Introduction:
NEXT STEP consulting services has been created to help small to mid size entertainment firms, and aspiring Hip Hop artists. The mission is to help others reach different markets and opportunities on a reasonable budget. We don’t believe everyone can make it big, but we do believe everyone needs help so the public can make that decision. We have the tools, and resources, and most importantly, the drive to succeed in this rough, and brutal business.
Mission Statement:
NEXT STEP, a company under IRON HORSE MUSIC will be working hard around the clock with a goal: Helping independent labels, and underground acts without compromising their principles.
NEXT STEP : Promotional Services
Overview of Services:
The following section will outline the different promotional services and methods on how Next Step consulting operates.
INTERNET SERVICES
The computer is becoming a common fixture in homes and offices everywhere. The Internet has become a tool to gain exposure and to sell music. Consumers and industry executives use the computer to find new acts or just learn more about current ones. Before consumers could only learn about acts through various Magazines. However this can get costly If someone buys 4 mags a month @ $4.50 each for 12 months, this can be expensive Lets not forget ad rates. It can cost a fortune for an independent label to promote. It’s imperative for labels to release projects via Internet rather than conventional methods.NEXT STEP would be able to help promote your project to various sites, or we can create a low cost, informative web site for your act or project.
PROMOTION / MARKETING
Exposing an artist, and their product to the public is always a difficult endeavor When doing this on the indie level it’s compounded by a thousand. If you’re not prepared, nor have the resources, you’ll be wasting time and money. Therefore, NEXT STEP has developed different services to help expose artists to the world
· RADIO PROMOTION
Having your song played on the radio when you’re an indie label is a tough task, but not impossible if you execute properly When using the NEXT STEP radio promotion services, a rep and the client will be working together creating a strategy for success for promotion to college, community, and commercial stations.
· D.J. PROMOTION SERVICES
Getting music played in clubs and at parties is essential. The task would be to find the best technicians suitable for the specified genre of the client.NEXT STEP will be able to send CD’s to DJ’s and D.J services throughout the U.S.
· MAGAZINE & TRADES REVIEW
NEXT STEP would be able to send your product to various publications for review. We keep an extensive database of publications throughout the nation. NEXT STEP would identify the market the client is trying to reach, and then suggest which ones best suit their needs.
· PUBLIC LISTS
NEXT STEP would be able to send promo material to potential fans that enjoy entertainment in your genre. We are also capable of sending materials to business that play music, and or discuss music with their patrons. Example: Car shops, barber shops, beauty salons.
· INDUSTRY LISTS
NEXT STEP would be able to send materials to industry related people and companies. Example: PR firms, Lawyers promoters, booking agents, etc.,
· VIDEO SHOW / OUTLET DIST
NEXT STEP would be able to send your video and other promos to shows & outlets that specialize in your type of music.
MUSIC VIDEO DIST. RATES
UNITS COST
5 $75.00
10 $140.00
20 $260.00
30 $390.00
40 $440.00
50 $500.00
MAIL OUT RATES: (10X13)
UNITS COST
25 $95.00
50 $165.00
100 $310.00
150 $455.00
200 $600.00
MAIL OUT RATES: POSTCARD OR
BUSINESS ENVELOPES
UNITS COST
100 $60.00
200 $116.00
300 $168.00
400 $216.00
500 $260.00
600 $300.00
700 $336.00
800 $368.00
900 $414.00
1000 $440.00
MISC. DISTRIBUTION RATES
FAX RATES:
NEXT STEP can send a press release of your
Project to industry related firms.
UNITS COST
25 $62.50
50 $112.50
100 $200.00
150 $262.50
200 $300.00
NEXT STEP : Promotional Materials
Overview of services:
NEXT STEP Consulting Services knows that effective promotion requires various and tools to get a message across. NEXT STEP believes this can be achieved in a cost effective manner. We have a number of services that will help represent a clients project in a professional manner, and affordable to almost any budget
Press kit support
o The Bio:
The bio is the heart of the press kit. This device paints a picture of the act. It must quickly, and effectively educate the reader who often does not have knowledge of the artist. This should be done in a well thought out, and interesting manner. Underground Sun has a staff of writers that would be able to develop a well-constructed bio for your act.
Service Fee:
Fees start @ $25.00 for basic composition
Additional copies start at .07 each
Bio composition with 2 photos Rates start at $35.00
Additional copies start at .25ea
o The Fact Sheet:
This tool is used to inform the reader about the people behind the project ex. Record label, Manager, producers, P.R. firm, etc.,
Service Fee:
Rates start @ $15.00 additional copies as low as .07 each
Press clips:
Press clips are employed to show that the artist has received reviews from the media. This device informs the reader of current, or past project reviews. There’s no rule on how many clips should used. However we have created this guide:
ü Emerging acts two to four clips
ü Veteran acts one to three clips
ü Superstar acts two of the best current articles
Service fees
Basic designs start at $30.00
Additional copies low as .07 each
o Photo Duplication:
A press kit is not complete without a picture of the act. It’s very important to set the tone of the look and the image the artist is trying to display.
Service rates
Basic B & W 8x10 glossy picture with typesetting rates start @ $140.00 for 1000 units Headshot collage design. Full color or B & W (up to 3 shots)
Includes 2 prints rates start @ $45.00
NEXT STEP GUARANTEE
Underground Sun will only guarantee product workmanship, and delivery time.
Underground Sun will perform all work to client specifications. When sending project out to other companies
Underground Sun will ship it on time and in a professional manner. The following are items we will not guarantee:
· Music being played on the radio.
· Music being played in clubs.
· Distributors, one stops, or other retail outlets will sell your music.
· The client will receive positive reviews from the media.
There are absolutely NO REFUNDS ONCE PAID IN FULL. Refunds can only be made on
Partial payments. However, the client will be subject to 20% cancellation fee. It must be
understood that once a down payment is made, the order is set in motion. The 20% will cover any
manpower and research that has been done. The 20% will be assessed from the monies that were on deposit.
Therefore if there are any problems, we will correct them in the most expeditious manner
