Saturday, February 27, 2010

How To: Promote a Band/Musician (also a shameless plug for friends)


There are so many ways to self-promote these days. There are ways to get music, art, ideas, etc. out there. It is a mix between media and networking. Here is how a couple of extremely talented musicians do it.

So, my fiance is in an amazing band led by Katie Carlene and Alex Post. Katie's lyrics are authentic and her voice is oh, so yummy. Alex raps like he owns the place, and he mixes outrageous beats. Together they are Customary & Katie Carlene. SHAMELESS PLUG: GO SEE THEM ON MARCH 12 @ SATYRICON IN PORTLAND-6:00PM.

Here are a few effective ways to promote starting with the basics:

1. Myspace Music page!!
  • Myspace music pages are structured for musicians. They have a music play, a space for band info, a space for show info, and even a space to describe a band's sound. 
  • Myspace is free to use! 
  • The page can be made to look unique with cool background designs.
  • It is a great tool in networking with other bands and musicians. 
  • Click on the picture above to go to Alex's and Katie's page.
2. Facebook page!!


  •  Facebook pages can be structured for non-profits, businesses, and musicians/bands.
  • So many people of all ages have Facebook (even more than Myspace), making a Facebook page a great place for fans to stay connected with a group. 
  • It also space for band info and a music player. Unlike Myspace, however, it does not have a space designated for show times. Show announcements can be made in Status Updates.


  • Links and pictures can be shared easily between fans.
  • Facebook can't be customized like Myspace can, but if there are enough photos of the group, people will be attracted. Cuz' who doesn't love looking through a ton of Facebook pics? 
3. CD BABY/iTunes. 
  •  CD Baby is an excellent resource for artists who have produced albums and need a place to sell them. 
  • CD Baby sells mp3's and full albums and get a certain percentage of profits. 
  • Artists who go through CD Baby also are added onto iTunes. 



4. Play shows!
  • Katie and Alex are playing the Satyricon in Portland on March 12 but Katie has also appeared at the Hawthorne Theater multiple times. She's also played at the Radio Shack Tent Sale over lat summer. (Gotta start somewhere, eh)
  • The more shows played the better.
5. Make friends with talented people! 
  • Collaboration with artists in different fields is the BEST idea. 
  • Photographers can take pictures of bands and musicians. 
  • A graphic designer can turn those pictures into an awesome poster. (or you can use my fiance, Eric. He does everything!)
  • And voila! Everyone has something to put in a portfolio. 

1 comment:

clella.iles said...

yep. Using "all the available means of persuasion" (that's the definition of rhetoric).