Music Promotion Knowledge 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'retargeting' in digital music advertising?
- Re-releasing an old song under a new title
- Showing ads to people who have previously interacted with your content or website (Correct answer)
- Targeting a new demographic after a campaign fails
- Changing your target market mid-campaign
Correct answer: Showing ads to people who have previously interacted with your content or website
Retargeting serves ads to users who have already visited your website, streamed your music, or engaged with your content, increasing conversion likelihood.
Question 2: Which royalty type is earned when a song is played on terrestrial (AM/FM) radio in the US?
- Both master and publishing royalties
- Publishing royalties (performance royalties) only — not master royalties (Correct answer)
- Master recording royalties only
- No royalties are earned from terrestrial radio
Correct answer: Publishing royalties (performance royalties) only — not master royalties
In the US, terrestrial radio only pays performance royalties to songwriters and publishers via PROs — master rights holders (labels/artists) receive nothing from AM/FM airplay.
Question 3: What is a 'listening party' as a promotional strategy?
- A private concert for industry insiders only
- An event where an artist plays their new album for fans before or on its release date (Correct answer)
- A curated Spotify playlist shared publicly
- A podcast episode featuring album commentary
Correct answer: An event where an artist plays their new album for fans before or on its release date
A listening party is a promotional event where an artist shares their new music with fans in a live or virtual setting to generate early buzz.
Question 4: What does 'pitching' to a playlist curator typically involve?
- Performing a live set for the curator
- Sending a personalized message explaining why your song fits their playlist (Correct answer)
- Paying the curator a fee for placement
- Submitting a copyright form to the platform
Correct answer: Sending a personalized message explaining why your song fits their playlist
Pitching involves crafting a personalized, professional message to a curator explaining how your track fits their playlist's style, mood, and audience.
Question 5: In Facebook/Instagram advertising for music, what is a 'Lookalike Audience'?
- An audience of fans who physically resemble the artist
- A new audience that shares characteristics with your existing fans or customers (Correct answer)
- A demographic that listens to artists similar to you
- Cover bands that promote your original music
Correct answer: A new audience that shares characteristics with your existing fans or customers
A Lookalike Audience is a targeting tool that finds new potential fans who share demographic and behavioral traits with your existing fanbase.
Question 6: What is 'brand partnership' in the context of artist promotion?
- Two artists collaborating on an album
- A deal where an artist aligns with a company or product for mutual promotional benefit (Correct answer)
- Partnering with a record label for distribution
- Co-owning a music venue with a business
Correct answer: A deal where an artist aligns with a company or product for mutual promotional benefit
A brand partnership is a sponsorship or endorsement deal where an artist aligns with a non-music brand (e.g., a clothing company) for cross-promotional marketing.
Question 7: What is the role of a 'music publicist'?
- Managing an artist's touring schedule
- Securing media coverage, reviews, and press features for an artist or release (Correct answer)
- Distributing music to streaming platforms
- Negotiating recording contracts with labels
Correct answer: Securing media coverage, reviews, and press features for an artist or release
A music publicist pitches artists to journalists, blogs, magazines, and media outlets to generate press coverage that builds public awareness.
Music Promotion Knowledge 4
What is 'retargeting' in digital music advertising?