How do I get reviewed?
Since Toronto Blues, I’ve been writing about music more than I’ve been writing music. I have mixed feelings about that. More on that later, perhaps …
I’ve had a few people ask me recently for advice on getting reviewed/written about. And it’s something I’ve been chewing on while attempting to clear out my pile of CDs and books in preparation for a move. It really comes down to the question of what makes music worth discussing publicly or sharing, which is obviously subjective. I’m surely repeating what others have said here, but here goes:
1) You can’t choose your audience. I got that from a Ruth Minnikin song and I think it’s true. It’s a bit mysterious, and I don’t think you should let worrying about it run or ruin your creative career. I’ve chased after people who weren’t into what I did only to be pleasantly surprised from time to time by people I couldn’t have imagined who got it and appreciated it.
2) Keep at it and get really good. This is the piece of advice that I wish I would follow! I’ve seen artists grow from mediocre to really good at their craft over years of doing it … and as you get better it’s likely that word of mouth will do its thing.
3) If the song has lyrics, then they matter. There will always be room for more good, well-written love songs, but it often piques my interest when a songwriter has something else to talk about.
4) Be different. I don’t mean make a self-conscious effort to differentiate yourself (though if you’re really clever, go for it, and I’ll probably be amused). If you just happen to be genuinely a bit weird, I think you’re at an advantage, because you’re going to stick out from the pile as something that is, for lack of a better word, “different”.
5) Sing and play from the heart. This might sound like a bit of a contradiction, but I think it’s true. You don’t have to be a virtuoso player or breaking any new ground if there’s something in your music that grabs people at an emotional level. I think for this to work you have to really mean it, and there has to be something at stake for you. There has to be a real vulnerability for this kind of thing to work.
6) Be connected. If you collaborate with good people, that increases the likelihood that someone will be interested in checking out what you do. It’s not necessary, but it can help.
7) If you hire a publicist, get one with a good reputation, who works with similar artists, who likes your music.
Lucky timing. Some seasons, like spring and fall, are notoriously busy for touring and releases. So taking advantage of off-times can work to your advantage.
