Hip Hop publicist Arie Goode is here every week answering your email
questions on industry how-to's and important Do's and Don'ts.
This week's question:
Peace Ari, I hear a lot of indie music on reality T.V.
shows. I don't have a publicist, but want to submit my music.
How should I do this? - Miller
Isn't reality TV amazing and mind numb-ingly addictive
all at the same time [laughing].
Anyways, there are a few things to remember when submitting.
For starters find out who the music supervisor is for the
program you are interested in and if they accept unsolicited
material. Many studios and large production companies don't.
Once the submission guidelines have been established,
continue with your due diligence and make sure you're
targeting the right show for your style of music, its
demographic etc. You don't want to send Disney a track
that's perfect for the next generation of "Menace to
Society" [laughing].
It's also important to remember, just like other
media, these music supervisors receive hundreds of
packets a week so you want to keep your submissions organized,
direct and to the point. In this case I'd suggest submitting
all your material via old fashion snail mail with your
music on a CD accompanied by an organized (easy
to read) track list and all artist information. Labeling each
track is very important.
After submitting everything it's always good (and deemed
appropriate) to confirm receipt of material. I'd
suggest via email. Don't call or stalk [laughing].
Once you know your material has been received, go about
your life. In television once you're in their system if
they want or need your music, they'll pull it and notify you.
There are never any guarantees that your music will get
picked and placed, but submitting your material definitely
increases your chances.
Also REMEMBER: Clearance problems are always an issue
(i.e. rights to music, actual ownership etc.) Make
the publishing and master info as noticeable as possible,
especially if you control both.
Good luck!
Do you have something you'd like to know? Send me an
email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail.com and follow me on twitter
at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo