Record Promoter Job Description

Ever wonder how your favorite record gets played on the radio? That's the job of the record promoter. Here's a primer on what they do.

Function

The record promoter is the artist's representative to the radio industry. The promoter makes sure radio station program managers have copies of the record and complete information on the release.

Features

One of the record promoter's main tasks is to create a "story" for the release and the artist. The "story" can include an artist's fan base in a particular station's listening area, prior record sales and prior radio play.

Time Frame

The life cycle of a new release is generally 13 weeks after it has been made available for purchase. But the record promoter's job begins two or three months prior to the release date, during which time the promoter lays the groundwork for the promotion campaign.

Promotion

A promoter will usually visit local radio station program managers to hype the release, but will also telephone or email managers across the country. These program managers usually have set times during which they are available for calls.

Relationships

A successful record promoter spends years developing relationships with radio station programming directors. This helps the artist because the programming director comes to trust the promoter, knowing that he won't bring sub-standard music.

References

• Record Promotion