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The music industry is competitive. In order to standout and be recognized, it will take more than just great music. When self-promoting, an artist should begin by creating a professional portfolio. This portfolio can include items such as a well-written biography, a press release and photos or video that will help promoters see your talent in a professional light. A hand-written flyer or quickly thrown together biography with spelling and grammar errors can be a turn-off to most promoters. In addition, blurry photos and videos will make it difficult for a promoter to feature an artist on a website. This type of hastily submitted information will say “amateur” to promoters even if the music is phenomenal.
Think of self-promoting as laying the ground work for your success. As an independent recording artist, your music comes naturally, but you still have to practice to continually grow. The same is true of promoting your work. You have to keep your biography, press information and photos/videos fresh and professional to showcase who you are musically. Perhaps writing and photography are not your strong points. If you have the financial means it may be well worth it to pay to have a professional writer complete your biographical and press information for you. You may also want to consider having professional portraits or video done. If this is not possible, talk to family and friends and see if they have the talent to help you. For example, an English teacher may be able to help you write a well composed biography and press release. You may also discover an up and coming photographer in the family who would produce higher quality pictures or video than you can on your own.
Promoters want to put your music out there. However, in the competitive market, the independent recording artist with not only the sound but the professional submission information will get ahead. Taking the time to really sell not just your music but the whole package will make a huge difference in self-promotion. If you go the extra-mile with your professional portfolio, you will see more doors open. Promoters will be more willing to step-up and feature you on their websites and get you the exposure you deserve as an artist and music professional.
