Holly Garman - A Creative Approach to Starting a Business in Public Relations Ranging from Music, Fashion, Food, and Theater
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With a diverse background in fashion, food , music and theater, Holly brings a unique blend of creativity, passion and strategic planning to her life as a publicist--generating major results and leaving a lasting impact for each client she represents. Holly began her career as a press liaison at The Comcast Center for the Performing Arts (formerly Great Woods) outside of Boston where she guided on-site press efforts for Elton John, Cher, Ringo Starr, Aerosmith, Graham Nash, Phil Collins, Bon Jovi and more. In 2009, she launched her own company, HMG Public Relations, where she started off handling PR needs for musicians. Over the years, her company has expanded into many other areas of entertainment such as Broadway Brews, Nonprofits, fashion, theater, and many other exciting adventures. In this episode, we discuss what a publicist does for musicians. At what point should an artist acquire a publicist, and how much lead time should they have prior to releasing an album. Also, what does she look for in artists she works with, her thoughts on press releases, artist bios, how to reach out to the media, and much more.
Highlights from this Episode
(5:56) What is a publicist?
(7:14) Favorite thing about being a publicist
(9:09) Recent success story
(12:26) Holly’s origin story
(18:12) Current clients and work
(21:47) Criteria to work with artists
(24:17) How to begin your story
(29:53) Ideal release timeline for an EP
(31:45) Good artist bio
(33:25) Common questions for a bio
(34:20) Press releases
(35:40) Reaching the press
(37:31) Proper follow up with the press
(39:17) Common mistakes
(40:35) Right time to reach out to a publicist
(41:20) How to become a publicist
(43:47) “Holly’s courses” to become a publicist
(45:50) First concert and first album
(46:26) Favorite books and documentaries
(46:58) Past and current mentors
(48:44) Platonic drinking buddies
(50:17) Fill-in-the-blanks
Quotes from Holly Garman
“publicists create relationships between artists and press”
“publicity is NOT paid for”
“it’s my job to make them [press] think they discovered on their own”
“if no one knows you, is that much harder”
“there are no guarantees with any sort of PR that is going to stick”
“it’s really important not to take an artist on too early”
“look at what makes you unique and keep really applying yourself that way”
“highlight what is cool about what is happening with your career right now”
“know that publicists talk to each other”
“[for a bio] tell a story rather than listing boring information”
“the best thing you can do is really know who you’re reaching out to”
“It’s important to understand the audience your creating publicity for”
“A lot of mentors come and go and that’s ok”
Links to people, places, and things mentioned
My Dear Disco/Ella Riot
Michelle Chamuel
Hydrogen Child
Emily Kopp
Hamilton
Broadway Brews Project
NYC Brewers Guild
Bonnaroo
Beach Boys & Chicago in Madison Square Garden
Abbey Road, The Beatles
The Catcher in the Rye
Spielberg
Rockwood Music Hall
Thomas Jefferson
Definition of Making it
"When you wake up everyday excited to go to work"
Get in touch with Holly Garman:
HMGPR
Keep in touch:
chris.goyzueta@gmail.com
www.makingitwithchrisg.com
https://www.instagram.com/chrisgoyzueta/
https://www.facebook.com/makingitwithchrisg
Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp
Show Notes: Manuel Pachamoro
