On any level, promotion is a huge part of being a professional singer.
Singers signed to major-label recording contracts may have A&R departments with huge promotional budgets working for them, but for most independent artists, working as a professional singer requires a lot of personal, hands-on promotion. Financially, advertisements in newspapers and glossy magazines may be out of the question, but harnessing the power of the Internet and working to create relationships with fans can be an effective and rewarding way to further your professional singing career.
Social Networking
Use social networking pages to announce and promote live performances and recording projects. Interact with your audience by posting engaging content and inviting readers' comments and feedback. Always acknowledge responses from your audience. This way, you'll help your fans feel invested in your career.
Recording
Record a CD of your best material. Unless you're an accomplished audio engineer, pay for the use of a professional recording facility. You may save money by recording and mixing everything yourself, but a professional singer needs high quality recording in order to stand out from the competition. Similarly, pay for the services of a graphic designer so that your CD artwork looks professional.
Live Performances
Play live shows as often as you can. Lots of practice and intensive rehearsals are important, but singing in front of an audience is the surest way to improve your craft. Invite members of the press to review your shows and add their names to the guest list. Capitalize on the excitement of your gigs by having a merchandise table stocked with your CDs and a selection of T-shirts.
Press Kit
Put together a promotional press kit comprised of your CD, a high-quality photograph and a concise bio outlining your musical background, style and any noteworthy accomplishments. If you've played at any high-profile venues or worked with any musicians or producers of note, ask them for a brief testimonial to add to your bio.
Radio Airplay
Visit websites of public radio stations and send query emails to the Program Director, asking if you can send your CD for airplay. For every positive response, send your CD along with your press kit in an envelope marked "Requested Material". Since commercial radio stations generally cater to big-name, major-label releases, approaching them won't be worth your time and effort. Instead, check playlists of public and college stations for compatibility with your genre and establish personal relationships with them.
Reviews
Send query e-mails to editors at online and print music magazines asking if you can send your CD to be reviewed. As with commercial radio, large circulation print magazines are generally off-limits to independent artists, but online magazines and music blogs are more receptive to indie releases. Follow up with a thank-you e-mail whenever your CD is reviewed, and take the best lines from the review to use as another testimonial quote for your press kit.
Talent Agencies
When you have a few positive reviews and a little radio airplay under your belt, update your press kit and contact talent agencies to let them know that you're looking for representation. An agency is more likely to be interested if you've been able to sell CDs and create a little media buzz by yourself. Although they will take a cut of your earnings, they have the industry contacts that can take your singing career to the next level.
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