Using a Music Promo for Your Band

Using a Music Promo for Your BandUsing a Music Promo for Your BandA music promo, usually just called a promo, is shorthand for promotional copy. It is what the name suggests A copy of an doppelalbum used for promotional purposes. These are often sent to press and radio in advance of the release of an album to get reviews or radio play, and they are also often sent to promoters and agents when booking shows. In short, a music promo is the main ingredient in a promo package that is then used to drum up press coverage, attract record label attention and mora. Types of Promos Promos take a few different forms.Some are simply complete copies of an album, artwork and all, that are used for promotional purposes. Sometimes a label will scribble out the barcode to try and discourage people from heading out to the record store and selling the promos. Some promos are complete albums with artwork, but with CDs printed with promo use only - not for sale or some other message to prevent disco urage resale. Still, other promos contain a CD only in a plastic wallet without album artwork. In the case of vinyl promos, they can be white labels - generic pressings of the album with a white label and white sleeve. And promos can simply be self-burned CDs. Which Kind of Promo Should You Consider? There are no hard and fast rules as to which kind of promo is best. One technique is to start with the generic promos since theyre the cheapest. You might consider upgrading certain people who have been supportive of the band to complete promos with artwork down the line. Its probably a good idea to have a couple of varieties of promo CDs available. Even better, if your band has a website, its easy to upload promo versions of music files such as MP3s, which visitors can listen to. But remember that its only a promo dont give away every minute of every song for free. The idea is to raise interest which ultimately leads to sales. Know Your Audience One important thing to consider as you put your promo together Whos going to get it?You wont always be able to find just the right recipient at the label or the magazine you, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt try. Youre more likely to get some kind of response if you dont fling your promo out there and cross your fingers. Try to make sure there is a specific person at the receiving end. Also be sure to keep track of what you send where, and when. If you sent a promo to a magazine and havent heard back within two weeks, its not a bad idea to follow up with the contact person via email or phone to make sure your promo was received. Whats the Difference Between a Promo and a Demo? Be careful not to confuse promos with demos. There are certain cases where a demo is used as a promo Simply put, consider a promo to be a finished product orfinal version of a release, while a demo is a rough recording. Demos contain music that may someday end up on an album but may also end up being changed before a final version.