Here's an idea that practically any musician anywhere with a CD available should be able to use to get media exposure in their local market. Read this and get busy with it now ...

You've no doubt heard that major labels are starting to sue individuals over copyright violations related to music downloads. It's been all over the news lately. That makes it a prime opportunity for you to piggyback on this coverage with an angle of your own.

How? By providing the media with a little controversy and a different perspective.

The problem with these lawsuit stories in the news is that many uneducated consumers believe that all free digital music available online is illegal. That simply isn't true, of course. Sure, much of the music available through peer- to-peer file sharing networks is being copied illegally. But there are thousands of songs available from artists like you who freely give away digital versions of some of their music to as many fans as possible.

So here's your angle: Send a news release with a headline that appears to be controversial, such as:

"Toledo Band Tells Music Fans It's Alright to Download Free Music"

Replace "Toledo" with your hometown. The rest of the release spells out how you're on a mission to set the record straight about free downloads. Explain that the legal issues involve people who take CDs, convert them and share the files willy nilly with whomever, or people who download and store these illegal files. Explain the importance of artists being able to own, control and profit from their material.

Then detail how there are thousands of artists the world over who are eager to share their music for fr-ee with anyone who wants to download it. Explain why: Because radio airplay is so hard to get and the Internet provides a great promotional tool for independent artists. Then list places where people can find free, legal music online. Also mention that your web site is one of those places.

Media outlets should be interested in this approach, especially if you position it as an overlooked perspective of a current hot topic, provide a list of legal sites and suggest the attention-getting lead-in. I can just hear a disc jockey or TV anchor saying, "Record companies are starting to sue average people for downloading free music on the Internet. Right after the break, we'll talk to one local musician who is encouraging music fans to download all the free music they want. Stay tuned."

I like this idea and think it holds a lot of potential for getting you media exposure. So get to it ... before someone else in your area takes the idea and uses it first.

"Reprinted from Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor, featuring free marketing and self-promotion ideas for songwriters, musicians and bands on a budget. Visit www.TheBuzzFactor.com for details."