r
gg
Jan 2018 - p.9
police but to my surprise the following day I had
three different newspapers phone me asking for
details - or rather asking me for a news story.
This incident taught me a vital lesson about PR;
although it was essentially a crime story, it made
an impression with the readers and
unexpectedly introduced the band to a lot of new
fans. The reporter asked if I was available for a
photo opportunity - which was somewhat of a
relief, because at the time I had sod all decent
quality photos - so I wore the most bizarre and
inappropriate thing I had in my wardrobe and got
snapped for the papers. They recommended
that I also send them a press release containing
details about the band and extra quotes
reflecting on what had happened. This is how I
began to understand some of the basics about
PR. Newspapers sometimes like to hear about
follow-up stories to tragedies too. There's also
local radio and TV you can try to contact. Aim
for national coverage if you believe your story is
applicable. Exaggerating will often backfire as
reporters aren't idiots - so avoid talking bollocks!
Okay, say your band has a blinding new photo
and a well written and interesting news-worthy
item. You might be thinking
where do I send it to
and how
? Well, reporters work for newspapers
so that's a no brainer as their details are in print,
some magazine or online publications do not
give out their contact info. so this leaves many
unsure about how to approach them. This is why
you have PR companies. They cost money but
basically you send them your news story and
they attempt to get you published in the harder
to reach places. There are many PR companies
out there, all offering different levels of services
depending what you may require. It’s a minefield
finding one that will work well for you, but if they
have a solid reputation then they might be good
for you - scout around though.
bit of PR about your achievements from an
external source can often do you more favours.
Reading about musicians or bands via a
publication or an online article is quite common;
it's a vehicle for informing the public who you are
and what you are doing. It honestly surprises me
that there are fairly experienced bands out there
still totally unaware of how to get noticed by
these forms of media. The truth is, many
musicians are waiting for music journalists to
contact them. For some, it's because of pure
nerves or self-doubt, but for others, it's down to
either an inflated ego or having deluded
expectations that the music industry is actually
searching for you - the fools! PR also stands for
press release - and this is what many
organisations are expecting to receive from you.
Normally it should contain a brief news story
about you that a complete stranger covered in
dog shit can understand. Do not assume
everybody knows who you are or what you do.
It involves a wee bit of creative writing, has to
be to the point and interesting to read. Basically
you are writing your own news and someone
else will receive the credit. Including a small mini
biog or link to a main professional band website
helps the journalist get more familiar with you
and perhaps offer an exclusive photo for them?
Think about some of the subject matter you've
noticed in stories highlighting a musician or
band. Often they concentrate on the future and
not the past. However, if you have a good
history, then arguably name drop if it helps by
all means. The more credible, unusual or
exciting your story is the greater chance it
stands of getting published. It could be an
announcement about a new music release, a
success you need to broadcast or an upcoming
tour. It could even be about a tragedy - you'd be
surprised how much positive attention is created
by news stories covering musicians overcoming
unpleasant circumstances. For example; Years
ago my band hit the front page of a newspaper
because thieves had stolen some of our
equipment. We'd previously reported it to the
Nick J Townsend is the frontman and
guitarist for British band Weak13
An experienced Underground musician and
music promoter, film producer and
all round good guy
Supporter of original music
FIRST
CONTACT
CREATING
CONTENT
MAKING
NEWS
HELPING
HAND
