ABOUT PROMOTION...

I was going to talk about writing (I’m working on a “here’s how it’s done” protest song), but let’s talk promotion instead. I don’t know much about promotion—just learning as I go along.

I’ve done two solo gigs in this area thus far; both went well, and the venue owner wants me back (good), but I’d like to increase the size of the crowd. That’s kind of my responsibility. The venue owner, bless him, doesn’t know marketing. An ad in the paper (and it probably wasn’t a big one) probably doesn’t cut it.

And he’s not alone. There are a bunch of venues in this area that are attempting to improve their bottom lines by scheduling live music. It’s a good idea, and obviously the independent musicians (like but not limited to me) are interested. But the crowd’s gotta show up or it’s going to be perceived as not working.

So how does one reach them?

Well, start with the fans. I do have some fans; never added ‘em up to see how many there are, and I’ve never stuck their names all in one place so I could tell ‘em about upcoming gigs (for instance). Maybe the first step is to do that. Next gig, send ‘em all an e-mail saying “C’mon down and bring your friends.”

Posters. I can design posters (did one for the last gig), but one’s gotta do something with them. It’s not enough for the venue to have one in the window. In some towns, you’ll see concert posters up on every downtown light pole and wall (and my poster should join them), but in other towns, you don’t see any—maybe city ordinance, maybe just local culture. In those latter towns, maybe the route to go is hit up the music stores, give them a poster (and maybe also a CD to play).

It may not be enough, though. I appeal to a niche market (can you say “original” and “country music” in the same sentence?). I don’t see them, but I’m sure they’re there—Medford may have 100,000 or so people, but there are still square dance clubs, and an old-time fiddlers association, and the biggest concert act to come to town this year was a country-music band. Most of the musicians I know are frustrated folkies or would-be rockers, but I may just be hanging with the wrong crowd.

So that’s the next challenge. How to identify the people who ought to want your music, so you can tell them that it (and you) exist.

UPDATES: The practice with “Screaming Gulch” actually went well, and I think they want me back. New venue—a coffeehouse in Central Point, 10 miles north of here; Southern Oregon Songwriters did a “showcase” there, and it drew a big crowd. Owner said he didn’t like country music, but ended up complimenting me on one of my songs. Had a band to play with (lead guitar and mandolin). This week, there will be music Sunday night, Monday night, and maybe practice Wednesday night. It’s really time to go into the studio, but I don’t think I have a band ready yet.

Joe