When it comes to getting your music noticed, pitching is a crucial skill. As an artist, reaching out to the media can often feel like shouting into the void—sometimes you might get a polite “no,” and other times, you might not hear back at all. However, with the right approach, you can increase your chances of grabbing attention and getting the coverage you deserve. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pitch your music more effectively.
1. Prepare Before You Pitch: Set the Stage
Before you start reaching out to music bloggers, journalists, or curators, ensure that your online presence is polished and ready for scrutiny. You only have a few seconds to make an impression, so make it count. Here’s what you need:
- User-Friendly Website and Social Media: Ensure your site and social profiles are easy to navigate and up-to-date. Include:
- Contact information (email address)
- A well-written bio
- Streamable music (links to platforms like SoundCloud or Spotify)
- Links to your social media profiles
- High-resolution promotional photos
- Cover artwork for your latest release
- Craft Your Story: Your bio should tell a compelling story that sets you apart from other artists. Think about:
- Your background and influences
- Any current events or themes that your music addresses
- Your music career milestones (albums released, years active, etc.)
- Visual Identity: Your images should reflect your sound. Invest in a professional photographer who can capture your essence and appeal to your target audience.
2. Target the Right Outlets
Sending your pitch to as many outlets as possible might seem like a good idea, but it’s more effective to be selective. Ask yourself:
- Does the outlet cover artists at your career stage? Focus on blogs that feature emerging talent if you’re not yet established.
- Does the outlet cover your genre? Only pitch to publications that regularly feature your type of music.
- Are you contacting the right person? Find the journalist or blogger who covers your genre or similar artists.
3. Pitching Like a Pro
Once you’ve identified the right outlets, it’s time to craft your pitch. Follow the submission guidelines provided by each outlet to increase your chances of being heard.
- Personalize Your Pitch: Mention specific reasons why you’re pitching to them—highlight something they’ve covered that aligns with your music.
- Be Clear About What You Want: If you’re looking for a review, say so. If you’re pitching for a specific column or feature, mention it by name.
- Provide Easy Access to Information: Include direct links to your music, bio, and press photos. Avoid sending attachments unless explicitly requested.
4. Avoid Overhyping
It’s tempting to describe your music as groundbreaking, but this approach can often backfire. Instead, use objective language that accurately describes your sound. If you’ve received praise from a reputable source, let that speak for itself.
5. Follow Up Strategically
If you don’t get a response, it’s okay to follow up—but be mindful of timing. Wait a week or two after your initial pitch before following up, and make sure you have something new to offer.
6. Pitching to Spotify Curators
Pitching to Spotify curators requires a similar approach, with a few additional considerations:
- Optimize Your Spotify Profile: Ensure your bio, cover image, and social links are up-to-date. Curate an “Artist’s Pick” playlist that reflects your sound.
- Build Your Presence: Increase your Spotify followers by promoting your music on social media. Consider using ads to boost your playlist.
- Start with Unofficial Playlists: Reach out to independent curators who feature similar artists. Once you’ve built some momentum, you can target official playlists.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re not getting coverage, consider these potential issues:
- Your Content Isn’t Resonating: If your music doesn’t align with the outlet’s typical coverage, it may not be a good fit.
- Timing Is Off: Major outlets often work on long lead times. Plan your releases well in advance to give them time to get to know you.
- Your Visuals Need Work: If your promotional photos don’t catch the eye, they might not listen to your music.
- You’re Not Active Enough on Social Media: Low engagement can signal to blogs that your music won’t resonate with their audience.
- You’re Pitching the Wrong Genre: Make sure you’re targeting outlets that match your music style.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to pitch your music and increase your chances of getting the media coverage you deserve.
