Trying to Get an Alt.Country Album Reviewed

Hey all,
So the alt. country/roots band I play in just released our debut cd and we are wondering about having some outlets, magazines, websites, etc.. review the disc. We have received positive reviews from our local press and have played sold out shows, opened for national/international acts, but we pretty ignorant as to getting a cd reviewed. Does anybody have any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks,
Paul



By the way, we don't have a manager/booker yet. We're trying to do this thing DIY for right now.

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Permalink Reply by JC Shepard on November 24, 2009 at 8:42pm
Paul- In the old days (say, 5 years ago) you bundled up your CD jewel box with a good one-sheet on the band/project, bought into a mailing list of DJs & press from a trusted source, and invested your inheritance in the US Post Office.

If you're just getting going, you might want to start with more focus. Think about music that feels right with yours, that you like to listen to. Now where is that getting reviewed? Go look in those publications and on those websites. Look for a submissions policy, read it VERY carefully. Some want digital submissions, some EPKs, some the full package.

When I had a volunteer DJ gig, we got maybe 10 CDs in the mail for each 1 that saw the light of day. That's community radio, commercial is an entirely different universe. Look at where you want to tour. Is there independent radio nearby? Do they have a show that fits your sound? Do they do live in-studio? Yeah, that's getting more PR but it's all about sharing your work with the world.

Good luck!
Permalink Reply by Lane 31 on November 25, 2009 at 11:07am
Hey Paul,

I'll be following this thread very closely since my band is facing the same predicament right now. Good Luck.

David Hallam
Salt Spring Island
BC
Canada
Permalink Reply by DEADDRUNKANDNAKED on November 27, 2009 at 2:10pm
a couple of websites, including Twangville (which I write for) uses this digital service

http://www.reviewshine.com/

You can upload your record here for a number of bloggers to download (A Hickory Wind, the 9513, Americana Roots, etc.)
Permalink Reply by Todd Boudreau on November 29, 2009 at 9:22am
I do a americana / alt country radio show on WHUS which is the University of Connecticut's radio station. I would love to listen to your CD and get it on the air. That goes for any artist out there. Just send your stuff to Tangled Roots c/o WHUS. I don't remember the address off the top of my head but you can get it off the web site at whus.org. You can also contact me via email at uncletodd63@yahoo.com.
Permalink Reply by The Beautiful Train Wrecks on December 2, 2009 at 2:11pm
It should be on its way today or tomorrow. Looking forward to the review.

We did just get a nice review. Here it is

http://oregonmusicnews.com/blog/2009/11/28/the-beautiful-train-wrec...
Permalink Reply by Exebelle on December 2, 2009 at 1:33pm
Hey Paul,

I'd like to echo the suggestion of using Reviewshine.com. My band (Exebelle & The Rusted Cavalcade) have used the service for our last 2 EPs and have been very pleased with the site and the response we've received. I'd definitely recommend it.

- Ryan
Permalink Reply by The Beautiful Train Wrecks on December 2, 2009 at 2:10pm
Thanks for the head's up! I'll definitely give them a try!

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Created by No Depression Feb 17, 2009 at 9:06pm. Last updated by No Depression Apr 9.