Hi guys. Some of you know that I make music and I think I am getting better so I'm starting to think about trying to get more people to listen to it than just my friends and the guys around here. I want to know what any of you know about promoting music?

I can't play live, really, and I know that this is generally the single best way to become more known but let's just ignore that aspect for the moment because I think we all understand playing live is the best, but I can't really do it very feasibly because about 90% of what I make now is electronically based and me playing live would just consist of me hitting play live.

Okay so how about websites? I have a bunch of accounts scattered around the internet but I haven't updated them in years. I am considering doing this soon. Amiestreet, myspace, purevolume - maybe a couple others, I'm not sure. What do you guys think of these websites and is there anything in particular you can do to get more people interested? Fill in the profile properly and update every now and then would be a start, I guess, but I just can't seem to actually get GOING, you know?

Other ways besides what are basically social networking sites would be good, too. I'm kind of clueless.

The reason I'm asking is because I will probably be finishing a new album soon (a month or two) and I'd like to release it to more than just a dozen people who I feel kind of irritating having to ask HEY WANNA HEAR MY SONGS? Not that I think I stink, I just feel a bit annoying asking people that.

Send in free samples to music magazines/websites and stuff; if you're lucky, they'll listen and like it and maybe give it a mention.

Just a thought.

Also send copies of your CD to college radio stations and actually talk to the guys at the station. Most stations chart on CMJ or FMQB and if you're on that top 10 or 30 list (depending on what chart you fit) it gives you very good promotion.

As stupid as it might sound, do a myspace webpage and just start networking with people that could help you. Bands in your style, labels from your style, studio owners, anyone that can help you in any way possible. As a musician/band it's pretty damn important to start speaking with the right people. Contacts are the best way to advance in the game

myspace.com a place for friends

you play acoustic music too though right? if you play that kind of stuff live (i dont know if youre interested in that or not though) you could also promote your electronic music via CD-Rs and whatnot at the venue/pub/coffee shop/wherever

i know you said you cant do it but i think you should pull a band together to play live. i take it you'd be on guitar and vocals then all you'd need would be a synth player, bass player and a drummer. you'd be surprised how much better songs can sound when you get a tight band playing it.

it'll make you so much better as a musician as well.

other than that i would do what everyone else is saying and send your cd to as many places as possible.

I want to see you in a local pub jamie. Playing music I mean not drinking. I'd raise my pint and grunt at the end of songs I liked and borrow a cigarette lighter from a smoker to hold up when you cover free bird