What a brilliant down-to-earth talk here by Tom Robinson! Even five years after the fact, it all still applies to one degree or another (except perhaps for sending out CDs as promo - yet they are still good for selling at gigs along with other merchandise). This should be required listening for anyone who wants to play music professionally. Cheers, Tom!
I watched lots of tutorials on music promotion, but I haven't seen any as concise and encompassing as this one. This is a must for anyone who needs to promote their own music.
I agree heavily with the twitter portion. I found a whole scene and group through twitter, and now i produce with 30 other guys. We promote each other as a group and everyone wins.
Thank you so much for sharing this lecture! Your tips were extremely helpful. What I loved the most about your presentation was when you said that it is most important to focus on your art and having a balanced life. This is absolutely important! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks a million Tom. This is exactly the kind of advice i've been looking for in order to build my music career. Very interested to see what else you have to offer -Theo
Wow. Actually got shivers down my spine during that. Possibly the best and most productive hour I've spent in my young musical career, so thank you so much Tom Robinson!
Thanks Tom, there are so many small things in this talk that have really helped me, with mental blocks business wise, organisation and creatively. I really appreciated listening to some good no nonsense advice :)
...this is REALLY good. For the past 6 months, I've listened to a few videos per week on songwriting and music promotion, and THIS is the best thing I've heard so far. Thanks, Mr. Robinson.
changed my life because it strengthened and restructured my innate beliefs in the formula needed to be persistent and focus on what is most important to obtain success.. i thank GOD ive seeen this!
Thank you so much Tom. You show thoughtfulness, good analysis, clear delivery and most important.... integrity, in an industry where it is invisible. In short; you are helping others, what a great thing to do with your life! For the record; I booked a PR agent for £7,000 and got one lousy radio interview (BBC regional) , actually the interview itself was very good as you may expect, but not worth the cash. Now with my forthcoming project I have approached another (very well known) who has said "unfortunately we can't promote this", that is integrity and I appreciate it. By the way, how could anyone thumbs down this video..??
This is unquestionably one of the best speeches I've ever listened to about promoting music. Thank you Tom for sharing your years of experience with all of us.
Mr. Robinson has presented what I deem the Holy Grail in regards to DIY artist development. I feel very lucky to have found this. Roadblocks have been torn down. Thank You Mr. Robinson
Great video but remember everybody that at the end of the day once you enjoy making the music that's all that really matters, if you can successfully describe how you've felt in a song or a poem or any kind of art form then you've made it in my eyes.
YES!! Completely agreed Jordie - it's all about the music. Not the fame, not the big bucks, not "getting taken seriously" or the number of followers. It's about taking risks and making music that's daring and truthful. Music that's genuinely true to yourself will always be satisfying for its own sake. We all find out soon enough if other people are going like it, and if they do, that's a bonus :-)
i watch this every other week whilst trying to find ways of getting the fantastic acts on our label more exposure - really really helpful good advice THANK YOU
What a gem to find on TH-cam. Great presentation, thanks for putting on here. Like you said, anything can be achieved. It's all about how much time and energy you're willing to commit and if that's 100%, then everything else in your life has to be sacrificed. As an individual, you have to decide what you're willing to pay in return for where you want to be. Effort should always be 100%, but time and energy will probably have more longevity and happiness if it's balanced. Good advice, thanks.
I pause the video game to take notes lol and really listen to what u had to say, you drop heavy jewels on me thank you for sharing your input was much needed....
awe I LOVE LOVE LOVE 57:18! Thank you. This brought tears to my eyes. This is EXACTLY why I moved to Paris to get out of the cut throat, shallow LA scene and follow my heart making music that speaks to my soul! Thanks again Tom.
I definitely feel like this was not only informative--but emotionally resonating even 3 years after the fact. This was the pep talk I've been looking for. Thank you.
An absolutely brilliant talk. I never thought I could sit through almost an hour of a youtube upload. Thanks Tom for your really helpful and down to earth advice.
I just wanna say thanks to Tom for this blog. Really really helpful for me as an independent artist about to release my debut album. Great to hear all the advice for attracting the media's attention, I've listened twice! I've even blogged about it to my followers- thankyou!!!
Thanks Tom, I have paid attention to your advice and will use it. I'm 63 and played in bands etc. for 5 decades never heard most 90% of this info. Thanks again I now have some direction to send: my inner self by songs and videos, as well as the description of my self and working ideas with many smiles and hello's. I will market like you advised and hope to develop a good promo in the near future . I'm a solo artist (singer songwriter) and I play the acoustic guitar things also for my pictures and covers for a CD. Thank you Stephen-SAC
This really opened my mind up with different perspectives I was blinded from. Can't thank you enough for sharing this knowledge and wisdom. Hope to one day meet you to share ideas and dreams.
Just came across this, really enjoyed the down to earth presentation of some good info from a man who's seen the business from both sides. particularly liked the DIY approach to printing up CDs,thanks.
Intelligent video, instead of preaching in a condescending manner (like the rest of these how-to-videos) you flatter the listener. Now I'm listening :)
I Have To Say the Last 2 Minutes of this Video Has Changed My Way of looking at Promoting online, and thank you For Reminding us what we are REALLY doing, in the fact that we make music because there is nothing else we cans ee ourselfs doing. so thank you Tom.
This is a wealth of knowledge that you have unloaded for the general public and independant artist. Thank you so much for your time and willingness to share!!!!
Best how to video on you tube about breaking into the music industry! This stuff does come at a cost and my favorite advice out of this is focusing on balance. Its important to be creative but not hypothetically sell your soul and sacrifice relationships and family for the sake of recognition
that was amazing and correctly came to the ultimate conclusion, follow your passion! The success, balance and everything you could ever wish for is a side effect of that very closing statement
3,515 seconds when I should have been writing my thesis but instead heard practical, supportive, realistic and inspirational advice about getting heard as a musician. Life's too short, it was time well spent, thanks Tom ; )
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Tom! I'm only half way through and have already obtained so much palpable, useful, well explained material to better my career. Thank you for taking the time to offer this in depth informational video!
Thanks Tom. I really enjoyed listening to this and am so grateful that you have decided to share all your knowledge. I especially connects with the last bit. Talking about sacrifice focussing on your art but making sure you have a well rounded life. Best wishes, Rich.
Point taken but still... the key message is that the song HAS to be genuinely outstanding. My advice would be not to make excuses but get writing. Dont think about it too hard: aim to complete 1-2 new throwaway songs per week - just record em on your cellphone. At the end of a year you'll have 50-100 songs to choose from & chances are, one will be great. With a rough demo of a killer song - I promise you - all the other stuff, including finance, will soon fall into place.
In 2023, why are bands/artists still kissing the arses of mainstream promoters & record companies when technically everything can be done themselves at home or in the rehearsal room with a laptop & a few half decent mics, and all promo & publicity can be done online for next to nothing Just be good at what you do folks, and mean it, and then whatever happens after that is a bonus and down to the universe, too many bands are trying to please these days, at the end of the day, none of these soulless corporations give a hoot about you or your music, they just want you to make them money, and, more than likely, you're gonna get ripped off somewhere along the way Cheers for the advice/tips Tom, but it's not always about 'making it' in the 'industry' for a lot of musicians, cos in reality, 99.9% of artists ain't gonna 'make it' even more so these days with all the similar sounding/produced garbage in the mainstream arena, what's needed now is a music revolution, and the only way that's gonna happen is from the grass roots Don't say I didn't warn ya kids, the 'industry' is a den of vipers, enter at your own risk ha ha
Great video Tom. Thanks so much for this. As someone who is feeling a bit stuck and probably been too dragged in to trying to be successful this is a real eye opener.
I found this at about 530am EST .... After feeling very bummed and honestly on the brink of quitting when I struggled to fall asleep 3 hours earlier... This randomly popped up in "recommended videos" while I was preparing to watch a music video ... I watched It straight through. I would only say that I wish I did research and found this when I first started seriously making music, which was about a year after this was released. I jumped right into it spent lots of money - some wasted, some worthwhile - and now about 3 years in I'm learning more but feeling like I don't want to invest anymore . And that led to me feeling like if I can't invest I can't make it work. And how did I invest and continue to get better but it's taking so long to come around? But after watching this I feel energized and ready to continue. This video has restored some hope and confidence. Thank you,Tom.
Maybe you should consider starting your own label. I'm not sure how to go about it but I am considering it myself because I am in the same position you are. But DONT get discouraged, There is a way. Find it.
So much wisdom, wish the internet was prevalent back in my day. I would have been loaded instead of just artistically successful. Thanks Tom inspirational lecture.
I work at least 4 hours a day working on my music, I don't spam and never have, I don't like asking people to listen to my music because I want people to like it without me shoving it in there face. I am still hopeful for some attention but for talent not spam. this video was a massive help! Thank you :)
I understand exactly what you mean as I myself wanted to get into the industry years ago and spent time in the studio and on stage. However, now that I am older I really see that there are many who don't have the gift..so why force it.. Also I now work with financial traders (like the kind seen on Traders: Millions by the Minute) who have the know how to back talented acts by either managing their financial accounts or sending them direction on which way the markets are headed. They also offer free trial periods that no one else in the industry does.
I've had an interest in making my own music for over two years now. EDIT- 2:36 P.M.: *finishes video 1 hour and 2 minutes later* I should've been taking notes. You gave great advice, Tom! 🤓
Haha - thanks Stu - truth be told, I actually hacked out the bits where it sagged or deviated - the original talk was nearly 90 mins. So the focus is more down to crafty editing rather than presence of mind at the time :-)
This is a wanderful advise to people that realy love music! Make music if you love it! Something great will happen any way! You will make a turmoil in the universe! Music is havenly rain harmony!
Basic format in no particular order;
*Product
*Branding
*Marketing
*Distribution
People don't buy your song they buy emotion and feeling you put in your song.
Being a independent band for the past 6 years on the East Coast Reggae scene, this is some of the best advice I've heard!
This is without doubt best, most eloquently expressed advice I've ever been given regarding this subject. Highly Recommended for any musician!
Thankyou very much indeed for those kind words Tubby - high appreciated
+Asal Sedaghati yes, you'll find me @freshnet
recommended and must share .. for those beginners
Tom Robinson best information I've ever seen so far! thank you!
soundcloud.com/shaan-jay
After 40 years of playing, writing and performing music, I think it's about time I promote my music! Nice Find!
This was probably the most influential TH-cam video I've ever watched and I will definitely take everything from this and apply it
Exactly my thoughts! Good luck
i am listening to your advice 3 years later and its as if you read the future. i am music promoter and your video is GOLD
What a brilliant down-to-earth talk here by Tom Robinson! Even five years after the fact, it all still applies to one degree or another (except perhaps for sending out CDs as promo - yet they are still good for selling at gigs along with other merchandise). This should be required listening for anyone who wants to play music professionally. Cheers, Tom!
Nice one Mark - much appreciated x
I watched lots of tutorials on music promotion, but I haven't seen any as concise and encompassing as this one. This is a must for anyone who needs to promote their own music.
I agree heavily with the twitter portion. I found a whole scene and group through twitter, and now i produce with 30 other guys. We promote each other as a group and everyone wins.
Bandwidthboi [yng baja]
Can I join?
Thank you so much for sharing this lecture! Your tips were extremely helpful. What I loved the most about your presentation was when you said that it is most important to focus on your art and having a balanced life. This is absolutely important! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for this amazing wisdom. I'm an indie artist myself and this is invaluable for me. cheers!!
Cool sounds about right
Music makers and fellow creatives...This is some of THE best advise out there.
Thanks a million Tom. This is exactly the kind of advice i've been looking for in order to build my music career. Very interested to see what else you have to offer
-Theo
2020 is all about Soundcloud, Submithub and bloggers playlists on Spotify and Deezer. Getting music out there just takes determination and google.
Wow. Actually got shivers down my spine during that. Possibly the best and most productive hour I've spent in my young musical career, so thank you so much Tom Robinson!
This was a really motivating video. I appreciate this man's honesty and realness.
Although this is 'one man's opinion', it is for sure useful and consistent. So thank you for sharing such advice, and I hope you keep posting.
Thanks Tom, there are so many small things in this talk that have really helped me, with mental blocks business wise, organisation and creatively. I really appreciated listening to some good no nonsense advice :)
+Betty Steeles Cheers Betty - so glad you found some helpful stuff in here. Like I say, it's only one man's opinion, not gospel :-)
This video has changed the way I look at the music industry. Great stuff.
...this is REALLY good.
For the past 6 months, I've listened to a few videos per week on songwriting and music promotion, and THIS is the best thing I've heard so far.
Thanks, Mr. Robinson.
changed my life because it strengthened and restructured my innate beliefs in the formula needed to be persistent and focus on what is most important to obtain success.. i thank GOD ive seeen this!
Thank you so much Tom. You show thoughtfulness, good analysis, clear delivery and most important.... integrity, in an industry where it is invisible. In short; you are helping others, what a great thing to do with your life! For the record; I booked a PR agent for £7,000 and got one lousy radio interview (BBC regional) , actually the interview itself was very good as you may expect, but not worth the cash. Now with my forthcoming project I have approached another (very well known) who has said "unfortunately we can't promote this", that is integrity and I appreciate it. By the way, how could anyone thumbs down this video..??
Cheers for those kind words Paul - much appreciated
This is unquestionably one of the best speeches I've ever listened to about promoting music. Thank you Tom for sharing your years of experience with all of us.
Mr. Robinson has presented what I deem the Holy Grail in regards to DIY artist development. I feel very lucky to have found this. Roadblocks have been torn down. Thank You Mr. Robinson
+Cynthia Moore very good doco
A lot of helpful tips. When you said you burst when you don't make music, I laughed because that's exactly how I feel when I don't make music.
Great video but remember everybody that at the end of the day once you enjoy making the music that's all that really matters, if you can successfully describe how you've felt in a song or a poem or any kind of art form then you've made it in my eyes.
YES!! Completely agreed Jordie - it's all about the music. Not the fame, not the big bucks, not "getting taken seriously" or the number of followers. It's about taking risks and making music that's daring and truthful. Music that's genuinely true to yourself will always be satisfying for its own sake. We all find out soon enough if other people are going like it, and if they do, that's a bonus :-)
i watch this every other week whilst trying to find ways of getting the fantastic acts on our label more exposure - really really helpful good advice THANK YOU
What a gem to find on TH-cam. Great presentation, thanks for putting on here. Like you said, anything can be achieved. It's all about how much time and energy you're willing to commit and if that's 100%, then everything else in your life has to be sacrificed. As an individual, you have to decide what you're willing to pay in return for where you want to be. Effort should always be 100%, but time and energy will probably have more longevity and happiness if it's balanced. Good advice, thanks.
This was a breath of fresh air THROUGHOUT! Very accessible information
Too much good information!
I will listen over and over and over again, once is not enough
This guy is the real deal. Im glad to see that what i'm going through is normal. I love this guy. I ask the universe to have me cross his way!
I pause the video game to take notes lol and really listen to what u had to say, you drop heavy jewels on me thank you for sharing your input was much needed....
awe I LOVE LOVE LOVE 57:18! Thank you. This brought tears to my eyes. This is EXACTLY why I moved to Paris to get out of the cut throat, shallow LA scene and follow my heart making music that speaks to my soul! Thanks again Tom.
Love it, love it, love it! Especially the ending, so true, I literally am crying here. Thx so much for sharing, I feel inspired!
Was listening and took notes the whole time.
Doeboy Fresh i need those notes.
Great to hear that you found it helpful... only one man's opinion, mind!
Enjoyed this! Thank you!
I definitely feel like this was not only informative--but emotionally resonating even 3 years after the fact.
This was the pep talk I've been looking for. Thank you.
An absolutely brilliant talk. I never thought I could sit through almost an hour of a youtube upload. Thanks Tom for your really helpful and down to earth advice.
6:38 Kevin Gates- Power, Ellie Goulding- New love, and August Alsina- Rounds, those three OMFG's right now
I just wanna say thanks to Tom for this blog. Really really helpful for me as an independent artist about to release my debut album. Great to hear all the advice for attracting the media's attention, I've listened twice! I've even blogged about it to my followers- thankyou!!!
You ended it on the best note! That is the only reason I make music, because of the passion.
Thanks Tom, I have paid attention to your advice and will use it. I'm 63 and played in bands etc. for 5 decades never heard most 90% of this info. Thanks again I now have some direction to send: my inner self by songs and videos, as well as the description of my self and working ideas with many smiles and hello's. I will market like you advised and hope to develop a good promo in the near future . I'm a solo artist (singer songwriter) and I play the acoustic guitar things also for my pictures and covers for a CD. Thank you Stephen-SAC
Wow. everything you said is sooo true. thank you for this video. really opened my eyes and helped me.
I'm a Independent record label call: L!$KI familz, Productionz, inc. ...($)/ we are in Detroit,mi. Working on my Party Album 🌏🔥💯
This really opened my mind up with different perspectives I was blinded from. Can't thank you enough for sharing this knowledge and wisdom.
Hope to one day meet you to share ideas and dreams.
Probably one of the best videos on music advise I ever heard. listened to it at 5am and will be listening to it over and over again.
Just came across this, really enjoyed the down to earth presentation of some good info from a man who's seen the business from both sides. particularly liked the DIY approach to printing up CDs,thanks.
Cheers Jalën - good to hear you found it helpful :-)
That was a brilliant package of sooo valuable info! Thanks for sharing that!
Essential listening for new artists. What a fantastic bloke. Cheers Tom.
Intelligent video, instead of preaching in a condescending manner (like the rest of these how-to-videos) you flatter the listener. Now I'm listening :)
Sir, I learned so much from this, thank you very much.
Really glad you found it helpful Paul :-)
I Have To Say the Last 2 Minutes of this Video Has Changed My Way of looking at Promoting online, and thank you For Reminding us what we are REALLY doing, in the fact that we make music because there is nothing else we cans ee ourselfs doing. so thank you Tom.
so hopeful! greetings from Seoul, Korea :)
This is a wealth of knowledge that you have unloaded for the general public and independant artist. Thank you so much for your time and willingness to share!!!!
This needs way over 10,000 views ! I would recommend this to any artist that needs guidance and direction. What a mind blowing speech!
Solid advice and still valid, even nearly three years later today. Thanks Tom!
Very eloquently spoken, inspirational, & insightful.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Truly :)
I feel so touched by these advices. Can't wait to get out there and do the best I can. Thank you for this powerful speech. - Kenneth (Berlin)
Best how to video on you tube about breaking into the music industry! This stuff does come at a cost and my favorite advice out of this is focusing on balance. Its important to be creative but not hypothetically sell your soul and sacrifice relationships and family for the sake of recognition
that was amazing and correctly came to the ultimate conclusion, follow your passion! The success, balance and everything you could ever wish for is a side effect of that very closing statement
Thanks Craig - very much appreciated
3,515 seconds when I should have been writing my thesis but instead heard practical, supportive, realistic and inspirational advice about getting heard as a musician. Life's too short, it was time well spent, thanks Tom ; )
Thank you so much! You shared some really sound advice!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Tom! I'm only half way through and have already obtained so much palpable, useful, well explained material to better my career. Thank you for taking the time to offer this in depth informational video!
Thanks Tom. I really enjoyed listening to this and am so grateful that you have decided to share all your knowledge. I especially connects with the
last bit. Talking about sacrifice focussing on your art but making sure you have a well rounded life.
Best wishes,
Rich.
This was a great in helping me educate myself more on how to promote my music and other aspects about the industry, thank you !!
Thanks for your kind words Nicholas - hope 2104 is a great year for you
Such an inspirational talk, i am in the middle of recording my new album and can not wait to put your advice into practice
This is great Tom and is being a HUGE help to my little independent Label/Management company. MANY THANKS.
So much wealth of knowledge for independent artists thanks @Tom Robinson greetings from Zambia, Africa.
Brilliant, clear, and found on time. Thank you!
Thank you for this! I learned EVEN MORE just from this video compared to 50 articles!
Point taken but still... the key message is that the song HAS to be genuinely outstanding. My advice would be not to make excuses but get writing. Dont think about it too hard: aim to complete 1-2 new throwaway songs per week - just record em on your cellphone. At the end of a year you'll have 50-100 songs to choose from & chances are, one will be great. With a rough demo of a killer song - I promise you - all the other stuff, including finance, will soon fall into place.
Very helpful and informative thank you I'm pursuing my passion and I will utilize these jewels
In 2023, why are bands/artists still kissing the arses of mainstream promoters & record companies when technically everything can be done themselves at home or in the rehearsal room with a laptop & a few half decent mics, and all promo & publicity can be done online for next to nothing
Just be good at what you do folks, and mean it, and then whatever happens after that is a bonus and down to the universe, too many bands are trying to please these days, at the end of the day, none of these soulless corporations give a hoot about you or your music, they just want you to make them money, and, more than likely, you're gonna get ripped off somewhere along the way
Cheers for the advice/tips Tom, but it's not always about 'making it' in the 'industry' for a lot of musicians, cos in reality, 99.9% of artists ain't gonna 'make it' even more so these days with all the similar sounding/produced garbage in the mainstream arena, what's needed now is a music revolution, and the only way that's gonna happen is from the grass roots
Don't say I didn't warn ya kids, the 'industry' is a den of vipers, enter at your own risk ha ha
Brilliant talk. Really informative delivered with humour n passion. Thanks
Great video Tom. Thanks so much for this. As someone who is feeling a bit stuck and probably been too dragged in to trying to be successful this is a real eye opener.
I found this at about 530am EST .... After feeling very bummed and honestly on the brink of quitting when I struggled to fall asleep 3 hours earlier... This randomly popped up in "recommended videos" while I was preparing to watch a music video ... I watched It straight through. I would only say that I wish I did research and found this when I first started seriously making music, which was about a year after this was released. I jumped right into it spent lots of money - some wasted, some worthwhile - and now about 3 years in I'm learning more but feeling like I don't want to invest anymore . And that led to me feeling like if I can't invest I can't make it work. And how did I invest and continue to get better but it's taking so long to come around? But after watching this I feel energized and ready to continue. This video has restored some hope and confidence. Thank you,Tom.
secrettisout
secrettisout you missed a great opportunity to plug in that comment
Maybe you should consider starting your own label. I'm not sure how to go about it but I am considering it myself because I am in the same position you are. But DONT get discouraged, There is a way. Find it.
So much wisdom, wish the internet was prevalent back in my day. I would have been loaded instead of just artistically successful. Thanks Tom inspirational lecture.
I work at least 4 hours a day working on my music, I don't spam and never have, I don't like asking people to listen to my music because I want people to like it without me shoving it in there face. I am still hopeful for some attention but for talent not spam. this video was a massive help! Thank you :)
+Rage Music Nice one - thanks for your kind comment. Good luck with your work in 2016
I understand exactly what you mean as I myself wanted to get into the industry years ago and spent time in the studio and on stage. However, now that I am older I really see that there are many who don't have the gift..so why force it.. Also I now work with financial traders (like the kind seen on Traders: Millions by the Minute) who have the know how to back talented acts by either managing their financial accounts or sending them direction on which way the markets are headed. They also offer free trial periods that no one else in the industry does.
Highly useful material, tips, and just plain common sense. An hour well spent !! Thanks for sharing :-)
I need to pass this on to my son. 👍
I've had an interest in making my own music for over two years now.
EDIT- 2:36 P.M.: *finishes video 1 hour and 2 minutes later*
I should've been taking notes. You gave great advice, Tom! 🤓
Thank you so much for putting this on TH-cam, Tom. So inspiring and informative. Feels like a friendly kick up the bum, if there is such a thing.
Wow, best video for independent artists and music creation I've seen. Thank you for this video!!
Thanks for the outstanding advice Tom!
Thanks Tom! Great info and thx for sharing, if only everyone was this helpful.
Thanks for the info, very helpful!
Still valid and helpful information in 2016, and in the USA. Thank you, Mr. Robinson!
Great talk - many thanks Tom!
Haha - thanks Stu - truth be told, I actually hacked out the bits where it sagged or deviated - the original talk was nearly 90 mins. So the focus is more down to crafty editing rather than presence of mind at the time :-)
I'm a little late to the party but thanks for sharing this video. Great advice and honesty. Much appreciated.
Thanks for the information Tom ! Blessings from jamaica cousin to Bob Marley
extremely helpful, even for bands based in the states. Thank you.
This is a wanderful advise to people that realy love music! Make music if you love it! Something great will happen any way!
You will make a turmoil in the universe! Music is havenly rain harmony!
Kudos! You're shooting right from the hip. I love it.
Incredible Insight. Taking notes the whole time.
Thank you Sir .God Bless you
For a one-person opinion, this is great. Well done!