Lots of work goes on behind the scenes earlier than an unbiased artist is nominated for a GRAMMY.
This 12 months, CD Child musician and composer Carla Patullo received the “Finest New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album” award for “So She Howls” with Tonality and the Scorchio Quartet, and her journey was no exception. We’re so pleased with her accomplishment!
We caught up with Carla’s publicist, Kaytee Lengthy Becker, to debate what it takes for an unbiased musician to run a profitable FYC marketing campaign, get nominated, and earn an opportunity to win their very own GRAMMY.
Hearken to episode 361 of the DIY Musician Podcast right here.
What’s FYC?
FYC stands for “For Your Consideration.” It’s your probability to make an enormous splash and get acknowledged on your unimaginable tunes.
The FYC marketing campaign serves as your personal private cheer squad, rallying assist on your work to be observed by the Recording Academy, the folks behind the GRAMMY Awards.
It is a nice time to shout to the world, “Hey, try my music!” — and doing it successfully may even earn you a trophy.
Album Launch vs. FYC Marketing campaign
While you launch an album, you’re placing your music on the market. However an FYC Marketing campaign? It’s like stepping right into a GRAMMY recognition highlight.
Your technique is geared towards voters, not followers. It’s all about catching the eye of the voters who’ve the facility to appoint and award GRAMMYs.
To do that, it’s vital to construct buzz round your album launch. The press and a focus you collect throughout your launch might be extremely invaluable on your FYC marketing campaign.
Don’t underestimate the worth of press quotes, interviews, or another printed content material about your album. These points enrich the story behind your work, giving it depth and credibility. And meaning you’ve received a greater shot at catching the attention of GRAMMY voters and business insiders.
Timing Is The whole lot
Profitable a GRAMMY isn’t usually a first-time endeavor for unbiased artists. It’s important to ascertain your self as an artist, construct a sturdy assist community, and make sure you’re releasing music you’re genuinely obsessed with and pleased with.
For instance, take Carla Patullo’s journey. This was her first GRAMMY submission, however she’s no newcomer to the business.
With a powerful resume as a composer for quite a few TV reveals and 30 movies, and over 150 placements within the business, Carla’s success speaks volumes in regards to the high quality of her music and the excellence of her album.
To navigate the Recording Academy’s course of successfully, take into account turning into a member. You’ll want two suggestions from present members or music business friends — an important first step in your GRAMMY journey.
The Recording Academy gives invaluable applications, together with mentorship alternatives and networking occasions. With chapters nationwide, on-line teams, and searchable yearly hashtags, there are numerous methods to interact with the neighborhood, get to know fellow voters, and foster genuine relationships.
Most significantly, be sure to have sufficient time to commit to the months of labor forward, since operating an FYC marketing campaign basically turns into a brand new job.
Anticipate your days to be crammed with communication, analysis, networking, social occasions, and different duties to successfully promote your music and vie for GRAMMY recognition.
Carla Patullo giving her GRAMMY award speech.
(AP Picture/Chris Pizzello) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Who Is Eligible To Submit?
If you happen to’re a Voting Recording Academy member in good standing, or a part of a registered media firm, you’re eligible to submit for GRAMMY consideration utilizing the GRAMMY On-line Entry Course of.
Recording Academy members in each the Voting and Skilled classes could make entries, in addition to registered media firms that launch recordings and meet GRAMMY eligibility standards.
One perk of turning into a Voting member is that you’ve the flexibility to submit your self or your friends for nomination!
Widespread Pitfalls To Keep away from
As the thrill of your FYC marketing campaign builds, it’s vital to keep away from the potential missteps that might derail your GRAMMY aspirations.
For instance, messaging people to vote for you is a no-go. Additionally, keep away from bombarding your community with extreme messages. Spamming can flip off potential supporters.
Additionally, hold an eye fixed out for the vital dates to submit your music.
Keep in mind: To be eligible for the 2025 GRAMMY Awards, your recordings have to have been launched between September 16, 2023, and August 30, 2024. In case your music launch falls exterior these dates, it’ll mechanically be disqualified.
Prioritize following the rules outlined right here to make sure your marketing campaign stays on monitor and in step with GRAMMY laws, and keep tuned for updates from the Recording Academy.
However What Class Do I Fall Into?
Take a while to mirror on what your songs actually sound like. The accuracy and efficacy of the class you choose is vital for the GRAMMYs.
Deepen your understanding of class expectations by studying the official rulebook. For example, New Age music usually options minimal vocals, and Classical compositions usually observe a structured story arc.
If you happen to’re not sure, don’t hesitate to hunt enter from buddies and friends. It usually helps to have contemporary views from people who’re somewhat faraway from the creation of your work.
Additionally, take into account the competitiveness facet. Submitting for Prime 10 classes like Finest New Artist or Finest Album might not at all times be probably the most sensible possibility.
Take cues from business traits and previous winners to set sensible expectations for your self and your music. If Beyoncé hasn’t even received Finest Album but… it’s in all probability finest to sideline that class for now!
Your Story Issues
A profitable FYC marketing campaign is about extra than simply nice music. It’s about getting the phrase out, participating with followers and influencers, and displaying the world why your music deserves to be observed.
To do that, take into account creating an FYC web page. An FYC web page is just like an EPK (Digital Press Package). It usually isn’t marketed on a private web site or different public channels, and is just accessible by means of a non-public hyperlink.
It serves as a devoted touchdown web page you’ll be able to share with anybody you’re placing care into networking with. Right here’s some necessities to incorporate in your FYC web page:
- Your artist identify
- The work being submitted
- A compelling bio highlighting your journey as an artist
- A making-of video that tells the story behind your music
- Streaming hyperlinks for simple entry to all of your songs
- Excessive-resolution pictures to visually have interaction your viewers
- Mission collaborator info (if relevant)
- Contact info for media inquiries
Probably the most important a part of your marketing campaign is revealing what makes your album really particular. To do that, inform a compelling story about it.
Suppose again to the moments you wrote your first songs for the album, and seize the spark of inspiration you had again then. Share it in a artistic method that may make listeners need to study extra.
Diving into your story may really feel weak as a result of it usually means recalling life’s robust moments. Regardless of how a lot you resolve to share, it’ll assist your viewers join with you and your music.
Above all else, be true to your self. Belief that your authenticity will resonate together with your viewers greater than the rest.
Okay, That’s a Lot. What Now?
Take a deep breath, pour your self a glass of water, pull out that notepad, and begin manifesting your objectives.
In the end, a profitable FYC marketing campaign takes a mix of expertise, laborious work, and strategic planning. By following the eligibility pointers, staying true to your inventive imaginative and prescient, and fascinating authentically together with your community, you’ll be able to enhance your possibilities of realizing your GRAMMY goals.
If you happen to outline your imaginative and prescient, create a transparent plan, and provides it your all, the expertise can be rewarding irrespective of the result.
Wish to hear extra about this course of? Hearken to Episode 361 of the DIY Musician Podcast right here.
Don’t overlook to make the most of Kaytee Lengthy Becker’s Categorical PR Marketing campaign supply (there’s a particular low cost for CD Child artists).
Instagram: Kaytee Lengthy Becker
E-mail: kaytee@diyprgroup.com