ThatRetailChick

So how does a song that is #5 on urban radio only sale a little over 30,000 copies in the 1st week of its release??? 

Mario’s release D.N.A. came out to very soft numbers last week as compared to other RNB artist like Trey Songz who sold 135,000 records his first week and is on his 3rd album as well.  And I am baffled because who wasn’t listening to “Break Up”?  And the Gucci feature should have been a shoe in right?

Well, these days in the music industry it takes a lot more than a hit song with a feature to connect with your fans and give them a reason to buy your record.  So there’s the problem.  Now what’s the solution?

Music consumers love to meet there favorite artist.  So I didn’t hear about a Mario in store in my city…did you?  But I did get the countless emails about his club appearances, I heard him on a couple of radio stations, and oh…I saw his picture on some websites.  All of that is great and much needed exposure!!!!  But customers like to see people, get a picture, and possibly even get a disc signed by their favorite artist.  So, in order for his 2nd and 3rd week #’s not to plummet into non-existence here is what I propose the label should do.  First don’t give up on the record!!!  He has some strong songs on the album.  From now on,  every city that you go to please visit 1 music retailer, 1 community service spot, and 1 lifestyle spot.  Make time in your schedule for this.  If the major chain stores are tripping, then go to the independent stores.  Just give them some advance notice so they will have the product.  As for your advertising for the event…if radio is too much, look to your social networking sites!!!! You have this many fans on each one:

 myspace 280,000+
twitter 58,000 +
facebook 66,000 +

Use that to your advantage and announce in stores on those sites as places to meet you & get cd’s signed!!!!  Take pictures, smile, say thank you for your support, connect with the people, and they will follow.

Your Retail Fairy Godmother,

*That Retail Chick*