7 Things Publicists Wish Musicians Knew

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.