Arie,

In today’s market, how important is it for an indie artist to get a record played on Radio as opposed to a video on the most popular blogs? My artist is incredible and I want to start building his career nationally but I’m hoping with a record on the radio here in Atlanta, I can get some interest from the label’s who can put the money behind us to push the record nationally. Of course this question is more related to limited resources and what’s a better way to spend the money. So many artists have seem to sprung alive from the internet. Is that lane as easy as it seems?

- Dave

Where Can You Hear New Music In Atlanta? Click Here!

Honestly, don’t waste your funds on radio. It won’t do any good, at least not at this point in your artist’s career. Radio is like the golden arches of music: When you see McDonald’s golden arches you already know what to expect without even tasting their fries or burgers that day, right?

Radio is the same way. Artists only do well on radio because people have already had them shoved down their throats by the major labels and their BIG marketing budgets. You’d be surprised how we “the general public” are hypnotized into knowing an artists voice before seeing a promo picture showing us that they are the one’s actually singing that new “HOT” single.

My advice…. Use what budget you have on online marketing and creating enough worthwhile material to gain attention for your artist via online sites, blogs, e-zines etc. Besides buying banners and video placement on those sites who over charge, but claim to support indies (we’ll leave them nameless) everything else should be free. Just make sure the artist’s music and style fit the online audience you’re trying to appeal to. By doing so, with what you have, you may create your own “McDonalds Effect”.

If done the correct way with proper preparation, you may attract the attention of labels and distribution companies. It’s no longer the 90′s. Labels want talent that come with a following. This saves them money and overpriced man hours. I call this “just add water” talent.

And let’s be real, even if you paid to get music played on a major radio station, the money wouldn’t be long enough to get your single in the top 15 rotation during popular commuting hours. Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne/ YM already have that on lock. It would get placed in some random DJs hood hour mix or something, during off hours.  It’s  just as effective as paying MTV Jams to play your video when no one knows you enough to care. You would just have the pleasure of saying your music was played on that station or network. Don’t cheat your hard work and artist’s talent.

Go hard with the ground work and I’m sure the “big shots” will take notice and find you. So start laying the brinks on that trail and keep me posted.

*Do you have a question for me or something you’d like to know? I’m here every week answering your questions. Send me an email: contactsaidarie@gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo

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My question for you: Are you spamming people? [Laughing] Please keep in mind, if each person you “share” your music with, didn’t voluntarily give you their email then YES you are spamming them and should remove them from your mailing list(s).

I’m not sure you fall into these categories, however in this industry there are two main ways people get the email addresses of those who they don’t personally know: ONE: From some idiot who contacted them and a million other people without knowing proper email etiquette aka “BCC” and TWO: They are gifted with the alpha and omega of email lists of both industry insiders and pop culture civilians via a good “industry” friend who slips it to them with a note that says “you didn’t get this from me!”.

If this is how you’ve been able to contact thousands of people, then STOP IT! You don’t want you or your music to be looked at as spam.

My advice….. The best way to share your music with those who actually give a crap is to get creative when you have people’s attention. Pass around an email sign-up sheet during your live performances and events. Those people in attendance OBVIOUSLY have interest in you [Laughing] OR set it up where in order for people to be able to download your next great piece of musical work for FREE, they must first sign up for your mailing list. (This may also entail you having fans, but I’m sure you’re already working on this process) [laughing].

So with those two suggestions, take a moment and clean up your current email lists and get started on finding ways to properly collect the contacts of others.

Good luck!

Do you have something you’d like to know? Send me an email: contactsaidarie[@]gmail.com and follow me on twitter at: www.twitter.com/leirapr_ceo.

What the hell is this!?!? I guess I would call myself a past fan of the “Ill Nana,” Foxy Brown, and I’m pretty certain her nana is ill at this stage.  Just look at her recent picture from B.B Kings. I think I might heave!

But I digress only to ask this question: Where the hell are her handlers? Oh, please don’t think I’m just attacking Ms. Brown aka CoCo Cool- Aid, I was asking the same damn thing when Chris Brown was on jet skis a day after making bail for using RiRi’s face like a speed bag.

One of the perks of being a celebrity, or nowadays some over exposed tool, is having handlers a.k.a. publicists, managers, agents or someone with enough sensibility to responsibly keep talent on time, out of jail, safe, looking good, booked for shows and out of divorce court.

When I see celebrities nosedive from the proverbial A-list into Hollywood’s sub-basement it makes me wonder if the people hired to do these jobs are completely happy being “yes” people  or is it the talent? Are they so out of touch that hey entirely ignore the good counsel of their inner circle?

But listen, I know what you’re thinking: “Shut up Arie, who the hell do you think you are? You’ve never had to deal with the intense scrutiny that comes with being famous like some celebs have had to… yadda, yadda, yadda.” Perhaps you’re right, but for the sake of this conversation we’re going to continue scrutinizing the downtrodden rejects you idolize.

However, how far removed from reality does one have to be that their perception of what really is acceptable in public is not even of minimal concern? If you noticed, I said “acceptable” and not “appropriate”, because sometimes not being appropriate is more forgivable than consciously looking unspeakable.

If you’re a celebrity, or just someone who likes to live in some imaginary world that helps you get through your day, don’t be so fare removed from reality that you begin to think looking like trash is a fashion statement. Yes, we’ve all heard the saying “Sex sells,” and of course it is true, but you do have to be SEXY to SELL IT.

If your handlers know you look a hot mess and are too caught up being “yes-men” to appease your ego, I suggest you clean up house and give everyone a pink slip.

I know you’re hanging on to every word so let me wrap it up by saying that my point is that celebrities need to take pride is who they truly are as opposed to the image they manifest. They need to check their ego at the door from time to time and let the people truly in charge of their persona do their jobs and protect your image and reputation. After all, as author Robert Greene writes in The 48 Laws of Power, “So much depends on reputation – guard it with your life!”

Ok, let’s hop right into this one! How often do you get emails from various sources saying you’re a VIP and that you should RSVP for this, that and the third? Or some special event or holiday weekend pops up like the NBA All-Star weekend, the Super Bowl, Memorial Day, etcetera, and you find yourself RSVPing to all these amazing events with promises you won’t have to stand in line and be treated like the VIP you are?

And yes you are all very special in my book! [Wink]

Only to arrive at the place and realize 70 million other people got those same RSVP emails. Not only that, but they got there before you and now the list is closed, they lost your name or the club is at capacity.

Think I’m lying? Well, here’s an example of how even celebrities deemed “Very Important Person” get stiffed at the door. I stood next to NFL diva T.O. – Terrell Owens for you celebrity impaired people – for an hour outside a Vegas holiday event last year, only to overhear the man at the door tell another well-known celeb “Sorry your name is not on this list but there are two other lists with people who are inside. You’ll have to wait until they come out.”

What the [explicit]? That’s crazy!

I’m mean really, dozens of these email invites a week arrive in publicists and everyday people’s inboxes and they all are pretty standard with only one email address to RSVP to, so how is it that there’s always more than one list and most of the time you’re never on the one at the door?

How many trained monkeys does it take to get this right?

But the reality is this doesn’t happen by accident. As they say, the industry is a lot like high school with a pyramid scheme of who’s hot, who’s not, jocks, whores and finally nerds. Many people are very temperamental in their, for a lack of better words, “middle management” industry jobs. So when they have a chance to kick up some dust and pick and choose who’s in or out, oh-baby do they relish their opportunity, making things just a little more difficult for the people they wish they were.

The power of the list is almost intoxicating [laughing].

Don’t think I’m just talking about nightclubs. This also tends to be the case at many industry events as well. Labels and management companies hire event and promotion companies that don’t know their ass from their elbows. These companies personally invite A, B and C list celebs and whoever else they can find as fillers to events. Then they aren’t even organized enough to get those who have priority in the doors first.

And the reality is publicists and reps can’t always show up to events with their clients to guarantee a proper welcome. I recommend getting a direct contact; possibly the company representative and also provide them you and/or your client’s contact. This way if the host/ doorperson plays the name game upon arrival, you have a direct person accountable and not just a reference email or cardboard invitation that doesn’t prove RSVP wasn’t confirmed.

That way you won’t look foolish when shady promoters, event companies and, yes even PR firms, mislead you. Shoot, they should be honor to be graced by your presence and treat you like the Very Important Person you are!

(Best scene from the move Knocked Up…NSFW)

PAST SAID ARIE BLOGS:

Should Celebrities Have To Pay Taxes On Gifts?

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Truth-be-told, most of the time these very pricey trinkets, gift cards and on some occasions, exotic vacations, come from companies and designers whom celebs may never meet – or honestly care to! Surprisingly enough some swag bag items will never be used but instead may just be donated or placed somewhere inside a mansion or condo to collect dust (P.S.A., you would be surprised at what you will find at your local Hollywood Salvation Army!)

Remarkably though, celebs might just be taxed for their amazing swag bags – it’s true! In fact the Internal Revenue Service has the right to dictate the value of the goodies in your favorite celebrity’s gift bags.

According to an agreement between our beloved I.R.S. – insert sarcasm here – and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences the tax agency conducts audits of the entertainment industry regarding the “taxability of gift bags and promotional items.” The I.R.S. explains that “gift bags are not gifts… because the organizations and merchants who participate in giving the gifts bags do not do so solely out of affection, respect or similar impulses for the recipients of the gift bags.”

In laymen’s terms this translates to into “You got to PAY to PLAY!”

This raises an interesting question: If celebrities have to start paying taxes on bribes will swag bags become a thing of the past? And if so, what happens to up-and-coming designers who can’t afford swag bag placement but still hope to don their amazing trends on those who can help them attract attention from current fashionistas and fashionistos?

This is important because I recently attended an event in the Big Apple and happened to come across a blooming designer whose customized kicks would even impress our very own Sneaker Mann – and if they somehow made it into my swag bag I’d be more than happy to pay the tax [laughing]!

The designer’s name is John “JRow” Ross – store that name in your mental Rolodex – president and sneaker customizer for the urban-centric Born2Shine apparel company. JRow has graced the likes of Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and many more with some of his flyest one-of-a-kind kicks available.

JRow has blessed every canvas from open-toes pumps to Nike Air Forces. With every stroke from his paint brush, he and his partners-in-crime, Shane Switzerlan Gallup and Malcolm Majiq Hamer, are taking the street-inspired art form to the glitzy and glamorous world of entertainment – sheesh, I need a pair of their customized sneakers or pumps, size 6 ½ – 7ish in my next swag bag [wink, wink].

In the time being though, JRow mentioned to me that he’s been customizing an exclusive sneaker for Rick Ross – I suggest the “Bawse” make it known how JRow can get in touch with him so he can get these gems.

Going back to my point, how shameful would it be if JRow and his business partners were forced to pay taxes just to get their product into the hands, in this case the feet, of certain famous trendsetters and tastemakers? I mean, the powers that be would be stunting the growth of these and other ambitious entrepreneurs and what kind of free trade capitalism is that [laughing]?

Although, there is currently no specific enforcement initiative underway to enforce the “swag bag tax,” the cat is out of the hat and these issues can arise during individual examinations of tax returns.

Word to the wise, all you celebs and swag bag givers should keep record of what you’re getting and giving away because Uncle Sam sure is!

All in all, I support greatness on all levels so definitely check out JRow, Born2Shine and his customized shoe game at Officialborn2shine.com.

Feel free to chime in and let us know what you think about “taxable gift bags” and make sure to follow me on Twitter @SaidArie.

Is it me or does it seem like nobody wants to admit that they just like to cheat? I don’t know anyone who’s faithful nowadays. Do you?

I mean really, people love cheating! Well that is until they get caught, then the tears start falling and the speeches start flowing about how they’ve been secretly fighting “themselves” concerning their very serious sexual addictions and have lost control.

[Laughs] Oh pa-leeeeeeeease!!!

The reality is you got caught! You don’t have a sex addiction problem, you have a “keep your d*ck in your pants” problem or keep your legs closed problem. Let’s call it like it is. If you won’t then I will!!

The whole “I’m a sex addict” routine is a growing pandemic. Case in point, when singer Eric Benet was going through his marital bouts and eventual divorce from la bonita chica Halle Berry, he claimed his infidelity was a result of an insatiable appetite for sex (thank God he’s not a vampire).

Anyways, once the smoke cleared Benet told New York Magazine, “Sex addiction is a real thing, you know. In retrospect, it’s not what I would label my situation,” adding his unfaithfulness was more a result of “Making some stupid-ass, stupid-ass mistakes.” No sh*t Sherlock!

So he continued to play up the story that he had a sexual disorder, and was thus a pseudo-victim, as an excuse for his inability to keep his soldiers from marching on any other women’s berries not named Halle. And they say beautiful people have it all! I doubt it.

On to the next….

More recently, Jesse James and Tiger “just add water” Woods have checked themselves into sexual rehabilitation facilities after getting caught out there dipping into dirty ponds for a lack of better words.

Sex addiction isn’t a disorder that inflicts people once you gain a certain level of money or prestige, so one look at Tiger and you can  speculate that he didn’t pet the kitty much growing up and now that he has money and fame he’s sowing his oats. Obviously he’s dealing with entitlement issues. Many successful, top-of-your-game men have that dilemma.

As for James, checking into a clinic specializing in sex addiction, among other addictions, was a plain old public relations stunt to sanitize his damaged public image and a desperate ploy at salvaging his marriage to actress Sandra Bullock – too bad it failed.

This leads me to my main point. This whole “sex addict” phenomenon allows people to justify cheating, especially for celebrities. I wonder if average Joes can claim a good “sex addiction” to garner the same sympathy as their more famous counterparts?

Truth is people love sex, and wealthy celebrities can afford to create disorders. So my best advice to you is the next time you get caught out there take a few plays from the celebrity handbook and have your closest rehab facility on speed dial.

Oh, and wrap it up – that’s the very least you scoundrels can do!

Arie Goode is The founder of Leira Public Relations and her “Said Arie” blog offers an eclectic mix of news, advice, reviews and event highlights from a publicist angle.

The Spring weather has me spoiled, and I know it just got here, but it’s never too early to get in shape and think about basking in the Summer sun. I mean, what’s better than hot fun in the Summertime?

Aside from taking in sun on the beach and stuffing your face at every BBQ you can get to, you should definitely visit some of the hottest clubs in some of the most vibrant cities the good ole U.S. of A has to offer.

That said, I’ve enlisted several acquaintances of mine to put you on to the most popular and trendiest hot spots around because we want to make your 2010 Summer one to remember!

So if you party like these folks do, then you’ll be partying like rock stars, and even if you don’t you’ll still remember some nights forever – (you’ll probably want to forget one or two as well too.)

1. Cameo, Miami

South Beach is littered with trendy clubs and lounges worth mentioning but Amazin Amie thinks Cameo nightclub takes the cake. “I always have a good time at Cameo. It’s like a movie, both inside and out,” says the beautiful video vixen.

2. XS The Nightclub, Las Vegas

Whenever you think about things to do in Vegas, you probably think about gambling but XS The Nightclub is the right place to be if you want to party and shake your tail feather. Grammy-winning producer Rico Love co-signed XS. “The energy is crazy and they always have a great DJ.”

3. Velvet Room, Atlanta

Hotlanta is definitely a party city and according to boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. the Velvet Room is the place to rock out at. “Whenever I’m in Atlanta I visit Velvet Room. It’s a nice place to chill at after a long day of being Floyd “Money” Mayweather – the music’s not bad either [laughing].”

4. Umbria, Boston

I know the nightlife in the Big Apple is great and all, but don’t sleep on Beantown. One of Boston’s premier night scenes Umbria is a great spot for a late night rendezvous. “Good fun and always drama free people,” says DJ Pup Dawg, of Boston’s JAMN 94.5 FM.

5. Club Bed, Miami

If the name alone doesn’t intrigue you then Club Bed’s ambiance is sure to. Nightlife aficionado Derek Cowan, CEO of PrimeStar Entertainment Group, points out its “great lighting” and added Club Bed “Always know how to treat a VIP and the crowd is always diverse.”

6. King of Diamonds, Miami

If it’s true that good things come in threes than South Beach has it covered. If Cameo or Club Bed doesn’t suit the inner party freak in you, then you might want to give Kings of Diamonds a shot – figuratively and literally. Philthy Rich Records CEO, James McNair sums up the gentlemen’s club perfectly. “How can you go wrong with good music, champagne and legs for days.” Don’t worry ladies, you too can enjoy the sexy gents letting it rain – sheesh you might find yourself a baller.

7. 1 Oak, New York City

Now what would a list of late night hot spots be without alluding to the city that never sleeps? So if you’re in New York this Summer make sure you step into One of a Kind, more properly known as 1 Oak. Sexy, yet sophisticated, 1 Oak is a great place to mingle and rub shoulders with the city’s tastemakers. “1 Oak is very sleek and sexy just like me. Always an organically good time without the penthouse pretentiousness,” says Dean Singh, of independent clothing line Aknowledge.

All in all, looks like the place to be this Summer might be M.I.A. Time to book my flight!

If you’ve been to any of these clubs let us know what you think of each. I’d like to know what you think. Hit me up on Twitter @SaidArie.

I’m a publicist with a publicist; my inbox has a continuous flow of event invitations. The venues span the very posh to the neighborhood dive bar. The venue doesn’t necessarily dictate the success or the importance of the event, but unfortunately I’ve noticed a sad, growing trend of dive bar events promoted as Red Carpet affairs run by circus monkeys with few to no contacts.

Red Carpet events are reserved for celebrities, distinguished trendsetters and tastemakers.

Promoters, stay in your lane and earn your stripes! Trying to front a hood party by promoting it as a Red Carpet affair is a slap in the face to valid Red Carpet events meant to honor the arrival of a who’s who crowd and other influential guests.

Walking the Red Carpet is a coveted privilege that should never be defiled by a shady shindig where folks walking “the carpet” present themselves grimier than a derelict posted on the corner of 145th & Broadway.

Sad, but true, I once arrived at an event that used an unrolled table cloth as the red carpet. It was incredulous. I have more class than to drop the hosts’ names but you can be damn sure Arie didn’t walk the table cloth!

Repeat after me, “death to ghetto red carpets!”

Until we teach promoters to stay in their lane, your girl Arie has tips to help preserve your dignity and distinguish a real celebrity gala from a catastrophic hood jam. Remember, “Image is everything,” what takes only a second to destroy takes a lifetime to repair.

Together though we can save you and your clients from becoming victims at “red table cloth” event [laughing]. Let’s Go!

Early Prevention:
Stay away from events with misspelled promotional ephemera, overbearing re-tweet invitations and spam mail invitations. Misspelled banners or a banner mended together with masking tape may imply that the promoters are inept or downright careless. Either way, don’t risk being caught mingling with a bunch of boneheads. Your time is better spent elsewhere.

If you’re in doubt, discretely ask around: peers, public relations professionals and even well organized street teams are great sources of information.

Same Day Prevention:
A building’s facade can be deceiving but take notice of the actual carpet. True red carpet events have Red Carpets! If the walk to the door isn’t bedecked by a real carpet or if the carpet has more stains than a Motel Six bedspread in Newark leave the vicinity immediately!

Early Damage Control:
A real red carpet event does not require nine promo teams sifting through multiple, unorganized VIP/RSVP lists. Official red carpet hosts are savvy and know who’s who before they arrive.

Think about the entrance to a “Super Cuts” versus a fabulous spa. If it feels like you just entered the former, save yourself the grief and exit without delay. The chaos at the door is a certain precursor to a disastrous event. Good Lord, imagine the dysfunctional bottle service.

If entry to the event requires a hand stamp – GET OUT FAST!

Impromptu Damage Control:
Once inside, look at your surroundings. Are attendees drinking out of Dixie cups or eating hors d’oeuvres off paper plates? It’s time to leave. These ghetto-fabulous promoters are more interested in frugality than distinction. A red carpet event is not a glorified high school house party.

Be observant: are the attendees standing around craning their necks trying to find a VIP? Don’t be a gawker. Quickly and without attracting attention proceed to the closest exit and chalk the event up to a lesson well learned.

Red carpet affairs are dress to impress events. Are you surrounded by chicken-heads with more muffin tops than Starbucks? Follow the previous escape instructions and treat your fine looking self to a latte – better to be fabulous at Starbucks then be caught cavorting with hood rats.

As always, Said Arie has your back – and your dignity!

Have other pointers or want to tell us what you think? Hit your girl up on Twitter @saidarie.

Now aside from that, and probably more interesting to you, I am your “in-the-know” blogger at TheUrbanDaily.com. My blog, SaidArie, is an eclectic mix – such as myself – of news, advice, reviews and event highlights from a publicist point of view.

What you may know about PR reps is that we are always responsible for maintaining positive images of our clients, however, many times we’re left without a voice – you know we can’t really speak openly about how or what we feel.

Well scrap that! SaidArie is going to bring you all the juicy tidbits and opinionated insider views that readers and fans aren’t exposed to. Let’s Go!

Ok folks, now that the formalities are out of the way, I want to discuss reality dating shows. I enjoy a good reality show just as much as the next over-opinionated know-it-all. But the world of “reality” television today resembles a cluster f^#k of human petri dishes, than comedic entertainment.

So after sitting and watching a couple seasons of Flavor of Love, I Love New York, For the Love of Ray J, Real Chance of Love, and more recently, The Jersey Shore my question is, “Why are we so enamored with has-been celebrities getting their career’s last  wind on the backs of some chicken-heads?”

Seriously, even the most reserved church going farm girl turns trick by the end of the season in hopes of being chosen the “one-and-only” by some D-list celebrity. I mean REALLY, the celebrities picked for these shows are in search of a long needed payday more than they are about love, commitment and whatever other B.S. these lifelong groupies are claiming to offer.

I highly doubt, for instance, that Ray J has any issues meeting a companion if he’s truly in search of love. The benefit for him, Flavor Flav, Bret Michaels and other has-beens is a steady pay check and a brief rejuvenation to otherwise flat-lining careers which needed serious mouth-to-mouth resuscitation – literally – ewww!

And it works!

The celebrity bachelors and bachelorettes gain new found fame, wealth and a new younger fan base; while the show’s participants act a fool, fight, f^#k and suck their way into confusion for high network ratings. And if they’re lucky, possibly gain a spinoff show that allows the world to really see just how retarded they are (just ask Tiffany Pollard, aka New York).

The rest ride the wave of the circus-like names given to them with the network logos in front, promoting club nights, charity basketball games, music videos and other life-fillers until their dully lit flames fades out for good. Well at least until a silly “Do you remember?” stunt and event show digs them back up.

Don’t believe me? Besides the new girls who stay plastered to the TV screen during current re-runs of these reality “love” shows, how many names of “loved” ones can you remember from all of your rundown melo-dramas? Do you remember the names of those individuals who gained two seconds of fame for selling their souls to play a role in an episode of the cheap and desperate?

Need a second? Like Kat William, don’t worry I’ll wait!

I want to know your thoughts.

Follow Said Arie at Twitter.com/saidarie and become my friend at BlackPlanet.com/saidarie.