Backstage Promotion

Apple Music Just Surpassed Spotify's U.S. Subscriber Count Apple Music has now surpassed Spotify's US-based subscriber tally — and plans to widen the lead by Christmas. Here's the latest data.

The Richest Artists In the World Make 75%+ of Their Money from Touring While streaming continues to bring in record revenue for major labels, most artists, like Beyonce and Guns N' Roses, make their money from concerts.

"One amusing dynamic from a PR's perspective is when a band that has been slagged off by a title are then asked to cosy up with the very same magazine due to the now quite considerable market forces they have at their disposal. I remember one very famous rock act were asked to appear on a cover by an editor backstage at Glastonbury. The editor, who had previously written some highly entertaining yet totally damning copy on said band, now had to persuade them to sell some copies of his mag.
“Only if he gets down on his knees and begs!” said the lead singer. Dutifully, the editor got down on his knees and begged: “I want you to appear on the front cover.”
“Only if you say 'pretty please,'” the singer replied.
“Pretty please!”
The lead singer then turned on his heel with a “F*** off, pal!”
There have been many occasions where journalists have been courted however. I know of at least one PR company that would regularly insert little 'sweeteners' inside the record sleeves. I guess if your review copy arrives with a couple of grams inside, you might be more prone to bumping the album up a star or two. I believe it reaped some healthy results. Ying and most definitely yang."

Confessions of a music industry PR From petty fights to bowls filled with white powder: an anonymous music PR lifts the lid on the secret side of the industry