This one is kind of touchy and is not meant to offend but inform. Please remember that this is coming from a music retailers perspective!
I need some of these new music industry cats to chill out with the BIG TITLES. I have met at least 5 more PR people since the year started. And what’s worse is that out of the 10 that I met before them, I question how many were credible. I have met more than a couple of “Consultants” as well. I just wonder if the expert advice people give these days really is guiding new artist in the right direction. As for managers. Oh my!!! I have met a couple of artists that should re-think the contracts they signed.
You see, PR is all about relationships. Here’s an example: If you have a listening session and no one comes out that is going to write about you, blog about you, or sell your music in a store or online…then you should ask that PR person for a REFUND. Just think about how many people attended your event and who they (the PR person) introduced you to that were beneficial to your success.
The management side, in my opinion, is about vision, creativity, the ability to execute, and relationships. It’s not about your boy, that really believes in you, but has NO idea about the business side of the music industry. I know it’s hard to operate without a big budget. But what can you do with what you have to work with? So there isn’t 50,000 dollars at your disposal, all you have is 5,000. What kind of innovative thinker is your manager? Put them to the test. If they get some ideas (better known as a marketing plan/budget) together before you start spending money, you probably have or are a good one. They should be helping you MANAGE that $5K the right way. In addition to that, before you get a manager, make sure you have something to manage. 
Last but not least, lets talk for a second about street teams…the big promotions/marketing “we break songs and make brands” companies. I personally know 5 companies that I have worked with, in the store, over the last 10 years, that go HARD for their clients! Then I also know others that drop off posters with no attempt to put them up, bring in promo cd’s or flyers and don’t know shit about the music or DVD they are promoting. Some of them have even thrown promo materials away because they are “tired of putting them out.” *By the way, if you need some recommendations let me know*
From what I have seen as a music retailer, a lot of things need to change in the industry to make it better. I’m just skimming the surface with this . So make sure you think twice about some of these new music industry people with these BIG TITLES. Check out what they have done that makes them credible and be clear about what they can do for you!
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS COMING FROM A MUSIC RETAILERS PERSPECTIVE…I’LL BE WATCHING YOU.
*ThatRetailChick* in ATL
