Getting your music reviewed on blogs and other media outlets can significantly boost your visibility, attract new fans, and open doors to industry opportunities. A positive review can serve as social proof of your talent, help you build credibility, and potentially lead to more features, playlist placements, or even record deals. However, securing these reviews requires a strategic approach, professionalism, and persistence. Before diving into outreach, ensure your music is polished, properly mastered, and ready for public consumption. Having a professional online presence and a clear understanding of your target outlets will also make your efforts more effective.
What You’ll Need
- High-quality, mastered music files (preferably in MP3 or WAV format)
- A compelling press kit or electronic press kit (EPK) including bio, photos, and links
- A personalized, well-crafted email pitch
- List of targeted blogs and media outlets relevant to your genre
- A professional website or social media profiles
- Patience and persistence
Step-by-Step
- Identify the Right Outlets: Research blogs, playlists, and media outlets that align with your genre and style. Focus on those that feature emerging artists or have previously reviewed similar music. Use tools like Google, social media, or music discovery platforms to compile a list.
- Prepare Your Materials: Ensure your music is professionally mastered and uploaded to a reliable platform (like SoundCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive) with a shareable link. Create an engaging EPK that includes your bio, high-resolution photos, press quotes (if any), links to your music, and social media handles. Keep it concise and visually appealing.
- Craft a Personalized Pitch Email: Write a brief, polite, and engaging email tailored to each outlet. Mention why their readers would love your music, reference previous reviews or features if applicable, and include your music link and EPK. Avoid generic mass emails.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Many outlets have submission policies or contact forms. Follow these instructions carefully, and include all requested information. Respect their preferred format and avoid spamming multiple outlets with the same generic message.
- Send Your Outreach and Track Your Progress: Send your emails during optimal times (mid-week mornings are often best). Keep a spreadsheet to track whom you contacted, responses received, and follow-up dates. Be polite and professional, regardless of the response.
- Follow Up Respectfully: If you haven’t heard back after 2-3 weeks, send a courteous follow-up email. Sometimes, outlets overlook or forget to respond. Keep it brief, reiterate your interest, and thank them for their time.
- Engage and Promote: When your music gets reviewed, share the coverage on your social media, website, and mailing list. Engage with the outlet if they comment or share your work. Building a good relationship can lead to future features.
Common Mistakes
- Sending generic, impersonal emails that show no familiarity with the outlet or its audience
- Ignoring submission guidelines or sending music to outlets that don’t review your genre
- Failing to proofread emails and materials, leading to unprofessional impressions
- Not having your music properly mastered or polished before submission
- Overloading outlets with multiple emails or follow-ups in a short period
- Neglecting to include all necessary materials like links, bios, and photos
Tips
- Personalize each pitch to show you’ve researched the outlet and understand their audience
- Build genuine relationships with bloggers and journalists rather than just sending mass emails
- Start with smaller, local, or niche outlets before aiming for larger publications
- Be patient and persistent; rejection is part of the process
- Use social proof, such as previous reviews or collaborations, to strengthen your pitch
- Keep your branding consistent across your website, social media, and press materials
Troubleshooting
If your music isn’t getting reviewed despite your efforts, consider the following steps:
- Review Your Materials: Ensure your music is high-quality, and your press kit is professional and complete. Sometimes, poor audio quality or incomplete info can deter reviewers.
- Refine Your Target List: Are you reaching out to outlets that genuinely match your genre? Narrow your list to more appropriate or smaller outlets that are more receptive to new artists.
- Improve Your Pitch: Make your emails more personalized, engaging, and concise. Highlight what makes your music unique and why it’s a good fit for their audience.
- Increase Your Presence: Engage with outlets on social media, comment on their posts, and build a relationship before pitching. This can make your outreach more genuine and effective.
- Seek Feedback: If possible, ask industry friends or mentors to review your materials and pitch. They might identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Your Outreach: Don’t rely on just a few outlets. Broaden your reach to include podcasts, local radio stations, and online communities.
Persistence and continuous improvement are key. Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts and adjustments before you see results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I wait before following up?
- Typically, wait 2-3 weeks after your initial email. If no response, send a polite follow-up to remind them of your submission.
- Is it better to send physical copies or digital links?
- Digital links are preferred for convenience and speed. Ensure your links are accessible, high-quality, and don’t require complicated login steps.
- What if I get rejected? Should I ask why?
- Yes, politely ask for feedback. It can provide valuable insights into how to improve your approach or materials for next time.
- How do I find the right outlets for my genre?
- Research online, use music discovery platforms, and follow similar artists to see where they’re featured. Also, explore social media hashtags related to your genre.
- Should I pay for reviews or features?
- Generally, paid reviews are considered unprofessional and can harm your reputation. Focus on building organic relationships and earning genuine coverage.
Related
- SEO for Musicians: What It Is and Why It Matters
- What To Do When One Band Member Is Doing Most Of The Workload
- Win Drumming for Dance Music Course by Paul Kodish Valued at $164
How To Get Your Music Reviewed On Blogs And Other Outlets