ASK ARIE: [WHAT'S THE 411]

Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo.


As an indie artist I stay up on my monthly music magazines. Occasionally, there are stories and interviews in them that I know I would've been perfect for. Is there a way to know what magazines are going to cover before they hit the news stand? - ___@yahoo.com

Ab-so-freaking-lutely! All organized media outlets have Editorial and Production calendars that provide a list of the major stories their publication will cover that year, by month and the publication's "Issue", "Copy" and "Sale" aka newsstand dates.
I know all this stuff sounds like it may be "top secret" [laughing] but, you'd be surprised what useful info's on your favorite media websites; besides the latest gossip.

98% of magazines have this information available online under the section labeled Media Kit and for those very few that don't should be able to provide you with the same info via email or good old fashion "snail mail" upon request.

Anyways, once you've located or received this information, contact the publication to find out who's the editor and/or journalist covering the piece that peaks your interest. Once you know who to contact it's very important to find out their personal deadlines and submission guidelines, especially due to the fact many big stories and interviews are worked on or completed as much as three months before the posted dates on the Editorial and Production calendars. You don't want to miss your window. So contact the right people a.s.a.p.!

[Side bar: It may also be a good idea to do your due diligence on the journalist] This extra step will familiarize you with their writing style and personality.

Normally, most editors and journalists encourage the creative input of those who take the time to contact them with valid, useful and entertaining information. So good luck and remember there are never any guarantees, but there's always the possibility of making great connections.


TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

More >>

ASK ARIE: [OPEN MARKET]

Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo.




Arie, I'm about to release a national project. My budget is low. Is it better to spend money on marketing or public relations? - Stevie

Although there is a fine line between the two. Before I can answer your question I will need you to answer mine....

Do you have an established-self-sustaining fan base? Think about it and answer honestly [laughing], take your time, [Jeopardy music plays in background] like Katt Williams "Don't worry I'll wait"...

Okay, time's up! If the answer is NO (and yes, "no" includes only being known in your hometown, immediate family, friends, city and state) then I'd suggest starting with marketing. Why you ask? Marketing aka "pay for post" is guaranteed placement of your posters, album cover and other promotional art in key places (i.e. magazines, blogs, music sites, night clubs etc.) Placement in these prime locations make impressions of your brand in the subconscious minds of those who come in contact. This is very important!

Also, don't forget to utilize free marketing by submitting your new music and videos to sites, independent/college radio, and DJs for rotation and placement [consideration]. These basic and inexpensive steps give the public a chance to hear your music, possibly leading to new fans, and additional interest in you. Hence the power of marketing.

Now, if you've already established a brand and reliable fan base, invest in public relations and notify your existing fans and familiar media of your new projects, tour dates, in addition to conducting interviews. These fundamental steps may possibly catch the attention of those whom have seen your brand previously and now want to know more about you.

No matter what you decide, proper marketing and public relations is almost as important as the music you create.


Oh yeah and a fact to remember:

Avoid interviews and reviews for pay. When people know you cut checks for coverage they're less likely to believe the good press given. Of course the media outlet gives you feature interviews [when no one knows who you are] or five stars your latest album.... YOU PAID THEM TO!

Good luck!


TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

More >>

MICHAEL VICK HAS ADVICE FOR CHARLIE SHEEN & CHRIS BROWN [VIDEO]

Michael Vick has some Advice for Chris Brown and Charlie Sheen. We have seen many high profile celebrities self destruct before our eyes and Mike Vick is no stranger to trouble. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback recently served 18 months in prison on dog conspiracy charges. When asked by Lee Hawkins of the Wall Street Journal, what advice would he offer Chris Brown and Charlie Sheen. He says the two should find god. Check out out the quote and video below of the interview.

"Just put your faith in God, Don't worry about what people say about you. Words will never hurt you. The things that people can say out of their mouth can cut you deep and sometimes a tongue can be sharper than a knife. But at the same time, you should never allow that to push you over the edge. You should have more self-control. You control your own destiny. You're still admired by so many people."


TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

More >>

ASK ARIE [WEEK 8]

Do you have a question for me or something you'd like to know? I'm here every week answering your emails on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo

Arie, I feel like my music is getting buried in the virtual piles of emails submitted to music editors. Is it still acceptable to submit hard materials such as CDs, and physical press kits?- f.c.

In one word YES!!!!.... However, with 90something percent of popular media being independent and some even being run out of America's dorm rooms and in the basements of some very understanding parents [laughing] it may be difficult to locate a physical mailing address to submit your material(s) to.

Yes, I said it! Despite the flash and popularity, there's a good chance your favorite music/video site is maintained in the comfort of someones home. At least until they get their numbers up and sold to a larger commercial multimedia conglomerate [laughing]... Nothing like the entrepreneurial spirit- Anyways, I digress.

For those publications that publicly list their mailing address or P.O. Box, definitely submit your QUALITY music and non-spam promos. Heck, some even though not widely publicized... prefer it and I think you may have a better chance of getting your music heard as long as it's not on cassette [wink].

Who knows you may also grab some extra consideration points, cause it takes more effort to package and pay for postage then it does to click a button. There's almost something slightly humbling about receiving an artists CD in the mail; ask any editor that's normally bombarded by a virtual sea of spam.

What say you music editors? Let me know.

Good luck!

TheSocietyOnline.biz| The Blog Site Supporting African Americans & Our Supporters in Entertainment. Listen & Download Free Hip-Hop R&B Music, Videos, Fashion, Celebrity News, Twitter. @itsJazzyFBaby

More >>