The Ten Commandments Of Record Promotion

This week in Nashville it’s the 44th annual Country Radio Seminar. This one of a kind convention brings the radio and records industries together every year.

I honestly can’t tell you how many of these seminars I’ve attended over the years. I was heavily involved with the convention’s agenda when I was in radio. And now that I’m working on the record side of the entertainment business I spend the majority of my time assisting artists who are in attendance. If my math is correct, I think I’m up to my 28th or 29th time attending.

A few weeks ago one of my lifelong (or darn near lifelong) friend Randy Holmes shared this little tidbit with me. It’s called the Ten Commandments of Record Promotions. He found it in a 1968 issue of Billboard Magazine. I thought this was the perfect week to add it to the Kev-Mania archives.

As the “article” mentions, it was written by independent record promoter Steve Schulman who was a record promotion executive in the 60’s and 70’s (and I think into the 80’s).

Originally Published In 1968

The Ten Commandments of Record Promotion

1) I Shall Not Hype (Well, “Just A Little Bit”)

2) I Will Work Only On Records I Believe In.

3) I Will try My Best To Cooperate With My DJ Friends In Their Moment Of Dire Need (Artists for Hops or as they’re now called ‘radio shows’)

4) I Will Fulfill All My Promises. (No Hype)

5) ?

6) I Shall Not Let A DJ, PD or Music Director Ever Pick Up A Check. (Unless He Says Please)

7)I Will Never Quote Figures. (Unless I Have Them Written Down)

8) I Shall Provide Proof Of Every Area Breakout I Mention. (I’ll Need A Few Days)

9) I Shall Keep All Music Directors, PD’s, and DJ’s Informed On The Progress Of My Records (Even If It Hurts)

10) I Will Try To Understand The Thinking Of Music Directors. (And Then Have A Drink)

While so much in life has changed, it’s obvious that some things never do…