ORGANISING AN ALBUM/EP LAUNCH FOR DUMMIES!

Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 3:42 pm

I normally don’t share my secrets to people about my tricks in doing launches for bands, as some organizers and label companies have approach me to do so, I would charge them very high, as you can see I have drafted why I am worth that much.
But, since, I won’t be a gig organizer forever or helping independent bands forever, I my as well, give up all my secrets and move on. =)
You can say, I really don’t want to see how sloppy the launch is. It breaks my heart if bands are being taken advantage of.

Everyone, even some independent Label companies do not have the experience in launching the band’s CD..
Some may think that it’s just to organize a gig, call bands, paste flyers and call the media to cover the gig.
I have seen some launch, which I will not bring up the band names that failed so badly.
I hope this Tip helps, for bands that are not under a label company to launch their album for them, or you can use it as a tip to check whether your label manager is doing their work properly in promoting your band.
I understand that bands just want to make their music and that’s all, but it is a sad thing, as I see how much bands are being conned by dreams. Here’s a reality check on how it should be done properly.

Rule numero Uno

1) Never launch a band’s CD, if the promotions of the band are not strong enough.
2) If you approach a gig organizer to do the launch and he accepts it without looking at the promotional part of the bands first, do not accept. It is a waste of money and resources.
3) In order to give them the exposure, draft a one-year plan and some work in progress plan in order to promote the band.

There, to launch your Lp/Ep, you must have at least of a one year massive gig exposure, if not, band manager have to figure out the trading system. (Created by me, in order to trade slots with other organizers)

Once, you have the band’s exposure all done, start planning their launch.

Step 1 (Month one)

1) Draft a WIP (Work In Progress) sheet. Inside, you have to list down the task that needs to be executed.
2) Divide task among committees.
a) Venue Survey
b) Sound survey
c) Media relations (Treat this with high sensitivity, get a real PR or learn)
d) Event Manager
e) Financial manager
f) Promotion planner. (Draft datelines for promotional plan)
g) Designer and copywriter

3) Media Relations to request tie up with magazines related, so that in your flyer, at least you can put, this launch is supported by….. Note: Promise Exclusive, as in one on one interview with the band as post release. (It looks good in the flyer anyway)
4) Get a band to do an opening for you, must be either 2 bands or just one only.
5) Promotional planner comes in with ensuring that the Media Relations person will propose an angle to the other medias to do an interview session with the band, to create the hype before the launch.
Prepare:
a) Cover Letter aka Press Advisory

6) Media Relations to follow up, remember do not bug the media people.
7) Financial manager will draft the flow of the accounts.

Example:

Expenditure
1) Venue= RM 1000
2) Backline= RM700
3) PA sound system= RM1200
4) Printing= RM 300
5) Telephone= RM 300
6) Transport= RM130
7) Total=

Income
1) Target sales of tickets=
2) Minus Expenditure=
3) Net profit divided=

Venue survey is completed and he/she must have the best negotiation skill. Study the place and the gig that they hold. Use it against them, tell them why you should deserve a better price compare to every other gig organizer.
9) It the same thing that goes with the sound system people.

Step 2 (Month Two)

1) Make sure, interviews are done and out in this month’s magazine issue.
2) Media relations to send out announcement to magazines only.
3) As for Dailies, you can send it out a week before your launch. (See month 3)

a) Press Advisory
b) Press Release
c) Useful background about the band

4) Promotional Manager comes in and starts creating a mass promo on the launch.
5) Make sure, flyers are out in the beginning of the month, paste flyers everywhere.
6) To save cost, paste posters only on selected popular jam studios.
7) This whole month is focus on promotional activities and Media follow-ups.

Step 3 (Launch)

1) Event manager to draft out timeline
2) Event manager to brief Kulis (Crew)
3) Timeline examples is upon request from me,.
4) Make sure, media relations have set up two booths guests and Media
5) Media Relations to provide media registration paper, in order to follow up upon release.
6) Prepare Press Kit. (For writers)

a) Cover Letter
b) Post Release
c) Background of the band
d) A free CD

e) (For photographers prepare Agenda list only)

7) Note: Always treat the MEDIA with pampered care!

Its as easy as ABC, its just a matter of, Are you hardworking enough?
Plus, the examples and format of a proper Press Advisory or Release or Post Natal release can be requested.

Jet Pilot · Joined: 20 Nov 2005 Articles: 0 Comments: 1

Sounds like good advice. Thx.

HuntressM00n · Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2005 12:47 am Post subject:

wow.. thanks.

but of course i got more to learn. feel free to see what i have left out.
Smile

eyesickness · Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 8:07 pm Post subject:

printed this article.. Very Happy

eniQma · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:42 am Post subject:

thanx awesome info dude!!