getting newspaper reviews

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scummyjob

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First, do not concern yourself with whether a newspaper will actually be willing to do the review.....
If I send a press release to a metropolitan newspaper, should I send a CD or should I let them contact me and ask for a CD?
 
scummyjob said:
First, do not concern yourself with whether a newspaper will actually be willing to do the review.....
If I send a press release to a metropolitan newspaper, should I send a CD or should I let them contact me and ask for a CD?
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I'd send the CD.
 
both

yes, i would send the cd, but would also send them an email to introduce yourself, and give them a heads up (never hurts). if it's an online press release in the form of an email, i would have some online clips for them to listen to. if it's a press release for a show, you can probably just stick to the previously mentioned online press paks and mp3's, but if you are looking for a cd review, obviously send them the real deal.
good luck - jv
 
... oh yeah, and here's a stupid little trick... if and when you do send a cd to press (or bookers, a&r, etc.), unwrap it if it is shrinkwrapped. you'd be surprised how many folks i know in this crazy biznezz are too lazy to unwrap a cd. every little bit helps.
peace - jv
 
johneeeveee said:
... oh yeah, and here's a stupid little trick... if and when you do send a cd to press (or bookers, a&r, etc.), unwrap it if it is shrinkwrapped. you'd be surprised how many folks i know in this crazy biznezz are too lazy to unwrap a cd. every little bit helps.
peace - jv
Click to expand...

Amen.

...and you know if they're too lazy to unwrap a CD, they aren't going to get around to contacting you to ask for a CD.
 
ChristopherM said:
Amen.

...and you know if they're too lazy to unwrap a CD, they aren't going to get around to contacting you to ask for a CD.
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... no doubt about that, christopher, and the one's that do contact you, you have to be careful of sometimes. i know for a fact of a few writers for somewhat obscure online zines who make extra money by soliciting promo copies from bands so they can sell them at their local cd shop. snakes everywhere in this biz.
peace - jv
 
The best trick of this trade I've ever used is this:

Call the journalist/paper and ask if they received your package yet (before you send it). Describe the package as it would have been sent... colours, what was in it, the name of the band, etc. If the journalist gets a lot of packages that he never opens, it will be obvious in the way he looks for the disc. The journalist will either give you a hint that he doesn't open the packages that often, or he'll ask about the music that you're playing. Have a good description of what you're doing ready so you don't blow this pitch. When he "can't find" the package, offer to send another one out by express mail so he can check it out. Seem puzzled that the first package didn't get there or you'll be caught.

This weeds out all the people who aren't going to listen to the disc anyway and gives you an "in" with the people who would. Then, you're not sending the package cold anymore... he'll be expecting it and might even call you to let you know that he received it.

It's sneaky, but it works.
 
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