Compilation of creative promotion ideas

[Greg]

Let's build a master list here of off-line promotional ideas. I've read several great threads in the past from musicians that have taken a break from the Internet to look for other creative methods of promoting and selling their music.

If you have a good idea that has worked for you, start a new post about it. By starting a separate post, you'll be allowing participation that is not convoluted with other ideas that are presented here. We'll be sure to pick it up and add it to the list, with a link to your thread. If we miss it, just send a PM.

I'll try and keep the ideas bumped up here at the top for easy-reading bullet-point style lists with links to further details.

Hopefully we can keep this thread alive for quite a while.

Compilation of creative off-line music promotion ideas

• Champaign labels - This may not be for everybody, and could be costly. But the idea of branding is certainly a winner. Read how Rodfatha used creative branding to "wine" and dine a new audience.
  
• Old School Advice - I can't count how many times I've heard musicians claim that their greatest selling opportunity came from the live shows they've played. Next time you perform, be sure to have a friend at a table selling your CDs and other band-related paraphernalia.
  
• Read - If you are going to be Independent in this business, you'll need the skills that several other people might otherwise be utilizing for you. I'm sure you'll find plenty of good reading material at Amazon or anywhere else. However, (if we may do a little self-promotion) all Music Forte members receive 5% discounts and $2.99 shipping in the US from our own bookstore. Some titles we recommend are
  Ruthless Self Promotion in the Music Industry
  This Business of Music Marketing & Promotion
  I Don't Need a Record Deal! - Your Survival Guide for the Indie Music Revolution
  TIP: Don't look for eBooks. More than nine times out of ten, you'll probably find that the music promotion material online is aimed at selling an online service and lacking in guidance. For all we care, you can go to the library. There's no need to purchase a book from our shop. Just get a good book , read it, apply what you learn, and share it with us while you're at it!
  

[malcolmfhill]

That's a really useful post with some great ideas.

Thanks, Greg.

[rodfatha]

how is everyone! I'm not here alot however it's like a drug I have 2 peek in once in awhile. On sept 6 I'm having a record release party "cd Release" for you younger cats. My new cd cover has 81 "subliminal" messages on it,having to do with "Donovan" the "Darkk Warrior" my grandson I lost back in 2006. Whoever finds the most messages at the party gets $1,000.00 This took some saving up in a different account then our household bills and income. Come on guys we all know our wifes can kick or asses if we piss them off. I will be back to post the CD cover if any of you want to just have fun with it here at MF. of course after the night of the release. Other things I'm doing for the release. Made 50 signs that direct people to the gig that day, Sent out several press releases,and hopefully will land a sponsor of some sort. Hey Greg since you are international I would love to land a featured artist spot to add to some of the press releases. "yes that was shameless"I'm in Upstate NY and the press is kind of impressed by these things. Well gotta go.