Yet another endorsement thread

GeneralElectric · #1 02-27-2009, 04:38 PM

Here's yet another endorsement thread for TB.

I've got some questions, that maybe some of you guys can help me out with.

Me?
I'm a bassist that works for a production company that does work for national TV. You'll never see me, but you might hear me if you listen to VH1 or MTV.

While I pretty much just use Fender basses, I wouldn't endorse them. (No point, as I already own everything I want) I guess technically I already endorse them, though I don't get anything out of it.

However, there are string brands I like to use, however strings are very expensive, especially in the quantities I use. (I use Rotosound and DR for the most part for lack of anything better)

How do I go about asking a company for an artist relation?
Do I link them to my website, which doesn't have much material on it, or to the production company's website? Do I prepare a press kit? If so, how?

Any help would be appreciated.

hertzsogood · #2 03-09-2009, 03:06 PM

I've had good success with calling companies directly and asking to speak with someone in Artist Relations. Don't email- make the phone call. But before you do that, update your website and include your music resume and music clips. Whomever you speak with at whatever company you call will probably ask you to email them some information- send them the link to your website, as well as the link to the production company site, along with any references at the production co. you work with.

Press kit. Think of it as your Music Resume. Since you've got a website already, make that your "press kit" by listing all your accomplishments, recording credits, touring experience, some music, and a few pictures of you doing your thing. If you want to create an Electronic Press Kit (EPK), Sonicbids.com would be a good place to do it. If you don't have the time or ability with html to tweak your own website, creating a MySpace page and listing everything there with soundclips would be an acceptable alternative.

I hope this helps!

Moe Monsarrat · #3 03-09-2009, 05:09 PM

There is some good advice in hertzsogood's post. For sure call artist relations dude at the company you're courting. Tell him that you already use their product & how satisfied you are with it. Tell him guys are always asking you what you use to get your sound. Ask him if there's a way to get a discount on larger quantities of strings because you go through them so fast. Of course, tell him all the things you told us. Make it sound like you're already promoting his stuff. Ask for any schwag (t-shirts....etc.) he can send. Remember, his job is to find people to give stuff to. Make it easy for him.

Moe Monsarrat · #4 03-09-2009, 05:16 PM

PS why stop at strings? Even Fender gives out endorsements & they probably need to less than anyone. Amps, basses, mics, preamps, effects & even stands can be had if you talk right & really believe in the stuff you endorse. I love & use the stuff I endorse & I think I sell some stuff for my endorsers.

GeneralElectric · #5 03-09-2009, 06:59 PM

This is some great advice here.

I think I need to work a lot more on the stuff on my myspace site.

Roughly how much music should I have on there? Currently I have two work tracks and two personal tracks. Should I make a second myspace just for work related music?