Working with music bloggers has helped me get press, grow my fanbase, and even catch the eyes of A&Rs. Here’s how I approach it:
?? Why Blogs Matter
- Music Reviews: Get objective, public-facing feedback that boosts credibility.
- Interviews: Tell your story in your own words.
- Feature Articles: Deep dives into your journey help fans and industry folks connect with your brand.
- Premieres: Offering exclusive early access to a track or video makes your release feel like an event.
- Live Show Recaps: Bloggers can amplify your gigs and help generate buzz.
- Visual Features: Music video breakdowns or lyric videos help build your aesthetic.
- Spotlight Series: Get added to curated sections focusing on new talent.
- Playlists & Shares: Get your music in front of new ears fast.
- Social Boosts: Blogger shoutouts often carry more weight than your own promo.
- Industry Advice: Learn from insiders who write about artist development.
- SEO Gains: Blog mentions give you backlinks that help you show up on Google.
- ? Best Practices When Reaching Out to Bloggers
Research First: Find writers who actually cover your genre and mention artists like you.
Customize Your Pitch: Avoid generic messages — mention what you liked about their past work.
Offer Value: Share unreleased music, visuals, or stories worth featuring.
Professional Assets: Make sure your EPK and links are clean, clickable, and visually appealing.
Be Respectful: Don’t spam. If you don’t hear back, follow up politely after a few days.
Take Feedback Seriously: Bloggers might not always love your work, but their insight is often useful.
Stay Active Online: A quiet profile won’t impress anyone. Keep your socials updated and buzzing.
? Genre-Specific Blogs You Should Know
Indie/Alt: Pigeons & Planes, Stereogum, Under the Radar
Hip-Hop/R&B: The Fader, XXL, HotNewHipHop
Electronic: Dancing Astronaut, The Music Ninja
Rock/Pop: Pitchfork, NME
Pitch to platforms that align with your style — it’s not just about reach; it’s about the right audience.
? Best Practices When Reaching Out to Bloggers
- Research First: Find writers who actually cover your genre and mention artists like you.
- Customize Your Pitch: Avoid generic messages — mention what you liked about their past work.
- Offer Value: Share unreleased music, visuals, or stories worth featuring.
- Professional Assets: Make sure your EPK and links are clean, clickable, and visually appealing.
- Be Respectful: Don’t spam. If you don’t hear back, follow up politely after a few days.
- Take Feedback Seriously: Bloggers might not always love your work, but their insight is often useful.
- Stay Active Online: A quiet profile won’t impress anyone. Keep your socials updated and buzzing.
? Genre-Specific Blogs You Should Know
- Indie/Alt: Pigeons & Planes, Stereogum, Under the Radar
- Hip-Hop/R&B: The Fader, XXL, HotNewHipHop
- Electronic: Dancing Astronaut, The Music Ninja
- Rock/Pop: Pitchfork, NME
Pitch to platforms that align with your style — it’s not just about reach; it’s about the right audience.