This is a guest post written by Marty Zylstra
from the Vancouver band Sweetheart.


Recently Sweetheart independently released an EP titled "XOXOX". Over the past few months we've been sending CDs out to press, getting college radio play, and local/regional commercial radio spins.

Using this experience I have distilled a "code" of how to promote yourself as an indie band locally/regionally into this simple formula:

1) Book a local show (this is the most important step).

2) Get press (CD review, local trade mag mention, blog review, etc).

3) Send press clipping to radio (I hope you have a relationship with the PD or MD of the local radio station by now.  Be genre specific with the stations you are talking to).

4) Radio takes notice and gives you a featured spin which you tell everyone about on Facebook & Twitter.

5) Your friends and fans notice that you get radio; press and buzz is created.

6) #5 sells more tickets to show booked in #1.

7) More ticket sales = More CD & merch sales.

8) Repeat in other cities/ & owns across the country.

To wrap it up:
Record quality music and then get out there and play it live.  The in-between stuff isn't that hard and only takes a little bit of work.
 
Love,
Marty

PS - a recent Thorny Bleeder blog post from The DIY Daily mentioned something I feel is crucial to success in music and life: Be Nice to everyone. To quote a good friend of mine: "it's the same people on the way up as it is on the way down".

Listen & Download the new single from Sweetheart for Free here:

Tags: Guest Contributor | Sweetheart | XOXOX | DIY | Marketing | Promotion