How To Get Featured in Music Blogs and Magazines
Nov 12, 2024A Guide To Getting Featured in Music Blogs and Magazines
The advent of social media and streaming platforms has ushered the music industry into a digital age, however, traditional music marketing practices are still legitimate and powerful. Getting your music to be heard is a difficult task nowadays due to the vast scale of music that is being released, which is why music blogs and magazines are still relevant and effective. So, dive in and learn how you could create some buzz by getting featured in Music Blogs and Magazines.
We’ll be taking a look at the following:
What are Music Blogs and Magazines?
Music blogs and magazines look at the music industry through a magnifying glass. They have their eye on new and upcoming artists, trends and genres and shine the spotlight on these as well. From niche indie blogs to world-renowned magazines like Rolling Stone and Billboard, these platforms are the bridge between artists and listeners. Blogs have a more rooted and on-ground voice, giving independent and emerging artists a chance to reach a new audience. Conversely, magazines offer a polished, professional view of the industry but can be harder to crack into.
Both are quite vital in the music industry setting. Music Blogs and Magazines introduce and influence what people are listening to and what they should listen to. Getting a feature on these blogs and magazines can send your Spotify streams soaring or land you on the radar of labels and promoters. It can also help you connect with a larger audience, build your reputation as well as open doors to newer opportunities.
What Is A Feature In A Music Blog And Magazine?
So, what does it mean to get "featured"? A feature is a dedicated article or interview about you or your music, often written with a focus on your story, sound, and journey as an artist. It can be an in-depth exploration of your latest project, an interview that digs into your inspirations and influences, or a “Spotlight Artist” segment highlighting up-and-comers. However, it isn’t just a passing mention but rather a spotlight on your name and music.
A feature helps the readers to get to know you as an artist and adds a layer of context to your music. It provides an insight to your fans about your artistry, and why you make music and highlights what points set you apart as a musician. This human connection can be the key to turning casual listeners into dedicated fans.
A great example of a feature is Pitchfork’s 2019 spotlight on Billie Eilish, right before she dropped her debut album, ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’ This wasn’t just a standard promo piece—it went deep into Billie’s creative process, her unique dynamic with her brother and producer Finneas, and how her eerie, genre-blending sound was flipping the pop world on its head.
Pitchfork didn’t just hype her music; they showcased Billie as an artist with a story worth telling. It gave readers an up-close-and-personal view of her personality, her vision, and why she was unlike anything else out there. Features like this don’t just get people to listen—they get people to care.
What Are Music Bloggers and Magazine Editors Looking For?
What do music bloggers and magazine editors actually want you ask? The short answer is- Something Fresh! Music bloggers and Editors are bombarded with submissions almost on a daily basis, thus you have got to stand out of the crowd. They are looking for authentic artists with unique backgrounds, stories and sounds that attract people- someone trying to ride the latest trend may or may not work here. If you’ve got an innovative perspective towards your music or a distinctive backstory, you might stand a chance to get featured. Take a deep dive and know what sticks!
Originality is also an important part of the equation and so is professionalism. The music blogs and magazines expect a professional quality to the submissions. This means having high-quality music recordings, a well-crafted image, and a story worth telling. The research you put into searching for the right blog to submit your music to is also an important part of the process- sending a heavy metal track to a folk blog isn’t going to get you very far. Tailoring your pitch to the specific style of the blog or magazine shows that you’ve taken the time to understand their audience and work.
How To Create A Press Kit?
A press kit, or EPK (Electronic Press Kit), is a collection of all the essential information a blogger or editor needs to cover your music. A press kit is how you can “introduce” your music to not just music blogs and music magazines but to anyone who might want to know your music better. But here's the thing—this is crucial info for bloggers and editors! Your press kit should be sleek and professional and include all these essentials:
- Bio: A well-written artist bio that compellingly tells your story.
- Music: Links to your best tracks or latest releases.
- Photos: High-quality promo photos and cover art.
- Press Quotes: If you’ve been mentioned or reviewed before, show it off!
- Social Links: Make it easy for them to find and follow you.
- Contact Info: Ensure there’s a clear way for them to reach you.
Pro-tip: Do not clutter your EPK with a lot of information. Make it accessible and comprehensive. It makes the editors’ and bloggers’ jobs easier.
How To Network With Music Blogs and Magazines?
If you’ve been in the music business long enough, you know that connections are everything. The same thing applies to music blogs and magazines. Remember that every time you contact a music blog or magazine, it is you trying to build a relationship with them. It isn’t just about cold emailing them or notifying them about your latest release but also about engaging with blogs by commenting on their posts, sharing their content, or even giving them a shout-out on social media. This way, when you do eventually pitch your music, you’re not just another stranger in their inbox.
Building relationships takes time and effort but it is worth it! Networking is all about building genuine connections, not just transactional ones. You could try taking up a more active role in networking by doing the following:
- Engage and Share Content:
In the digital era, almost everything is accessible. You can start by following the blogs or magazines you want to be featured in. Leave thoughtful comments on their posts, retweet their articles, or share their latest features with your audience.
- Attend Industry Events (Even Virtually):
Another way to get on the radar of music bloggers and editors is by attending industry events—virtual or in-person. Music conferences, panel discussions, and even Instagram or YouTube live Q&As are goldmines for networking. These events are a great opportunity to introduce yourself in a more casual setting and show your face. Ask questions, join the conversation, and leave an impression as someone who’s genuinely passionate about music.
How To Pitch Your Music To Music Blogs?
Pitching your music to blogs is not about spamming the music blogs and magazines with emails. Keeping a target in mind, following the guidelines and highlighting why you and your music are unique in the business are what get you a feature. Therefore, you will always benefit from research and understanding where your strengths lie.
Look at the following tips for pitching your music to blogs:
- Target the Right Blogs:
There are a number of blogs doing the same exact things over genres and sub-genres. Instead of spamming these blogs with generic emails, sending a personalised pitch to a blog that aligns with your style can create a ripple effect, reaching listeners who already vibe with your music.
Pro-Tip: A targeted approach will save you time and earn more results. Always remember- Quality over Quantity!
- Follow The Guidelines:
Most blogs have specific instructions on how they want you to send your music, and missing even one step could mean getting skipped over. Follow the guidelines, and you’ll find your way to a feature.
Pro-Tip: The guidelines are often tucked away on submission pages or contact sections.
- Use The Correct Contact Details:
This one’s simple but crucial: make sure you’re sending your pitch to the right person. Do a little digging to find the editor or blogger responsible for submissions, and address them by name. This shows you’ve taken the time to learn about their platform and aren’t just spamming. A personalised touch goes a long way and could make the difference between getting noticed or ignored.
Pro-tip: If you can’t find their name, take a quick glance through their recent posts or the “About” section!
- Keep Things Clear and Concise:
When it comes to the pitch itself, less is more. It is better if your email is concise, punchy and brief. Introduce yourself, highlight key points from your bio, and briefly explain why your music fits their blog. Your bio should be punchy, giving just enough information to spark their interest without overwhelming them. Remember, bloggers and editors are busy, so make it easy for them to give your music a listen.
- Provide Easy Access to Your Music:
Finally, don’t forget the most important part—your music! Make sure to include clear, clickable links to your tracks, whether it's on Spotify, SoundCloud, or Bandcamp. The easier you make it for them to press play, the better your chances of getting featured. Don’t attach huge files to your email; instead, provide streaming links or a simple EPK that has everything neatly packaged!
Pro-tip: Include links to your social media, too, so they can see more of what you’re about.
Our Final Thoughts
Pitching your music to blogs and magazines can totally change the game for you, but it won’t happen overnight. It takes persistence, creativity, and a bit of finesse to nail your pitch, build those connections, and craft an EPK that grabs attention. The key? Be real, share your story, and keep doing what you love—making music. Keep pushing forward, and before you know it, you’ll be making headlines!
We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now!
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