Musicians, have you ever had yourself written up in the local newspaper, or had your band’s show in the events calendar, or even had an article written on you or your act in the local or regional magazine? It’s a great feeling and does wonders for your confidence and your morale. It gets your name out there to the general public that may not have heard of you yet, and your existing fans love to say, “Hey, I know these guys!”
It is the music columnist that makes this moment of fame happen. The person that has a passion for the local music scene. They take the time to come to your shows, listen to your new album, and give you that glowing review. They have a way with words and often describe your music in such amazing metaphors, soliloquies, and alliterations that you yourself could never have come up with.
Having a write-up of your band is one of those benchmarks; it really ligitamizes your existence and is an important aspect of your band’s bio and resume. Having that great quote from the local music columnist is also essential for your electronic press kit.
Being that the columnist is also a critic in a fashion, they may be falsely assumed to be snobbish, elitist, and unapproachable. I, however, have found that if you take the time to write a show of respect and are gracious and appreciative of what they do for the local music scene, they are very receptive and happy to set their talents toward showcasing your band as well.
In my scene of East Florida, one music columnist in particular, immediately comes to mind. Rick de Yampert is a name known not only locally, but throughout the country. As well as being a freelance writer, Rick de Yampert was also the Arts and Entertainment writer for the Daytona Beach News-Journal for 23 years. Over his career he has written over 22,000 articles, interviewing such legends as Peter Frampton, Yoko Ono, and Ray Manzarek of The Doors.
Being a musician himself, a sitar player, in fact, he really knows what questions to ask those that frame the artist in an interesting light, and reveal a side of artists that a reading audience would be intrigued by. I asked Rick what it is about the local original music scene that has inspired him to write about it all these years, and what advice he might have for original artists and aspiring music columnists.
He told me, “Local scenes have far more fascinating music than I imagine even hardcore music fans in each and every city may know. There’s more quantity in bigger cities, but not necessarily better quality; that’s why I love writing about the local original music scene. As for a bit of advice: Whether it’s making music or writing about music (if one is so motivated), the key is to just do it. There are outlets for your creative expression, even if it’s posting on Facebook. Remember that you are your primary audience. Do it because it fulfills something in you. If someone else connects to your creativity, that’s a bonus.”
Artists, bands, look into your local music columnist, read some of their articles, reach out to them and offer them up your bio and music; it’s an important step in your musical journey. If your town does not have a music columnist of note, maybe it’s time they had one. If writing about music and uplifting your local music scene seems like something that would fulfill something in you, give it a try. You may just find you have the knack for it, and your music scene needs you.
Next month, I will continue my Original Music Manifesto with an article on the Radio DJ who supports local original music. In the meantime, please keep supporting local original music. Thanks for reading.
