Pre-release copies

MikeEnRegalia wrote: I am wondering - do any of you receive any pre-release copies of upcoming albums? In the past (like 10 years ago) I used to receive physical copies via Progfreak.com because I had put my actual address on the about page. So artists and record companies would send me CDs to review. It was nice, but sometimes caused issues with customs declarations (where I had to prove that the goods were tax-free gifts). How does it work (for you nowadays) - do you have to write to each major label and ask?

Edited by moshkito - 8 hours 57 minutes ago at 08:38

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I have been offered advanced copies even not to long again, mostly private, sometimes labels/distributors, but I have not accepted (well, just once I did) as I don't like the idea of any expectations or quid pro quo. And just asking for it might bias how I react to it. I have barely even reviewed music. Of course many bigger name youtubers, reviewers, bloggers and the like have developed relationships with labels/ distributors and artists/ bands. I know that when asking for advance copies you may be asked to really justify it. If a label becomes familiar with your work, and you seem to potentially offer them some competitive advantage, then they might offer. Sometimes at Pa you would see reviews that were clearly promotional and not credible as sincere. Sometimes people really like to praise more because they would feel bad not to do so as they received something for free.

I know this is not helpful too, but I never ask and I get offered music still. It does help when you foster a relationship with artists and they are familiar with what you do. Of course.

Edited by Logan - 6 hours 50 minutes ago at 10:45

Yeah, it is a different case when accepting physical product or links to streaming it or download codes. A concern with download codes is sharing commonly. I use to get offered quite a bit of physical product and now get offered sometimes download codes. I rarely was offered the advance stuff. I still want to do a podcast and youtube thing but likely never will (for youtube, my good looks are fading fast, gone or perhaps I never had them), if I do I would be wanting advance copies eventually.