Guest Blogger - The 405

Late last year we put together a mini band guide in the hope that we could help unsigned (or new-ish) bands find their feet. It was mainly a selfish way of us saying “if you're going to email us, please don't do the following...” but it managed to be a bit more useful than that, with guest posts from industry folk sharing their advice on everything from 'how to book a show', to how to promote yourself.



The guide was supposed to be an ongoing project, but due to us building a new site, we haven't had time to do so. However, today I'm going to briefly talk about the best way to approach a blog/site if you want them to hear your music.



It's worth noting that this is just a drop in the ocean of 'contact etiquette', but hopefully it will point you in the right direction.



1. Research, research, research

Our contact details are clearly listed on our contact page. My name is not 'The 405', and it's definitely never been Pete, or Dave, or Steve. That might come across as being arrogant but would you accept it in a real life situation?



I'm never that offended by it really, I just laugh and press delete. If you got our email address, or any of the editors email addresses, then you know our names.



Not only that, but make sure you research the site you contact and try to make it personal. Personal does not mean “Hey, how you doing? I really loved that piece you did on [insert latest article posted on site as it's easy to copy and paste].” Make sure you only approach sites that cover the sort of music you make.



Why would you contact an indie-centric site if you make thrash metal, at best they won't even bother replying, and at worst they'll give your record a really bad review.





2. Never attach an mp3

We receive about 300 emails every day (just think what a site like the Quietus must get?) and a fair chunk of my time as the editor is to reply to those emails. If someone sends us an mp3 attached to an email, I cry. Google mail also cries, and because I'm so upset, I forget to feed my cat.



Do you want my cat to go hungry?



Seriously though. Don't do it. Get yourself signed up to Soundcloud (you don't need anything else) and just send the link over. It's quick and painless.





3. Genres

If I had a pound for every time someone suggested their band sounded like Radiohead/Strokes/King of Leon/Animal Collective (that's my favourite) I would genuinely be quite rich. It lacks imagination, and is probably not true. Making up a genre for your music is also pretty lame, but can at least be funny.



So rather than saying that you sound like 'Sex On Fire era KOL', make up a new genre like 'cowboybootwave' (Note: Always add 'wave' at the end).





4. M.I.S.S

The classic 'Make It Simple Stupid' approach. Most editors will have limited time to read/reply to emails, and most of those that have been doing it for a while will have a pretty quick process of dealing with those emails. If an unsolicited email drops into my inbox, I immediately scan the email for a link (please don't include a MySpace link – it shows that you haven't moved with the times, and it's damn slow) and then I listen to the music before deciding what to do next.



Your email should be a quick hello (see point 1) why you think we'll like your music (see point 3), a link to your bands music (see point 2) and a goodbye. That's it.





Remember, nothing is more important than making good music. If you're not doing that, or believe you're doing that, then everything above is just meaningless.

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Many thanks to Oliver, editor of The 405 for these words on how best to get in touch with blogs if you are a band, musician, artist etc. while caring for cats.