A publicist sells the story, not the ticket. Most of the work happens six to twelve weeks before anything is announced.
What they do
- Write and place the press release
- Pitch features, interviews and reviews to the outlets that matter for this artist
- Handle photo and video requests
- Brief the artist before interviews
- Chase coverage and report back on what landed
How they are hired
Usually per campaign rather than by the month: an album, a tour, a festival announcement. European rates run from a few hundred euro for a single release at a small agency to several thousand a month for a full album campaign. A regional publicist is often added for one country.
What they need from the artist
Assets, early. A current EPK with a fresh bio, photos that are not two years old, a credited photographer and a firm announcement date. Late assets cost coverage, because monthly print titles close their pages weeks ahead.