About MSO

AN OVERVIEW

MEDIA EXPOSURE BY MSO

WHY INDEPENDENT PUBLICITY?

CONTACT MSO

An Overview

Media Exposure By MSO

MSO VISION: We specialize in tailor-made, passionate press campaigns highlighting the talent and vision of the artist.  We match up the best writers for our clients wherever possible, resulting in articles that reflect the artist’s virtues and passion. Our approach is strong and positive, but avoids hype. By utilizing our national and local contacts, we give our clients the targeted exposure they’re looking for while building on their image and achievements.

MSO FIRST: Because of its prestigious and varied client list, MSO is often called first by magazines like Rolling Stone, Blender, Interview, GQ, Revolver and Guitar World when they’re looking to secure artists for stories and issues of a thematic nature. At the same time, MSO's close relationship and clout with key talent bookers at television shows give the company an important edge.  These shows not only book our artists months in advance for an album release--they contact us immediately when they’re suddenly in need of a guest--enabling us to secure last-minute but impactful bookings.

MSO NOW: Whether it's a news item at Rollingstone.com or an album review in the Boston Globe, the MSO staff moves quickly to deliver clips--national and key regional--to clients by regularly checking the key outlets on the Internet as well as the sites of the top 25 newspapers across the country.

MSO TEAMS: With the number of media outlets and freelance writers growing at a rapid pace, how does a publicist truly keep up and effectively pitch this ever-widening menu?  MSO has met this challenge by assigning a team of three or four publicists to each artist, giving the company the ability to deliver far-reaching campaigns.

MSO COMMITMENT: The role of the publicist is more crucial than ever, with increasingly constricted radio/video playlists.  We believe people decide to make purchases (albums, tickets) based on multiple exposures to an artist, via television performances, magazine features, newspaper features and/or weekly previews in addition to radio and video exposure.  In many cases, artists can not count on radio/video play, so press--and the Internet--are the only ways fans are becoming familiarized with new music.

MSO DIVERSITY: Acclaimed new artists and legendary musical pioneers alike are represented by the company, whose roster encompasses many musical genres: rock, punk, metal, pop, soul, cutting-edge, hip-hop, electronic and dance.  This diversity enables MSO publicists to work very closely with a wide range of media outlets--television shows like "60 Minutes," publications such as VIBE, Magnet and URB, or underground punk fanzines--and thus increase the possibilities of coverage for our artists.

MSO ABOVE AND BEYOND:  The company’s commitment to its clients extends beyond publicity.  We’ve secured acting spots for Green Day and Everclear on the acclaimed series “The Chris Isaak Show,” for example.  MSO also launched Korn’s Issues album on the 1999 Halloween episode of “South Park,” where the band debuted their single "Falling Away From Me.” In addition, this episode featured the band as animated characters.

MSO ROOTS: The essence of good press exposure is based upon a keen understanding of the media, and MSO's founder Mitch Schneider truly has a deep knowledge of it.  As a New York freelance journalist for Rolling Stone, Crawdaddy, Hit Parader and Circus magazines in the mid to late '70s, Schneider earned an inside understanding of the way media functions—and what they need from a publicist.  This insight and experience give Schneider and the MSO staff a distinct advantage in the publicity field.

MSOPR.COM: MSO was the first independent music publicity firm in America to have its own website, which launched in 1996.  This site, updated daily, gives journalists access to individual client web pages, where photos, bios, press releases, items and tour dates are posted. 

MSO ON THE ROAD: We do specialized press for touring clients, encompassing daily papers, weeklies, and monthlies, local fanzines, regional Internet outlets and local TV.  For every show day, we submit a comprehensive media report outlining secured features and reviews, plus TV crew and photographer updates.  With an office based on the West Coast, MSO's Tour Press Department stays on top of things in a way that East Coast publicity firms can’t.  Because of our time difference of 1-3 hours from many of our bands' tour markets, clients are able to reach us for emergency verification of journalists, TV crews, etc. at the show—during the time when an East Coast office may already be closed for the day. 

Why Independent Publicity?

Hiring a firm for publicity has certain advantages.  As independents, we have the ability to work with artists whom interest us.  Our press releases, bios and mailings reflect a deeper understanding of the artist—the music, the lyrics, the vibe.  We like to get to know the artists and what they want—and do not want—in their publicity.  At MSO, publicity is taken to the next level.  Exposing clients in new ways and with different angles is our specialty.  Here are a few examples:

·         We pitched AEROSMITH outside their realm—in this case, "The Simpsons," which animated them for an episode.  Interesting, unprecedented coverage resulted.

·         As a result of our pitch, KORN debuted "Falling Away From Me"-- the first single from their Issues CD--on the 1999 Halloween episode of "South Park."  This episode featured the band as animated characters.

·         For the 1996 reunion of the SEX PISTOLS, we suggested the group perform a "benefit" concert for Princess Di.  The angle:  The PISTOLS would give her the proceeds to cover any money she didn't receive from the monarchy.  The band then sent Princess Di a telegram with the news of this offer, to which she replied "No comment."  All of this was subsequently announced by JOHNNY ROTTEN at their press conference in London.  Huge press resulted.

·         For various dates on LIVE's 1997 "Secret Samadhi Tour," we suggested the group organize a second stage where local unsigned bands could perform to LIVE's fans. This marked the first time one band have organized a second stage at their shows--a tradition at multiple artist traveling festivals (i.e. Lollapalooza, H.O.R.D.E.).  The group was touted as "heroes to the underdogs" in the media.  We also suggested the creation of a special limited-edition tour poster designed by a renowned graphic artist, which the group sold for $5.  Proceeds from the vibrant, full-size poster benefited several worthy charities.

·         For DAVID BOWIE's tour-ending 1995 Halloween concert, we suggested the theme "Pagan Halloween Ball."  We accessed Los Angeles' underground performance artists (piercers, tattoo artists, fetishists, etc.), creating a "gothic circus" feel to the show.  It was widely covered, nationally and locally.

·         "Entertainment Tonight" expressed tentative interest in doing a piece on LITTLE FEAT but wanted an angle.  We suggested taking the Cajun themes from such songs as "Rad Gumbo" and "Cajun Rage" a step further.  The group got together for a rehearsal/barbecue and an "ET" crew filmed the band sampling the cooking of new singer Shaun Murphy.  It resulted in a great piece, with b-roll of the band performing, giving the group their first "ET" coverage.

·         In consulting with CHRIS ISAAK about the debut of his Forever Blue album, we suggested that buildings be flooded with blue klieg lights the evening of release.  Warner Brothers did this to the House of Blues (where Chris performed) and Tower Records (for his midnight appearance), creating a "blue light district."  The lights were included in various reviews, including the Los Angeles Times and Daily Variety.

·         To condemn the growing use of tapes and sampling on--stage, we suggested to RONNIE JAMES DIO that he put the following notation on his ad mats: "This concert does not contain any tapes or sampling."  As a result, the item appeared in USA Today, Los Angeles Times and MTV "News"(outlets that ordinarily didn't cover DIO) and reinforced his honest musical presentation to his fans.

·         MSO has launched five successful campaigns to help garner Hollywood Walk of Fame stars for TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, THE TEMPTATIONS, CHICAGO, THE EVERLY BROTHERS and AEROSMITH.  This honor always results in national and international coverage.

·         In September, 2002, we wrote and issued a press release that had TED NUGENT make a special offer to Lance Bass upon hearing that the ‘NSYNC member’s proposed trip to the International Space Station was cancelled by the Russian Space Agency after he was unable to come up with the $20 million in time. The release stated that, for the price of $1 million, Bass could join NUGENT on his Michigan ranch to be trained in bow hunting basics before embarking a week-long hunt “where he’ll be taught a greater appreciation for nature and gravity as he hunts, kills, cleans and cooks for himself,” said NUGENT. Story received overwhelming pick-up nationwide.

·      To announce KORN’s tour for their See You On The Other Side album in 2006, we came up with the idea to hold a grave-side press conference at the landmark Hollywood Fovever cemetery.  The day was capped with a huge celebrity-studded party at the cemetery’s huge mausoleum that was covered by MTV, Fuse, Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Times.

·      Playing off the idea that Los Angeles is spread-out, we had indie Los Angeles rock band  THE RANDIES underline this by naming their 2005 mini-tour “Calling L.A.” since it covered six different local area codes.  Coverage resulted in the Los Angeles Times, calling the idea “clever.”

SELECT CAMPAIGNS

A Perfect Circle ’s The Thirteenth Step

Aerosmith’s Pump, Pandora’s Box, “Nine Lives Tour”, Honkin’ On Bobo, You Gotta Move (DVD), Rockin’ the Joint

All Tomorrow’s Parties (2004)

Allman Brothers Band’s Hittin’ The Note, Live From The Beacon Theatre

Audioslave’s Out of Exile

Backstreet Boys’ Millennium, Black & Blue, The Hits-Chapter One

Bad Religion’s Recipe for Hate, Stranger Than Fiction,  The Gray Race

Sandra Bernhard’s Without You I’m Nothing, Excuses for Bad Behavior

The Black Crowes’ Shake Your Money Maker, amorica, Three Snakes and One Charm, By Your Side, Lions and 2005 reunion tour dates

Blue Man Group’s The Complex

David Bowie’s Tin Machine II (1991) through the current Reality

Brooks & Dunn’s Greatest Hits Collection II

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 1999, 2001-2006

Billy Corgan’s The Future Embrace

Crystal Method’s Community Service II, London (soundtrack)

The Cult’s Sonic Temple , Ceremony, 2006 tour

Deep Dish’s Global Underground #025: Toronto

Def Leppard’s Rock of Ages DVD

Deftones’ Adrenaline, Around the Fur

Depeche Mode’s Exciter, Playing the Angel

Disturbed’s The Sickness, Ten Thousand Fists

Everclear, Songs From An American Movie Volume I: Learning How To Smile, Songs From An American Movie Volume II: Good Time For A Bad Attitude, Slow Motion Daydream

Faith No More’s The Real Thing, King For A Day...Fool For A Lifetime

Faithless’ Reverence

“Family Values Tour” (1998 & 1999)

Perry Farrell’s Song Yet To Be Sung

Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night, Greatest Hits, Say You Will

Fuel’s Something Like Human

Dave Gahan’s Paper Monsters

Godsmack’s Awake

Goldfrapp’s Number One EP, Supernature

Martin Gore’s Counterfeit 2

Green Day’s Nimrod, Warning, International Superhits

George Harrison’s Brainwashed

Hatebreed’s Perseverance

Heart’s Bad Animals (1987) through Greatest Hits (1998)

“H.O.R.D.E. Tour” (1994)

Jane’s Addiction’s Ritual de lo Habitual

Janet Jackson’s janet., “Poetic Justice” (film), Rhythm Nation 1814

Jurassic 5’s Power in Numbers

Korn’s Follow the Leader, Issues, Untouchables, Take A Look In The Mirror, Greatest Hits, See You On the Other Side

James Lavelle’s GU #026: Romania

Limp Bizkit’s Three Dollar Bill Y’all

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Vicious Cycle

Matchbox 20’s Yourself Or Someone Like You, More Than You Think You Are

Megadeth’s The System Has Failed

Me’Shell Ndegeocello’s Peace Beyond Passion, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape

George Michael’s Listen Without Prejudice

Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill (1995) through 2005’s The Collection (Greatest Hits)

Motown’s Inner City Blues-The Music of Marvin Gaye

Stevie Nicks’ The Other Side Of The Mirror (1989) through Street Angel (1994)

Nintendo Fusion Tour (2004 and 2005)

The Offspring’s Smash, Ixnay on the Hombre, Americana

Ozzy Osbourne’s Tribute (1987) through Ozzmosis (1995), Prince of Darkness (2005), Under Cover (2005)

Ozzfest (2005, 2006)

Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes’ Live At The Greek

Papa Roach’s, Infest, Lovehatetragedy, Getting Away With Murder

Pennywise’s About Time, Full Circle, Straight Ahead, Land Of The Free?, From The Ashes, The Fuse

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) (1987) through The Last DJ (2003)

P.M. Dawn’s Jesus Wept, Dearest Christian…

Primus’ Sailing the Seas of Cheese, Tales from the Punchbowl

Prince’s The Most Beautiful Girl in the World EP, Come, 1-800-New Funk

Projekt Revolution Tour 2004 (Linkin Park, Korn, Snoop Dogg)

R.A.C. Concerts (2002)

Rancid’s ...And Out Come the Wolves

Ramones’ Ramones Raw DVD

San Diego Street Scene (2005)

Sasha’s Involver

Sex Pistols’ Filthy Lucre Live and two reunion tours

SHeDAISY’s The Whole SheBang

Skinny Puppy’s The Greater Wrong Of The Right

Slipknot’s  Slipknot, Iowa

Social Distortion’s White Light White Heat White Trash

Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger

South’s With The Tides

Staind’s Break The Cycle, 14 Shades Of Grey, Chapter V

Stone Temple Pilots ’ Core

Sublime’s 40 Oz. To Freedom, Robbin’ The Hood

Tiesto’s Just Be

TLC’s Crazysexycool, FanMail, 3D

The Tony Rich Project’s Words, Resurrected

Paul Van Dyk’s Reflections

Vans Warped Tour 1999, 2000, 2002-2005

Velvet Revolver’s Contraband

Tom Waits’ Mule Variations

UNKLE’s Never, Never, Land

Voodoo Music Experience (2005)

X’s Unclogged

Dwight Yoakam’s Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room (1988) through Tomorrow’s Sounds Today (2000), Blame the Vain (2005)

Contact MSO

By Phone: 818-380-0400
By E-mail: MSOORG@aol.com