As a musician, you’re likely looking for ways to promote your music and build your fan base. One option that many artists consider is hiring a music publicist. But how do you know if a publicist is a right choice for your career? At what stage of your career does it make sense to start looking for a publicist? And if you decide to hire one, how do you find the right person for the job?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions to help you make the best decision for your music career.
What services do music publicists provide?
In today’s streaming era, the role of a music publicist has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of the music industry. While the traditional responsibilities of a publicist, such as securing media coverage and arranging interviews, are still important, there are also new opportunities and challenges that a publicist can help an artist navigate.
Here are some of the services an artist should expect from a publicist in 2023:
- Media Placements: A publicist can help get an artist’s name and music featured in traditional and online media outlets, including music blogs, magazines, and podcasts. This can help increase an artist’s exposure and attract new fans.
- Playlist Placements: A publicist can pitch an artist’s songs to curators for editorial playlist adds on DSP (digital services providers) such as Apple Music, Audiomack, Amazon Music, Spotify, and TIDAL. These placements can increase total listenership on the service, increase the artist’s following, and generate a higher profile.
- Social Media Promo: A publicist can help build an artist’s social media presence and promote their music to a broader audience. This may include developing a social media strategy, creating engaging content, and working with influencers to promote the artist’s music.
- Tour and Event Promo: A publicist can help promote an artist’s live shows and events, including securing press coverage and coordinating interviews with local media outlets.
- Branding and Image: A publicist can help develop an artist’s brand and image, including their visual style, messaging, and overall aesthetic. This can help them stand out in a crowded music landscape and build a consistent image.
- Industry Connections: A publicist can help an artist connect with other industry professionals, including fellow clients, record labels, booking agents, and music supervisors. This can help artists take their careers to the next level and achieve greater success in the music industry.
How much do music publicists cost?
The cost of hiring a music publicist can vary widely depending on several factors. Most publicists charge a flat fee for their services. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly for a publicist’s services.
Factors that can impact the cost of hiring a publicist include the publicist’s level of experience and reputation, the scope of the services they offer, and the amount of time they will need to invest in your project or campaign. It’s important to clearly understand the costs upfront to avoid any surprises down the line.
How are music publicists paid?
The most common payment structure is a monthly retainer fee, which covers a certain number of work hours each month, likely with a minimum number of hours or months. Some publicists also charge an upfront fee for their initial services, such as writing a bio, creating a press kit, or developing a media strategy.
It’s important to carefully consider the payment structure that makes the most sense for your situation. You’ll want to ensure you’re getting a fair deal and that the publicist is incentivized to work hard on your behalf.
How do I find a publicist?
There are several strategies you can use to find a music publicist. One option is to ask for recommendations from other musicians or industry professionals. You can also search online for music publicists and review their websites and social media profiles to get a sense of their experience and reputation.
When evaluating potential publicists, it’s important to ask questions about their experience, approach to working with clients, and track record of success. You should also ask for references and speak with other musicians who have previously worked with the publicist. Often, publicists will highlight their client roster on their website and in their email signatures.
Do I need a publicist?
Whether or not a musician needs a publicist depends on various factors, including the artist’s goals, experience level, and existing network of industry contacts. Some benefits of hiring a publicist include increased exposure and access to media opportunities and the ability to leverage the publicist’s relationships with media outlets and industry professionals.
However, not all musicians may need a publicist. For example, suppose you’re just starting out and don’t have a significant following. In that case, building your fan base through social media and other grassroots efforts may be more beneficial. Building strong relationships directly with writers, editors, and bloggers who work for media outlets can make looking for a publicist less necessary.
Hiring a publicist should be based on carefully assessing your goals and resources. You’ll want to consider your existing network, budget, and timeline for achieving your career objectives. By evaluating your options and finding the right publicist for your needs, you can make a smart investment in your music career and take the next step toward success.
