A music publicist makes contact with members of the press to secure coverage and reviews for the bands and musicians he represents. To work as a music publicist, you must have the right combination of education, personality, and a passion for music. A bachelor’s degree in a related field may give aspiring publicists the best chance of landing a job. Internships or short-term employment opportunities in the music industry can also provide valuable experience.
Getting the right training is the first step toward becoming a music publicist. Music publicists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or business administration. To advance in your field, you should first obtain a bachelor’s degree and then pursue a master’s degree if necessary. Use internships to meet other publicists while you’re still in school. Attending local band concerts and socializing with students in your school’s music department are good ways to network, which can help you find future clients.
Shy violets might not be the best fit for a job as a music publicist. Contacting music journalists and reporters is an important part of a publicist’s job. In order to get coverage for a band you’re promoting, you may need to reach out to someone you don’t know. As a publicist, you’ll almost always need to be well-organized. If you want a write-up for your clients, you must follow up with reporters who respond to your queries.
Building a client base is the next step in becoming a music publicist. One of the best places to begin is to approach a local or emerging band whose music you enjoy and inquire if they have a publicist. If you meet the band in person, leave your card with them. If you contact the band via email, be sure to include all of your contact information at the bottom of the message. Once you’ve established a solid client base, ask them to refer you to any other bands in need of a publicist.
It may also be beneficial to develop a network of contacts in the media and at public relations firms. After completing your education, you can apply for an entry-level position at a public relations firm or try your hand at working as a freelance music publicist. Even if you decide to work for yourself, you’ll want to know who other publicists are so you can ask them for advice on how to contact unknown journalists or magazines. When contacting music reviewers, always be courteous. Introduce yourself as well as the band you’re supporting. Even in an e-mail, avoid using a tone that is too casual. Always address a specific person rather than the music department as a whole when writing to a new publication.