The Indie Artist’s Playbook – Part Two
Get The Knowledge To Get Known.
Welcome to The Indie Artist’s Playbook, IndieBandGuru’s weekly series dedicated to helping independent musicians navigate the music business. Each guide delivers practical advice, proven strategies, and actionable tips to help you promote your music, grow your audience, and build a lasting career.
Great Music Deserves to Be Heard. But First, Your Pitch Has to Get Opened.
Every day, music blogs receive dozens—sometimes hundreds—of submissions from independent artists hoping for coverage. Most never receive a reply. It’s rarely because the music isn’t good. More often, the submission simply doesn’t stand out.
Getting your music reviewed isn’t about luck. It’s about making a great first impression, respecting a writer’s time, and giving them everything they need to discover your music.
If you’ve been sending emails without hearing back, a few small changes can dramatically improve your chances.
Research Before You Hit Send
One of the biggest mistakes artists make is sending the same email to every music blog they can find.
Not every publication covers every genre.
Before submitting, spend five minutes reading a few recent reviews.
Ask yourself:
- Does the site regularly cover artists like me?
- Do they review singles, albums, or both?
- Is my music a good fit for their audience?
A targeted submission has a much better chance than a mass email.
Follow the Submission Guidelines
This sounds obvious, but it’s surprising how often it’s ignored.
If a blog asks for submissions through a form, don’t send a direct email.
If they ask for streaming links, don’t attach large audio files.
If they request a short bio, don’t send your entire life story.
Editors notice artists who respect the process.
Keep Your Email Short
Music writers aren’t looking for a novel.
A good submission usually includes:
- Artist name
- Song or album title
- Genre
- Release date
- Streaming link
- One paragraph introducing the release
- Press photo (if requested)
Your email should be easy to scan in under a minute.
Tell the Story Behind the Music
This is where many submissions fall flat.
Instead of writing:
“Here’s my new single.”
Explain why it exists.
Maybe it was inspired by a cross-country move.
Maybe it was written after losing someone close.
Maybe it captures the excitement of your first tour.
Stories give writers something to connect with beyond the music itself.
Make Listening Easy
Never make someone work to hear your music.
Include:
- Spotify
- Private SoundCloud
- YouTube
- Bandcamp
Avoid download links unless requested.
One click should be enough.
Include Professional Photos
You don’t need a huge budget.
But blurry rehearsal photos or heavily filtered selfies don’t inspire confidence.
Provide:
- One landscape image
- One portrait image
- High resolution
Many blogs appreciate having options for featured images and social media.
Don’t Forget A Link To Your EPK
A simple Electronic Press Kit can answer almost every question a writer might have.
Include:
- Short bio
- Long bio
- Streaming links
- Social media
- Website
- Press photos
- Contact information
Having everything in one place makes it easier for editors to feature your work.
Be Patient
Editors have full inboxes.
Waiting a week or two before sending a polite follow-up is perfectly reasonable.
Sending daily emails usually has the opposite effect.
Build Relationships
The best artists don’t contact blogs only when they need something.
Follow publications on social media.
Like and Comment on articles you genuinely enjoy.
Share reviews of other artists. Tag the blog.
Real relationships often lead to future opportunities. Bloggers remember who helps them.
You are asking them to give your music time, you must be willing to give them your time as well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid – Red Flags for Bloggers
- Sending MP3 attachments without being asked.
- Forgetting your streaming link.
- Writing a five-page email.
- Pitching the wrong genre.
- Ignoring submission guidelines.
- Following up too often.
- Making your email all about you instead of the music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I send my music before release day?
Yes. Two to four weeks before release gives writers enough time to listen and schedule coverage. But you can also send music that has already been released.
Should I send WAV or MP3 files?
Only if requested. Streaming links are usually preferred.
Is it okay to follow up?
Absolutely. One polite follow-up after about a week is appropriate. BUT wait at least 1 week!
Should I submit to hundreds of Blogs?
NO. (Well, maybe) Twenty carefully chosen blogs are usually more effective than 200 random ones. If you are willing to put in the work to connect with the bloggers, reach out to as many as you can.
Final Thoughts
Music blogs remain one of the best ways for independent artists to reach new listeners, build credibility, and establish a media presence. The artists who receive the most coverage aren’t always the ones with the biggest budgets—they’re often the ones who make the review process easy.
Treat every submission like the beginning of a professional relationship. Respect the editor’s time, present your music clearly, and let your songs do the talking.
One thoughtful pitch can open the door to your next review, your next interview, or your next fan.
🎵 Guru’s Tip
Don’t send your music to 100 blogs in one day. Spend that time researching 10 blogs that genuinely cover your genre. A targeted pitch almost always outperforms a mass email.
Looking for more music marketing advice?
This article is part of The Indie Artist’s Playbook, a weekly IndieBandGuru series dedicated to helping independent musicians build their careers. Check back each week for new guides on playlist promotion, branding, social media, recording, and growing your audience.
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