Part Poet, Part Shark: How to Promote Your Band's CD

As a rock critic and the self-proclaimed "reverend of rock & roll," I have walked the pop culture beat for over three decades and counting. During this time, I have heard everything and reviewed a lot of it in over 100 publications worldwide. The Reverend has received literally thousands of promo CDs from hopeful musicians through the years, and here are my suggestions on the right way and the wrong way to promote your band's CD.

FACE THE FACTS

Let's be real: it's going to be a challenge, getting your band's CD heard above the din of media overkill. Between hometown heroes, indie rockers and labels large (and small), there are several thousand new CD titles released every single year. Only a handful of these sell more than half-million copies, most CDs won't even sell 10,000 copies. The chances of getting your music heard outside your circle of friends and well-wishers are slim-to-none.

Likewise, music critics are swamped with promotional CDs and will never be able to review, much less even listen to, every disc that comes in the mail. I'm not trying to harsh your buzz, just trying to put your enthusiasm in perspective. You may think that the new CD you recorded in your garage is the second coming of the Beatles, but if you don't do something to set yourself apart from all of the other bands also trying hard to be heard, you'll remain at the bottom of the promo "slush pile."

That being said, although your band may never sell a million CDs, or even see your faces on the cover of Rolling Stone, you can still enjoy a fulfilling career that is every bit as glamorous as your efforts make it out to be. Just be realistic in your expectations.

ART VS. COMMERCE