Monthly Archives: June 2016

Mad Sun Marketing Center Stage at 2016 Summer NAMM

We’re thrilled to once again have a presence at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show, taking place in Nashville, Tenn., from June 23 – June 25 at the Music City Center.

Our busy schedules include everything from performances by Mad Sun Marketing Founder, Laura B. Whitmore, to our She Rocks Showcase featuring talented women in music, panels, and more.

Check our events out below, and be sure to stop by and say hi!

Thursday, June 23, 2016 11 – 11:40 a.m.
Laura B. Whitmore performance, featuring Jenna Paone
Music City Center, NAMM Nissan Stage on The Terrace

Thursday, June 23, 2016 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
The She Rocks Summer NAMM Showcase, featuring performances by talented women in music including Ashley Riley, Juliana Wilson, Leni Stern, and Savannah Lynne.
The Listening Room Cafe

Saturday, June 25, 2016 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
DIY Marketing for Musicians, presented by Guitar World magazine. In this session, Laura B. Whitmore will share insight and tips on getting the most out of your marketing and PR efforts.
NAMM Idea Center (Booth 463)

Saturday, June 25, 2016 12 – 1 p.m.
Into the Sound Hole: Insights From Top Guitar Builders, presented by Guitar Aficionado magazine. Get a behind-the-scenes look as top guitar builders share insight into the guitar-building process. The session will be moderated by Paul Riario, tech editor of Guitar World magazine, and Laura Whitmore, owner of Mad Sun Marketing.
NAMM Idea Center (Booth 463)

Panelists:

Chris Martin, Martin Guitar

Bill Collings, Collings Guitars

Andy Powers, Taylor Guitars

Tom Bedell, Bedell Guitars & Breedlove Stringed Instruments

Saturday, June 25, 2016 3 – 4 p.m.
Songwriting Tips from the Pros, presented by Guitar World magazine. Hosted by Guitar World magazine, this panel of top hit Nashville songwriters will explore songwriting techniques, tips and more! Singer-songwriter and owner of Mad […]

The Anatomy of a News Release

Some people say the press release is dead, but we beg to differ.

When properly written, the press release can be a successful tool to convey news. Conversely, a poorly written press release is cringe-inducing and inevitably lands in the trash bin.

So in this article we present you with the anatomy of a press release – because we want you to succeed and we want to keep journalists happy!

1) First things first – make sure what you’re announcing is actually NEWSWORTHY. What constitutes something newsworthy? Something that hasn’t been previously announced; an event that you’re holding with benefit to the community; a company appointment; etc. Just remember the word “new” in newsworthy.

2) Unless you’re putting an embargo on your release (embargo means you’re asking the journalist to withhold from publishing the release until the date you specify), all press releases start with the words “For Immediate Release” on the top left-hand corner of the document.

3) An image always catches the eye, so be sure to include your logo or letterhead next in the top center of your release.

4) Now that you’ve got your news, spruce it up. Seriously, get creative and come up with a catchy headline. Here’s an example:

For Immediate Release

The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store

4) Next up is the subhead. This is your opportunity to further lure journalists into reading your news release. It goes directly underneath the headline and is usually written in italics. Here’s an example:

For Immediate Release

The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
5) After that comes the dateline. This includes the date of distribution and the city of origin. Since this news originated in […]