How to Get Press Coverage for Your Music

Before pitching anyone, assemble a complete electronic press kit that gives journalists everything they need to write about you. Your EPK should include: a professional bio in multiple lengths (50 words, 150 words, and 500 words), at least 3 high-resolution press photos in both landscape and portrait orientations, links to your music on streaming platforms, embeddable audio players or private SoundCloud links for unreleased tracks, links to music videos, notable achievements and press quotes from previous coverage, your social media links with follower counts, and contact information. Host your EPK on your website or use a service like Electronic Press Kit. Make every asset downloadable without requiring the journalist to request it. Time is their most scarce resource.

Not every publication is right for your music, and pitching the wrong outlets wastes everyone's time. Start by listing 30-50 publications, blogs, and media outlets that cover your specific genre and artist level. Categories to research include: independent music blogs that cover emerging artists in your genre, regional publications and radio stations in your market, genre-specific magazines and websites, music discovery platforms and playlist editorial teams, and podcasts that feature interviews with artists at your career level. For each outlet, find the specific writer who covers your genre. Read their recent articles to understand what they look for. Follow them on social media. Bookmark their submission guidelines. Build a spreadsheet tracking each outlet, the right contact, their email, their submission process, and notes about their preferences.

Your pitch email is a short, professional message that convinces a busy journalist to listen to your music. Keep it under 200 words. Start with a subject line that is specific and intriguing, not generic. Good examples: "New soul-folk single explores grief through gospel harmonies" or "Brooklyn producer blends Afrobeat with shoegaze on debut EP." In the body, open with one sentence about why you are writing to this specific person, referencing a recent article they wrote. Follow with 2-3 sentences describing your music in vivid, specific language. Avoid cliches like "genre-defying" or "unique sound." Instead, use concrete references: "If Phoebe Bridgers wrote songs for a David Lynch film." Include a direct streaming link and a download link. Close with your release timeline and availability for interviews. Attach one press photo and your one-sheet.

Timing dramatically affects your chances of getting covered. For album or EP reviews, pitch 4-6 weeks before the release date. This gives writers time to listen, consider, and schedule their coverage. For single premieres where a publication debuts your song exclusively, pitch 3-4 weeks ahead. For interviews and features, pitch 2-3 weeks before the release to align coverage with the promotional cycle. Avoid pitching on Mondays when inboxes are most crowded, or on Fridays when journalists are wrapping up for the week. Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to get the best response rates. Consider the publication's editorial calendar and avoid competing with major label release weeks when media attention is already stretched thin.

Offering an exclusive is one of the most effective ways to secure coverage from a specific publication. An exclusive means you give one outlet the right to premiere your song, video, or announce your news before anyone else. This creates urgency and gives the journalist a reason to say yes. Prioritize your exclusive offers for outlets with the largest or most relevant audience. If your top-choice publication declines the exclusive, move down your list. Once the exclusive is published, wait 24-48 hours before reaching out to other outlets with the now-public material. Exclusives work best for debut singles, music video premieres, album announcements, and major career news like signing to a label or announcing a tour.

Most journalists receive hundreds of pitches weekly, and many good ones get buried. A polite follow-up email is not only acceptable, it is expected. Wait 5-7 days after your initial pitch before following up. Keep the follow-up even shorter than the original: remind them of your pitch, mention any new developments like updated streaming numbers or a new live video, and reiterate your availability. If you do not hear back after one follow-up, move on. Two follow-ups is the maximum. Three or more becomes annoying and can damage your reputation with that journalist permanently. Track your follow-ups in your media spreadsheet so you never accidentally contact someone too many times.

The best press coverage comes from relationships, not cold pitches. Follow music journalists on social media, share their articles, and engage with their content in meaningful ways. Comment on their reviews with genuine thoughts, not just "great article!" Attend industry events where media professionals gather, such as music conferences, showcases, and listening parties. When a journalist covers your music, send a personal thank-you email. Share their article across your platforms and tag them. These small gestures build goodwill that makes them more receptive to your future pitches. Over time, some journalists will become genuine supporters of your career who proactively seek out your new releases.

Every piece of press coverage should be amplified and leveraged for maximum impact. Share articles across all your social platforms with genuine gratitude. Add press quotes to your EPK, website, and streaming platform bios. Include notable coverage in future pitch emails to new publications, as previous press validates you as a worthy subject. Create a press page on your website that collects all your coverage in one place. Use coverage logos, such as "As featured in," on your social media and marketing materials where appropriate. Most importantly, use the momentum from one placement to secure the next. Each piece of coverage makes the next pitch easier because you are no longer an unknown artist asking for a chance.