Members Gremson Posted January 30, 2009 Members Posted January 30, 2009 Hey,First post in this forum. I've been designated by my band to search for endorsements for the band. I assume I should go with brands that we all own gear from. What other suggestions can you give for getting some endorsements?Thanks!
Members Gremson Posted January 30, 2009 Author Members Posted January 30, 2009 Ok... So I've been searching on manufacturer's websites, big and small time, and I don't have any idea where to start.I'd love some tips on how to get this going.
Members scaryfried Posted January 30, 2009 Members Posted January 30, 2009 First thing, it's much, MUCH easier for drummers to get endorsed by various skin makers etc. than guitarists. Also, checked out your band on Myspace, nice tunes
Members prplhz Posted January 30, 2009 Members Posted January 30, 2009 most companies will give you some kind of endorsement if you're playing shows every night. if you're not gigging frequently then good luck. your music sounds good. send emails with a promo pack to someone from the company asking if they have any endorsement options.
Members Inazone Posted January 30, 2009 Members Posted January 30, 2009 Most companies will refer to the person you're looking for as an "artist relations" rep. Some will have contact info readily available online, and others will require that you go through a general contact first. Endorsement requirements vary greatly as you can imagine, and some companies don't offer anything. The only way you'll usually find out is by asking. Actively touring or being signed to a label with good distribution will improve your chances when dealing directly with an equipment manufacturer, but you might also want to consider talking with shops in your area. Forming a good relationship with a guitar or drum shop can yield rewards of its own, from expedited repair service to discounts to free loaners.
Members prplhz Posted January 30, 2009 Members Posted January 30, 2009 Forming a good relationship with a guitar or drum shop can yield rewards of its own, from expedited repair service to discounts to free loaners. forget to mention that as well. +1. being friends with the local music store makes for cheap sticks, strings, etc... that is the stuff that adds up.
Members Gremson Posted January 30, 2009 Author Members Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks for suggesting the local music shops. I don't think any of us considered that.As for emailing promo packs goes. What does that consist of now?I'm also at a loss for words when it comes to a cover letter to email to the companies.Something tells me..."Hey... you should give us free gear, because we're awesome."Just won't get us anywhere.How professional do I want to sound?Thanks for any help!
Moderators daddymack Posted January 30, 2009 Moderators Posted January 30, 2009 yeah, you need to come off very professional, and you will need to demonstrate to the m that they will get good return on their endorsements.Start local...try local beer distributors, music stores, any local instrument or gear manufacturers.Explain that you feel you are a good fit and why, and what you are looking for, and what they will get out of it. Approaching majors is a waste of time, frankly; if they want a deal, they will come to you...I had a string endorsement deal a few years back (they approached me), but as it turned out, their product didn't make me happy, so I terminated it...oh, I still have their logo stickers on a few cases, but they are off our banner and website now.Beer distributors will often cover the cost for making your banners(with their logo prominently displayed, of course), some cross promotional things (if they sponsor a local festival for instance, they will get you on the bill and may have you featured in radioo spots), sometimes even throw a couple of cases or a minikeg to you for outdoor gigs...it is a good way to start.
Members prplhz Posted January 30, 2009 Members Posted January 30, 2009 a promo pack would be any positive reviews, recorded live performances, maybe a demo, photos etc... anything that will make you look professional. my buddies band got sponsored by jagermeister and got free t shirts and keychains and such. lol. thats kinda fun. and if things are going well, like daddymack said they may be able to help you out.
Members Gremson Posted January 30, 2009 Author Members Posted January 30, 2009 Awesome. I didn't think it would benefit to go through non-musical companies. Sweet!Would it be too much to ask for a cover letter for example. I'm still kinda clueless on how to initiate the conversation with this.Thanks!
Members primeelite Posted February 1, 2009 Members Posted February 1, 2009 You will have to just email/call many of the places and present them with your press kit/sponsorship kit. The main thing many of these places are looking for is that you have a full show/tour schedule as well as a loyal fanbase that isn't generally small. It is just like advertising, the more exposure you are going to give the brand the more they are willing to give or pay.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.