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What the furore? #badreview

Sindy Peters | 16 May 2014 1:18 PM

You've just released your sophmore album - it's taken two years to complete, but you're totally happy with the end-product. Your PR specialist sends out review copies to the media, and already you're receiving positive feedback. But then...   

...a writer at a magazine / website / blog rates it 1/5 and strings colourful words together to let their readers know how unimpressed they were.
 
First of all, don't panic. 
 
I know it's difficult - your heart's pounding, your head's heating up, your stomach's in knots - you're in full-on fight or flight mode. Your body thinks you're being chased by a bear. At this point I would recommend some cardio to use up all that adrenaline and cortisol now flowing through your veins. If that's not your thing, pull out a pen and paper and let that stream of consciousness flow - don't stop till your mind does. If you want to cry, do it - let it all out one way or another. It's important to get through this initial stage because a knee-jerk reaction in this scenario could blow up in your face.
 
If you're thinking of commenting on the post, don't. If you're thinking of using social media to vent, don't. If you're thinking of publishing a post on your blog, don't. If you're thinking of sending the writer / editor a strong email, don't. Doing any of these usually results in a petty mud-slinging match that doesn't do much for your reputation.
 
 
Let it lie for a day. Once you've settled on hanging up the boxing gloves, give it another read-through. Pick out the constructive bits and be honest with yourself - discuss these areas with people you trust to tell it like it is - these people will be the most valuable throughout your music career. Decide, together with your team, whether these points hold truth and if they do, remember to take them into consideration in the future - a bad review can be useful, the trick is to be objective about it.    
 
Ignore the creatively condescending criticism that's there for the readers' entertainment - sometimes writers forget that musicians are people too.
 
In summary:
 
  • DON'T follow through with any knee-jerk reaction; find an alternate means to let off the steam and unleash the fury. 
  • DO sleep on it; a good night's rest will help you gain some perspective.
  • DON'T lash out at the writer or publication on any platform, whether or not they deserve a good tongue-lashing.
  • DON'T particpate in any online mud-slinging matches - even if your fans are defending you.
  • DO draw out the constructive criticism from the review.
  • DO consult your circle of trust on how to move forward.
  • DON'T pay heed to the insults.
  • DO move on - there's no point on dwelling too long on a bad review once it's been fairly considered.
 
It helps to remember that almost everyone's had a bad review once upon a time, sometimes it helps to have a laugh over it and move forward. For your entertainment, here are 15 hilariously negative early reviews of classic albums. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[Sindy Peters]

Sindy Peters is a content curator and creator who's got a nose for a good story. She's been banging on that keyboard for eight years and still hasn't turned square-eyed. She lives off good music, and envisions a South Africa where local musicians are able to turn their passion into a healthy, sustainable career.