Meet Your Representative

Did you know when an independent artist releases an album, he or she is running an independent record label? Think about it, you wrote songs for the album (copyrights), took pictures (imaging), placed the album in your Grandma’s store (marketing),  begged the local radioman to play your song (radio promotion), and performed at a local venue with five people in attendance (touring). Major record labels usually complete all these tasks for a signed artist. Usually, independent artists use the major record labels to distribute their albums for national and international exposure. What happens when a major record label try to get over on the unknowledgeable artist?

Many industries like production, NBA, and education have unions that serve as the voice for their many workers or players who are being mistreated by an organization. In the independent’s case, The American Association of Independent Music is a trade association that represents independent record labels in the United States to ensure equity and fairness for these entities.  A spokesperson is needed for the individuals who make up 30% of the music industry’s market share according to the Association. The A2IM best represents the independent labels in the areas of: Fair Trade, New Technology and Distribution, Branding, Access to Media, Legislative, Advocacy, International, Purchasing, and New Business. 

Many independent artists are eager to hear about the Access to Media. Let’s face it, if the music is not being heard on the radio or television, then there is no money being made. A2IM acknowledges that independent music is underrepresented in the mainstream media, and they promise to remind the media that the United States is a diverse culture, and it should be heard and seen through media. This is done through the New Media Committee whose mission is to ensure that the label is educated about the different opportunities for indies who look to make an impact in the industry.

If you are an independent artist or label, this would be a great association to join. The American Association of Independent Music serves as the spokesperson for YOU, make sure they are doing it well.

How's Your Image?

Reputation is a word that should be incorporated into every aspiring artist’s decision-making.  This is one of the most important aspects of a career in the entertainment industry because it serves as the individual’s “credit report”.  A great image will profit the artist in the long run because he or she is identified as someone who is easy to work with and produce great results. Let’s be honest, no one wants to work with an artist with a bad reputation due to its ability to define who you are as an artist or businessperson. Therefore, it is important to integrate Public Relations to build the artist’s business and personal brand.

According to Public Relations Society of America, Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. In simple form, public relations serve as communication between the artist and his or her audience, liaison to the media, coordinate performances and media appearances, and improve the artist’s social media presence. Most importantly, public relations help with Crisis Management. Crisis Management is needed when an artist has been publicly humiliated because of behavioral issues or certain unforeseen circumstances have occurred like death. Because of how quickly news spread throughout the media, it is important that an artist releases a personal statement to answer all questions surrounding the problem to avoid any further confusion.

An artist must hire a publicist who is able to handle his or her image in the uttermost respect that portrays them as a model citizen. Even if the artist is jerk, a good publicist makes the artist seem like an angel who cares about the well being of the world. Not only should the publicist be strategic, but also he or she must be well connected in the chosen industry. Many performances and media opportunities are made available because of the work of the publicist. Publicists work 24/7 to ensure press kits and releases are sent to media outlets, coach the artist on what to say on television or radio, and develops rapport with people who will benefit the artist.

A great example of a publicist is Andrea Williams of Tehillah Enterprises, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in the Gospel Music Industry as a singer and publicist. Tehillah Enterprises, LLC. is a company that specializes in public relations, media and advertising relations, and event management for gospel and Christian artists. Andrea has represented the industry’s best who have been awarded Grammy’s, Dove, and Stellar Awards. These artists include Donald Lawrence, Martha Munizzi, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, and many others. I had a chance to sit down and speak with Andrea Williams about the importance of public relations. Take a listen to the wisdom and knowledge she gives to aspiring artists.

Remember, your image in the public’s eye is very important. Be mindful of your decisions and whom you associate with in the industry. It takes ONE bad decision to taint a life-long dream.