How to Promote your Rap Career

Print Media for Independent Rappers and Bands

With digital media increasingly dominating the landscape, as online presences grow, and traditional newspapers and magazines shutter their doors, it would be easy to dismiss print media out of hand. After all, who wants to hitch their wagon to a sinking ship?

Mixed metaphors aside, print media hasn’t died, and isn’t likely to do so anytime soon. This isn’t death, but a metamorphosis. And understanding this different media landscape can be a huge advantage to an independent artist.

After all, you’ve got a lot in common. Scrappy, ignored, counted out, the only path to continued survival – and ultimately success – is paved with grit, determination, and hustle.

Alternative Press

No, not the rock magazine – although if you can catch their interest, more power to you – I’m talking about going beyond your Big Magazines and Newspapers, and looking at the various publications a step or two off the beaten path. Specifically, I’m talking about community newspapers, industry-specific magazines, and university publications.

This approach has a couple different benefits. Firstly – and let’s be honest here – these publications are flat-out more likely to pick up the phone when you call. Let’s face it; the New York Times isn’t likely to give you the time of day, but the Bronx Times just might.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, they expose you to an audience that otherwise might never hear about you. Student-run university publications are great for this – you can pretty much always find a journalism student who’d be happy to interview you – and it can be a great way to drum up interest for performances near campus.

This is possibly the best part about pursuing print media – you’re reaching an audience that might otherwise be outside your grasp

The Big Question

But before you hit up any of these sources, you’re going to have to ask yourself the following question:

Why do they care?

No, really? Why should they write about you? Be honest. These journalists have a job to do, and if you’re not newsworthy, it’s going to be difficult to find space for you.

Thankfully, when you understand their audiences, it’s not hard to find an answer. The local college paper isn’t likely to care that you released an album last year – but if you’ve got one coming out, and an upcoming concert near campus – it can potentially be a great story.

Ultimately, if you understand how it works, print media can be a sneaky-good asset to independent artists of all stripes.

About the Author: CDinser