Tantrums, tips and Tumblr: When a music journalist doesn't get their own way...

A big artist finally announced they were coming to small little Exeter. 

But, guess what? 
Florence &  The  Machine's management wouldn't reply to my request for a press pass. Even after follow-up emails days ahead of the gig. 

Her performance is tonight and I'm here, sat alone, on Facebook seeing status proclamations of "FLO TONIGHT! WOOOOOOOOOO" and "Gunna use up all remaining air in my *'LUNGS'* to cheer on the glowing goddess tonight". 

Yeah, thanks guys.

Hmph.

florenceandthemachine.net

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Okay, after five minutes of deep breathing, inhaling, gasping and exhaling, I've calmed down.

At the end of the day, PR companies work very hard to make sure gigs run as smoothly as possible, contacting artist management to arrange interviews and/or free entry (in return for an at least relatively praising review) for the relevant members of press.

Any journalist, particularly an armature such as myself, needs to understand that they won't always get to review what they want, or what the company they are writing for needs. PR companies often deal and co-oporate with numerous artists at any one time- that's a lot of emails for them to read, reply to and send. And for particularly well-known acts, there's inevitably huge numbers of press wanting to feature their gig so competition is high.

My tips for aspiring journalists attempting to secure exclusive gig benefits:

1. Be polite and professional. Common sense, but you won't get an interview with your favourite act if you're yelling at the sir or madam reading your email in caps lock. You've been gifted with excellent communication skills, so utilise them. 

2. Show off your blog or magazine. If you've got stats on how many views you've had, or how many people are reading your magazine every issue, feel free to brag about it when contacting PRs. It will help to brief the person reading your email on what you do, and what your music-y blogspot or Tumblr has achieved- what is your Tumblr magazine about? What do you aim to achieve with your audience? Do you just feature music articles or lifestyle too?

3. Follow-up, but don't nag. There's nothing wrong with sending PR's a 'Hi there, did you get my email RE...?' if it's been 2 weeks and no reply, but don't keep duplicating them. One will be enough to show them that you're really interested and enthusiastic about reviewing their act. Leave it at least a week until you follow up, unless the gig is really really close. 

4. Be flexible. The reality of the fact is if you're a trainee, you might still be at school, college or have a part-time job alongside your journo. PR's might not reply to emails until the actual day before the gig, so assume you're going... unless it's in a faraway place and you need to book train tickets. Try local gigs first.

5. Ask for an interview. Always worth a try. With bigger acts, schedules are likely to be too busy for a Q&A, although try getting in early with your request. Interviewing will build your confidence as a trainee, and you never know when you might form some crucial contacts who might be able to offer you a journo job or opportunity. 

- Any questions? Comment below with your experiences of contacting artist management, or interviewing artists. Can you recommend any tips too?