If you’re an independent musician, wanting to get your music heard, then this is the place for you. In the world of online music that we live in now, making music is the easy bit; getting it heard is where the hard work comes in. However, here at Angry Baby we try to be as helpful as possible and make the lives of independent musicians work well, so here are our top tips for sending your music to a reviewer. These tips should get you past the first step to getting your music listened to for review – if you’re wondering, the first step is instant relegation to the bin.
Contact the reviewer in the way they want to be contacted
Sounds straightforward doesn’t it, but it’s surprising how often it happens differently. In short, if a music blog asks for music to be submitted for review via email, then send via email; if they ask for it to be sent through a website landing page, then do that. Showing that you’ve checked out the site enough to know how they want their information will often get you past the first stage.
Submit all the information requested by the reviewer
Do your research – if the submissions landing page asks for an EPK, images and a streaming link, ensure that’s what you send. Reviewers are likely to have lots of messages all wanting music reviewed so make it easy for them and send what they ask for (if this isn’t explicitly set out, send as much as you can or check their other reviews). Failure to send the correct info makes it more likely your music won’t make it past the first stage.
Spend time on creating a good EPK
A good EPK means that the reviewer has all the information they need about the music submitted so if they like it and want to review, they don’t have to waste time searching online for something that can easily be provided in advance. For me, a good EPK should have:
- Streaming link to all tracks submitted
- Images that can be used
- Bio
- Press release including industry quotes if relevant
- Links to all socials
Reply to reviewers queries in good time
As and when a reviewer requests further information, reply sooner rather than later. Taking more than a few days means that your review request will either fall down the priority list or fail to pass the first stage altogether.
Submit your music early
Work back from your release date and timetable your submissions well ahead of that date. Reviewers don’t like to be rushed into publishing something so urgent requests to review and publish something with only a few days turnaround are unlikely to be successful. If in doubt, ask reviewers for an indication of their lead time. Angry Baby likes a two week turnaround time in ideal circumstances, for example.
The main point to remember with sending music for review is to do your research. After all, you’ve gone to the trouble of recording and producing your music so why ruin it’s chances of success by doing a half hearted job in the promotion?
If you are an independent musician looking for help in getting your music heard, click here for our five things to include on a press release.
Like what you see? Angry Baby has been sharing new music from outstanding independent musicians for a while now and we have amassed a wealth of knowledge around working in the independent music industry. All you have to do is pop your email address in the box and our five things to include on a press release will be winging its way to you. What’s not to like about that?!
