| Summer is prime time for large musical festivals. | | | | A good example of memorable grassroots |
| Every genre and crowd has their own music | | | | promotion comes from Anton Newcombe of the |
| business in all major festivals. Between musicians, | | | | Brian Jonestown Massacre. In the documentary |
| fans, and press the event can be a practical who | | | | DiG! Anton is shown outside a CMJ music business |
| is who of any given scene. Regardless of who is | | | | showcase wearing roller blades, all white, alien |
| there the large volume of people make a music | | | | goggle glasses, and a fur cap passing out free LPs |
| festival (or any show really) the perfect | | | | for industry people to listen to. This presentation |
| opportunity to spread the word about your own | | | | will definitely be remembered. Of course this |
| music business. | | | | technique may be a bit over the top for most |
| I know that we all have been at a show or | | | | and pulling off something so dramatic will definitely |
| festival and been handed a flyer to another show. | | | | come off as forced. This style worked for Anton |
| I typically find this action annoying, but that is | | | | because it matched his personality. Your |
| because the presentation of the person handing | | | | personality and that of your music must come |
| out the flyer. They act as if they are handing out | | | | through just like Anton did at CMJ. |
| a sample of toothpaste on the street during lunch | | | | When handing out your bands materials always be |
| hour. If you are passing out flyers or demos you | | | | sure to look the person in the eye and make sure |
| need to impress the people in the ten seconds | | | | you have their full attention. You need to lock on |
| you have their attention. | | | | and make that connection and sometimes eye |
| You become a living television commercial in these | | | | contact may be enough to reach someone. |
| situations. You need to grab and hold attention | | | | When advertising you will be seen by many but |
| while inspiring your audience to check out your | | | | the percentage of people who actually invest time |
| music biz or show. Exude genuine enthusiasm | | | | in whatever you are handing out will be small |
| when you approach someone. Sell yourself and | | | | regardless of how well you present yourself. The |
| your music to them. Do not act cool or | | | | point is to be seen by as many people as possible |
| disinterested. You obviously are interested since | | | | in hopes of sticking with a few observers. Do not |
| you are handing out flyers or CDs. Remember | | | | be afraid to put yourself and do not be turned |
| this is a commercial and you want the people to | | | | off by a low success rate. Getting even one |
| remember you. | | | | person interested is worth the effort. |