INDUSTRY
FEEDBACK:
Adam Greenberg,
All Music Guide
"Kari is extremely committed to her artists, and is an expert at
chasing down press coverage, even for (or especially for) the lesser-known
artists. Her honest excitement about each of her clients, as well as the thoroughness
of her preparations, makes her a pleasure to work with and makes my job as
a writer that much easier."
Doug Boynton, Editor for Girlsingers.org and Freelance Journalist
"I've found Kari to be everything a good publicist should be - active,
friendly, tenacious, and unblinkingly honest. It's
this kind of relationship that builds trust, and that's why she's able to
do such a good job for me - as a music reviewer, and I'll assume also for
her clients. I always look forward to Kari's submissions...I know I'm getting
something that's polished. I would absolutely recommend her work!"
Karl
Stober, Internationally Syndicated Jazz Columnist and Interviewer for Jazztrenzz,
published at Jazzreview and Ejazz News Weekly.
A pure and credible professional is rare in the music industry however, Kari
Gaffney is one of those rarities. With passion and knowledge in hand she goes
forward and creates magic and success for her clients. It is one thing to
talk the walk, but Kari walks that talk every day, in every way. Her professional
follow through, expeditious response to requests, and research of industry
news makes her one of the performer's best tools. Kari's media kits and process
is one of the industries best and most detailed out there. As a writer, I
often times run into road blocks due to numerous issues. Kari Gaffney breaks
those barriers down and sets up a direct pipeline for any information the
media may need. She understands that her clients are number one and that we
can assist in their career growth. Kari Gaffney is the ultimate professional,
with vision married with a driven feel for innovation and creativity. She
is what she is, one of the best!
Jeff Becker, Jazz Writer
and Editor for Jazz Sensibilities
Kari Gaffney is very easy to coordinate with. I can electronically preview
releases, the biography information is well written and informative. She is
very service oriented when I am working on a review or feature story and need
to set up an interview with the artist, or need additional background information.
I get answers immediately with at return phone call or e-mail. Her upbeat
and detail oriented approach is very refreshing for me as a writer. She is
a quality company, and I could easily recommend her as a promotions company
for any artist.
Carmel DeSoto, contributing writer for Jazzpolice
Whenever I coordinate with Kari Gaffney, I can always count on well-conceived
biographies to work from, which is very important for me as a writer. I can
communicate with her in musical terms because she understands the product
she is servicing. She is friendly, courteous and always give me cutting edge
support materials to work from. Frankly, she is fabulous.
Joost
van Steen, Host/Producer Jazz & Blues Tour with ASFM105.4 in The Netherlands
She opened her "Angel Eyes"
for a lot of new and young great artists especially in Jazz and the Singer
Songwriters genres. Along with her great staff she is also very important
to our "Bread" of Radio hosts/programmers because with a simple
twitch she sends us the perfect material to be given airplay in our programs
and that material is always a great pleasure to give airplay. Thanks a lot
to you Kari and of course your great colleagues and we do hope for a long
relationship in the coming years.
John Peters, Musicwatch Magazine
I must say that I am very impressed by the accompanying publicity info sheets.
Most of the ones I receive from other PR agencies are simply text only and
photocopied, yours are very nicely designed and very informative. I talk from
experience as many years ago I used to publish and edit a small press fanzine
here in the UK covering music, movies and fiction. It ran for 10 years, pre-Internet,
and for 28 issues. Lots of fun and hard work but I learned the rudiments of
page design so I can recognize good work when I see it.
OUR
CLIENTS REVIEWING US:
Masha Campagne, Caminhos Cruzados (Crossroads)
Masha Campagne, Vocalist, Recording Artist, Teacher
Bringing Kari Gaffney and Kari-On Productions to head print publicity campaign
for my CD release has made ALL the difference. Her knowledge of the industry,
her innovative approach to publicity and her relentless optimism were aspects
which made Kari a KEY player in my national publicity campaign. The real secret
to our success however was that she was genuinely excited about my music,
appreciating me as an artist who she is proud to represent. Thank you once
again!
Eric Byrd, Brother Ray
We wanted to take our latest release to the next level attempting to achieve
that in every conceivable way: musicianship, photography, song selections,
CD design and packaging, etc. Kari-On Productions exceeded our expectations
by working as hard as we were working. Within 3 months of our release, Kari
got us on 2 nationally distributed radio charting agencies, had our CD played
all over the nation, and we got over 20 reviews – ALL WITHIN 3 MONTHS! I’ve
gotten 2 calls in the last week from the news media because of Kari. For us,
the choice is simple: if you want someone to put as much effort into the publicity/radio
side of your project as you’ve put in to the music side, don’t look any further
than Kari-On Productions.
Jacob Varmus, All The Things We Still Can Be
Trumpeter/Composer, Artistic Director, Astoria Music Society's Jazz Series
Kari Gaffney has followed through on all of her promises to me and delivered
so much more. The press coverage she has gotten for me has opened doors, helped
get me new opportunities as a film scorer, and helped me to present more effective
press kits for grants that are currently funding my creative projects.
Aside from her attacking the day to day tasks of garnering press and airplay,
she has been especially helpful as a patient and informed advisor. A few times
a year I call Kari and we talk at length about where we are going, where we
want to go, and what we need to do to get there. I am also comfortable calling
and asking for help with day-to-day issues, and she has been almost overwhelmingly
generous with her time and information. A night before a gig in Baltimore
I needed to find a replacement for a pianist. She called every contact she
had in Maryland and kept coming back with more pianists' numbers and eventually
we got it solved.
Knowing that I have her in my corner, prodding me along and advocating for
my music relentlessly, gives me a feeling of direction in my career while
the press provides tangible evidence to anyone else that I am on my way. It's
a great feeling to do business with someone you trust and admire and that's
what I have with Kari.
LaVerne Christie, East of the Sun, West of the Moon
For the 'new artist' please read: I was finishing up with the duplicator
when I saw an ad for Kari-On Productions, so I wrote Kari asking for advice
about what to do next. After she listened to my CD, she took me on as a client
and do I ever consider myself lucky. I now have a killer Epress Kit, a growing
number of reviews and really satisfying airplay across the country.
I moved into a tough market not long ago (Las Vegas). It's hard to find a
lot of work here without a following and the booking people are reluctant
to take a chance on somebody new. But yesterday I was interviewed on the local
jazz radio station and my trio has been asked to play a concert at one of
the city's cultural centers.
Kari knows who, what, when and where. Do you? Even if you do, how much time
do you want to spend away from your music?
And on the personal side, when Kari called to tell me that our CD had made
it onto one of the jazz charts, she was clearly as tickled as I was. She's
like a member of the family now and I'll seek her out the next time I record.
Ron Kearns, Independent
Producer www.ronkearns.com
Kari Gaffney came to my attention because of the fine work she has done for
some of my clients. As a producer I take great pride in my work and my clients'
products and want them to get the most and best exposure they can get. Kari-on
Productions does just that. Kari Gaffney is a kindred spirit and I recommend
her to my clients without reservation.
Debbie Poryes, A Song In Jazz
Kari Gaffney is organizing my print and Internet publicity campaign to get
my CD out to jazz publications and critics. She is an absolute doll to work
with, very detail oriented and I'm learning a lot from her about publicity.
This is also a first for me, to work with a publicist, and I feel very fortunate
that it's Kari!
Andreas Hagiioannu (UK
jazz guitarist), Far and Wide
I'd warmly recommend Kari Gaffney's publicity services to any musician.
Kari handled the press and radio for my debut album Far and Wide, and I was
thrilled with the results. As a UK artist (jazz guitarist and composer) it
was important for me to find a publicist with the experience, integrity and
professionalism to raise awareness of my music in the States. Kari excels
in all these qualities and seriously delivers. She is a great communicator
and has proven extremely diligent in handling all the day-to-day matters of
promoting the album - providing me with constant feedback, and always promptly
returning calls and emails. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm to match
her professionalism - when she pledges to do something you can rest assured
it will get done. Moreover, she is an excellent musician herself, and genuinely
understands the nuances of the music, the needs of her artists, and how best
to achieve their goals. She has a 'can-do' mentality that is infectious and
once she's on the case, you can bet she won't let up until she gets results.
From the outset, Kari has been a pleasure to work with, and I won't hesitate
to call on her services again! If you're looking for a first-rate publicist,
with the expertise and wherewithal to get your music noticed, look no further
than Kari Gaffney.
Jose Duque - Far Away,
Zumbatres
Having never used the assistance of a publicist, to fall in the hands
of Kari, have been a blessing, not only she has the contacts, and knows who
to contact. But also there is a familiar feeling with her handling of things
and a camaraderie that you only find with very close friends and family. Not
only I have got great reviews, from hard to get critics, but they also keep
coming!!!. I wish there were more people out there in the music business,
that were as down to earth, caring, with so much professionalism and honesty
as Kari Gaffney
..I believe we will all be in better hands and
doing a better job with our music quests.
Alex Levin Pianist - NY,
NY, A Reason For Being Alone
Kari Gaffney is a superb publicist, and I feel very fortunate to be one of
her clients! Since the beginning of our campaign in support of my new album,
she has worked tirelessly on my behalf, and she has successfully garnered
reviews of my music from many of my favorite publications, including All About
Jazz New York and Jazz Improv.
A musician herself, Kari cares about making sure that her clients' recordings are heard. If you are considering a campaign with her, rest assured that every single one of your concerns will be addressed, every phone call promptly returned, and your music will be reviewed. Besides all of her work on the phone, Kari has created a wonderful EPK (electronic press kit) for my new CD as well!
Musicians spend too much of their time promoting themselves, but working with Kari has taken me away from my desk and freed me to do what I love: play music. She is so supportive of her artists, and I will certainly call her first once my next recording is finished!
Paul Carr, Just Noodlin'
My name is Paul Carr, saxophonist and teacher here in the Washington DC.
Area. I just wanted to shoot you a quick note about Kari Gaffney. I learned
about Karis work as a publicist from a fellow sax player in town, I
told him that my new CD Just Noodlin was about to be released.
Perry (his name), said Man, you should use this publicist Kari Gaffney
to promote and get reviews for your CD. Perry went on and on talking
about how great Kari was. After I checked out all the reviews and all the
attention Perry had gotten on his project, I decided to use Kari. That was
the best move I ever made, and the BEST money I ever spent. I started getting
reviews in the FIRST WEEK! The reviews just kept coming and coming. Some rags
and sites reviewed the CD twice. Theres no way I could have gotten those
many reviews without Kari. Kari is a hard working, professional, smart and
very easy to work with. Kari is also an excellent writer as well. When I finish
my next project later this year, my first call will be to Kari. I really cant
say enough good things about her work.
Alex Clements, Emily's Song
My name is Alex Clements. I am a Canadian jazz pianist/composer/arranger.
I just wanted to tell you a bit about Kari and how she works. I hired Kari
to get reviews of my solo piano CD in December. The results were excellent.
I never hired a publicist before and I always rely on my gut instinct with
people and I got a good feeling and it paid off. It definitely was a risk
worth taking. The price was definitely worth it as reviews are forever.
Craig Schumacher, New Shoes
I can say with absolutely no hesitation that Kari Gaffney is exceptional
at what she does. She has been a professional with a capitol "P."
Gone the extra mile. Straight-forward, no bullshit. Does what she says she's
gonna do and usually much much more. You will not find another person with
as much sincerity, integrity, thoughtfulness, humility. Everything she did
for me was well worth the investment. She's the first person I'm calling when
I release the next CD.
Christine Rosholt, Detour Ahead
Kari Gaffney is great at her job. I got lots of reviews I would have never
got on my own.
I highly recommend her!
Jay Soto, Long Time Coming
**This just in Jay Soto signed to label - Just a quick note to let you
know that it's finally happened. I've officially signed with a record label!!!
Yeah!!!, the label is NuGroove, Michael Lington and Down To The Bone's early
label. Look for my new release to hit stores in April!!!
My career is finally on the upswing and it is due, in a major way, to the
expertise of Kari Gaffney. She was initially recommenced to me by others in
the industry and now I understand why. She has worked tirelessly on my behalf
from day one. Kari has maintained the highest level of professionalism and
has assessed my needs as an artist and works the press with diligence and
grace. In a business where benevolence seems nonexistent, Kari is a gem, with
work ethics and character that go far beyond ones expectations. If you are
in need of a publicist, look no further than Kari-On Productions.
Jenny Davis, It Amazes Me
I have to say the money I spent with Kari was the best investment I made after
recording my latest CD. There is no way I couldn't received the 20 or so reviews
that she has secured for me! I am VERY happy. I also sought references before
I started with her and each person was equally as happy.
Ellynne Plotnick, I Walk Alone
Kari undergoes a tireless crusade to get press coverage for her artists.
Even though she is incredibly busy, she always finds time to devote to her
clients. She will always call back in a timely manner to help you. She is
extremely warm and giving -- something you don't come across on the business
side of music too often. The fact that she is an artist helping to promote
and foster artists' careers makes a difference. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend
Kari in a heartbeat. I can't wait to release a new CD. When it's done, Kari
will be the first person I'll call.
Perry Conticchio, Speak Your Truth
Kari Gaffney and the work she has performed for me through her company, Kari-On
Productions. In a word, it has been nothing less than stellar. Working with
Kari has not only been extremely productive, but enjoyable at the same time.
All one needs to do is check my website to see the reviews she has succeeded
in obtaining for me. While the product needs to be deserving of praise, I
have no doubt that none of these writers and publications would have ever
even given my CD a listen had it not been for her. I personally would not
have had a clue of how to break through that barrier.
Kari's manner has succeeded in being both extremely professional and personnel and caring at the same time. She has shown excellent follow through and I have come to know that if she says she is about to do something, it will get done. It is also just a plain old pleasure to speak with her, and her encouragement has meant a lot.
All in all, the money that
I spent on her campaign is probably the best investment I could have made
secondary to actually making the CD. I wholeheartedly and without reservation
recommend her services to any jazz artist putting out an indie CD in today's
market.
Gene Ess, Sandbox and Sanctum
Kari stands out in the crowded profession of music PR. Putting your trust
into someone with your art can be quite frustrating, but Kari has done a great
job with my album. For me, her sensitivity to music from an artistic standpoint
convinced me she knew what she was doing. Don't waste your time with others,
give Kari a call.
Steve Hall, The Steve
Hall Quintet
My collaboration with Kari On-Productions has been rewarding and informative.
Kari clearly explained her fees and services and set reasonable expectations
of results. At roughly the halfway point of our campaign the CD has received
good reviews. These are already being posted on my website and are being used
to get work in the very competitive Portland, OR marketplace. The reviews
are also being placed in a Press Kit that will be used to take the band to
a higher level of engagements. I strongly recommend Kari's work.
Bruce A. Henry, Connections
This is vocalist Bruce A. Henry. In 2004 my CD Connections was released. I
had the pleasure of working with Kari Gaffney and Kari-On Productions. My
recording received numerous reviews and my national profile was greatly increased.
My Internet presence has been dramatically enhanced.
Ms. Gaffney is very professional and beyond publicity very freely offers expert
advice and encouragement beyond the scope of her publicity work. I look forward
to working with her again.
Paula Lammers, A Blanket
of Blue
Kari has worked hard to get the word out about my CD. Kari has always
responded promptly to phone calls and e-mails. With her help, I have gotten
prestigious reviews from sources I would not have had access to on my own.
She has a great work ethic, and is an energetic advocate for her clients.
With her help, I have been able to build a press kit filled with the reviews
and kudos which every artist needs for their promotional efforts.
Ron Jackson, The Dream
I Had
www.ronjacksonmusic.com
Kari is great to work with because she is friendly, reliable, hard
working, and honest and does what she promises. With Karis help
my name recognition, hits to my website, and sales of my CDs
have been 100% higher. I have received many more reviews of
my CD's than I can imagine trying to obtain myself. If you want help
getting your name out there, Kari-On Productions is the
place you go to.
Dan Kozar, I Remember You
" I've been delighted with the services of Kari Gaffney and
Kari-On-Productions. I fully endorse her services. Not only does
she know her job as a publicist but she is a recording artist, an
accomplished singer and musician. Kari, knows the rules of the game .
She has real genuine empathy for the recording artist and their material.
She works hard by advocating on the artist behalf that their recording gets
the recognition it deserves. She is honest, a-go-getter, hard-working lady,
and is a joy to work with."
Eric Frazier, Find Yourself
-Then Find Me
Kari, of Kari-on Productions, literally takes her artists under her wing
and stealthily provides them with publicity service that is professional,
deliberate and efficient. She is available to her clientele at all times.
This is a formula for success. If you are a results oriented artist then you
need to contact Kari-on Productions. I have certainly benefited. You will
too!
Alexandra Caselli, Out
The Aquarium
"Kari has done wonders filling my promo material with positive feedback
from jazz reviewers. Not only do I now have noteworthy praise from
respected critics, but more confidence to go out and do it again!"
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