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7 Things Publicists Wish Musicians Knew

7 Things Publicists Wish Musicians Knew

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Written by Omari

Musicians and their publicists should be on the same page. However, many artists are under the illusion that there is some magic formula when it comes to getting press.

I can't tell you how many times artists have told me they just need to get some press and their music endeavors will "take off".

There's so much more going on than the publicist simply presenting a member of the media with your music or your story. That's actually a very small piece of the puzzle. Here are seven things that publicists wish musicians knew. 

1. PRESS IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT

You'll have to forgive that blog that you're trying to get press from if they're not particularly impressed by only 500 Facebook fans.

You're probably not going to get the big guys attention first. You have to start with the smaller blogs. They're the ones not being pummeled with people vying for their attention.

If you hit enough smaller ones, it'll start adding up.

2. SUCKING UP HELPS, BUT ONLY SO MUCH

Personally, I don't think artists do this enough. I get submission after submission that has no pizzazz to it.

Having a brief (emphasis on the brief) pitch that is unique helps get your music featured.

However, that's ONLY if your music is the right fit for the blog. DO NOT send people a book on your life story the first time you talk to them. It won't get read.

3. IF YOU DON'T DO THIS, IT TAKES MORE TIME

Take this with a grain of salt, but there's a cut line for everything usually.

Understand that there are a TON of people who make really good music. Which means even if you get featured, it good happen a couple months after the time when you really needed it.

Paying for promotion and press is one way to skip the lines. In fact, it usually leads to outlets featuring your music more favorably in the future. It can't be all take, has to be some give too.

4. YOUR FRIENDS MAY BE LYING TO YOU

Your friends may tell you your music is awesome, but that doesn't always mean it's ready to get pushed to all the blogs yet.

I know no one wants to hear that, and a lot of the times it may just be the personal preference of the music supervisor, but take an honest look at your music.

Everything needs to be mixed and mastered, and ABSOLUTELY NO BEAT TAGS THROUGHOUT YOUR SONGS. That pertains to the rappers and occasionally singers, but it's something I hear too often. Respect your music and buy the tag free version of the beats that you use.

5. NOTHING IS DONE IN VAIN

Just because you don't see instant results doesn't mean the effort is wasted. It may just mean to need to refocus efforts. A good conversation can lead to future commitments.

6. DON'T THINK LIKE A MUSICIAN ALL THE TIME

I've noticed most musicians aren't able to think outside the box. Which is odd because you'd think as creatives everyone would be showing their uniqueness.

If certain publications have strict standards on the way they want submissions to come in, then follow the rules.

However, if there's no specific subject line they're asking for, don't be afraid to get a bit creative (don't beg, but be different).

7. BE PERSISTENT, BUT NOT ANNOYING

Just because your music doesn't get featured the first time doesn't mean your publicist isn't trying hard enough.

Don't get all pissy if things aren't going perfectly. Sometimes, it's on you to get the ball rolling with ideas as well. You're a team.


When your song is ready to go, it's time to start promoting it to potential fans! Omari has the best organic promotion services money can buy. With packages for Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, we will get your music the traffic and attention it deserves! Click below for more information.  


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