Music Publicist Duties: What Does a Music Publicist Do?

A music publicist is a public relations professional who works on behalf of a musician or music group. A music publicist corresponds with media, builds PR campaigns, sends press releases, and books media appearances for the musician. A music publicist also works with a musician's team, including the manager, booking agent, and lawyers. It is the media publicist's job to help artists build and maintain a strong media presence with positive press coverage to propel their musical career.

Here are some of the duties a music publicist will perform for their client:

• Arranges interviews: A music publicist is the point person for media interviews. If a newspaper or podcast wants to arrange an interview with a musician, they will make the arrangements with the musician's publicist.
• Creates press kits: A music publicist is responsible for putting together press kits and press releases to send to media outlets. Press kits will share information about the musician's album releases, single releases, tours, or other newsworthy information.
• Manages social media accounts: A good publicist will also know how to manage a musician's social media presence to keep the musician in the public eye and maintain a connection with their core base of listeners. This also includes managing a client's music on music streaming platforms.
• Networks with sponsors: A music publicist will also make connections with potential sponsors who may want to hire the musician to be a spokesperson for their brand. Sponsors may be brands that create large music publicity campaigns or social media music influencers.

If you are thinking of becoming a music publicist, here are a few ideas to help get you started in the music industry:

• Build your portfolio: Once you have some experience working or interning with a music PR firm, put together a portfolio of press releases you've written, as well as any articles, videos, and radio spots you've helped organize. Your portfolio is how you will show potential clients how skilled you are at creating a media presence.
• Connect with musicians: A music publicist needs to know how to seek out new music and unearth new clients. Connect with local music scenes, read music blogs, and listen to independent artists to find new talent that may need the help of a music publicist.
• Establish connections: A successful media publicist needs good media contacts. Establish connections with podcast hosts, music journalists, and other industry professionals. Attend local gigs, events, and premieres to make yourself seen in the industry.
• Intern: Most music publicists get their start by doing an internship with a music PR firm or an indie publicist. This will help you establish connections in the music business and start to develop your own portfolio of publicity campaign materials.

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