Your band is on the move. You’ve recorded and released a debut CD on your own indie label and it’s selling well at gigs and in the local stores. You’ve got a publishing and distribution deal, you’re getting radio airplay too, and an A&R guy from Ignatz Records has been seen lately at your gigs. You have a cool website, a good local and regional following, and a proposed tour with a national act that will take you into 3,000-seat halls, festivals and large clubs on a two month trek across country, with the possibility of more.

Unfortunately, your equipment is a bit tattered and out of date. With a big tour coming up, you sure could use some new gear, but lack the funds to buy everything you need, even at retail discount. Your mind suddenly solves the problem in one fell swoop: Endorsements! But how do you go about getting endorsement deals?

Zildjian hollow logo cymbals- he started using larger setups of cymbals as well. I have been touring Europe for years and the Ludwig company never offered me any drums for an endorsement agreement. But the first time the Wailers go to Japan, the Yamaha people want me to endorse their drums. So they give me a kit since the Wailers was the. I currently have endorsement agreements for sticks, heads, cymbals and snare drums/percussion instruments, plus a brand new “user” deal for the drumset of my dreams. I am not and never have been (although I still hold out foolish hope, even in middle age, that I will someday become) a famous drummer.

Zildjian Endorsement Agreement 2019

Too many misconceptions still exist about endorsements. I am constantly amazed at the ridiculous number of pro drummers I come in contact with who have CD’s on the market, who have never considered going after endorsement deals. They seem clueless. The average player basically thinks the following:

1 “You have to be a famous drummer on a major gig to get endorsements”.
2 “You get equipment free of charge”.
3 “If I get an endorsement, I’m bound forever to that brand.”
4 “You have to know somebody to get endorsements.”
5 “Drummers can’t use and/or endorse two brands at once”.
Not one of these statements is true. Here’s the truth, quote by quote.

FIRST: You do not have to be a famous drummer to get endorsement deals. I currently have endorsement agreements for sticks, heads, cymbals and snare drums/percussion instruments, plus a brand new “user” deal for the drumset of my dreams. I am not and never have been (although I still hold out foolish hope, even in middle age, that I will someday become) a famous drummer. I’m fortunate to be a well known music journalist and author of a book on sixties rock drummers. People in the business know my literary work. Perhaps like you, I’m just a hard working weekend warrior, but consider myself a professional drummer, regardless. I have a few studio credits, tons of local live work experience, including gigs with a few well know musicians, and two cuts with a blues band released on a local compilation CD that has gotten extensive domestic and international airplay over the last year.

Another thing I have is a good promo package. A few years ago, I put together an exhaustive bio/resume, with a professional photo and a three song demo tape. I’ve had the opportunity to jam with some very famous musicians over the years, so that’s included, as well as information about my drumming education, band associations, recording details and personal strengths and accomplishments. A professional package will open the door for you. You know what they say about first impressions?

How do you get started? Decide what type of equipment you want first. Bitnami coppermine stack. Make a “dream” list of drums, cymbals, hardware, accessories, sticks, heads, etc. Find out the mailing and web addresses and phone numbers of all the companies who make these products, and most important, find out the name of the artist relations representative from each company. Visit the company websites and get a feel for the products. Go to your favorite drum shop and try out the gear to make sure it’s what you want. Remember, a manufacturer needs to know that you truly want to use their products, and that you’re not some creep just trying to scam a low price on equipment. More on that later.

Next, prepare your publicity package. If you’re not sure, talk to another musician who has a good package and copy his or her style and layout for your own. You could even have a professional writer help you (email me for info in care of this website. Sorry for the blatant self-plug). Make sure you have a good photo and a professional-sounding demo.

Then, call each artist relations person and introduce yourself, saying something like this:

“Hello, ……………., my name is…………., I’m a professional drummer, currently working with …………………………… I’d like to talk to you about an artist endorsement opportunity with your company.” Customize this approach any way you wish.

Don’t say something like this: “Uh, er, like, dude, I want to know how to get free sh** from your company.” You’ll get the royal diss very quickly. Don’t be surprised if the guy hangs up on you.

If you present yourself in a professional manner, the response will most likely be, “Cool, send me a copy of your press kit and a tape or CD, and we’ll get back to you.”

Send out your press kit immediately with a nice cover letter telling him or her exactly why you want to endorse their products. Wait about two weeks, follow up with a phone call to the AR person, and ask if he/she received your CD/tape and package. Politely inquire about the status of additions to their endorsement roster for the present time. You may also want to inquire as to how the company structures endorsements. Every company handles this differently. Many have levels of endorsement deals available. Usually, the first tier is for the “major name” drummers. Level two might be called something like “Working Regional Pro”, and level three may be called something like “Local Level.” The terminology is different everywhere.

Where you fall within each company’s standards will decide what kind of deal you are offered, if the company decides to make the offer, that is.

Unless you have high powered management that can negotiate a better deal for you, usually what you’re offered is what you get. Accept the offer or reject it if it doesn’t work for you. I’ve turned down several deals over the last three years because the terms weren’t right. Launchpad mk2 mac drivers ableton.

And what if they say no? The bad news most often arrives courtesy of the US mail in the manner of a form letter. Call the artist relations rep and calmly ask why you were passed over. I was once told, “It’s not that we didn’t want you. We have our quota of new sign-ups for this quarter. We ‘ll keep you in mind for next quarter.” I just kept bugging them in a friendly but tenacious manner until they finally said yes.

Zildjian Endorsement Agreement 2020

If they say there’s no room on the roster for anyone new at this time, their endorsement program is closed, or you don’t measure up to the company’s standards for some reason, don’t take it personally. Thank them for their consideration and go elsewhere. We drummers have a lot of choices these days, don’t we? There’s too many fish in the sea to get upset about a rejection. Best screen video recording.

Other problems can arise. Several years ago, I was accepted by one of the major Far East drum manufacturers as an endorser, but then the AR rep (who I later learned has a “difficult” reputation within the industry) refused to take or return my calls. He’s now working for a major European drum maker, by the way. So, I bided my time and ultimately went to a high-end American manufacturer and got the kit I really wanted in the first place. That jerk may have won the battle, but I ultimately won the whole damn war.

SECOND: Free equipment? In your dreams! DO NOT expect to get equipment free of charge. There isn’t very much free gear being given away these days by anyone in the music business. I always seem to get little gifts– free accessories and clothing from my sponsors, and am very grateful for that, so I assume others are getting these perks as well. Most drum companies offer less well know players fifty to sixty six per cent off list price, which is usually better than you could expect