Sure, you could hire a shady radio promoter for a ton of cash. Other options are adeep-pocketed label. As discussed, they’re pretty tough to get, if not impossible. You
could also tap out your savings, 401-K, max-out your credit cards and get a second mort-
gage to hire a heavyweight public relation person or firm. People do it all the time. Fame
is a powerful elixir. But, all in all, your money is likely better spent on the lower cost
techniques and tools discussed within the pages of this book.
However, there is one more option. Some commercial radio stations have local shows
that feature local performers. Just be sure your music style is a good match for the show.
Send out a one-sheet, some photos, maybe a video and start playing dialing for dialogue.
An additional word and reminder about one-sheets is probably in order. A one-sheet is
a sales sheet, usually developed for labels and distributors to help sell an album. It typi-
cally contains information about the band or solo act, various achievements, information
about the recording of the album, track list and other pertinent data that, hopefully, all fits
on one sheet of paper. Ergo, the name, “one-sheet.”
The Importance of Bar Codes
If you plan to sell your music, whether an album, CD or even a single, to distributors and
retailers, a bar code is essential. As a matter of fact, most outlets won’t even touch your
tunes without one. Also, with a bar code Nielsen SoundScan can tally sales.
There are plenty of places to buy a bar code. And, like many things in life, there are
many that will rip you off blind. They do this by selling you a bar code, but it’s actually
under their vendor code. In effect, they own it, not you. This is an outright violation of
the Uniform Code Council Agreement. In other words, it’s pretty darn illegal. It’s never