Introduction letter

[digit]

When you send a CD to a college radio station or send a demo basically anywhere.... how do you compose your introduction letter?

I know enough to send a biography, press quotes and band photo, but how do you introduce yourself in a letter without sounding like some vain goofball, or repeat one of those dumb 'puposely funny' mistakes that other people have probably done a million times.

[Massive Master]

Every possible maketing ploy has been tried.

Send some candy in the box or envelope. At least they'll have something to much on when they listen to it.

Jolly Ranchers are good because they last pretty long...

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

[digit]

heh... it'd just be my luck that the guy'd choke on it and I'd
be charged with manslaughter or something

[johneeeveee]

a simple letter that specifically addresses the particular media (radio, press, booker, venue, etc) is all that you need . short and to the point is always appreciated by those on the recieving end, and the less like a form letter, the better. people spend way too much time compiling and sending off way too much stuff that will never all be looked at.
peace - jv

[BrettB]

I also often wonder about that, but I try to think what I would like if I was the receiving one.

I often write Cd reviews for a Belgian magazine, and when I receive a Cd I expect a bio that is to the point with enough information, but not too much. A Bio with just a few lines is way too short, but when you get several papers with unnecesarry background information you aren't tempted to read it.

It also depends on whiom you're sending it to. Journalist want different info than radio station or concert venues.

the hardest thing is how to adress your band. When you are too vain (you know those bio's saying 'this is the reveltion of the year') but you have to sound confident. Not an easy job.

[Blue Bear Sound]

Hate to break it to ya........ but you won't get much response (if any) from cold-call demos......

Labels receive so many submissions they can't possibly listen to them -- so they usually end-up shit-canned....

The only way nowadays to get a label to listen is through the ears of someone they already trust (ie, producer, scout, employee...)

[BrettB]

Originally posted by Blue Bear Sound
Hate to break it to ya........ but you won't get much response (if any) from cold-call demos......

Labels receive so many submissions they can't possibly listen to them -- so they usually end-up shit-canned....

The only way nowadays to get a label to listen is through the ears of someone they already trust (ie, producer, scout, employee...)

you're right regarding big labels, butbio's stay necesarry when sending demo's for concerts, pubs or press. Another thing is you have to follow what you send: I always phone or mail to who I have send a demo.

[pashop]

Originally posted by BrettB
I also often wonder about that, but I try to think what I would like if I was the receiving one.

I often write Cd reviews for a Belgian magazine, and when I receive a Cd I expect a bio that is to the point with enough information, but not too much. A Bio with just a few lines is way too short, but when you get several papers with unnecesarry background information you aren't tempted to read it.

It also depends on whiom you're sending it to. Journalist want different info than radio station or concert venues.

the hardest thing is how to adress your band. When you are too vain (you know those bio's saying 'this is the reveltion of the year') but you have to sound confident. Not an easy job.

Man I love Belgium .......I would kill for frit and mayo and a cold stella ....its been a while.

[pashop]

Keep it short ,sweet , easy to read with info to get to your website. If you blow them away with your music they will head there. The big thing is follow up.......if you don't it will end up in the pile. As far as they are concerned they might have the only copy of this made....you need to call, fax and email within seven days of shipping the once a week after that. Some are going to tell you to screw off and others are going to give you an "ADD"
Learn to take rejection well....its all part of it

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[jonhall5446]

Hello up there?

There are some great articles on Press Kits and everything else you want to know @ getsigned.com

I have learned a lot from their articles