ARTISTS ASK: JOE PUG ANSWERS
posted in: Music News
Aidan asks...
Obviously, it is every beginning band’s dream to have a team in place (i.e. a manager, booking agent, PR person, lawyer, etc.). But, this is more or less a pipe dream for any band without a significant following. What was your strategy in generating a large enough following to be recognized by these types of people?
-Aidan, The Organic Sound Project
Joe Pug
As cliché as it might seem, the answer is to get your music out there by all available means. That means getting out there and playing shows, self-booking short tours and working hard to promote your music. If you land a great support gig, make sure to hang around the merch table after your set and meet people. Offer your CD for free to anyone who signs the email list. Have fliers for your next show in town.
As for promoting, be very respectful to the people you’re marketing to, and don’t bombard them with every small piece of news. Try to add something of value to your correspondence” a free song, a video”in addition to the tour dates and other news. I’m also a firm believer that you should make a few of your best songs available for free. It’s hard enough to develop new fans without adding a financial obstacle. If those songs connect with people, they’ll be back to buy the album, and they’ll be there at your shows.