Now that you are in with a chance at being a Smokefreerockquest finalist you need people to know about your band or solo/duo, and about gigs you might have coming up. Here's some info on how to get the message out in your local paper or on the radio.
1. Chose a spokesperson: Pick someone from your band/duo who is good at talking, well organised, on time, and has their phone on most of the time. Soloists – you’re used to this!
2. Be able to describe your band/duo/self: Reporters will mainly want a couple of statements from you about your band/duo/self and your music.
Describe your music or musical influences
How did you choose your name - what does it mean? (soloists – just blame your parents!)
What does your band/duo/self want to do in the future?
What made your band/duo/act stand out at the regional finals?
If you’re organised you could write down your answers to these questions, and any other things you want to say about your band. This list is your ‘key messages’.
3. Make it newsy: Here’s some info about Smokefreerockquest thatwill help get the media’s attention:
- It is the biggest live youth music participation event held in New Zealand
- The winners get musical gear to the value of $13,000 from NZ Rockshops and their suppliers plus lots of other prizes
- Kimbra, LadyHawke, Brooke Fraser, the Feelers, Nesian Mystik, King Kapisi, the Datsuns, Fur Patrol, Bic Runga, Zed and Evermore have all been in Smokefreerockquest during its 25-year history.
4. What else? The reporter might ask you about what happens next in the Smokefreerockquest. This info is included on all media releases, in the media section of our website sfrq.co.nz - let the media know about this resource, and also send your profile, MP3 and your media release to
5. Some do’s and don’ts for dealing with the media:
Do:
Be positive, enthusiastic and interesting
Be punctual – journalists are busy, if you say you will meet or call them, make sure you do.
Don’t:
Swear or dis anyone - other bands, your school, the judges etc
Say anything that’s not true
Talk among yourselves and make ‘in’ jokes.
6. Call your local reporters and tell them your story
You cancontact your local daily and community (free) paper and your local radio stations. Look up their websites for contact details. Also yourschool or your council might have a youth mag or website.
7. Send a media release
Basically this just puts your key messagesinto one page that you can send to your local media instead of, or as well as ringing them up. You could write a media release about a gig you have coming up, anything newsy happening to you, or just that you are excited and hopeful about your chances in SFRQ (maybe when you have your DVD ready to send off).
Ask your English or media teacher for advice. Your school office may have a media list you can use to email your release out or look on page 2 of your paper – that’s often where they put contact details.
Good luck! Making music is great and Smokefreerockquest can help you turn it into a lifetime career - getting your story out is part of that.
Contact us if you want more help: or