd late this year or early 2003) I'll alter the experiment somewhat and see if the results improve.  

Needless to say, this all takes time.  I think the 5 or 10 year plan is one of my most effective tools...along with my sense of gratitude.  Speaking of which...

I've been extremely fortunate to have a small handful of people working for me on an entirely volunteer basis, just because they love what I do.  I still don't quite believe this happens...and I am so very grateful for it. One man (a telemarketer by trade) has done several months of free radio tracking for me, which has resulted in significant commercial rotation that I know I couldn't have generated on my own. 

The very best promoters are always the fans.  (This was true for the Barenaked Ladies...but in addition I understand Nettwerk sent them out to any obscure community where they had a following...they built things up through relentless touring.)

Best wishes to everyone who's read this far.  Nice to be here with you all. 

Lynn 




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