A music publicist is a music industry professional who
creates and maintains a media presence for their musician client.
What Is a Music Publicist?
A music publicist is a public relations professional who
works for a musician or band. A music publicist communicates with the media,
creates public relations campaigns, distributes press releases, and books media
appearances for the musician. A music publicist also collaborates with the
musician's entourage, which includes the manager, booking agent, and lawyers.
The media publicist's job is to assist artists in developing and maintaining a
strong media presence with positive press coverage in order to propel their
musical career.
What Does a Music Publicist Do?
A music publicist's responsibilities for their client
include the following:
Arranges interviews: A music publicist is the person in
charge of media interviews. If a newspaper or podcast wants to interview a
musician, they will work with the musician's publicist to make the necessary
arrangements.
Creates press kits: A music publicist is in charge of
putting together press kits and press releases for distribution to media
outlets. Press kits will include information about the musician's upcoming
album releases, single releases, tours, and other newsworthy events.
Manages social media accounts: A good publicist will also
know how to manage a musician's social media presence in order to keep the
musician in the public eye and in touch with their core fan base. This includes
managing a client's music on music streaming services.
Networking with sponsors: A music publicist will also
connect the musician with potential sponsors who may want to hire the musician
as a spokesperson for their brand. Sponsors can be large music publicity
campaigns or social media music influencers.
How to Become a Music Publicist
Here are a few ideas to get you started in the music
industry if you want to become a music publicist:
Build up your portfolio: Put together a portfolio
of press releases you've written, as well as any articles, videos, and radio
spots you've helped organize, once you've had some experience working or
interning with a music PR firm. Your portfolio will demonstrate to potential
clients how skilled you are at developing a media presence.
Connect with other musicians: A music publicist
must know how to find new music and find new clients. Connect with local music
scenes, read music blogs, and listen to independent artists to discover new
talent who may require the assistance of a music publicist.
Establish connections: A successful media publicist must
have strong media contacts. Make connections with podcast hosts, music
journalists, and other professionals in the industry. Attend local gigs,
events, and premieres to get your name out there.
Intern: Most music publicists begin their careers as interns
with a music PR firm or an indie publicist. This will help you make contacts in
the music industry and begin to build your own portfolio of publicity campaign
materials.
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