"elevator pitch" -- I think I have one.

[mjr]

I've heard it's good to have an "elevator pitch" description of your music, so I came up with one.

"Country Music of Life, Love, and Love Lost"

What's everyone think of that?

Too simple? Too vague?

Thoughts? Opinions? Questions? Answers?

[cmhansen]

Umm... What's a elevator pitch? You sure it isn't songs that are bad enough to only be played in elevators?

[mjr]

Originally Posted by cmhansen

Umm... What's a elevator pitch? You sure it isn't songs that are bad enough to only be played in elevators?

An "elevator pitch" is a very quick description of your music. Think of it this way: You get in an elevator with someone. You have to tell that person about your music, and pique their curiosity before they reach their floor.

[FALKEN]

sounds trite but so is country so it just might be the ticket.

[WhoAmI]

I think that your pitch is a great one for country music in general, however, I would add something that would intrigue the person enough to want to listen to your music. What makes it different that all the rest.....how is it unique....

[cmhansen]

Originally Posted by mjr

An "elevator pitch" is a very quick description of your music. Think of it this way: You get in an elevator with someone. You have to tell that person about your music, and pique their curiosity before they reach their floor.

Ah. I'd have no idea how to pitch music that way. Never even thought about doing it myself.

It would seem like the conversation would have to get around to music before you'd even attempt something like that. I wouldn't want to appear pushy to the person I'm talking too.

Maybe have some business cards made up with your name and site. Then pass them out after you finally get around to getting them to check out your stuff. Doesn't seem like you'd have to pitch to hard that way.

[WhoAmI]

Reading this thread, I remembered this article I read that was written by Derek Sivers of CD Baby. You might find this interesting......


They Know Nothing About You – Don't Assume Anything



People will always and forever ask you, "What kind of music do you do?"



Musicians often say, "All styles, really."



If the stranger you said that to happens to be a fan of African music, watch
out! You better combine the polyrhythmic drumming of West Africa with the
rich vocal harmonies of South Africa, with the microtonal reeds of Northeast
Africa. And if they have any awareness of the rest of the world, then your CD
better combine rage-rap, country line-dancing, Chinese opera, ambient
techno trance, Hungarian folk songs, and the free jazz of Ornette Coleman.
(Hey - you said "all styles" didn't you?)



This example is extreme, but constantly remember: people know nothing
about you, or your background, or where you're coming from. If you say you
sound "totally unique" - then you better not have any chords, drums, guitars,
words, or any sounds that have ever been made in the history of music.



When you speak to the world, you are speaking to strangers from all kinds of
backgrounds and tastes.



Open your mind. Realize you don't sound like all styles, and you're not totally
100% unique.



Do them a favor. Don't assume anything. Say what it is you sound like.
Narrow it down a bit.



If you do this in a creative way, ("We sound like the Incredible Hulk having
sex.") - you can intrigue people and make them want your CD, or want to
come to your next show. Whereas, if you had said, "Everything" - then you
didn't make a fan.

[iceyflame]

That's very true, the minute someone says 'We play like... everything' or 'I listen to everything' I automaticly turn off. Where as if they said break-core polka grind i would be intruiged.

[32-20-Blues]

Yeah, elevator pitch, interesting concept.

Mjr, I like yours, very pithy, says everything it needs to quickly. Also, nice interplay between 'love' and 'love lost'. (For the sake of clarity, 'lost love' would be slightly better, but it is not nearly as poetic). Anyway, I say go with it.

For what it's worth, my 'elevator pitch' (which is also the subtitle to my album) is "Songs of Seafaring Wickedness". And yes, it makes little sense, but hey, I'm very small scale - my Cd's are for tolerant friends only.