Let’s talk about a feeling every independent artist dreams of: waking up, grabbing your phone, and seeing your artist name and your brand-new song featured on the homepage of a music blog you love. In an age of fleeting TikTok sounds and algorithmic playlists, a feature on a respected music blog is something different. It’s a stamp of approval. It’s a sign that a real, live human being, a taste-maker with a passion for new music listened to your track and believed in it enough to write about it.
This coverage gives you something playlists can’t: credibility. It provides you with glowing quotes for your press kit, builds your reputation within the industry. And introduces your music to a dedicated community of listeners who actively read about music. But let’s be honest, getting there can feel like shouting into a void. These days, music bloggers and journalists are swamped. Their inboxes are overflowing with thousands of submissions. So, how do you make your email the one they actually open?
This is a practical, human-centric guide to building genuine relationships, showing respect for the writer’s time, and making your pitch so professional and compelling that they want to listen. Let’s delve in.
Prepare to Pitch Your Music
Before you send a single email, you need to make sure your “house” is in order. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and showing up unprepared is the fastest way to get ignored. A great pitch can’t save a project that feels unfinished.
First and foremost, your music must be polished. This is non-negotiable. We’re talking about a high-quality song that has been professionally mixed and mastered. Sending a rough demo or a poorly mixed track is like inviting a food critic to a restaurant and serving them an uncooked meal. It shows a lack of respect for their time and their craft.
Next, your brand needs to be clear. When a blogger clicks on your links, they should instantly understand who you are as an artist. This means having a cohesive artist identity, high-quality press photos, and a well-written bio. They need to see a full package, not just a random MP3 file.
Finally, you need the most powerful tool in your pitching arsenal: The Electronic Press Kit (EPK). This is your digital resume, your one-stop shop where a busy journalist can find everything they need in one place. Your EPK should be a single, clean webpage or a beautifully formatted PDF that includes:
- Your Bio: A short, engaging paragraph that tells your story.
- Press Photos: At least one high-resolution landscape (horizontal) and one portrait (vertical) photo that they can download and use.
- Your Music: Private, streamable links to your unreleased music (SoundCloud is perfect for this) and links to your public catalog on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Music.
- Your Press Release: The official announcement for your new music (just like we covered in the previous article!).
- Social Media & Contact Links: Easy-to-find links to your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and website.
Having a complete EPK makes a blogger’s job a thousand times easier. You’re not making them hunt for photos or your bio; you’re handing it all to them on a silver platter. That professional courtesy is what sets you apart from 90% of the other submissions.
Finding the Right Blogs to Pitch To
Okay, your EPK is ready and your song sounds amazing. Now what? It’s time to find the people you’re going to send it to. This is where most artists get it wrong. They’ll buy a list of 5,000 blog emails and hit “send” on a generic message. This is called “spraying and praying,” and it’s a waste of time that can actually damage your reputation.
Your goal is not to email every blog; it’s to email the right blogs. You’re looking for sniper-rifle precision, not a shotgun blast.
So, how do you find them? Become a music detective. Start by making a list of 10-15 artists who sound genuinely similar to you. Now, go to Google and search for “[Similar Artist’s Name] blog review” or “[Similar Artist’s Name] feature.” This will show you exactly which blogs are already covering music in your specific niche.
While you’re at it, don’t just aim for the biggest blogs. A thoughtful feature on a smaller, highly-respected genre blog (like a specific blog for “Zamrock” or “afro hip-hop”) can be far more valuable and attainable. These writers are often more accessible and their audience is more dedicated.
As you find these blogs, start building a spreadsheet or list. This is your “hit list.” Create columns for:
- Blog Name
- Writer’s Name (Find a specific writer, not just “[email protected]”)
- Email Address
- Submission Guidelines
This spreadsheet will be your bible for the next step.
Crafting an Email That Actually Gets Read
Remember, you are a real person, writing to another real person. Your email needs to reflect that. A robotic, copy-pasted email will be deleted in a heartbeat.
Step 1: The Subject Line
The subject line is the bouncer at the door. It has to be clear, professional, and intriguing enough to get you “in the club.”
- Bad Example:
CHECK OUT MY NEW SONG!!!! - Bad Example:
New Music - Good Example:
MUSIC SUBMISSION: Elsa - "Wanga" (Zamrock) - Great Example:
PITCH: For your 'Fresh Finds' Column - Elsa (sounds like Adele)
The “Great Example” works because it’s targeted. It shows you know the blog’s specific columns or section and you’re already helping the writer categorize your music.
Step 2: The Opening Line
Do not, under any circumstances, start your email with “Dear Sir/Madam,” “To the Editor,” or “Hey, check out my track.” You must address the writer by their first name.
The very first sentence must show that you’ve done your research.
- Example: “Hi Obed, I’ve been following your work on Foshizo for a while, and I just had to say I loved your review of the new ‘Pleasure Palace’ single. Your description of the ‘dreamy, sun-drenched guitar tones’ was spot on.”
That one sentence instantly proves you’re a real fan and not a spammer. You’ve earned the right to their next 30 seconds of attention.
Step 3: The Body
Now, and only now, you can introduce yourself if it’s your first time reaching out. Keep it to two or three brief sentences.
- Example: “My name is Elsa, and I’m an indie-zamrock artist from Los Angeles. My new single, ‘Wanga,’ (out October 25th) shares that same dreamy, atmospheric vibe, and I thought is a perfect fit for your readers. It’s a song about re-connection, blending intimacy with the lyrical honesty of Adele .”
Notice what happened there? You introduced yourself, named the song, gave a “sounds like” comparison (which is so helpful for a writer), and gave them a small story hook.
Step 4: The Links to Your Music
It’s time to give them the goods. Do not attach MP3 files. Ever. It clogs their inbox, looks unprofessional, and can trigger spam filters. You want to provide simple, clickable links.
- Example:
- Listen to “Wanga” (Private SoundCloud/YouTube):
[Your Private Link] - View My Full Press Kit (EPK):
[Your EPK Link]
- Listen to “Wanga” (Private SoundCloud/YouTube):
That’s it. One link to listen, one link for everything else. It’s clean, simple, and professional.
Step 5: The Sign-Off
Thank them for their time and sign off with your name.
- Example: “Thanks so much for your time and consideration. I’m really proud of this track and hope it resonates with you.
Best regards,
ELSA”
Follow-Ups and Handling Silence
You’ve sent your perfect email. What now? You wait. Bloggers are incredibly busy, and silence doesn’t always mean “no.” Sometimes it just means “not right now.”
It is perfectly acceptable to send one polite follow-up email after about a week. The best way to do this is to simply reply to your original email.
- Example: “Hi Obed, just wanted to gently bump this up in your inbox in case it got buried. Hope you have a great week!”
If you still don’t hear back, let it go. Move on. Do not send a third or fourth email. You’ve been professional, and pestering them will only undo all your hard work.
And if they reply saying it’s “not a good fit”? Send a thank-you note! Seriously. “Thanks so much for taking the time to listen, Allan! I really appreciate it. Hope to cross paths on a future release.” This is how you build a real relationship. You’re showing them you’re a class act, and they will be far more likely to remember you and listen to your next song.
Conclusion
Getting your music featured on blogs is more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s a classic process rooted in genuine human connection, professionalism, and mutual respect. This isn’t just about firing off emails; it’s about sharing your story with people who make a living telling stories. By taking the time to refine your music, create a solid EPK, and craft thoughtful, personalized pitches, you’re not merely asking for a feature, you’re showing that you truly deserve one. Your story is valuable, and with this approach, you’ll connect with the right people who can help you share it.