A year that started off with great excitement and then took an odd – historic – turn has still proven to be quite noteworthy as the fourth quarter begins.
In January 2020, Now Hear This President Bruce Wawrzyniak continued his active speaking endeavors, being asked to give a talk at the prestigious Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. He is shown on the main stage at that event in the photo above and said, “One of the many observations that stood out to me was the dedication of the artists who attended my presentation on Promoting Your Indie Music Career. It was on the fourth and final day of the NAMM Show, which is usually the lightest trafficked day since people start heading home. Yet it was standing room only in my session, which told me that those attendees are committed to getting ahead in their career in entertainment.”
In normal times, relationships are nurtured with in-person visits that Wawrzyniak does during all his travels. When the pandemic hit, there was an emphasis placed on maintaining those online instead. From the four-week “Now Hear This Entertainment” Music Series that was done over Instagram Live to staying in touch with contacts in Los Angeles, Nashville, and other markets, it was important to continue communication. (Wawrzyniak noted two key new contacts that have just been made in Las Vegas.)
Fast forward to present day and things seemingly haven’t slowed down for Now Hear This.
“In looking at how the pandemic really decimated so many businesses, I’m blessed to be able to sit here in October 2020 and see a roster of clients from coast to coast: Hollywood, Las Vegas, the greater Chicago area, Tampa Bay, and other points in between,” Wawrzyniak noted. “And, keeping them active – again, despite the pandemic – is something I’m proud of. We had good radio promo for Frankie Raye’s new single, lots of interviews for others, another client who recently celebrated nine years of performing live. It’s all very encouraging, given the current landscape.”
He added that prospects have continued to knock on the company’s virtual door too.
“I just did a consult a couple weeks ago with a massage therapist. I had an inquiry from a podcaster about some promotional help. I’m hopeful that a current conversation with a sports body (organization) will bear fruit. And even a salon that we did a website for a little ways back is wanting to meet to discuss having a new site done.
“I’ve also been very pleased to see increased traffic on the weekly blogs and even sign-ups to the weekly e-newsletter. Plus, there’s a course that will be launching real soon that I’m very excited about.”
Interestingly, it was something that didn’t pan out that Wawrzyniak was particularly proud of.
“In Q2 I was contacted by one of the editors of FORBES, presenting me with an opportunity to write for them about the indie music industry. While we weren’t able to make it happen in the end, it still was quite flattering to be sought out by such a prestigious publication.”
There is also great excitement around the weekly “Now Hear This Entertainment” podcast having now been heard by listeners from 153 countries around the world. The show approaching its 350th episode (releasing October 21st) means that a new episode has been delivered on-time, every week for more than six-and-a-half years. Plus, there was also the recent news that it’s now available on Amazon Music too.
Wawrzyniak also pointed out the show – and himself – having recently gotten listed on IMDB. He also pointed to another industry platform, Stage32.com, that he has been “enjoying finding my way into.”
Keep up with Now Hear This, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn for ongoing developments. Connect with Bruce Wawrzyniak on LinkedIn or Stage32, and follow the weekly podcast on Instagram.