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Promoting Musical Artists in the Post-RIAA Music World?
Mattcelt asks: "While we're all discussing the eventual demise of the RIAA and the triumph of the MP3, what should a small independent music publishing company do to sell a new artist to the public? My publishing company recently ran a $4,000 advertising campaign on a local radio station (107.9 the Link in Charlotte, NC). Despite reaching an average audience of more than 10,000 during peak times, we netted *0* sales. That's right, absolutely nothing. I've made the entire album available in MP3 format on the Ephelian Records website to facilitate adoption, and I know some people have downloaded the songs, but I can't figure out why no one has pre-ordered the CD. How does an indie artist make a living when gig prices for unknown artists will barely cover the gas money and CDs won't sell? Are we really wrong about the availability of MP3s affecting music sales?"
The music sucks? Just a shot in the dark, there. I just checked out one mp3 posted on your site and it was pretty bad - much worse than the kind of dreck that usually makes it to the Top 40 playlists, in fact. But, there IS a market for just about anything, so let's think about some other possibilities.
What was the nature of your 'advertisement' on the radio? Was it a sample of some songs? Or was it just "we have good music - come here to buy it"?
Did you advertise the right kind of music to the right radio audience?
Are your prices out of line?
Are your CDs available in stores? Many people don't buy stuff online, and if it can't be found in a 'real store', they're not gonna buy it.
Do you even know what your target audience is LIKE?
Just some thoughts.
Except that Ani DiFranco sucks.
I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.