GET TO KNOW: PRESSED PR FOUNDER DAWN JONES

Welcome to the first interview of the new series. The series will focus on the many voices in the music industry. Today’s conversation is with Dawn Jones. Dawn founded Pressed PR in 2017 as a passion project it has since grown into much more. A musician herself we dig into the state of the industry, and any advice she would give to aspiring PR professionals. Read on below.


THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Dawn! Thanks so much for connecting. To start, how have you been doing? How has the new year been treating you so far?

DAWN JONES: So far so good this year, thanks for asking! Since the onset of the pandemic I've really been taking time to slow down and be more intentional about my time and that has been a much-needed "reset" for me as we've come into the new year.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You founded Pressed PR a boutique agency that specializes in storytelling for independent creatives throughout the entertainment industry. How did you make the transition from what Pressed PR began as a music PR agency to what it is now? What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a PR agency? Or even work at one?

DAWN JONES: Wow, it's been such a long journey already but a really rewarding one too. I started with only a few clients - who were actually mostly friends in the music industry. My business has grown primarily due to word of mouth... as I've worked with more and more people, they've told their peers, and so on. Now we are working with independent artists, labels, several major artists who have a huge presence in the entertainment industry, as well as filmmakers, actors, and creative businesses that merge music and tech industries. It's crazy how much growth we've seen in the past 4 years.

(cont): My advice would be to just start. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Start working and hustle hard and don't give up until you get on the path you want to be on. You will hear a lot of "no's" (trust me) but if you keep working at it and keep chasing after the path you want to be on eventually you will get there.... you just can't be afraid to take the leap into the unknown.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What has been one of your most rewarding experiences being an entrepreneur? What has been the hardest?

DAWN JONES: It's always super rewarding when our clients succeed in their respective industries and we know that we were a piece of their story to help them get there. Anytime we get our clients in major placements or see our clients doing big things out in the world and people take notice, it's a huge sign that we are doing our jobs correctly - so that's definitely the most rewarding part of this job. The hardest part is that entertainment can be a harsh industry. People can be really negative and mean. I've definitely had to deal with my fair share of people who are disrespectful and don't value the work we do. Those days can be really tough to get through when you are pouring your heart and soul into the work.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I read that you’re also an independent musician yourself. How has being a musician/artist yourself shaped and colored your experience in PR?

DAWN JONES: Yes, I am! I play the fiddle and have been fortunate enough to have some amazing experiences in the performance side of the industry as well. I would say that my background as a musician is what really sets us apart from other PR firms. Everything we do goes through the lens of "is this what I would want as the artist?". Because I've been in the shoes of many of our clients, I can relate to the experiences and needs they have, so I know what they are wanting in a team. I've taken that insight and crafted Pressed PR to be the answer to those needs and desires. Yes, we may do things a little differently than a major PR firm, but it's serving our clients in a very specific way, and I think they value that aspect of it just as much as they value the work we do.

Pressed PR’s Dawn Jones

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What advice would you give to new artists out that have to do the PR themselves?

DAWN JONES: Take the time to learn and understand this aspect of the industry. PR is a really important component of building a brand but it's often overlooked - so take the time to understand how PR works and why you need it for your music. Also remember that PR is a marathon, not a sprint. A good PR strategy lasts the entirety of your career and takes time to execute properly.... so don't be in a rush for instant results. Slow and steady wins the race.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What do you think the future of the entertainment PR industry looks like post COVID?

DAWN JONES: The cool thing about PR is that we are always pivoting and changing based on what's happening in the world. COVID took away some of our in-person opportunities and events, but it didn't take away our ability to connect and tell a story. We've definitely had to be more cautious and sensitive when sharing the stories of our artists - but I think that's needed in the world anyways. So the biggest pivot of this season in life is learning to tell a story with sensitivity to what's happening in the world around you. Sometimes it's better to wait and tell your story when there isn't so much noise in the world.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And... Last question, what is one piece of pop culture that has kept you sane during quarantine?

DAWN JONES: Hmmm where do I even start?! I personally have loved the new experience of live-stream concerts. I've been able to see several artists perform in a concert setting that I may have not been able to ever see in person. I've also discovered a lot of new artists around the world and been able to see them perform in their home countries which is really cool to me. We are regular virtual concert attendees in my house haha.

THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Thanks for taking the time out, Dawn!

DAWN JONES: My pleasure, thanks for having me!


Follow Pressed PR below:

Official Website / Instagram / Twitter


Each interview in this series will be published every Friday. If you would like to be apart of it you can contact me here and learn more here.

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INTRODUCING: THE ‘GET TO KNOW’ MUSIC INDUSTRY INTERVIEW SERIES