Overview
Contacting blogs is still one of the most direct ways to get your music heard.
But most submissions are ignored.
Not because the music is bad, but because:
- it doesn’t fit the blog
- it arrives at the wrong time
- it’s difficult to review quickly
This guide covers how blog outreach actually works, what curators expect, and how to present your music in a way that gives it a realistic chance of being featured.
Understanding Music Blogs
Before sending anything, it helps to understand who you’re contacting.
Different Types of Blogs
Independent Blogs
- Often run by one person
- Built around a specific taste
- Limited time to review submissions
- Irregular posting
These can be some of the best opportunities, but also the most unpredictable.
Larger / Commercial Blogs
- More structured
- Higher submission volume
- May use submission systems or paid access
- More selective
Harder to access, but potentially wider reach.
Platform-Based Curators
Some blogs and curators now operate entirely through submission platforms rather than email.
We’ll come back to this, as it’s important.
The Reality of Submissions
Most curators:
- receive large numbers of submissions
- have limited time
- make quick decisions
That means:
👉 No response is normal
It’s not necessarily a reflection of your music.
Even strong tracks get missed due to timing, volume, or fit.
Why Most Emails Get Ignored
Even well-written emails often don’t get a response.
Common reasons:
- The blog uses a submission platform instead
- The track doesn’t fit their style
- The email is too long or unclear
- The link isn’t easy to access
- The curator simply doesn’t have time
This isn’t personal. It’s how the system works.
Music Submission Platforms
Because of the volume of submissions, many blogs now use structured platforms instead of email.
Common examples include:
- SubmitHub
- Groover
- MusoSoup
Why These Platforms Exist
They allow curators to:
- organise submissions
- filter by genre
- manage high volumes efficiently
- respond in a structured way
What This Means for You
If a blog uses one of these platforms:
👉 your email will likely be ignored
Not out of rudeness, but because:
- they want everything in one place
- it keeps their workflow manageable
Practical Approach
- Check submission guidelines first
- If a platform is listed, use it
- If not, email is still valid
Using a platform like SubmitHub can also help you:
- track submissions
- stay organised
- receive feedback
Step 1: Find the Right Blogs
Don’t send your track everywhere.
Focus on:
- Blogs that match your genre
- Sites featuring similar artists
- Smaller, niche platforms
Avoid:
- irrelevant blogs
- large sites without access routes
- anything that clearly doesn’t fit your sound
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
Before reaching out, have everything ready.
Minimum Requirements
- A streaming link (no downloads)
- A short artist bio
- Basic track description
- Release date
Recommended (Stronger Approach)
Provide a single link containing everything:
- Track
- Bio
- Artwork
- Links (Spotify, Bandcamp, etc.)
This is often called an EPK (Electronic Press Kit), but it doesn’t need to be complicated.
👉 The goal is simple: make it easy to feature your music
What Blogs Actually Want From You
From a curator’s perspective, the ideal submission is:
👉 complete, usable, and quick to review
That means:
- No back-and-forth required
- No missing information
- No friction
If something is missing, the submission often stops there.
There usually isn’t time to follow up.
Step 3: Write a Clear, Short Email
Most emails are skimmed in seconds.
Keep it simple.
Email Template (Practical Version)
Subject: [Artist Name] – [Track Title]
Hi [Blog Name],
I’m sharing a new track called “[Track Title]”, released on [date].
It’s an [brief, specific description of sound]. I thought it might fit what you feature.
Listen here:
[Direct Link]
Full release info and assets:
[EPK / Info Page Link]
Thanks for your time.
[Your Name]
Email Template (Minimal Version)
Subject: [Artist Name] – [Track Title]
Hi [Blog Name],
New track: “[Track Title]” [Direct Link]
Info / assets: [EPK Link]
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Why This Approach Works
- Everything is immediately accessible
- No follow-up required
- Easy for a curator to act on
- Respects limited time
It matches how most blogs actually operate.
Choosing the Right Links
Use links that are:
- easy to open
- streamable instantly
- clearly labelled
Good options:
- SoundCloud (private or public)
- Bandcamp
- YouTube
Avoid:
- attachments
- downloads
- login-protected content
Timing Matters
Best time to send:
- 2–4 weeks before release
Also possible:
- shortly after release
Too early → forgotten
Too late → missed opportunity
Should You Follow Up?
- One follow-up after 7–10 days is reasonable
- Keep it short
- Don’t chase
If there’s no response after that, move on.
The Role of Luck and Timing
Even when everything is done correctly:
- you may get no response
- you may get featured unexpectedly
- you may get picked up weeks later
There is always an element of:
👉 timing + fit + luck
Your job is to improve your chances, not control the outcome.
Common Mistakes
- Sending mass emails without targeting
- Writing long, unfocused messages
- Using the wrong submission method
- Not providing usable links
- Expecting guaranteed coverage
Where This Fits in Your Release Strategy
Blog outreach is one part of a wider system.
It works best alongside:
- social media activity
- mailing list updates
- streaming releases
For a full breakdown:
👉 How to Promote a Music Release
Final Thoughts
Blog outreach isn’t easy.
- your music needs to fit
- your approach needs to be clear
- results are unpredictable
Some releases will connect, others won’t.
The goal is consistency, not perfection.
This article is part of the Music Production Reference Library, organised into volumes covering sound, theory, production, and release.
