We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Frances Handy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Frances below.

Hi Frances, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Well since the pandemic the music industry market has drastically changed. This causes us to have to rethink the way we market our clients, especially music artists, who could no longer tour or do any in-person gigs. For myself and my clients, social media platforms really allow us to redefine our approach to promotions. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram’s use of short-form videos and user-generated content has become increasingly popular. I feel viewers relate more to this type of content from artists. TikToks and Reels also give artists an opportunity to give more insight into who they are as a person. Another popular trend I see is more artists entering the NFT space. Music NFT gives artists the ability to generate revue that is controlled directly by an artist without any intermediaries. Music NFT is a great opportunity for popular unsigned artists to generate immediate income.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Frances Handy better known as Franie M is a music marketing and public relations, specialist. Hailing from Staten Island, New York, also known as Shaolin famously branded by Wu-Tang. Music has always been a major influence in FranieM’s life.

“ I always loved music and knew it had to be a part of my life. I tried singing and rapping, however, I quickly realized I wasn’t cut out for either. However, it was when my younger brother, Nizzle Man, began pursuing his artistry I discovered how I could contribute to the music industry, marketing.”

Shortly after graduating from Berkeley College with my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communication, I landed a golden opportunity to intern with the renowned music label Roc Nation where I assisted on numerous artist marketing projects, brand activations, and pr campaigns. However, it was my position at Susie Juan & YU PR, that sparked a new passion for Public Relations. Here I worked with Cinematic Music Group artists such as Platinum recording artist and viral sensation, Luh Kel, and BBG Baby Joe. After years of mentorship, work experience and schooling I decided to start my own Public Relations agency. I partnered with her brother who’s a music artist and incorporated.

Since then I’ve worked with artists on various levels, on strategic pr planning. Today, I oversee PR and brand management for Nizzle Man (Staten Island Rap Artist) DJ Bobby Trends (Hot 97 Radio Personality and Club DJ) Shake The Block Music (DJ Coalition, which spans from New York to Miami), Slusa TV productions, Splash Concierge Club, Miles Music, and Iffy Foreign.

My Past clients Mariahlynn (Vh1 Love Hip Hop tv personality/rapper); Ether Da Connect and Mr. Swipey (800 Foreignside artists); Urban News (Online Media Brand); Starface (Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall artist); Christie Lux (Latin Pop singer); Mikeysee (Pop singer).

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I feel like hard work and resilience. You have to be ready to hear no, but not take no for an answer. When you are starting you must do a lot of networking. I have built strong relationships through the years, especially with media platforms and journalists. Strong business relationships are a critical key in any industry you are pursuing

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I feel I had to unlearn was that today’s executives need to be public figures. In prior years, it was difficult to find who was the professionals behind the talent. Verses today were a lot of that information has become mainstream knowledge. I miss the days of mystique, however, it’s helpful for your business visibility if you personally have an influential social presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/cgmpublicity_/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locafm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CGMPublicity
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-handy-17081391/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LocaFMCGB