LTATM EP 9 The Evolution of Music Promotions
LTATM EP 9 Evolution of Music Promotions
Join Shels L Pixi on Let’s Talk About The Music as she explores music promotions' history and industry evolution. Special Guests: Morgue Seattle – Burlesque Super Villainess & Twice-Elected Gothic Royalty; Stephen James Moore – Founder of Independent Music Promotions.
LTATM Episode 9:
Evolution of Music Promotions
Promoting anything—an event, a festival, a product, or an experience—is essential in letting the world know what you have to offer. Promoting bands is no different, but it can be extra challenging for independent musicians to get the word out about new and lesser-known acts. Many artists struggle to expand their audiences on their own. Well, Let's Talk About The Music is here to assist. As Lennon and McCartney's hit song suggests, "I get by with a little help from my friends." (I'm sure you recognize it from the Beatles' 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.)
A Brief History of Promotional Efforts
Band promotions in general have benefited from targeted marketing by record labels, the rise of digital distribution, and band merchandise. The last item includes such things as T-shirts, badges, and buttons. Band merchandise exploded in popularity in the 1970s, and credit is often given to Bill Graham, a German-born concert promoter, for pioneering this promotional method. Some notable examples include the Monkees' creation of their 1967 tour concert T-shirt; the Grateful Dead's 1971 launching of their iconic tye-dye style; Vivienne Westwood's punk movement "Destroy" shirt; and Cey Adams' popular Run-DMC tees.
Independent bands historically struggled to gain recognition and be signed by mainstream record labels, so the proliferation of independent labels has been an enormous benefit for independent musicians. The Velvet Underground was among the first bands to build a strong cult following via an indie label, and the 1990s witnessed a surge in influential independent recording companies. Fanzines and indie music reviews also grew in popularity during this time, but it was the advent of the internet that explosively expanded independent promotional opportunities. Combined with digital distribution advancements, it became possible for music to easily spread all around the world through a variety of online sources. (Radiohead's 2000 release, Kid A, was the first album to be entirely promoted online.)
LTATM Episode 9 Guests
Morgue Anne
We are joined in Ep. 9 by Morgue Anne, Seattle's own Burlesque Super Villainess and twice-elected Gothic Pride Royalty. She has been promoting all over the PNW for many years. Whether it's for her burlesque shows or in support of Puget Sound Pagan Pride, Morgue Anne is a pro at getting the word out to people. With her vibrant red hair and even more vibrant personality, she possesses an electric sex appeal.
Morgue Anne has been the booking director for Seattle's historic Rendezvous venue for the past eleven years. She has also been named Miss Goth by Gothic Pride of Seattle, is the founder and CEO of Morgue Anne Presents, and was a volunteer coordinator for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival. When it comes to promotion, Morgue Anne knows her stuff!
Stephen James Moore
We are also joined by Stephen James Moore, a musician with Inner Surge, the Unravelling, and currently (since 2006) Post Death Soundtrack. He is also the CEO of Independent Music Promotions, a music PR and publicity company specializing in "music with depth" (e.g., independent musicians). Stephen has supported the independent music industry since 2011.
Stephen authored the book Your Band is a Virus in 2010/2011 and then released an updated and expanded version in 2012 (both under the name James Moore). Subtitled "The Ultimate Music Marketing Guide for Serious Independent Musicians and Bands," Your Band is a Virus offers inspirational and innovative approaches to DIY promotional activities. It's available in Kindle and print editions on Amazon. As you can see, Stephen James Moore is another individual who knows band promotion inside and out!
Different People, Different Perspectives
What makes this episode so valuable for the aspiring promoter is that our guests have different approaches. Stephen primarily operates online and publicizes through various resources; Morgue Anne is deeply experienced in booking live shows and events. These two different promotional platforms both help independent musicians get the word out, and Stephen and Morgue Anne do a fabulous job of explaining it.
Don't miss this episode! A band or artist can perform the most amazing music, but too many people will miss out on it if the promotional effort fails to reach them. Listen to or watch (the choice is yours) Episode 9: Promotions via the links at the top of this blog
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LTATM Guests
The Morgue Anne - Social Media
Stephen James Moore -Social Media
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