Vivastreet blog

My Music Manager

To maximise your musical potential the need for publicity is paramount. But how do you make sure you’re providing the right information to the right people?

Paul Abraham, the owner of LMP Media Services and author of ‘The “A” Guide to your Music Success’, provides an insight into the world of press packs and releases.

Giving the right information and targeting the right recipients is a thankless task but with some guidelines to follow it can be a vehicle to enhance your reputation.

This article is here to help artists and bands make the correct choice in what information to send and to whom. Many musicians miss out on publicity due to the contradictory advice given on many self-promoting websites.

When finances are tight the need to decide who should receive full press-packs and demo CDs and who requires an up to the minute press-release of a news-worthy story is vitally important. The last thing you want is for your press-pack and CD to be thrown into the rubbish bin because it’s not newsworthy at that moment in time.

Following extensive research, it is our opinion a well-written press-pack should be sent to venues, promoters and music journalists who have requested it. A press-pack can remain in the same format for many months, the only changes required being up to date gig listings and/or press cuttings of reviews etc.

The basic press-pack should contain:

- A covering letter explaining why you are sending it.
- Band history.
- Bio’s or photos of band members.
- Contact details.
- The latest good quality band photograph (optional).
- A copy of a CD/EP if available (Always make sure that your contact details and playlist are located on the disc).

To gain maximum publicity for a CD launch, a new band member or the announcement of a tour, a press-release needs to be written, and sent to media targets such as newspapers, magazines, e-wires and internet sites. A one page press-release announcing the latest news will nearly always be read by journalists. However, due to the need for instant news, a press-release has a very short lifespan

Remember, a busy music journalist does not have the time to read through a two or three page press-pack to try and find a piece of news which could be used, so your press-release has to be relevant and interesting. Grab the journalist’s attention and they are sure to follow-up on your news!

We always advise, if finances allow, that you adopt the services of a professional music journalist/company to write your press-pack/press-release. They fully understand the requirements the music journalist is looking for and can give you the commercial edge needed to put you at the forefront of music media exposure.

Finally, an easy way to remember what to send to who is:

- If it’s an announcement or a date related item then treat it as a press-release.
- If you’re trying to promote yourself to new people in the music industry then send out a full press-pack.

*** Paul Abraham is the owner of LMP Media Services and also the author of ‘The “A” Guide to your Music Success’ which is available as a downloadable e-book from www.lulu.com.

My Music Manager

My Music Manager

Welcome to What’s Cooking, your weekly digest of the best new albums, freshest tracks and latest music news all topped off with a unhealthy dose of self-indulgent satire.

This week we side-step the much hyped new Lady Gaga album and focus on much more interesting matters (to me anyway). In a week that has seen President Obama swanning around the UK crooning about the tight relations between our two nations I thought it proper to dust this edition with equal measures of UK and US artists. Call me patriotic if you like, but I’d put it more down to my desperation for a starting point for my introductory ramble.

So up this week we have previously unreleased material from New Order (UK), a sneak peek at the new Bon Iver (US) track and the first fresh material from Blondie (US) in over 7 years. Add to the mix a super new track from About Group (UK), who are fronted by Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor. Putting the cat amongst the pigeons is 13 & God – the hybrid group featuring members of The Notwist (German) and Themselves (US). I think I’ll leave it at that.

So onto New Order. Born from the tragedy of the final days of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis (watch the film Control if you’re not familiar with his demise) New Order led the new wave and electronic dance scene becoming one of the most critically acclaimed and highly influential bands of the 1980s. You’ve all heard Blue Monday right? Well if you’re a fan of dance music you owe these guys big time.

So onto the new track. ‘Hellbent’ which supports next month’s Joy Division/New Order collection, Total. I think it’s absolutely spot on, with a great energetic dance-rock feel – check it out below.

Fast forwarding to the present day we’ve got a new track from the king of heart-breaking indie-folk Bon Iver. It’s three years since For Emma Forever Ago, the album which Justin Vernon created during a 3 month hibernation hiatus, with an ancient acoustic guitar and his haunting falsetto tones. Since those three months of melancholy Vernon has gone on to record with Volcano Choir, Gayngs and Kanye West and in the process establishing himself as one of the most revered musicians of his generation. The anticipation for his follow up eponymous album is huge – here is the first track from it, ‘Calgary’.

For an extra treat check him out covering the Annie Lennox classic ‘Why’ by clicking here – absolutely brilliant.

This week the face of new wave giants Blondie, Debbie Harry revealed that she doesn’t have a Heart of Glass (apologies). Discussing her insecurities about getting old and losing her looks, she admitted being scared about no longer being able to rely on her good looks. Something of a surprising admission from the Marilyn Monroe of the 70′s and one who’s sexuality and image have inspired everyone from Madonna to Lady Gaga. We’ve all got to get old some time I suppose. Perhaps someone should tell the Stones that.

Anyway, Blondie have got a new album coming out, Panic of Girls on June 1st, their first new album since 2003. Founding members Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, and Clem Burke and new members Tommy Kessler and Matt Katz-Bohen will appear on the record. Have a listen to the first single ‘Mother’ below – a tribute to her favourite New York club.

As soon as the vocal kicks in on this next track you’re going to think to yourself – ‘I know this’ and for good reason. The distinctive vocals of Alexis Taylor have been pounding the airwaves for many years as front-man of Hot Chip. ‘Don’t Worry’ is the next single from Start and Complete the sophomore effort from About Group, which counts Hot Chip’s Taylor, This Heat drummer Charles Hayward, Spiritualized’s John Coxon, and veteran jazz man Pat Thomas as members.

It’s released as a digital download on May 30th if you want to get involved.

Last up on the new music front this week we have 13 & God: the most unlikely collaboration of recent years between German electro-pop group The Notwist and US rap crew Themselves. When I read about these guys I thought this is never going to work, how could it? Well somehow it does and the results are great. Check out ‘Old Age’ below, from their new album Own Your Ghost which was released last week.

How to be Bez

Rounding off this week is a superb video sent to me by regular contributor, Fresh. Any aspiring Bez type characters – you could do well to observe the guy on the cow bell in the Rapture video below. Stunning work considering the importance of his role.

Enjoy the Bank Holiday!

My Music Manager

My Music Manager

Welcome to What’s Cooking, your weekly fix of the best new albums, freshest tracks, music news and satirical suicide.

This week we start off by taking a look at Kate Bush’s new album, Director’s Cut. When I say new, I actually mean an album full of remixed songs from previous albums The Sensual World (1989) and The Red Shoes (1993).

Bush shot to fame in 1978 with her No.1 song ‘Wuthering Heights’, in which she pleads at heathcliff’s window to be allowed in because she is cold. The following year, aged just 20 she released her No.1 album Never For Ever, which made her the first British solo female artist to top the UK album charts. Quite an achievement.

Now at the ripe age of 52, and having inspired a whole generation of female singer-songwriters with her pop mysticism (Bjork, Alison Goldfrapp, Florence Welch) Bush, always the perfectionist has returned to former albums to give them a warmer analog sound.

Have a listen to ‘Deeper Understanding’, a weird and wonderful song about a lonely computer lover. Keep your eyes peeled for Robbie Coltraine and Noel Fielding.

Friendly Fires – Pala
Despite initially really liking their self-titled debut, it very quickly fell out of my listening cycle. The situation grew bleaker after I saw them play live. They were bloody awful. Twice. Being an open-minded man I’ve approached their follow-up with inquisitive caution. And I’m pleased that I made the effort. The album features a superb mix of energetic, hook-filled dance-rock summer anthems. One will reserve judgement about their live offerings.

Pala kicks off with the popular first single Live Those Days Tonight, a raucous and excitable track, bursting with energy and boosted with a wicked chorus. Have a listen below. You can stream the whole album here.

I have been writing about the next album for nearly as long as it has been in production for. Five years in the making, Rome, the spaghetti-western album without a film, is the combined output from super-producer Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley, Gorillaz, Black Keys) and Daniele Luppi.

I’m loving a few of the tracks on here, liking many, and feeling ambivalent about the rest. It has to be said that the tracks with Norah Jones’ vocals do sound a lot like Morcheeba, which may be a good or a bad thing depending on where you sit on the trip-hop scene. So the splendid bits are just that and most of the rest is decent, quite a bit like Danger Mouse’s previous project, Broken Bells. Check out ‘Season’s Trees’ featuring Norah Jones:

New On My Radar…The best new tracks I’ve heard this week.

Moby, the bald, bearded electronic pioneer and vociferous vegan has put out a new album, Destroyed. Despite having fairly low expectations of the genre-nomad’s latest offering I found myself really liking the following track. It’s minimal, with moping synths and a strong female vocal, try it out.

Next up we have some funky-twee indie styling from Australian outfit Cloud Control. ‘This Is What I Said’ is the second single from Bliss Release which was released on 14th May and is rather good. On their way to the top if you ask me.

Now we’ve got some superb, schizoid synthed-up dance from New Yorkers Holy Ghost. I was really impressed when I saw these guys supporting Cut Copy recently. Check it out.

We sign off this week’s edition with one of my favourite acts of the year Star Slinger aka Darren Williams who has made a name for himself with some killer big-name remixes and by fashioning old R&B hits and album cuts into cracking new songs. Try out the superb ‘Mornin’ below.

My Music Manager

My Music Manager

MMM spoke to Jules Parker from PRS for Music about how songwriters/composers and musicians can collect and pay royalties.

How long has PRS been in business?
Since 1914! A group of classical writers decided it was time to support an already existing law that musicians should be paid if their music is used. There’s a famous story about a composer eating in a restaurant in France refusing to pay for his meal because they were playing a song written by him.

And what is your role there?
I work in Membership Development, working with songwriters and composers , their managers, accountants and other reps to ensure they receive royalties owed. But it’s not just established songwriters/composers, we also help new acts develop through promotional work.

So you must have looked after a wide range of artists – any examples?
Yeah there have been loads, most recently I’ve dealt with Suede, Adele, Razorlight, Frank Turner, Wretch 32 and Tinie Tempah.

Any that particularly stand out?
Working with the 80s rockers is great – they are very amusing and pretty spaced out!

How does the digital music world affect a songwriters/composers royalties?
Songwriters and composers receive royalties from the likes of I Tunes and Amazon but they are also entitled them from streaming sites like YouTube and Spotify too. Established artists are often stuck in the mould of CD sales and can be wary of online music but when it’s done legally and helpfully it is a very positive experience.

One of the great plus sides to online music is the accessibility of it. It’s easy to get your stuff out there by using digital distributors and aggregators like Zimberland, Believe Digital, Orchard and AWAL. Once you’re music is being sent around the legal channels you can collect royalties for it!

What would your advice be for musicians out there new to royalty collection?
Join PRS for Music!

If we don’t know who you are we can’t help you. If you are performing or releasing any music then you should become a member. It’s cheap (just £10 is deducted from your first royalty payment) and all you need to do is register your songs, submit your set list and tell us where you’ve played – you are paid every quarter and receive a detailed PDF statement of all your activity.

It sounds like a very thorough process?
Absolutely. 90% of what is played on TV and Radio is accounted for on a pay per play basis. Due to the fact they have to pay for a licence to play music, Radio stations must submit accurate reports of their playlists. This means our members musicians are able to easily collect the royalties they are owed.

What about the other 10%?
These are most likely small radio stations or community stations. They pay a very small licence fee due to the very limited reach they have, so it’s not beneficial to spend resources on checking them. However, they are monitored.

And what happens when a song is played abroad?
Every country has a ‘PRS for Music’ type organisation and we are all connected. So if a song by Adele is played in Germany, their royalties company GEMA will pass the information back to us so she is paid.

What’s the difference between Mechanical rights & Performance rights?
Performance rights are when something is played in public, like with the French composer in the restaurant I mentioned earlier. It could be also when something is broadcast on television, radio, played in a shop or performed live at a pub or club.

Mechanical rights regard any music that duplicated or copied, such as an on a CD, DVD or even a download.

Who should an artist go to if they have any questions?
Visit www.prsformusic.com, there is plenty of information and we detail or the sources you can earn royalties from.

But please remember that you should only join if your music is being played or you are actively performing. If you’re making music behind closed doors and it is not being used then it’s perhaps not the right time to join!

Does PRS for Music take a commission for their work?
PRS for Music is a not for profit organisation. What this means is that we only deduct our costs and then the rest is paid back to you the members.

Any last tips before we let you get back to work?!

1) Join PRS for Music once you’re making music
2) Take note of the first email you receive from us, it’s got everything you need to know!
3) Take a look at these pages:

Facebook:www.facebook.com/prsformusic
Twitter: @prsformusic
MySpace: www.myspace.com/prsformusic
PRS for Music: www.prsformusic.com
M-Mag: www.m-magazine.co.uk

My Music Manager

My Music Manager

ZODIAC N BLACK is a Hard Rock band based in the smokey suburbs of London, which is quite apt given their smouldering look! They have gigged all over the UK and supported the likes of Sweethead and Waxy (two already established rock bands – give them a Google). Their aggressive and edgy style has helped forge an ever growing reputation that they are the UK’s hottest new hard rock property!

MMM caught up with drummer Luca Vavassori…

Hi Luca, thanks for speaking to us! Let’s start at the beginning, how did Zodiac N Black come about?

Jim (guitar) and Jad (lead vocals) met in 2005 and began writing together but could never settle on the right line-up until myself and Hank joined in early 2010 and it then all seemed to come together very quickly.

The music industry is a tough old nut to crack, what’s been your biggest challenge so far?

Getting our music heard by the right people. Venues around London famously cram as many bands as possible on a bill and they are often all completely different genres of music so it’s a real challenge to make sure that the people who show up to your shows are actually fans of hard rock music.

Zodiac N Black, great name, where did it come from?

Back when Jim and Jad put the first lineup together we had our first gig booked and still hadn’t settled on a name so it was actually quite a rushed decision. The name itself intentionally doesn’t mean anything, it was more about how the name sounded and Zodiac N Black seemed to sound right.

Things are really taking off for you guys – your EP “ZNB” came out on the 10th March and you recently had a radio interview with Total Rock – how did it feel being on radio?

It was great, the guys at Total Rock are all great guys and very funny so the whole thing felt really comfortable!

It sounds like you’re naturals! Have you dared set yourself an ultimate ambition?

It’s a difficult one to answer without coming out with some cliché but what it all boils down to is making music that we would listen to. Which is to say, we want to be in a band that first and foremost has killer songs, that are performed and arranged in a way that keeps the listener coming back. And to be the calibre of live band that if they came to your town and you were totally broke, you would beg, steal and borrow to get down to the show because they’re that good. But any band worth its salt should want that!

In trying to achieve that ambition have you been influenced by any musicians?

I think as a band we’re more influenced by a band’s way of making music rather than any individual musicians in particular. It’s about what the collective can achieve together rather than having one virtuoso in the band. From this point of view Led Zeppelin would be a key influence as they made music with the mentality that the song comes first and that songs can come from anywhere and in any style. I think rock music has become far too compartmentalised where bands have to pick a sub-genre and stick with it. We are trying to move away from that, and just go wherever the ideas take us.

Outside of Zodiac N Black, what do you all do?

We all have various day jobs that keep the rent paid and food on the table but the idea is to make Zodiac N Black what we do. I mean, is there a better job than playing music for a living?

It’s clear drumming is your passion but it looks really tiring, you must exercise a lot to keep up?

As a drummer, you need to practice a lot to keep up your best chop, but most of the times it’s not that easy. Drums are loud as hell and there’s no way you can have one in your flat, especially in London, unless you want your neighbours to kick in your door after a couple of rolls! At the moment I only practice with the other guys a couple of times a week, and whenever I can I play some rudiments on my pad at home.

So if you and the other guys had a race, who would win?
Me of course!!

Moving back to your music, when I Googled the name of your song Bastinado, Wikipedia told me it meant ‘foot whipping’. That sounds painful, what’s the thinking behind the song?

The lyrics are all done by our singer Jad, and he likes to keep the lyrics as open to interpretation as possible. That being said, broadly speaking, it’s the comparison of the experiences in a relationship, to a form of torture, in this case being whipped on your feet.

I can certainly empathise with that! Speaking of torture, it very much reminds me of my own musical attempts – if I decided to start my own merry band of musicians what advice would you give me?

Learn to play the drums! The drummer makes or breaks a band. A good drummer can elevate a mediocre bad to greatness but on the flipside a bad drummer can ruin a great band. You may not get in all the photos but you’ll never be out of work…

It’s time for some shameless PR: when’s your next gig and how can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Our next gig is at a night called “Rock Mass” at Camden Rock on Thursday 19th May. There’s a great line-up of hard rock bands so it has all the makings of a great night out.
People can check out our music at all the usual site but the best starting place is www.zodiacnblack.com.

Thanks Luca, we wish you and Zodiac N Black the best of luck!
Thank you Matt and MMM for having us on your pages!

Interview by Matt Renton (My Music Manager)
17th May 2011
My Music Manager