Releasing an album

Subject: Releasing an album
From: GUEST,northern lass
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 06:33 AM

I have just spent the last 6 months recording my first album and just about to send off for all the lisenses, codes and everything else thats needed later today, then off to print. So I am going to have a period of time where I am waiting for my cds to come back to me in nice shiney wrappers.

However I was going to produce a short run of 50 (properly produced) as close as I can get to the finished article (packaging wise) to send to a few impatient family, friends and influential people.
So my question is... as an artist do I send CDs to people to review and ask them if they would listen and review it? I thought it may be usefull to have some comments and feedback ready for when I launch it.

The CD will go online to buy as a CD, as a download (itunes) or at live performances.

It's my first album and any advice on what I should do with it to get the most from it would be appreciated. I am sure there are things I havn't thought of!

Subject: RE: Releasing an album
From: Howard Jones
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 07:57 AM

You should definitely sent out review copies (together with some accompanying biographical and tour info) to as many local and national folk magazines and radio stations as possible, including nowadays those broadcasting on the net. Hopefully you will get some airplay, and the presenter may say something nice about it which you can then quote (if possible, get their permission first).

Bear in mind that magazines may have copy deadlines well ahead of publication dates, and you may have to wait several months before seeing a review in print. You're unlikely to get any usable quotes from these sources in time for the release of the album. However, if you know, or are at least acquainted with, a few "influential people" you might be able to persuade them to give you a usable quote to accompany the release.