There are many strategies in which a record label may take when promoting a release for one of their artists. Some strategies are used more than others as they claim to be more effective in how they promote their artist and attract their intended audience.I have identified some of these promotional stratergies and listed them below.
Billboards
Billboards nowadays usually only promote an artist's upcoming or present tour dates, however, a few years ago it used to be common that they would promote an artist's album. The reason for the dramatic change in promoting a single or album release is due to online revoulution. The internet is the no.1 place to seek information fast on demand therefore promoting a release would be more effective and cost productive using the interenet.
Magazine (specialist)
A specialist magazine such as VIBE and YOU often promote music artists such as Eminem and Rhianna appearing above on the front covers. This promotes the artist very well as it portrays the artist's style and their persona.
Advert
Adverts are very effective in promoting a release as gives you the name of the release, who it is buy and when you can but it.
TV Advertisement
TV advertisements are one of the most successful ways in which a record label can promote a release for their artist, be it an single or an album. It's successful because it targets the audience directly and inconspicuously.
Retail Websites
HMV is one of the biggest retail stores for selling music within the UK. So if you are looking for any type of artist of genre of music HMV is one of the top places where your find will be fulfilled.
The one attribute that Amazon adds to there website that HMV hasn't included is the ability to buy individual songs as well as singles and albums from the site. Single tracks are priced at £00.98p each. This allows the buyer to have maximum choice in what and how much they buy.
Tv guest appearances
TV guest appearances on popular TV programmes is a very beneficial way in promoting a release. Due to the growing number of people now owning digital TV they can access a wider range of channels. This increases the chance of the amount of people watching one show at a time. however, the most popular TV shows are shown on the most favoured channels on TV such as BBC, Channel 4 and ITV. An example of a channel that uses Tv uests as the main feature of their show is 'Allan Cars Chatty Man'. This programe is an informal interview show in which the host banters and converse with their guests. Another example of this type of programme is BBC 1's 'Friday night with Jonothan Ross'.
Music Festivals/Gigs
Festival gigs are effective in promoting new, upcoming bands. Having the artist play at a high profile gig, such as Reading, is going to get them heard and recognised by a wide audience. This allows the audience to then research and explore more about the artist if they wish.
Music software: Spotify/iTunes
Spotify was launched in 2008 so it may not be as well known as iTunes. A feature that Spotify has that iTunes does not is the ability to create a playlist using songs that you haven't even purchased. Making a playlist allows you to preview and listen to the songs as many times as you like. With iTunes however, you only have a 30 second or less preview time on all songs.
The more popular out of the two, Apple's iTunes let's you keep up-to-date constantly on the latest songs and current artists. Founded in 2001 iTunes is still the no.1 place to get your music from your computer onto your hardware, be it your iPod, MP3 or your phone. Not only does iTunes have its own store but just recently it has added a new feature called 'Ping'.
