Good morning all!

As I’m gearing up to release my first album with DiPT Records, I am beginning to wonder - what do all artists in our genre do for marketing and promotion for their music?

As I’m looking at different methods to promote the new EP, I’m looking to do more than just post about it here and on Facebook/Twitter.  I’m wondering if the majority of serious artists that create electronic music (downtempo/psychedelic dub, in my case) use a PR company to assist in promotion, or if it’s all just self-promotion online and word-of-mouth.

If anyone has any suggestions/insight, etc, I’m sure it would be helpful to all who frequent the Twisted boards!

Thanks!

In my (or rather several friends) experience, it seems to be a combination of self-promotion on forums, er ‘social media’ and such like and similar promotion from the label’s side.
Guess it’s dependant upon how successful the label is/how commercial the music is/that kind of thing as to whether proper marketing agencies are used or not.
Mainly due to the fact that those companioes cost a packet and the self-promotion is more or less free!!

Chris

Good call.

I know the label will advertise it to their reach and I will definitely do a lot of self-promo.  Looking forward to it, should be fun trying to get it out there!

My first question as a music consumer is “who are you?” If you’re Shpongle, it’s a done deal; I’m already a fan. If I don’t know you I’m not going to care what PR you shove in my face. Buy ads, send me a newsletter, I don’t care. I have a million other labels and artists trying to get me to hear their stuff too. No one seems to realize that I don’t actually need any new music. I have more than I can possibly listen to already. Frankly, I’m not entirely sure what’s on my hard drive… sound like a familiar situation to anyone else?

You might benefit from sifting through Music Think Tank, Tunecore, CD Baby, and other “new music” web sites for general marketing and promo advice… but a lot of it is just garbage IMO. If you’re new you want to make a big splash and there aren’t many ways to do that. I’d say have a look at what Globular has done. Then again, I’m terribly biased.

As I’ve been working for an established PR firm for the last year so, I have a great background in getting the story told and delivering new music, but was hoping to get some good ideas specific to the electronic genre.  I’ll check out those sites and keep the Globular tip in mind as well.  Thanks!

Honestly, in today’s internet-driven world…
Like Basilisk said, there isn’t much you can do to ‘market yourself’.  It doesn’t seem to work like that anymore.

Your music has to speak for itself. If it’s good enough, fans/listeners will spread it on their own.
Otherwise, you’re out of luck.

The best you can do is just make it EASILY available and accessible to listeners (soundcloud, youtube, bandcamp).

I agree.  While there are some sure-fire ways to exploit the internet/social marketing sites for success, it’s not quite the same in our genre as it is for the newest pop act or mainstream rock band.  Either way, the internet has made it a million times easier AND more difficult at the same time to gain exposure/spread your name.

What it comes down to: Indeed, if the music is good enough, it will speak for itself.

Take your time. I think patience is was what died first among artists with web2.0. As said above, the content is what counts most, not the package. So first take your time with the music itself. Once your on the road with it, you won’t have much time for developing your talent.

Again, put yourself into the shoes of your customers: “Is this music really something I never heard before?”, “Is it a) nearly as good as it’s influences, b) just as good or c) even better?” or: “Hmm, if I have the choice between the new albums of ‘Shpongle’, ‘Ott’ and ‘BrianHDMT’, which one would I buy first?”

“And what can I do to make my live act more intresting?” It doesn’t have to be a Shpongletron from the start, but what kind of stage design could make a good experience for the crowd. This also takes time and patience.

phigital - 20 July 2012 10:30 AM

Take your time. I think patience is was what died first among artists with web2.0. As said above, the content is what counts most, not the package. So first take your time with the music itself. Once your on the road with it, you won’t have much time for developing your talent.

Again, put yourself into the shoes of your customers: “Is this music really something I never heard before?”, “Is it a) nearly as good as it’s influences, b) just as good or c) even better?” or: “Hmm, if I have the choice between the new albums of ‘Shpongle’, ‘Ott’ and ‘BrianHDMT’, which one would I buy first?”

Thanks so much phigital.  You hit the nail on the head with, “Is this music really something I never heard before?”

It’s tough to have patience these days with the resources that we have available, but that’s what is behind a true artist - taking the time to learn enough about their own craft to be successful with the best.