Interview With Scott Andrew
For the reclusive singer/songwriter -- such as myself -- the process of marketing your work is an uncomfortable one at best. Of course, it is necessary, especially if you're looking to share your work with others.
That brings us to Scott Andrew, a man who, in addition to writing great acoustic melodies, is a savvy marketer of his tunes. Check out the clip from his song, "The Big Lie That Solves Everything."
Given his skill in marketing his music, we asked him:
You're an independent singer/songwriter with a few records and a good frequency of live appearances. What advice can you give guitarists just starting out with promotion regarding marketing their music?
He answered:
Seriously, the first thing anyone just starting out should do is sit down and write a one- or two-sentence description of what you sound like. Be as precise as you can. Potential fans, music journalists, club owners and booking agents want to know what you sound like in advance. Do not make us guess. Don't rely on our curiosity. Too many artists describe their music simply as "utterly original" or "we don't sound like anyone you've heard." This is a cop-out, overused and also untrue. A lot of artists are just afraid of being pigeonholed. Don't be one of them. If you honestly don't know what to call your sound, ask ten friends for their opinion.
Avoid generic labels. Don't just say "singer-songwriter." Are you an Ani DiFranco-style rocker with politically-charged songs? Are you quiet and breathy like Sufjan Stevens or Damien Rice? Don't be afraid to name-check your influences. If you love the Drive-By Truckers, say so. Likewise, if enough people tell you that your music reminds them of Big Star, go with it. Don't worry about driving people away who dislike your influences. Chances are they weren't going to dig your music anyway. Concentrate on reaching out to people who love the type of music you play.
Knowing what you sound like will inform everything you do in promoting your music: what venues you'll play, what papers will write about you, what promoters will work with you, etc. So don't misrepresent yourself by playing it safe. If you're the second coming of prog-rock, declare it proudly.
***
For more of Scott Andrew's music, visit his web site at www.scottandrew.com. And, if you know of a guitarist/songwriter who you think would be great for us to interview, please email me.
That brings us to Scott Andrew, a man who, in addition to writing great acoustic melodies, is a savvy marketer of his tunes. Check out the clip from his song, "The Big Lie That Solves Everything."
Given his skill in marketing his music, we asked him:
You're an independent singer/songwriter with a few records and a good frequency of live appearances. What advice can you give guitarists just starting out with promotion regarding marketing their music?
He answered:
Seriously, the first thing anyone just starting out should do is sit down and write a one- or two-sentence description of what you sound like. Be as precise as you can. Potential fans, music journalists, club owners and booking agents want to know what you sound like in advance. Do not make us guess. Don't rely on our curiosity. Too many artists describe their music simply as "utterly original" or "we don't sound like anyone you've heard." This is a cop-out, overused and also untrue. A lot of artists are just afraid of being pigeonholed. Don't be one of them. If you honestly don't know what to call your sound, ask ten friends for their opinion.
Avoid generic labels. Don't just say "singer-songwriter." Are you an Ani DiFranco-style rocker with politically-charged songs? Are you quiet and breathy like Sufjan Stevens or Damien Rice? Don't be afraid to name-check your influences. If you love the Drive-By Truckers, say so. Likewise, if enough people tell you that your music reminds them of Big Star, go with it. Don't worry about driving people away who dislike your influences. Chances are they weren't going to dig your music anyway. Concentrate on reaching out to people who love the type of music you play.
Knowing what you sound like will inform everything you do in promoting your music: what venues you'll play, what papers will write about you, what promoters will work with you, etc. So don't misrepresent yourself by playing it safe. If you're the second coming of prog-rock, declare it proudly.
***
For more of Scott Andrew's music, visit his web site at www.scottandrew.com. And, if you know of a guitarist/songwriter who you think would be great for us to interview, please email me.
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