REVIEW: Iain Dale: All Talk with Rory Stewart | James Seabright in association with Northbank Speakers | Edinburgh Fringe

Posted Leave a commentPosted in Podcasts, Reviews

Aug 6 | Pleasance EICC | Listen to the Podcast

Let’s be honest, over the last 5 years the political landscape has shifted dramatically. It used to be a like a family gathering, which you didn’t really want to be part of but you would tolerate the chitter chatter of background noise so you could keep up with the gossip. Now it’s more like your pervy Uncle Ned’s bachelor birthday bash where try as you might to avoid it, his personality will be thrust aggressively down your throat, he will make completely inappropriate racist and sexist comments and you will leave wondering what the point of it all was. So, it is only right that my first show at the Fringe should be a politically driven podcast.

And I won’t lie, my pick would have been to see Jess Philips, but having heard her speak a few times I thought I would mix it up. I gave the list to my Dad who promptly said: “Go and see Rory Stewart, he’s alright… for a tory.” And do you know, my old man was not wrong!

To begin with it seemed that the show would be overshadowed with talk of Boris Johnson who, unfortunately for us all, is difficult to avoid, when a man has made so many considerable mistakes which have affected a nation so negatively it is clear why he crops up so often.

However, as it continued Rory Stewart revealed more of his beliefs on the political landscape, eloquently discussing the clear gap needed for a middle of the road party, across all nations within the UK. He also discussed the growing demand to change the voting protocol to allow a party like this a chance to compete when fighting against a two-party system.

Seeing Iain Dale and Rory Stewart restored a little bit of my faith in politics. For a start, watching politicians (or ex politicians) who can string a sentence together without hesitation, repetition or deviation has become a novelty in itself. Conversational banter mixed with hard hitting issues made this political podcast far more digestible and is one I will most definitely add to the listen to later list.

 

The Arts Business Top Tips:

  • Audio Content: I am a firm believer in audible content as this market is still ever growing stronger. This is down to their informative nature and the ability to listen to them on the move without the distraction of a screen, which, even more so since the pandemic, seem to monopolise our lives. The podcast is cheap to produce, and if popularity builds, can be produced in front of an audience for an additional source of income and to create wider audience reach.
  • An Expert in your Area: Iain Dale is so clearly an expert not only in UK politics but in communication, moving effortlessly from topic to topic, knowing when to press for more and when to move onto the next. What is your area of expertise? Think about how you could you utilise this in your creative development, to best support you and your business.

 

Press Articles Explained

Posted Leave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Publicity

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is covered by press from all over the world.  Publications, big and small, journalists both employed and self-employed, flock to Scotland to report on anything and everything!

 

Here at The Arts Business we have already talked you through how to write the Perfect Edinburgh Fringe Press Release, but now it’s time you really understand the ins and outs of the articles their looking to print.

 

1.       Features

What is it?

These are the large pieces you often see in publications.  It could be all about you: ‘New feminist comedian breaks the comedy circuit’ or about a group of people doing something similar: ‘New feminist comedians who are breaking the comedy circuit’.  These often include quotes and interviews with the performers.

How do I get one?

Write a pitch: What makes your show distinct? What are its special qualities that aren’t in anyone else’s shows? Does it discuss any current affair topics? Find your unique selling point and pitch the f**k out of it! 

 

2.       News

What is it?

Simply something worthy of being a headline!  It is pretty tricky to get a fringe show in the news as not only do you have to contend with the rest of your fringe fellows but you will also have to battle the rest of the world! 

How do I get one?

You seriously need to have something deemed reportable, but remember, even though it’s difficult to remember at the moment, not everything in the news is doom and gloom, if it’s a slow or bleak news day they’ll be looking for that piece which will lift spirits.

 
3.       Diary

What is it?

A story that isn’t quite newsworthy enough to be news and isn’t quite long enough to be a feature, frequently associated with gossip columns.  Short and juicy titbits worth a short mention! 

How do I get one?

It’s not really something you can plan!  It’s more if you happen upon: an interesting anecdote during your run!  Maybe a celebrity saw your show, maybe a streaker with ‘BREXIT SUX’ scrawled across their chest took to the stage!  Any cheeky morsel you believe will make readable gossip!

 

4.       Newsletters

What is it?

Chances are every receiving house in Edinburgh will have an email and mailing list which they send a weekly or monthly newsletter to their followers.  This is an easy and free way for you to get the news of your show out to potentially thousands of customers.

How do I get one?

Firstly, check out if it is tailored to your kind of show promotion by joining the mailing list yourself and checking out the information you receive.  You can also simply ask the venue if this is something they do and if you can be on it.  The earlier you ask the more likely this is to be an option.

 

5.       Reviews

What is it?

When someone comes to judge your show!  Remember there is no guarantee the reviewers response will be positive so it could be good or bad press for your show.  Having said that, don’t obsess about reviews!  They are not the be all and end all.

How do I get one?

Check out our Fringe Press Release article to grab the press’ attention and remember to pick reviewers who are interested in your genre of work!  You wouldn’t want a children’s theatre reviewer to see your very adult naked cabaret and they probably won’t be too keen on hearing from you either.

 

6.       Podcasts

What is it?

The modern radio programmes, these vary from clip shows of full sessions to tailor made, specific broadcasts for certain target audiences.  They even have some which run especially during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

How do I get one?

Find the right one for your show!  There are podcasts out for anything and everything so you are bound to come across one that meets your exact category!  For example, if you’re doing a show on Harry Potter, why not try getting a slot on ‘The Mugglecast’

 

7.       Bloggers

What is it?

Basically: online newspapers, often more personal and easy for individuals to set up and talk about their interests!  Fun Fact: they were originally called Web Logs which eventually was shortened to blog.

How do I get one?

As you would a podcast.  Be sure to do your research on audience number and reach to clarify that they are definitely for you.  If they only have four followers on facebook and have been going for 2 years then it probably isn’t worth your time.

 

8.       Sharable Online Content

What is it?

Simply the posts, tweets, grams, messages, videos, gifs, photos and content you share across your social media platforms when they are shared by someone else.

How do I get one?

Try tagging the people you want to share your content in your posts, if the content is special enough they may just share you, but at the very least they should notice you.  But, don’t be a spammer!  Nobody likes a spammer!  Using topical and appropriate hashtags can help to!

 

So, go out and get in the paper so you and your followers can: READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Top 10 Podcasts to make your Arts Business

Posted Leave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Podcasts

You can walk everywhere in Edinburgh in 20 minutes, so why not use that time to your advantage.  Stick in your headphones and whack on a podcast.

 

Whether inspirational or informative, podcasts are a great way to expand your knowledge and trigger some awesome ideas to figure out the next step for your company.

 

1.       Arts and Ideas

From BBC Radio 3, a podcast which does exactly what it says on the tin.  Different topics across the creative industries discussed and debated by every kind of professional from artists to scientists.  20-45 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

 

 2.       Marketing School

Daily bites of Digital Marketing and Online Sales Tips from Neil Patel and Eric Siu, both incredibly successful entrepreneurs in the field.  These titbits are easily digestible, straightforward to act upon and keep you wanting more. 5-10 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

 

3.       Social Media Marketing Podcast

From the Social Media Examiner with Michael Stelzner, comes this excellent podcast where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about Social Media Marketing and stay up to date with the latest updates and techniques. 1-hour episodes.

 Click Here to Learn More

 

4.       Build Your Tribe

Make your influence matter in your field with Charlene Johnson.  Listen to interviews from leading influencers providing you with tips on how to create and monetise your community online and how to look after them when you’ve got them. 10-30 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

 

5.       Seth Godin – Startup School

The podcast which got me into digital marketing!  This man is a genius and anything he has written or spoken about is worth reading or listening to.  Even though it is now over 5 years old it consists of a complete course of what you need to know about beginning your business. 15-30 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

 

6.       Creative Warriors

A podcast by and for entrepreneurs and small creative business owners, take the road less travelled with Jeffrey Shaw and learn creative techniques for marketing which can be immediately applied to your company. 15-45 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

 

7.       Ctrl Alt Delete

Presented by Emma Gannon, she talks to friends and celebrities about their relationship with the internet, the pros and cons, what to do and what to avoid.  It makes you realise you’re not the only person on earth obsessed with your social media.  1 hour episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

 

8.       Freakonomics Radio

A fascinating perspective of absolutely everything, bound to inspire the way you do and interpret your business research. From Stephen J. Dubner, co author of the Freakonomics book series this is a truly inspiring podcast.  30-60 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More 

 

9.       Broadway Backstory

Learn about how your favourite Broadway musicals made it from mere ideas and through the research and development process.  Listen to how they were workshopped and when they made it to the big lights of Broadway.  All the producing knowledge you need.  60 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More 

 

10.   Desert Island Discs

A random but excellent choice, every episode from the BBC archives are available!  So, stick it on in the background and learn about how the celebrity has evolved from the 50s to the present.  I always learn more about the creative industries when I have it on! 10-30 minutes.

Click Here to Learn More 

 

So, whack in your headphones and get listening.

 

What are your favourite podcasts?  Let me know in the comments!