How to Get Featured on Popular Music Blogs

Breaking into the music industry is a dream for many aspiring musicians, but finding an audience can be daunting. Getting featured on popular music blogs is an effective way to increase visibility and reach new listeners. This post delves into the steps artists can take to boost their chances of being featured on music blogs, focusing on understanding musical genres, finding the right platforms, and approaching blogs strategically. Whether you’re an emerging artist or looking to broaden your reach, this guide offers insights into navigating the world of music blogs.

Make a list of your musical genre and subgenres

One of the first steps in getting featured on popular music blogs involves understanding where your music fits within the broader musical landscape. By clearly identifying your primary genre and any subgenres, you can hone in on the blogs that are most likely to appreciate your sound. Genres can range from rock to hip-hop, indie pop to electronic, and narrowing this down will help streamline your search for appropriate outlets.

Understanding your musical genre and subgenres not only aids in targeting the right blogs but also helps in crafting your artist identity. This knowledge will reflect in your branding, press releases, and pitches, making them consistent and appealing to genre-specific audiences. Make sure to carefully analyze your music’s attributes and consult with fellow musicians or mentors who can provide an unbiased perspective on the genres you fall into.

Write down 5 related artists

Identifying related artists who share your musical style can provide useful benchmarks for finding suitable blogs to target. By listing five artists whose style, career level, or audience matches yours, you can investigate where they have been featured. This practice offers insights into which platforms are open to promoting your genre and points to potential new audiences interested in your music.

Moreover, this exercise can offer a glimpse into the strategies used by these artists to get coverage. Explore interviews, articles, and features they’ve had on music blogs, and analyze the language, themes, and appeal presented in those pieces. This can be invaluable for sculpting your own approach when reaching out to these platforms.

Find music blogs based on genre

Once you know your musical genre and related artists, the next step is finding music blogs that focus on your style. Use search engines, social media platforms, and music-based websites to gather a list of potential blogs. Introduce your music with a pitch that highlights how your genre complements their existing content, thereby increasing the chance of being featured.

It’s crucial to carefully read and understand each blog’s submission guidelines. Following these guidelines will ensure your submission is considered seriously. Furthermore, personalizing your pitch by referencing specific blog content or writers further exemplifies your genuine interest in their platform and encourages a positive response.

Find music blogs based on identity

The intersection of music and identity plays a critical role in resonating with specific audiences. Many blogs focus not only on a genre but on identity-based themes, such as representing certain cultural, gender, or community aspects. This dimension can be an invaluable tool in aligning your music with platforms driven by these themes.

Identifying blogs that emphasize the representation of an identity you relate to can enhance your submission’s impact. Whether it’s the celebration of a cultural heritage or an emphasis on LGBTQ+ voices in music, these platforms could offer the community and recognition that aligns with your personal and musical narrative.

Find local music blogs to submit to

Local music blogs offer a powerful platform for emerging and seasoned artists alike. These blogs often emphasize supporting homegrown talent and building a thriving local music scene. Emphasize your connection to the local community and the impact your music has or seeks to create within it when reaching out to these blogs.

Establishing relationships within local music blogs also provides opportunities for grassroots marketing and networking, potentially leading to live events, collaborations, and future features beyond your geographical region. A successful feature on a local music blog can often serve as a springboard for later coverage on more diverse platforms.

Prioritize Independent Music Blogs Over Big Media

Although securing a spot on big media outlets is a tempting goal, the chances of being featured are often higher with independent music blogs. These entities are typically more open to unsigned and emerging artists, providing a supportive platform for showcasing fresh music.

Independent music blogs tend to prioritize unique voices, niche genres, and artists introducing innovative concepts. Building relationships with these bloggers can often be more personal and fruitful, offering a lasting mutual benefit as both your career and their content evolve.

Where to next?

Once you’ve made your lists and identified potential music blogs, it’s time to develop a strategic approach for submission. Create an engaging and professional electronic press kit (EPK) that includes your biography, recent releases, press photos, and links to your music. Tailor this kit to embody your brand and musical identity, and ensure it’s easy to navigate.

Follow-up is key in maintaining the connections you’ve worked hard to build. After submissions, if you haven’t heard back, a polite follow-up can significantly improve the chance of being noticed. Building meaningful connections with these blogs might open up new opportunities, including exclusive premieres, interviews, or live sessions.

Music blogs to browse and contact:

Blogs Available to Contact

• Dummy Mag (available to contact on Groover here)
• The Soundgeist (available to contact on Groover here)
• High Clouds (available to contact on Groover here)
• Kings of A&R (available to contact on Groover here)
• Cold Stone Mag (available to contact on Groover here)
• Plastic Mag (available to contact on Groover here)
• Yellow and Black (available to contact on Groover here)
• The Groove Cartel (available to contact on Groover here)
• OkayAfrica (available to contact on Groover here)
• Indie Boulevard (available to contact on Groover here)

Additional Resources

• How to Find Good Spotify Playlists for Independent…
• How To Use Social Media to Promote Your…
• How to Monetize Your Music: Avoid Underselling Your…
• Networking for Performers: Building Connections in the Live…
• How to Get Featured on Spotify’s Editorial Playlists
• The Creation of a Song: First Ideas to…
• Streaming Platforms and Their Add-Ons: What’s Worth Using?
• What Are Music Royalties and Why Are They…
• How to Use Autotune For Live Performances
• What are performing rights organizations (PROs)?