Pirate! and Jaden Social announce partnership...



Pirate! is excited to announce a partnership with Jaden Socal, a music focused digital marketing agency that excel at connecting muscians to their fans. An artist can be much more successful when employing a combined effort at radio, press, social, online, etc to be sure they are covering all their bases and being seen/heard in all areas of the industry.

Social Media continues to mould the online landscape in new & unexpected ways each day, and for artists trying to cut through in an ultra-competitive music industry these changes have presented both big challenges, but also equally big opportunities. Having a strong brand, presence and marketing strategy on Social Media can be the difference between being heard & making an income from your music, and being swallowed up by the roar of an overcrowded music marketplace.

This is where Jaden Social can help!

Jaden Social is a music-focused digital marketing agency that connects artists to their fans using Social Media. They offer a wide range of online services, which include digital assessments, creative strategy, full channel & content management, paid advertising campaigns on Facebook and YouTube, Twitter fan targeting, digital PR & blogger outreach and much more.

The Jaden Social team is made up of an eclectic mix of musicians, music lovers and music industry veterans, and they take a personal interest in every one of the carefully chosen artists they take on. Jaden Social is currently working with Sony Music, Universal Music, Ministry of Sound and Chugg Entertainment, as well as some of Australia's top artists, including double-platinum selling dance act The Potbelleez and Aussie rock legends Baby Animals & The Angels.

Jaden Social caters to artists of all types - from up & coming indie acts with a limited budget, to well-established acts with a following, to major label-signed touring artists requiring full-time brand management. No matter what your budget and objectives, Jaden Social has the skills, the experience, and most importantly the team to get your music out to the world and in front of the people who matter!

As our friends at Jaden Social put it: "As the digital age continues to swallow up traditional music promotion methods, artists and their marketing teams are focusing more of their efforts (and budgets) on Social Media, paid advertising and SEO. Yet with this monumental shift in strategy, “old fashioned” radio promotion still remains a very important component in today’s music marketing mix, especially on the non-commercial airwaves. In fact, Social Media marketing and radio promotion are becoming more & more entwined in many artists’ marketing strategies; a trend that we at Jaden Social are excited to see develop further in the future." Keep reading more about what they had to say about college radio and how we can all work together here!

Past, present and soon to be Pirate! clients will receive 10% off all Jaden Social campaigns. Just contact us first (steve at piratepirate.com) so we can put you in touch!

Sun n' Snow Fest 2013 will be March 14th-17th! We'll have discounted skiing, lodging, dining, and shopping for those with a college ID, live music all weekend, and much much more! Spend your Spring Break with us on the slopes! Keep reading for details! Follow us on Twitter for more updates: @SunNSnowFest or on Facebook here! Be sure to RSVP on Facebook here as well!



(click for larger image, poster design by ElefhantWorks)

Entertainment as follows: (more TBA)

Rek'lis @ McGrath's Tavern on 3/14 @ 9pm (Free / 21+)
Bad Rabbits @ Zips Pub (at Cranmore) on 3/15 @ 1pm (Free / All Ages*)
WHAT @ Zips Pub (at Cranmore) on 3/16 @ 1pm (Free / All Ages*)

*Cranmore events are all ages on the deck/at the base area. Inside the bar is 21+ and proper ID required*

For those with a college ID you can ski/ride @ Cranmore for $30/day from March 14th-17th. Show your college ID at the ticket counter for discount or you can now pre-purchase tickets here! (Pick the day(s) you want [March 14th - 17th will show the discount] and enjoy! Please note College ID still will need to be shown at pickup at the mountain).


For lodging packages see below and be sure to mention "Sun N' Snow Fest"

- The Yankee Clipper Inn is excited to extend a discount rate of $59 double occupancy to all college students attending the Sun n' Snow Fest. This offer is valid with a college ID, 3/14-3/17 and will include the breakfast special at The Blueberry Muffin. North Conway was chosen as one of the top 25 Best Ski Towns by National Geographic and the article noted The Yankee Clipper Inn as best digs for your budget. (603) 356-5736 - 1769 White Mountain Highway - "On the Strip
"North Conway, New Hampshire 03860 - www.theyankeeclipperinn.com

Got questions? E-Mail: steve @ piratepirate.com

With support from...

Want to see what we did last year? Head here!

Pirate! Party at CMJ!

Join us at Fontana's (105 Eldridge b/w Broome & Grand) on October 17th from Noon-6pm in NYC for our annual CMJ Party!

Live music from Conveyor, Sean Rowe, Pretty & Nice, Mean Creek, Generationals, and Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes!

Beverages provided by Tommyknocker Brewery!

Promotional support from Anti-, Pirate! & Backbone!

Come early to hear the new Bat For Lashes album! And for drinks and goodies!

Please RSVP here and feel free to spread the word!

Whether you are there or not follow along with what we're doing via our twitter, tumblr, or facebook feeds:

http://www.twitter.com/piratepirate

http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com

http://www.facebook.com/piratepromotion


Thanks!
Your friends @ Pirate!
#pirateplayground
#cmj2012

Happy Birthday Canada!



Big thanks goes to Justin from Anti-Gravity Bunny and Johnny from Jack Burton Vs David Lo Pan for many of the photos!

Pirate! Promotion & Sneak Attack Media are teaming up to help make sure one band gets the most out of their trip to the CMJ Music Marathon in October!

In addition to getting a chance to play CMJ 2012, anyone who applies by the 26th will be in the running to win one sweet package. One artist who enters through Sonicbids will be chosen to win a six-week digital marketing campaign, courtesy of Sneak Attack Media. The campaign will entail creative strategy, asset seeding to websites and blogs, and social media optimization and promotion. The same lucky winner will receive one full/national college radio promotion campaign through Pirate!. What’s that mean? It means that Pirate! will help said artist receive airplay at CMJ reporting stations in advance of their trip to CMJ 2012.

Submit here: http://www.sonicbids.com/cmj


New England Acts who want to hear more about the promotion and playing CMJ in general should come to the next Rock Shop Boston @ Great Scott on 6/18! More on that here: http://rockshopboston.com

Greetings friends! All of Pirate! is off to Austin for the week! Get in touch with us if you will be too!

Want a complete sched of all our bands playing through the week? Head here:

http://austin2012.sched.org/piratepirate


Whether you are there or not follow along with what we're doing via our twitter, tumblr, or facebook feeds:

http://www.twitter.com/piratepirate

http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com

http://www.facebook.com/piratepromotion


Thanks!
Your friends @ Pirate!

(poster design by ElefantWorks)

Pirate!, Cranmore, and Samuel Adams present: Sun’ Snow Fest 2012

March 5th-9th @ Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH

With support from Ryan's Smashing Life, The Hampton Inn, The Yankee Clipper Inn, North Conway Music Shop, The White Mountain Cupcakery, RAMP, Vita Coco, Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting, Skydive New England, & Liftopia!

To kick off the month of March we'll have live music on the deck each afternoon from the 5th-9th for Après Ski. Joining us will be some of the best artists Boston and New England have to offer:

Monday 3/5: Leo Blais*
Tuesday 3/6: Will Dailey*
Wednesday 3/7: Bill Cameron
Thursday 3/8: Mean Creek
Friday 3/9: Spirit Kid*

RSVP HERE!

$25 lift tix w/College ID, cheap lodging, lots of giveaways, want to know more?!?! Keep reading here

Thank you for helping Pirate! start the year at #1 on CMJ with The Black Keys!

If you have not checked it out yet please grab it from our downloads page.

Also thank you everyone for a great 2011! We had some great albums and we thank you for all the support on so many of our highlights....Wilco, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey, Man Man, DeVotchka, Los Campesinos!, Mates of State, Booker T Jones, Social Distortion, Metronomy, Summer Camp, DJ Shadow, Say Hi, Theophilus London, Army Navy, Get Up Kids, Hush Now, Timber Timbre, Rural Alberta Advantage, Mariachi El Bronx, Royal Bangs, Sloan, Hella, Frank Turner, Maritime, Generationals, City and Colour, David Bazan, Boris, Jolie Holland, and so many more!

Your friends @ Pirate!

http://www.piratepirate.com
http://twitter.com/piratepirate
http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com
http://www.facebook.com/piratepromotion

It's time to go to the marathon!

As you know we're gearing up for our annual trek to NYC for the CMJ Music Marathon!

Our party is on Wednesday, 10/19, from Noon-5pm @ Fontana's (105 Eldridge St b/w Broome and Grand).

Please RSVP to the party here!

Then come enjoy performances by...
Hollerado
Nick Diamonds (of Islands)
Army Navy
Fairmont
The Great Book Of John
The One & Nines

DJ Sets by...
DAMNDOGS
goodbyemotel
Streight Angular & more!

Radio station remote broadcasts from some of the IBS/Student Radio Network's best, all powered by Backbone!

With support from...
Anti-
Epitaph
Mint 400
Arts & Crafts
Flea Marketing
TuneIn Radio
Backbone Networks
BreakThru Radio
& your friends at Pirate!

Party will start at Noon sharp so come early for beverages on us!

If you are from a station and interested in doing a remote broadcast from the venue please contact us to sign up.

Also, be sure to check out the Digital Music Servicing, Radio Revamp panel on Thursday, 10/20, at 2pm @ The Kimmel Center at NYU! Steve from Pirate! will be moderating the panel which features George from Backbone, Pat from Relapse, Michael from Play MPE, and Munsey from Skateboard Marketing! It will provide a great discussion about digital servicing in our industry! More panel details here!

Finally, want to know where/when Pirate! bands past and present are playing all week? Check our official SCHED here: http://cmj2011.sched.org/pirateplayground

See you in NYC!
Your friends @ Pirate!

http://www.piratepirate.com
http://twitter.com/piratepirate
http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com
http://www.facebook.com/piratepromotion

Greetings friends and welcome to March!

We have two important things to get to today and that's our SXSW plans as well as some news about digital delivery.

We have announced our SXSW party which will be Wed 3/16 from Noon-6pm at Klub Krucial on E. 6th (next to Emo's) with Dom, Hooray For Earth, Young Adults, Eugene Mirman, Girlfriends, The Good Natured, Funeral Party, and The Seedy Seeds! Please RSVP for the party here: http://firstcontact.eventbrite.com



We'll be all over Austin all of next week so be sure to follow us @piratepirate to know where we're at, what we're seeing, and where all the action is. If you want to follow along at home we'll be posting photos all week on our tumblr at: http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com

In non-SXSW news we've had an exciting time so far this year with our digital delivery initiative (read more here ). We have had hundreds of stations downloading albums already. For the sake of comparing apples to apples we'll look at all of our 2/15 adds:

PJ Harvey - 277 downloads
Chikita Violenta - 187 downloads
Jamaica - 186 downloads
Viva Viva - 153 downloads
Yellowbirds - 151 downloads

As expected PJ Harvey had the most downloads, and a number so large that it is a real great sign that downloading promo copies can work. What's even more encouraging is that even brand new bands that have never gone to radio before like Viva Viva and Yellowbirds can still have over 150 stations download their album to consider for rotation. What that means is half the panel is still reviewing each new release, which is likely similar to the amount that actually get opened and listened to if we mailed out 300 CDs.

We've had a ton of great feedback from stations, labels, bands, etc and we're extremely optimistic. So many stations have already hopped on board and embraced the system, and for the few who haven't we're working with them and doing research on how to better serve them but still avoid the high costs of sending promos. In addition to the typical zip of mp3s we used to offer we've started offering more info (bio, track list, artwork, links, clean/dirty tracks, etc.) in the packets. We've also made all of our adds each week downloadable in one folder (read: click once and download all 3-4 albums) and we are starting to add WAVs of singles when we have them and are considering more of that as well.

Already sick of downloading albums? In addition to the huge gain we've seen in usage of our own downloads page, we've started another very exciting service which we think will make things even easier for stations. Effective last week we have been automatically populating the Backbone Student Radio Network with all of our new music. Each week we're adding new files, and for stations that opt-in they are getting new music delivered right into their database without any downloading, ripping, processing, etc. It's a seamless process for the station and they can still choose to add/pass on any songs they like/dislike.

In addition to adding new music to the system, we have begun to add produced content too, starting with the Beady Eye radio special that FMQB produced and Cheryl Waters hosted. Our plan will be to continue to add radio specials, weekly shows, produced podcasts, etc to the system so that stations have a ton of new content to add to their rotation all the time. Stations in the network will also be able to share their own shows, so over time if there is a great punk show on one station, some other station could air it when they have no live DJs if they want more punk on their airwaves, and so on.

Our long term plan is to make the system open source so that any label, promoter, artist, etc can go in and add their music to the system so that any of the stations in the network can have immediate access to all new music without all the trouble of opening packages, downloading music, ripping music, etc.

We want to thank our test station, KXZY, who has successfully had new music delivered into their system without having to lift a finger:

"The new auto-delivery service is perfect for college radio stations like us. We receive about 40 CDs through snail mail everyday, along with hundreds of emails each week from promoters on new releases and upcoming bands. So it can be a daunting task for any music director, especially when you have just one. The auto-delivery feature is a step in the right direction for internet radio. Listeners want music as soon as it is released (or earlier) and the only way to compete is to make the system automatic. It still, however, provides us with the means of screening new music and placing the songs we want in our rotation. The system is really a means to keep everything in one organized location." - Josh Robinson, KXZY General Manager

Any stations who are interested in more info on Backbone please let us know. If you'll be at SXSW they'll be at the trade show broadcasting live and giving demo's. If you cannot be there, we're more than happy to set you up with a web-demo and/or a free-trial so you can see how easy their system is.

To track us down in Austin, ask us questions about digital delivery or Backbone, or just to say hi, hit us up anytime at radio @ piratepirate dot com.

See you in Austin!
Your friends @ Pirate!
http://www.piratepirate.com
http://twitter.com/piratepirate
http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com
http://www.facebook.com/piratepromotion

Pirate! and Backbone announce partnership...


Pirate! is very excited to partner with Backbone as they have a suite of Internet software/services that are perfect for any radio station interested in adding / improving their online stream. Backbone provides station set-up, automation software, server hosting, music hosting, an easy to use and update web-site template/hosting and bandwidth for your stream all in one easy to use and affordable package. Your stream is instantly available as AAC, MPEG-4, HTTP Live, and Shoutcast allowing users of almost any device able to listen without extra software or headaches. Backbone will submit your stream to iTunes, add you to the College Radio Tuner iPhone APP, and more.

In addition to the great features of the stream we'll also be populating the system with all new Pirate! adds (and eventually non-Pirate! adds as well) so you can instantly play new records without having to receive the CD or go through the hassle of downloading the music and uploading it to your system yourself. The system will also allow your station to share music/programs with any other stations on the network, so once one station has shared a title on the network any other station can play it from the Backbone system.

The entire system lives in the "cloud" therefore you can control your station from anywhere and the stream will stay up 24/7, pulling music from your library automatically either via your programming rules or randomly if you like so that even in a power outage / lightning strike / finals / breaks / etc your station can stay on-air. You can seamlessly switch back and forth from live to automation. The system can even tell you where/when your listeners are coming from or help you compile your weekly charts. The package comes with a template to build a site including the stream / recently played songs / etc or you can add these widgets to your existing site if you like.

Pirate! has created a station with many of our new records spinning on it if you want to check it out, please keep in mind it's in beta and we've done nothing to spruce it up just yet. In addition to the Pirate! station which may prove to be a good way to hear some of our new titles we'll be producing some weekly shows that you can pick up in syndication for free should you like to add some national programming / specialty shows / etc to your times in the schedule that may be otherwise empty or automted. Check out the beta of Radio Pirate! Pirate! here: http://radiopiratepirate.com/

If you would like more info on Backbone for your station please contact doug at backbone dot com!







Pirate! leads digital delivery direction!

All of us in the music industry have been affected by massive amounts of change, and we continually need to find new ways to adapt and operate. That brings us to this new change of moving to an all digital format. When the rest of the industry follows suit, we will save millions of dollars as well as prevent a ton of waste.

Starting in 2011, Pirate! Promotion is moving to an all digital operation. This means that all records will be delivered via our digital downloads page, which many stations have already been enjoying for years. In addition to this, all current and future Backbone Radio Network (more info) stations will also be able to access any and all Pirate! releases right within their automation systems, as all of our new music will be available in the cloud.

How can millions be saved? When breaking down the numbers, our average client spends over $1500 per release on designing, manufacturing, and mailing promotional CDs to radio on a regular basis, on top of any promotion and marketing costs for each release. These numbers may not appear staggering. However, when you figure that the average record sells less than the promotional allotment, it can be the difference between a successful release or a release which lost money. Our clients alone will save nearly half a million dollars per year by reducing promotional copies, mailers, postage, etc. just to send out hard copies. This is wasteful both in actual cost and of course physical waste that's being created.

Will you ever see another CD from us? Yes! From time to time we will have special CDs that get sent out, especially as part of thank you packages for stations that do support a release or express interest in wanting a hard copy. So hard copies won't go away 100%, but when we can cut out 95% of them we can save the industry hundreds of thousands of dollars, and as the industry collectively follows suit we will save millions upon millions on a yearly basis.

Is digital only servicing harder for some stations? Yes, we know that a digital only format is not going to be perfect for everyone. However, we know that it's getting easier and easier for many stations, and we're willing to work with you to try and make it easier to use digital releases. For those who want to burn CDs, we will be including tray cards and artwork along with the download. For those stations that need a hard copy of a release that you know will do well at the station, you can always request them and, when available, we'll gladly send anything you request. We have already seen a spike in the amount of downloads for all of our digital only releases and we feel that the future truly is digital.

We know that there will be some growing pains, but we're tired of seeing labels and artists we love lose money, go out of business, or worse quit what they are doing because they can't get a leg up due to the costs just to launch a release. Our industry has been talking about going digital for years and we feel that it is finally time to make that leap.

As stations support this initiative and other promoters and labels follow suit we'll easily save the industry millions and turn our focus onto the future of the industry instead of fighting for the past.

If you have any questions please contact us at steve at piratepirate dot com

More details on events at the CMJ Music Marathon coming this week, but for those who want to play from home, we bring you the Pirate! Island scavenger hunt!



(by Tim Fite!)







Pirate! Island 2010 - #pirateisland

Join Pirate! for this year's party/showcase/contest/scavenger hunt during the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC!


(by Tim Fite)

Our official party will be at Fontana's on Friday 10/22 from Noon-6pm and will feature giveaways / prizes / beverages / good times with your favorite promoters and some of your favorite bands:

Devotchka (Anti-)
Generationals (Park The Van)
Mynabirds (Saddle Creek)
Dan Mangan (Arts & Crafts)
Deluka (Vel)
Field Days (Guise)

The party, as well as some other soon to be announced events/locations, will be part of a week long contest. Find your favorite Pirate! during CMJ for a laminate which will serve as your game-piece and help you try to win some great prizes. Be sure you're following @piratepirate on twitter and hash-tagging #pirateisland through the week for chances to win!

To kick off the week we'll be having a showcase Wednesday 10/20 from Noon-6pm at Fontana's, and will feature music from:

Smoke Or Fire (Fat Wreck)
Hot Panda (Mint)
Your Youth (Gigantic)
Snake Rattle Rattle Snake (unsigned)
Doppeganger

RSVP to all of the above here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165844683430472

Venue info / contest updates / etc:
http://fontanasnyc.com
http://piratepirate.com
http://twitter.com/piratepirate
http://pirateplayground.tumblr.com
http://www.facebook.com/piratepromotion

For those not attending CMJ we'll be having a scavenger hunt you can play from home/your station. More details HERE!

Last but not least, thanks for the ten (10!) CMJ College Radio Award Nominations this year! Don't forget to Vote Pirate! when you get to CMJ!

Hello Boston-area friends of Pirate! We have a busy week in store, all at The Middle East in Cambridge to be exact.

Monday, 8/23/10, will be the next installment of Rock Shop. This one will feature hosts from many of Boston's best local music shows on the radio dial. Come here what Dave Duncan (Boston Accents / WFNX), Anngelle Wood (Boston Emissions / WZLX), Carmelita (Bay State Rock / WAAF), and Tim Kelly (The Hidden Capital / WMBR) have to say about radio, how they program their shows, what they look for when receiving new music, and more! The panel is free, all ages, and open to the public and you can get more info here:
http://rockshopboston.com/


Tuesday, 8/24/10, Pirate! is presenting a special low dough all local show with The Hush Now, Sunday Morning Music, Elsewhere, and Flugente. The show will run from 8pm-12am and will be 18+ with a cover of only $5. You can get more info here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112359878818844


We hope to see you out and about all week supporting local music in Boston!







Pirate! is proud to be a co-sponsor of Nor'easter!

Nor'easter 2010 will take place at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH from September 24th-26th.

The 2010 Nor’easter Powered by Eastern Mountain Sports is a 3 day festival of Sport, Music and Conservation located deep in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. With a unique and eclectic mix of artists on the Nor’easter Main Stage, sports for everyone from top athletes to the very beginner just looking to get your feet wet, a conservation village supporting everyone who makes outdoor recreation possible, an innovation village with the future technology of outdoor gear on display, onsite camping and much, much more The Nor’easter is a one of a kind festival and is not to be missed.

More details available here: http://www.noreasterems.com

Featured acts include:
Dr. Dog
Eli "Paperboy" Reed
The Gaslight Anthem
!!!
The Walkmen
The Constellations
and more!

Tickets available here, and if you are a friend of Pirate's you can get an entire weekend pass for $60 using the coupon code "pirate" at checkout. Camping is even included in that price however camping space is limited so buy now to reserve your spot!
http://www.noreasterstore.com/

Radio friends, contact us for any opportunities: (giveaways, interviews, remote broadcasting, contests, group trips, etc.) radio at piratepirate dot com

Pirate! is proud to be involved in the promotion of Rock Shop, a monthly series at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA.

Rock Shop is a series of panels/seminars/guest speakers and most importantly networking, for bands/artists and the Boston music community.

To stay up to date on coming Rock Shops or to see what we've covered in the past please add yourself to the Rock Shop group on Facebook at http://rockshopboston.com

The next Rock Shop will be a CMJ Music Marathon info-session on 7/21/10.

All Rock Shops are All Ages, Free/Open To The Public, and take place from 7-10PM at The Middle East (Downstairs).

Hello friends! We're excited to announce a partnership to deliver tracks from the Levi's Pioneer Sessions to you!



The Levi’s® brand continues in its tradition of bringing great jeans and great music together with the launch of “Levi’s® Pioneer Sessions: The Revival Recordings” - a new and innovative campaign that champions musical artists who embody the pioneering spirit of the Levi’s® brand. An original series of musical recordings by a diverse roster of talented musicians, “Levi’s® Pioneer Sessions: The Revival Recordings” features remakes of hits from past decades inspired by renowned artists. Now through the first of July, The “Levi’s® Pioneer Sessions: The Revival Recordings” series features the release of two singles each week by an exciting score of bands including Nas, Swell Season, She & Him, Dirty Projectors, Colbie Caillat, The Shins, Bomba Estereo, Jason Mraz, Rapheal Saadiq, Passion Pit, and John Legend with The Roots and more!!!

Check out the first few tracks and get more info on the collection here:
http://www.levispioneersessions.com/