About BandPox

This website and blog will attempt to explore the current viral marketing industry as it pertains to the promotion of music. From social networking sites to online distribution networks and everything in-between, my hope is that this site will cover much ground and expose the benefits and drawbacks of "virtual" music promotion when compared to more traditional methods. After spending over a decade trying to promote music via "old school" methods, I am starting to wonder if the ease of use and free global marketing that the internet affords will ultimately replace the physical and costly promotional efforts of the past.

Imagine...
There will be no demo tapes or CD's to mail out; no guerrilla marketing techniques or dressing up in ridiculous costumes just to get some college radio play; no black hole "consignment" at local record stores. Instead, we will rely solely on internet-based methods that are cheap (even free) and (hopefully) uncomplicated. It may also behoove us to explore other forms of promotion that are typically more "business" oriented and not traditionally geared towards the music industry, such as search engine optimization (SEO) tactics, corporate sponsorship, and pay-per-click (ppc) advertising.

About the Author

My name is Jeff and I have been playing in various "bands" and musical projects for over 15 years. I ran a small independent record label for several years, have been signed to independent record labels, and have been actively involved in numerous music "pocket" scenes for as long as I can remember. I have produced, remixed, mastered and edited countless tracks for other bands across the globe. I've written music reviews for e-zines and organized musician collectives. I've been a deejay, an actor, and an emcee. I've produced film soundtracks and arranged numerous compilation discs. I have designed websites, press kits, and CD cover art for musicians and record labels, and my musical presence has existed online since 1995. I've shot band photography and videos, and made an occasional radio appearance. However...I've also made my share of costly and embarrassing mistakes over the years - many of them.

I have wasted more money on physical promotion than the IRS (and my wife) would like me to claim on my taxes every year. I have been screwed over by distributors, labels, promoters, deejays, equipment dealers, live venues and other musicians. I've signed horrid irrevocable contracts without the proper legal counsel. I've played shows where hardly anyone showed up, and I've unwillingly played lots of shows for free. In a nutshell, I know that I'm no Steve Albini, but I feel that I've paid some of my dues with the traditional music industry, and I've gotten a little frustrated with it over the years. I'm ready to take it to a new level, but if I plan on continuing my musical career without running my sanity (and my bank account) into the ground, I'm going to have to get my mind wrapped around new promotional methods like social media marketing and SEO for music. So that is what I am here to do.

I will be sharing my experiences and my discoveries here, with the hope that this site can become something of a guide for other musicians who are embarking on viral music marketing campaigns of their own. Best of luck!