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How to get endorsed??

runmikeyrun

runmikeyrun

Jan 10, 2001
1,248
55
northeast Ohio
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#1
Hey everyone,

I was wondering what it takes to get endorsed. There's a couple of small bands around the area who have endorsement deals with a few of the smaller companies out there like Emperor and one of the custom fx companies. I was wondering how you go about that and what they look for in an artist.

I'm somewhat familiar with something similar- I ran a skateboard shop for 8 years and to get my skaters sponsored by pro companies I would send their team manager videos of the kids skating. If they liked the videos they would send them some free product a few times a year- wheels, shoes, decks, etc.

I'm assuming companies want to see you touring, releasing albums, being on a label, and having a following. I would imagine they also want a band who has longevity and experienced musicians. I'm just not sure to what degree they expect that. I'm also not sure who or how to contact a specific company. I know how to make a press kit and write a cover letter for that sort of stuff. It would just be nice to get a few sets of strings or have a discount on gear once in a while.

I know a bunch of you on here have deals, can you elaborate a bit on how that came to be?
 
#3
Don't know, would certainly like to learn more about it and what one gets out of it.

I've read that some get no perks other than to say they are endorsing artists and that they are listed as endorsing artists.
 
#4
What it comes down to is whether or not they will sell more because you are endorsing their product.

I have found that the best way to get an endorsement is to actually purchase the gear, learn about it, use it, and love it. You are endorsing the product, not the other way around. How can you endorse something you don't know anything about? How can you help sell something if you don't like it or actually use it?

I have helped customers get endorsements. Very single one of them bought it at street price first.
 
#5
Every endorsement deal I've had was with a company that I was already using at least some of their products. They won't want to work with you if they think you're just after free or discounted stuff.

Most companies also want you to be playing a certain amount of gigs. Not likely if you only do 1 or 2 shows a month in your hometown. If you're actively touring with a full schedule it goes a long way. You don't have to be a superstar, just working consistently.
 
#6
I wonder the same thing. A friend of mine is in the works of trying to receive an endorsement deal from an archery manufacture because his neighbor currently has an archery endorsement from the same country. The only commitment he has is that he has to participate in 6 shoots a year locally.

So how do I get a bass endorsement? I found an article, and I hope it helps some:

Invalid Link Removed
 
#8
It is helpful to know and understand the different levels of endorsements, thanks all. But ...

Sure, obviously you need to be using a particular instrument or gear that you already like. And of course you should be a gigging musician who is playing frequently enough and has some sort of reputation.

Assuming all that, how do you get on a company's radar? I am sure there are cases where someone might just come knocking but i would suppose that most people have to do a some legwork.

Is it a matter of knowing someone at a store like Jive1? Getting someone to introduce you, going to trade shows and meeting and greeting? What are the paths to this? Does it all come down to networking?

I should note that at this time I am no where near this stage of the game. Should I ever get there I would like to be doing the right things. When I was younger I was with some really good musicians. We knew the music. We knew zilch about the music business. This time around if it gets to a certain point it would be good to be more savvy on both fronts.

Thanks
 
#9
Lots of good advice all around.

I've found personally that being of the mindset that you'd use Company X's product (and already have some) whether or not they endorse you is a big factor. I was a huge Warwick fan for 13 years before we got into endorsement discussions, and even if they had told me no (which they didn't), I'd still be rockin' my Warwick. It's more than just saying "Look at me, I'm an endorsing artist!" as much as you become an ambassador for the brand and as such, create a worthwhile working relationship with the company.

Especially now, the whole "gigs out and is noticed" isn't that necessary, given that if you have a huge internet/YouTube presence, it can carry the same weight. They want people that are going to want to tell everyone what they use, and why it's the best. You can't beat the marketing power of an enthusiastic user.

And a lot still rides on that whole "who you know" thing. Last November, I wanted a Warwick Rockbag, so I called the guys in the Warwick NY office about it. They told me that Rockbag isn't handled by Warwick in the US, but GHS. I was given the Artist Rep's name and number. I called him up, we met at a bar in town (since the AR lives a couple miles from me), talked for an hour or so about music in general, and I walked out with a string endorsement.
 
#10
In every music industry company there is a guy whose job it is to give stuff away. You have to find him & then make his job easy. Tell him you already use their stuff and are happy with it. Tell him that other players always ask what you're using & you're already telling them about those products. I never say I'm looking for an endorsement because it's not really necessary to do so. You make it seem like you're already working for them in a way. Tell him that since you already use & advertise their stuff you'd be willing to wear their schwag on stage if they will send it to you & you will send them a photo. Of course having high profile gigs helps, but it can be done even without them. You just make it seem like the whole deal is their idea.
 
#11
PS the main thing is that you must really believe in their products. You won't want to use inferior equipment even if it's free. People will ask you about it all the time & you'll have to deal with that. It's daunting if you actually
think it sucks.
 
#12
they need to see the potential in you- not that you can play, but that you have fans that will be interested in replicating your sound.

it, in a way, has nothing to do with how popular you / the bands you play for are, or how good of a musician you are. i know people who are terrible musicians that get endorsed with big-names, i also know people that are local hotshots that play small club gigs + teach full time, that have endorsements with everything from luthiers to string companys to hartke amps.

the point is, there are many angles companies see this from. a boutique effect builder might be the easiest one to "endorse" you, because boutique pedals are such a specific market that once word gets around one forum, you've effectively created a market for said pedal builder.

i would not go looking for them. as stated above- they will find you.
 
#13
It never hurts to go to them. Contact Artist Relations for whatever company you're interested in, get to know them, and sell yourself. Convince them as to why they should. What makes you worth endorsing? It's best to have a band or something getting a bit of buzz, touring, getting press, etc.
 
#17
As already mentioned, sell yourself. Email works fine.

A few other things I've learned along the way... if you're in it for free or discounted gear, they'll usually smell it, and you're more likely to make enemies than friends. If you're sincere about your love a product, they'll sense that, too and your chances will be greater.
 

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