How to Submit Music to Blogs & Playlists

Empowering Artists for Business Success

Course Description

This course will guide independent artists through the process of submitting their music to blogs and playlists for maximum exposure. You’ll learn how to find the right blogs and playlists for your genre, the best practices for submission, and how to follow up professionally to increase your chances of being featured.

What You Will Learn

• Explain the fundamentals of Music Submissions
• Apply the process for Find Blogs and Playlists for Your Genre
• Understand and apply Preparing Your Music for Submission
• Understand and apply Submitting Your Music to Blogs
• Understand and apply Submitting Your Music to Playlists
• Understand and apply Following Up with Blogs and Playlist Curators

Chapter 1: Introduction to Music Submissions

This chapter focuses on Why Submitting to Blogs and Playlists is Important, How Blogs and Playlists Help Grow Your Audience, and Understanding What Blogs and Playlists Look For. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

Why Submitting to Blogs and Playlists is Important

Blogs and playlists are essential for promoting independent music because they:

• Boost Exposure: Playlists and blogs help your music reach new audiences.
• Add Credibility: Being featured on a reputable blog or playlist builds your reputation as an artist.
• Drive Streams: Playlist placements often result in an increase in streams, which can boost your overall visibility.

How Blogs and Playlists Help Grow Your Audience

By getting featured:

• Blogs: Write-ups on music blogs can attract dedicated listeners and potentially lead to interviews, reviews, or even playlist placements.
• Playlists: Playlist curators have a large following, which gives your song the chance to be heard by more people.

Understanding What Blogs and Playlists Look For

To increase your chances of being featured:

• Quality of Music: High-quality, well-produced music has the best chance.
• Presentation: Professionalism matters. Have a clear, concise pitch with all the necessary materials (streaming links, press kits, bio).
• Relevance: Make sure your music matches the genre and style of the blog or playlist you’re submitting to.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to why submitting to blogs and playlists is important.
• Gather the information or documents you need for how blogs and playlists help grow your audience.
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 2: How to Find Blogs and Playlists for Your Genre

This chapter focuses on Researching Blogs in Your Niche, Finding Playlist Curators on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, and Creating a Target List of Blogs and Playlists. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

Researching Blogs in Your Niche

Use directories like Hype Machine and Indie Shuffle to find blogs that cover your genre. Search for:

• Genre-Specific Blogs: These cater to your specific style (indie, hip-hop, electronic, etc.).
• Emerging Artist Blogs: These platforms are designed to showcase up-and-coming talent.

Finding Playlist Curators on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube

Look for independent curators and user-generated playlists by:

• Searching Playlist Keywords: Use genre or mood-based keywords on Spotify or YouTube.
• Engaging with Curators on Social Media: Many playlist curators are active on Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn and may post submission guidelines there.

Creating a Target List of Blogs and Playlists

Organize a target list of relevant blogs and playlists in a spreadsheet:

• Blog/Playlist Name.
• Contact Information.
• Submission Guidelines (if available).
• Date of Submission.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to researching blogs in your niche.
• Gather the information or documents you need for finding playlist curators on spotify, apple music, and youtube.
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 3: Preparing Your Music for Submission

This chapter focuses on Key Elements of a Professional Music Submission, How to Write a Compelling Pitch, and Including Press Kits, Social Proof, and Streaming Links. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

Key Elements of a Professional Music Submission

Before submitting, ensure you have:

• A High-Quality Track: Only submit your best, fully mastered music.
• Streaming Links: Provide direct links to Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube (avoid attachments).
• Professional Artwork: Eye-catching visuals that align with your brand.

How to Write a Compelling Pitch

Your pitch should be:

• Personalized: Address the recipient by name and mention why your music is a good fit for their blog or playlist.
• Brief but Detailed: Include a short bio, your music’s unique qualities, and a clear call to action (e.g., “I’d love for you to feature this track on your blog”).

Including Press Kits, Social Proof, and Streaming Links

Attach or link to a digital press kit (EPK) that includes:

• Bio: Short, engaging story about you as an artist.
• Press Mentions: Include any previous blog features, interviews, or quotes.
• Social Proof: Highlight notable streaming numbers, social media followers, or collaborations.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to key elements of a professional music submission.
• Gather the information or documents you need for how to write a compelling pitch.
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 4: Submitting Your Music to Blogs

This chapter focuses on How to Submit to Music Blogs via Email, Using Blog Submission Platforms (SubmitHub, Hype Machine), and Best Practices for Writing Your Blog Submission Email. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

How to Submit to Music Blogs via Email

When submitting via email:

• Subject Line: Make it compelling but concise (e.g., “New Indie Pop Release from [Your Name]”).
• Introduction: Introduce yourself briefly, mention the blog by name, and explain why your music is a good fit.
• Body: Provide streaming links, a short bio, and relevant info (such as upcoming releases or tours).

Using Blog Submission Platforms (SubmitHub, Hype Machine)

Platforms like SubmitHub and Hype Machine allow artists to:

• Submit their music directly to blogs and playlists.
• Track submissions and see feedback from curators.
• SubmitHub: Offers both free and paid submission options, with fast response times.

Best Practices for Writing Your Blog Submission Email

Keep your email:

• Polite and professional.
• Focused: Stay on topic and get to the point quickly.
• Link-Friendly: Avoid attachments, instead provide direct streaming links.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to how to submit to music blogs via email.
• Gather the information or documents you need for using blog submission platforms (submithub, hype machine).
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 5: Submitting Your Music to Playlists

This chapter focuses on How to Reach Out to Playlist Curators, Using Playlist Submission Platforms (Playlist Push, Daily Playlists), and How to Increase Your Chances of Playlist Placement. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

How to Reach Out to Playlist Curators

When contacting playlist curators:

• Find Their Contact Information: Look for email addresses on their social media profiles or in playlist descriptions.
• Personalize Your Email: Mention why your track is a great fit for their playlist.

Using Playlist Submission Platforms (Playlist Push, Daily Playlists)

Platforms like Playlist Push or Daily Playlists allow you to:

• Submit your music to a large network of playlist curators.
• Increase your chances of placement on curated lists.
• Playlist Push: Paid service that targets curators based on your genre.
• Daily Playlists: Free submission platform for independent artists.

How to Increase Your Chances of Playlist Placement

To increase your chances:

• Submit your track early: Curators prefer new music.
• Provide context: Briefly explain what your song is about and why it suits their playlist.
• Follow guidelines: Many playlists have specific submission rules-be sure to follow them.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to how to reach out to playlist curators.
• Gather the information or documents you need for using playlist submission platforms (playlist push, daily playlists).
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 6: Following Up with Blogs and Playlist Curators

This chapter focuses on When and How to Follow Up, Avoiding Spammy Follow-Ups, and Building Long-Term Relationships with Curators. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

When and How to Follow Up

Follow up after:

• 7-10 days if you haven’t received a response.
• Keep your follow-up brief and polite, referencing your original submission.

Avoiding Spammy Follow-Ups

Don’t bombard blogs or curators with too many emails. Respect their time and be professional in your communications.

Building Long-Term Relationships with Curators

Maintain relationships by:

• Sending updates when you release new music.
• Thanking them for any features or placements.
• Supporting their work by promoting their blogs or playlists on your social media.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to when and how to follow up.
• Gather the information or documents you need for avoiding spammy follow-ups.
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This chapter focuses on How Many Blogs or Playlists Should I Submit To?, What If I Don’t Get a Response?, and Should I Pay for Submissions?. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

How Many Blogs or Playlists Should I Submit To?

Start by submitting to 20-30 blogs or playlists that match your genre and scale from there.

What If I Don’t Get a Response?

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a response. Many curators receive hundreds of submissions, so it may take time to get noticed. Keep submitting to new outlets.

Should I Pay for Submissions?

Some services, like SubmitHub, charge for guaranteed feedback. While paying for submissions can sometimes increase your chances, focus on organic submissions first.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to how many blogs or playlists should i submit to?.
• Gather the information or documents you need for what if i don’t get a response?.
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Chapter 8: Course Conclusion and Next Steps

This chapter focuses on Recap of Key Points and How to Stay Organized and Track Your Submissions. Use it to connect the lesson to the decisions, systems, and opportunities in your own creative business.

Recap of Key Points

Targeted Submissions: Make sure you submit to relevant blogs and playlists.

• Professional Pitches: Write compelling, concise emails with direct streaming links.
• Follow-Up: Be polite and respectful in your follow-up communications.

How to Stay Organized and Track Your Submissions

Use a spreadsheet or CRM tool to:

• Track the blogs and playlists you’ve submitted to.
• Monitor responses and follow-up dates.
• Keep notes on each interaction.

Put It Into Practice

• Review your current approach to recap of key points.
• Gather the information or documents you need for how to stay organized and track your submissions.
• Choose one action from this chapter and assign it a deadline this week.

Reflection

1. Where does your current approach already align with this chapter?
2. What is the single highest-impact improvement you can make next?

Recommended Next Steps

1. Targeted Submissions: Make sure you submit to relevant blogs and playlists
2. Professional Pitches: Write compelling, concise emails with direct streaming links
3. Follow-Up: Be polite and respectful in your follow-up communications