I saw that message, quoted from the Jim Moray thread, and wondered what it was that attacted the organizer's attention. Obviously if it was the music on the demo CD that's fair enough, but elwhere in that thread it was strongly implied that Jim paid a publicist lots of money. Presumably that impressive promo pack was (part of) the result. I can see that an investment of that sort is a good idea if you are genuinely talented but unknown, but I'm surprised that such an attitude holds much sway in the folk world.

But assessing material like that is terribly subjective, and anything that looks good, communicates it intention clearly and looks like an effort was made, even if that was paid for, will get noticed.

What is a "promo pack" anyway? What's supposed to be in it?

Also there is a thread on Making a Demo CD which may be relevant to this.

Anahata