First Impressions

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" - Oscar Wilde


So why is it that some bands continue to utilize handwritten, burned CDs and handwritten one-sheets? I'm sure some of this has to do with the economics of independent, unsigned artists. I get that.

Would you show up to a job interview with torn jeans and a shirt with grease stains and the sleeves cut off? Probably not.


I ask bands that are wanting to be on UNSIGNED & UNLEASHED, (if they are based in the U.S.)to send a CD and a one-sheet to be considered for the show. It's an investment in the band. It ensures that the UNSIGNED & UNLEASHED audience is hearing the same material that is being sold at shows, on the Internet, in stores, etc. The cost of this (if sent via media mail USPS) can be less than $5 dollars from most points in the United States.


Some items that come across my desk are fantastic. Full color bios with pictures, set lists, press clippings and more. Some are not as elaborate:

*Multiple "kits" that are handwritten. Badly. With misspellings.
*Burned CDs with no track listing included. Sometimes it is completely blank.
*CDs with no accompanying contact information.

This shouldn't fly for any band who is trying to make this their career. A record label would file you in the garbage without even listening to it. Most venues will do the same.


Take pride in what you are sending out to represent your band. The kit or package is the first thing some people will ever know about you. Make it work. Make it count.