London-based broadcaster, promoter & music journalist Tina Edwards is surely one of the busiest people on the UK music scene right now.

Alongside hosting and producing Balcony TV London, she features interviews and live sessions with musicians on her Jazz Standard radio-website AND is about to launch a NYC-inspired late night session at Zedel in London. Oh yes, and she DJs too. And writes for various music publications.

Tina has interviewed some seriously big jazz names on her radio show – including Christian Scott, Hiatus Kaiyote and Melody Gardot – so I thought it would be interesting to turn the tables and ask her some questions about promoting jazz to the masses.

You can find the full interview below but some personal highlights that I think are worth taking away from this:

– When pitching to journalists, they will ask themselves 2 questions: “why this person and why now?” Make sure they get the answer that leads to some press for your project.

– Social media is important to show people – possible fans and supporters – a personality. It’s this that creates a loyal fanbase and helps get journalists interested in your story.

– Whether you are emailing a journalist, promoter or agency, the advice is the same: keep it concise and make sure your music is right for the person you are contacting!