Bradley Public Relations & Marketing are a Southern California based public relations & marketing team that works with clients nationwide in music, restaurant, food (CPG) and other creative industries.
Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.
Thanks for having me, I’ve been working in the PR and marketing realm for just over 14 years now. Prior to that, I spent many years touring in a band called Scars of Tomorrow (we were on Victory Records). The time I spent helping my band develop, write songs and tour really brought ultimate awareness to how the everyday and touring musician thinks. I’ve always had a passion and curiosity for marketing and branding, so I naturally fell into a position of marketing when I started working for record labels and publishing companies.
I currently run my own business called Bradley Public Relations &; Marketing, where I have and continue to work with both artists and creative businesses in multiple industries. My two books are also available on Amazon and Audible, one of which one is called ‘Public Relations for Musicians’.
What drove you to choose your career path?
Honestly, I kind of fell into it. After my old band broke up, I had the choice to either take another touring gig (funny enough, as a drummer this time) or go into the music industry…I chose the latter. I convinced Fearless Records to hire me and got the gig as a “New Media” guy. Little did I know that it was just “publicity” but on the internet. That was 2007, so it was still pretty fresh at the time.
How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?
I didn’t get a communications degree or go to any music trade schools, but I did have a lot of touring experience and a strong grasp on music as a culture. I found that just going for it and figuring it out as you go was the best way to get ahead. I do recommend reading, continued education and mentorship for anyone looking to get into marketing and music PR.
What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?
Playing Xbox and bass guitar, of course. Haha. Well, that’s a tough question because every day is different and I have my own business. I would say the morning is dedicated to responding to emails, preparing and pitching the media and deciding what the priorities are for the rest of my work day. I may have calls, meetings or onboarding blocks of time dedicated to new clients as well. I also enjoy spending time with my family, kids and working on music for my projects including Fake Figures.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
I don’t know, you tell me! Seriously though, PR is one of those jobs that is probably not at the top of the “I want to do that” lists for musicians or upcoming music industry professionals. Typically musicians are stoked on production, A&;R, merchandising, management and things like that before considering communications work. I think those that “know” how the PR thing works, understand that it’s sort of a sales job really, so it might scare of some people because there’s really no guarantee that you’ll be successful at it. It took me many many years to get my feet off the ground, get my rates up and feel comfortable doing this full time without other revenue sources. I wouldn’t say it’s the most glamorous of industry gigs, but you get to help some amazing artists along the way.
What are your average work hours?
Honestly, I probably only work about 30 hours a week. I think the whole “hustle” and “burn the midnight oil” way of thinking of slowly eating away at people and it’s important to balance out your time. I do also have others that work with me though, which helps lighten the load and helps others make some money at the same time. A win-win!
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
Become an organization and spreadsheet wizard. Also, never stop networking.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
I think a lot of people I know in PR work for bigger agencies or record labels (or management companies). I’m one of the few I know that work for myself, from home and have a bit more flexibility perhaps. If I didn’t have young kids, I’d be filling this interview out from a beach in Hawaii and doing PR there haha.
Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?
Be sure to carve out a budget for marketing and PR when working on your next single, EP or full length album. You’d be surprised how many bands will drop 5, 10, 20 grand on a production and then have like $500 left over for marketing. It’s like what’s the point? Haha. Seriously though, I understand making an album isn’t cheap, and that’s also why I wrote a book on PR. It helps those who can’t afford a publicist or firm to at least get the work done themselves.
What’s the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
Honestly, the hardest part is when you think you have the best client with the “easy win” single that should get a ton of press coverage….and then it’s kinda crickets. You then have to rethink your strategy, try different angles and get over the rejection of some writers not digging or ready to write about what you sent them. Never take things personally, but yes it can be a bummer sometimes. That’s part of the gig though, there’s no guarantee in PR and you can never promise a client how much coverage they will get. The best you can do is try your hardest and be smart about it.
What’s the most enjoyable part of the job?
Getting awesome media coverage for my clients of course. I enjoy the flexibility and chance to work remotely when needed as well. I can’t do the office job thing, pass!
What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?
That’s a matter of time, experience and what you charge or ask for if becoming an employee for a PR agency. I know for a fact that you can make really good money though, and know others that make way more than myself in this gig as well.
How do you move up in your field?
Build quality case studies on successful PR campaigns you have completed, always sell yourself as a quality, reliable source to others in the industry as well. Be there for people, be a good resource and an even better friend. Always up your rates when ready and always be learning new ways to do your job better and to serve your clients at that top level. Make sure they win, and you will win as well.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
Get an internship, a mentor and read some books on PR and marketing. Learn about the industry and niche, and if it speaks to you, go try and find an entry level position or internship at a PR firm.