Music PR
How to Submit Music to Music Blogs Without Getting Ignored
Tired of sending your music into the void? Here’s how to craft a submission that music editors actually want to open.
You’ve poured everything into your new track, and it’s ready. But sending it to music blogs feels like shouting into a hurricane, with most of your emails getting ignored completely. This guide will show you how to prepare and write a music submission that respects an editor’s time and gets your music the attention it deserves.
First, Do Your Homework
Before you write a single email, you need to know who you’re writing to. Sending a folk song to a blog that only covers harsh noise isn’t just a waste of your time; it’s a waste of the editor’s. It shows you haven’t done the most basic research.
Spend a few hours building a list of blogs that genuinely cover your style of music. Read their articles. Get a feel for their voice and the kind of artists they feature. Does your music honestly fit? If not, cross them off your list. A smaller, targeted list of 20 blogs is far more effective than a generic blast to 200.
Create a simple spreadsheet to track your outreach. Note the blog’s name, the editor or writer you’re contacting (if you can find a name), their contact info, the date you submitted, and any response. This keeps you organized and prevents you from sending awkward duplicate emails.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Submission
Once you have your target list, it’s time to prepare your pitch. Most music blogs have specific submission guidelines; The Buzz Network’s own form at https://thebuzznet.work/submit is a great example of the information editors need. If a blog has guidelines, follow them exactly. If not, a clean, professional email is your best bet.
Your Subject Line: The First Impression
Editors get hundreds of emails a day. Your subject line is the first filter. It needs to be clear, professional, and contain all the essential information so they can categorize it at a glance.
A perfect subject line looks like this: `Submission: Your Artist Name - "Song Title" [Genre]`.
It’s not flashy, but it works. It tells the editor exactly who you are, the name of the track, and what it sounds like. Avoid vague subjects like "New Music" or all-caps screaming like "HOT NEW TRACK, YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS!". They get deleted.
The Email Body: Keep It Simple
Your email should be three short paragraphs, max. Start with a brief, personal introduction. If you can, mention a recent article they wrote to show you’re a real reader. “Hey [Editor Name], I enjoyed your feature on the new Bells Atlas album last week.” goes a long way.
The second paragraph is your pitch. This is your chance to sell the song. Don’t just list your influences. Give the editor a story or a compelling hook. What’s the song about? What’s the mood? Is there an interesting backstory to its creation? Keep it concise and evocative. Think of it as the description you’d see under a track on a well-curated playlist.
Finally, close with a clear call to listen and a link to your EPK. Thank them for their time and consideration. That’s it. No long, desperate pleas. No life story. Just the essentials in a polite, professional package.
The Music: Private Streaming Links Only
Never, ever attach an MP3 file to a submission email. It clogs up inboxes, looks unprofessional, and will be deleted on sight by almost every editor. The industry standard is a private, shareable streaming link.
SoundCloud is the most common choice. Upload your track, set it to "Private", and then use the "Share" button to generate a private link. This allows the editor to stream it immediately without having to download anything. Make sure downloads are enabled on the private link in case they like the track and want to play it on a podcast or mix.
The Assets: Your Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
Your EPK is a simple, one-stop shop for everything an editor needs to write about you. It doesn’t need to be a fancy website, though a simple landing page is a great option. A clean, organized Google Drive or Dropbox folder works just as well.
Your EPK should contain your artist bio, a few high-resolution press photos (both landscape and portrait), and links to your social media and streaming profiles. For your bio, have a short version (one paragraph) and a longer version (3-4 paragraphs) available. Make it easy for them to find everything they need without having to email you back for photos or links.
Common Mistakes That Guarantee Deletion
It’s shocking how many artists make the same unforced errors. These are the submission sins that get you sent straight to the trash folder, no questions asked. Avoid them at all costs.
First, the mass email. Never send a submission with 50 blogs BCC’d. It’s lazy and impersonal, and editors can spot it a mile away. Personalize each email, even if it’s just changing the name of the blog.
Second, aggressive follow-ups. It’s okay to send one polite follow-up email a week or two after your initial submission if you haven’t heard back. Anything more than that is pushy and annoying. If they like it, they’ll respond. If they don’t, move on.
Third, submitting unfinished music. Don’t send demos, rough mixes, or anything that isn’t 100% ready for public ears. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make sure the music you’re pitching is the final, mastered version.
What Editors Are Really Looking For
Blog editors are not gatekeepers trying to keep you out. More often than not, they are overworked, underpaid (or unpaid) music fans who genuinely want to find their new favorite artist. Your job is to make their job easier.
They are looking for a good story. Is there a unique angle to your music? Did you record your album in an unusual location? Does your song tie into a current event or a specific subculture? Professionalism is key. A clean, well-written submission shows you’re serious about your career.
Most of all, they are looking for a connection. They want to see that you’ve made an effort to understand what their blog is about. Mentioning an artist they’ve covered or an article you enjoyed shows that you see them as more than just another name on a spreadsheet.
What If You Have a Budget?
If you have some money to invest in your release, you might consider hiring a music publicist. A good publicist will have established relationships with editors and can pitch your music more effectively than you can. However, they can be expensive, and results are never guaranteed.
Another path is reaching out directly to playlist curators. While this guide focuses on blogs, getting on independent Spotify playlists can be just as impactful. For artists who want a direct line to vetted curators, platforms like our sister site https://playlistprofit.com offer a specialized service for that exact purpose. It’s a different game than PR, but one worth considering.
Next Steps: Build Your System and Hit Send
You now have a complete blueprint for a professional music submission. It’s not about finding a magic trick to go viral; it’s about building a professional, respectful process that gives your music its best shot.
Create your spreadsheet of target blogs. Prepare your EPK with your bio, photos, and links. Upload your mastered track and generate a private link. Write a clear, concise email template that you can personalize for each blog.
The key is to be organized, be professional, and be persistent. Most of your emails will still go unanswered. That’s the reality of the industry. But by following this guide, you’ll be ahead of 99% of the artists vying for the same attention. Now go get your music heard.
FAQ
How far in advance should I submit my music?
You should submit your music to blogs at least 3-4 weeks before your official release date. This gives editors enough time to listen, schedule a post, and conduct an interview if they're interested in a larger feature.
Is it okay to submit a demo?
No, you should only submit finished, mastered tracks. Editors are judging your music on its final quality, and a demo or rough mix doesn't represent your best work. You only get one chance to make a first impression.
What if I don't have professional press photos?
In the age of modern smartphones, you can get usable photos without a professional shoot. Find a friend with a good eye, go somewhere with interesting light, and take a lot of pictures. A clear, well-lit photo is better than nothing, but plan to get professional shots as soon as you can.
Should I pay for blog placements?
Legitimate music blogs and publications do not charge for coverage. Any outlet asking you to pay for a review or feature is engaging in 'payola' and should be avoided. Their coverage holds no weight and can damage your reputation.
How many blogs should I submit to for a single release?
Focus on quality over quantity. A highly-targeted list of 20-30 blogs that are a perfect fit for your genre is much more effective than a generic email blast to 200 random sites. Research is your most valuable tool.
What's the difference between a premiere and a standard review?
A premiere is when a single blog gets to debut your song to the world, usually a day or two before it's available anywhere else. It's a great way to build a relationship with a publication. A standard review or feature is posted on or after the release date.
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