How to Get Music Blog Coverage: Complete Artist Guide

Home » Music Blogs » Uncategorized » How to Get Music Blog Coverage: Complete Artist Guide

Updated for 2026

Getting your music featured on a blog can introduce your release to new listeners, strengthen your artist profile and give you credible coverage to share throughout your campaign.

But for independent musicians, the process can feel confusing.

Which music blogs should you contact? How far ahead should you submit? What belongs in the email? Do you need a press release? Should the song already be public? And what do you do when most submissions receive no reply?

The good news is that you do not need a huge mailing list, record label or expensive PR campaign to approach music blogs professionally. You need a suitable release, a focused list of relevant outlets and a submission that makes your music easy to understand and access.

Since launching FVMusicBlog in 2017, I have reviewed and promoted more than 3,000 independent releases from artists across over 40 countries. I have seen excellent music introduced clearly, and excellent music made unnecessarily difficult to assess because the important information was missing, buried or sent to the wrong place.

This guide will walk you through the complete process—from preparing your release and finding suitable blogs to writing your pitch, following up and making the most of any coverage you receive.

In This Guide

What music blog coverage can do for an artist
When your release is ready to submit
How far in advance to contact music blogs
How to find relevant publications
How to check whether a blog is worth approaching
What to prepare before submitting
How to write a music submission email
A copy-and-paste pitch template
How to share unreleased music privately
Whether you need a press release or EPK
How and when to follow up
Why music submissions are declined
Editorial, sponsored and platform-based coverage
What to do after receiving coverage
A complete music blog submission checklist

What Is Music Blog Coverage?

Music blog coverage is published content about an artist or release on an independent or established music website.

Depending on the publication, it may take the form of:

A single review
An EP or album review
An artist interview
A premiere
A news feature
A track-by-track article
A playlist inclusion accompanied by editorial content
A round-up featuring several releases
A guest mix or specialist feature

Every format serves a slightly different purpose. A review provides an outside perspective on the music. An interview gives the artist space to explain the story in their own words. A premiere creates a particular moment in the campaign. A round-up can place the release alongside other artists in the same scene or genre.

Coverage is not the same as simply having a link posted somewhere. Strong editorial coverage gives the release context and helps a reader understand why they may want to listen.

What Can Music Blog Coverage Do for Your Career?

One article is unlikely to transform an artist’s career overnight. That does not make it pointless.

Useful coverage can support a campaign in several ways.

Introduce Your Music to New Listeners

A relevant blog already has an audience interested in a particular style, location or part of music culture. Appearing in the right publication can put your release in front of listeners who are more likely to connect with it.

Relevance matters more than raw size. A small specialist blog covering your exact genre may be more valuable than a larger general website whose readers have little interest in your sound.

Provide Independent Credibility

When somebody outside your project takes the time to write about the release, it provides a form of social proof.

You can use accurate quotations or links from coverage on your:

Artist website
Electronic press kit
Social profiles
Bandcamp page
Future pitch emails
Festival or venue applications
Funding applications, where relevant

Never alter the meaning of a quotation or make a publication’s support appear more extensive than it was.

Give You More to Share

Constantly repeating “listen to my new song” becomes difficult for both the artist and the audience.

A review or interview gives you a new reason to talk about the release. You can share the article, thank the writer, highlight an accurate quotation and revisit the story later in the campaign.

Create a Lasting Search Result

Social posts move quickly. A published article can remain online and may appear when somebody searches for your artist name or release.

That gives future listeners, promoters, journalists and collaborators another way to learn about your work.

Help You Build Relationships Over Time

The most valuable outcome may not be the first article itself. A thoughtful interaction with a writer or publication can become the beginning of a longer professional relationship.

That does not mean expecting the same person to cover every release. It means communicating respectfully, supporting their work and returning only when you genuinely have something suitable.

Be Clear About Your Goal Before You Submit

Before building a contact list, decide what you want the coverage to achieve.

Your goal might be to:

Introduce a debut artist
Build early search results for an artist name
Support a single, EP or album campaign
Reach listeners within a specific genre
Establish credibility before approaching venues or festivals
Create press quotations for an EPK
Explain a story that cannot fit inside a social post
Build relationships with specialist writers

This decision affects which blogs you approach and what type of feature you request.

For example, if the project has a powerful personal story, an interview may communicate it better than a brief track round-up. If the album involves unusual instrumentation or a strong concept, a full review or track-by-track feature may be a better fit.

Do not ask every publication for every possible format. Look at what each outlet actually publishes and pitch the most natural opportunity.

Is Your Music Ready for Blog Coverage?

You do not need to wait until your career reaches a particular size. Blogs regularly cover emerging and independent artists.

However, the release and supporting information should be ready enough for somebody else to assess professionally.

Before submitting, confirm that:

The final mix and master are approved
The artist name and release title are final
The release date has been chosen
Credits and collaborator details are accurate
Artwork is complete
You have at least one strong artist photograph
Your listening link works
Your artist biography is current
You can explain the release clearly
Your public profiles look active and consistent
You have permission to share the music and supplied assets

If these pieces are still changing, it may be too early to begin outreach.

Use the Music Release Checklist to organise the wider campaign before choosing your submission date.

How Far in Advance Should You Submit Music to Blogs?

There is no single deadline used by every music blog.

For many independent online publications, beginning outreach around four to six weeks before release day provides useful time to listen, reply and plan coverage. Albums, print publications, premieres and larger campaigns may require longer. Smaller blogs or fast-moving news sites may work closer to release day.

The publication’s own guidelines always take priority.

Research each outlet before submitting. Some accept unreleased music months ahead. Some only cover songs once they are public. Others may ask for a minimum amount of notice or temporarily close submissions when capacity is full.

Planning early gives you time to:

Personalise each pitch
Correct broken links
Answer questions
Arrange interviews
Supply extra photographs or quotations
Coordinate publication around the release date

Do not send unfinished music simply to meet an imagined deadline. A final release submitted slightly later is more useful than a rough version that no longer represents the song.

What if the Music Is Already Released?

You may still find coverage after release day, especially when the music is recent and the story remains relevant.

Be honest about the date. Do not describe a six-month-old song as a forthcoming release.

Give the recipient a current reason to consider it, such as:

A new music video
An upcoming tour or performance
The announcement of an EP or album
A meaningful anniversary
A new remix or collaboration
A developing story around the project

Some blogs welcome recently released music, while others prioritise advance submissions. Check before contacting them.

How to Find Music Blogs That Cover Your Genre

The aim is not to collect the largest possible number of email addresses. It is to identify publications where your release genuinely fits.

Search by Genre

Use specific searches such as:

indie folk music blog submissions
experimental electronic music reviews
UK alternative rock blog
jazz album review submissions
new R&B artist interviews
punk music blog submit music

The more accurately you describe your music, the more useful the results are likely to be.

Search for Similar Artists

Look for recent coverage of independent artists whose sound, audience or career stage overlaps with yours.

Try searches such as:

“[similar artist] review”
“[similar artist] interview”
“[genre] new music round-up”
“[location] emerging artists blog”

Do not copy another artist’s entire press strategy. Use the results to discover writers and outlets already interested in the relevant musical space.

Look at Your Own Listening Community

Ask where fans of your genre already discover music.

Useful sources may include:

Specialist radio-show websites
Independent labels in your genre
Venue and festival websites
Local arts publications
Genre communities and forums
Blogs followed by similar artists
Writers who regularly share relevant music

Follow Writers, Not Only Publications

A publication may cover dozens of genres, while individual contributors have specific interests.

When writer information is publicly available, note who regularly covers music like yours. Addressing the right person can be more effective than sending a generic message to the largest inbox you can find.

Do not search for private contact information or message writers repeatedly across personal accounts. Use the professional channels they make available.

How to Decide Whether a Music Blog Is Relevant

Finding a website is only the beginning. Before adding it to your list, spend a few minutes checking it properly.

Ask:

Does It Cover Your Genre?

Do not rely only on a broad category in the menu. Read several recent articles.

A blog that published one metal review three years ago may not currently accept metal submissions. A publication describing itself as “alternative” may mean something very different from your own use of that word.

Does It Cover Independent Artists?

Some publications focus mainly on established acts with national campaigns. Others exist specifically to champion emerging music.

Look at the career stage of artists featured recently.

Does It Publish the Format You Want?

If you want an album review, check that the site publishes album reviews. If you want an interview, read its recent interviews and see how they are arranged.

Is the Site Active?

Check the dates of recent posts and social activity. Submission instructions from an inactive blog may still appear in search results long after the publication has stopped accepting music.

Are the Submission Guidelines Clear?

Look for a submissions, contact or FAQ page. Note:

Accepted genres
Preferred format
Lead time
Required links
Whether attachments are allowed
Whether follow-ups are welcomed
Any location or release restrictions

Would You Be Happy to Share the Coverage?

Read the writing. Look at the layout. Check how artists are represented.

Coverage is most useful when it appears somewhere you would feel comfortable sending fans and professional contacts.

Create a Focused Music Blog Contact List

A simple spreadsheet can prevent confusion and help you learn from each campaign.

Include columns for:

Publication
Website
Contact or submission page
Relevant writer
Genres covered
Formats offered
Submission requirements
Suggested lead time
Date submitted
Follow-up date
Response
Coverage link
Notes for future releases

Start with a manageable number of highly relevant contacts. Ten carefully researched submissions are more useful than one hundred identical emails sent without checking suitability.

Do not buy an enormous outdated media list and assume every address is appropriate. Publications change staff, genres and submission methods frequently.

What to Include in a Music Blog Submission

A strong submission makes the important information easy to find.

Include:

A Short Personalised Introduction

Use the recipient’s name when it is publicly available, and explain briefly why you think the release may suit their coverage.

This does not require a paragraph of flattery. One accurate sentence is enough.

For example:

I’m getting in touch because FVMusicBlog regularly supports independent alternative releases, and I thought this single’s guitar-led sound and personal story might suit your coverage.

The Essential Release Information

State:

Artist name
Release title
Single, EP or album
Release date
Location, when relevant
Genre or concise sound description
Central story or angle

A Direct Listening Link

Place the listening link inside the email. Do not make the recipient open a press release or visit several pages before they can hear the music.

A Press Release or Concise Release Information

Provide enough context to understand the music. This may be a linked press release, a clean document or a clearly organised section beneath your pitch, depending on the submission guidelines.

If you need help preparing it, use the complete How to Write a Music Press Release guide and template.

Photographs and Artwork

Provide an accessible folder containing:

Cover artwork
At least one high-resolution artist photograph
Landscape and portrait options when available
Photographer credits

Make sure you have permission for the images to be published.

Contact Information

End with the name and email address of the person managing the submission.

If you are submitting your own music, that can simply be you.

How to Share Unreleased Music Privately

A pre-save link is not a listening link. It may help fans save an upcoming release, but it does not allow a writer to hear the music before deciding whether to cover it.

For unreleased music, provide a private link that:

Opens without requesting permission
Does not require an unfamiliar download
Works on desktop and mobile
Will remain active throughout the campaign
Clearly displays the artist and track title
Allows the recipient to hear the correct final version

A private SoundCloud track or playlist is one common option. Use its secret sharing link and test it in a browser where you are not logged into your account.

You can also use a clearly organised private streaming page or file-sharing service when the publication accepts it.

Avoid:

Sending a link that requires access approval
Attaching an enormous WAV file without permission
Linking to a folder containing several unexplained mixes
Password-protecting the page without including the password
Replacing the audio after coverage has been prepared without telling the writer

The easier the music is to play, the easier it is to consider.

Do You Need an EPK to Contact Music Blogs?

An electronic press kit can be useful, but it is not a substitute for a clear pitch.

A simple EPK may include:

Short and long artist biographies
Current press release
Music links
Artist photographs
Cover artwork
Videos
Selected previous coverage
Live information
Contact details

You do not necessarily need an elaborate website or expensive design. A clean page or organised folder containing accurate, accessible materials can do the job.

Keep the pitch email concise even when linking to a complete EPK. The recipient should understand the release before deciding whether to open the additional material.

How to Write a Music Submission Email

Your email should be short enough to scan but specific enough to create interest.

A useful structure is:

Personal greeting
One sentence explaining why the music may fit
Artist, release title and date
Concise description and strongest angle
Direct listening link
Press release and image link
Polite close and contact information

Music Submission Subject Line

Use a clear subject line rather than trying to create mystery.

For example:

Music submission: Maya Ellis – “Carry It Home” – indie folk single – 16 October

Other useful formats include:

Premiere consideration: [Artist] – “[Title]” – [Date]
Album review submission: [Artist] – [Title] – [Genre]
Interview idea: [Artist] – [brief specific angle]

Follow the publication’s required format when one is provided.

Copy-and-Paste Music Blog Pitch Template

Use this as a starting point, then adapt it for each recipient.

Subject: Music submission: [Artist] – “[Release Title]” – [Genre] – [Release Date]

Hi [Name],

I’m getting in touch because [one genuine sentence explaining why the music may suit this publication, writer, show or section].

[Artist name] is a [location, when relevant]-based [concise artist description] releasing [single/EP/album] “[Title]” on [date]. The release combines [specific sound or instrumentation] with [central theme, story or angle].

You can listen here: [direct private or public listening link]

The press release, artwork and artist photographs are available here: [link]

Thank you for taking the time to consider it.

Best wishes,

[Name]
[Artist or role]
[Email]
[Website or relevant social link]

Remove every bracketed instruction before sending.

Example Music Blog Pitch

The following example uses a fictional artist and release.

Subject: Music submission: Maya Ellis – “Carry It Home” – indie folk single – 16 October

Hi Sam,

I’m getting in touch because your recent features have included several independent folk artists exploring place and family history, and I thought Maya Ellis’s new single may suit the section.

Manchester songwriter Maya Ellis will release “Carry It Home” on 16 October. Built around a melody found on one of her late grandfather’s cassette recordings, the single combines intimate acoustic guitar, warm strings and a reflective vocal as Ellis explores memory, inheritance and the meaning of home.

You can listen here: [private link]

The press release, artwork and artist photographs are available here: [press folder]

Thank you for taking the time to consider it.

Best wishes,

Alex Morgan
Independent publicist
[Email]
[Website]

The personalisation is specific but brief. The central story appears before the recipient reaches the links, and the email does not attempt to retell the entire press release.

Common Music Submission Mistakes

Sending Music That Does Not Fit

This is one of the fastest ways to waste your time and the recipient’s.

If a blog only covers electronic music, sending an acoustic folk song because it has a synthesiser in the background does not make it a suitable submission.

Writing an Empty Pitch

“Hi, check out my new single” provides no reason to prioritise the music or understand where it fits.

Give the recipient the essential facts and strongest angle.

Writing an Enormous Email

The opposite problem is pasting your entire biography, press release, lyrics, credits and life story above the listening link.

Keep the introduction concise and make additional information easy to access.

Using Generic Flattery

“I have always loved your amazing blog” means very little when the next sentence provides no evidence you know what it covers.

One relevant reference is enough.

Hiding the Listening Link

Put the music inside the email, not only inside an attachment or several clicks away.

Sending Broken or Restricted Links

Always test private tracks, folders and image links in a browser where you are logged out.

Attaching Large Files

Do not fill an inbox with WAV files and several high-resolution photographs unless the guidelines specifically request attachments.

BCCing a Huge List

Even when recipients cannot see one another, a mass message usually reads like one. It cannot respond properly to different genres, formats or submission requirements.

Making Unsupported Claims

Avoid describing yourself as award-winning, charting or editorially supported unless the claim is accurate and can be explained.

Demanding Feedback

Submitting music does not create an obligation for a writer to provide private feedback. Many publications do not have the capacity to reply to every artist.

Following Up Repeatedly

One appropriate follow-up may be useful. Daily emails, messages across multiple platforms or guilt-based language will not improve the pitch.

Ignoring the Release Date

Do not ask for a premiere after the music has already been made public. Do not describe released music as unreleased.

How and When to Follow Up

First, check the submission guidelines. Some publications explicitly ask artists not to follow up.

When follow-ups are permitted, wait a reasonable amount of time and send one brief message in the original email thread.

For example:

Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on the submission below for [Artist]’s [single/EP/album], “[Title],” released on [date]. I appreciate that you receive a large amount of music, but I wanted to keep it on your radar in case it may suit your coverage. Thank you again for your time.

Do not resend every attachment or write a new sales pitch. The original information remains in the thread.

If you receive no response after the follow-up, record it in your spreadsheet and move on.

Silence is not a verdict on the quality of your music.

Why Do Music Blogs Decline or Ignore Submissions?

Good music is declined every day for reasons unrelated to its overall quality.

Common reasons include:

The genre does not fit
The release arrived too late
The editorial calendar is full
The publication already has similar coverage planned
The writer does not connect with the track
The blog does not offer the requested format
Important information or links are missing
The pitch feels impersonal
The music is outside the outlet’s location or eligibility rules
The publication lacks time or contributors
The blog receives more suitable music than it can possibly feature

Even a carefully prepared submission cannot control taste, capacity or timing.

Judge your process by what you can influence:

Did you choose relevant outlets?
Did you submit at the right time?
Was the story clear?
Did the music link work?
Did you follow the guidelines?
Did you keep a useful record?

Improve what you can, then continue.

Should You Reply to a Rejection?

If the message is personal, a short “Thank you for listening” is enough.

Do not argue with the decision, demand a detailed explanation or attempt to persuade the writer that their response is wrong.

If useful feedback is offered, consider it calmly. You are not obliged to change your music or campaign based on every opinion, but repeated feedback may reveal a presentation issue worth investigating.

Free Editorial Coverage, Sponsored Coverage and Submission Platforms

Not all music coverage is arranged in the same way. Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions.

Editorial Coverage

With editorial coverage, the publication independently decides whether and how to feature the music. A submission does not guarantee publication, and an artist should not assume that contacting the outlet creates an obligation to respond.

Music Submission Platforms

Submission platforms allow artists to send music to participating curators through one system. The process, pricing, response rules and types of opportunities vary by platform.

Read the current terms before paying or uploading music. Check which curators are active, which genres they cover and what type of coverage they offer.

Playlist Guarantees and Artificial Streams

Be extremely cautious of anyone guaranteeing a particular number of streams, followers or playlist results.

Never pay for artificial streams, bot activity or misleading playlist placement. These do not create a genuine audience and may put your music or accounts at risk.

How to Evaluate a Coverage Opportunity

Do not judge a publication only by its follower count.

Consider:

Relevance: Does its audience listen to your type of music?
Quality: Is the writing thoughtful and accurate?
Presentation: Does the website display artists professionally?
Activity: Is it publishing consistently?
Search value: Does its content remain accessible and searchable?
Transparency: Are commercial relationships disclosed?
Communication: Are the process and expectations clear?
Usefulness: Would you be proud to share the finished article?

A smaller, well-matched publication can be a sensible part of a campaign. A large but irrelevant audience may create little meaningful engagement.

What to Do When You Receive Music Coverage

Coverage should not be treated as the end of the process.

Check the Details

Read the complete article and check names, titles, links, dates and factual information.

If a genuine factual correction is needed, contact the publication politely and explain it clearly. Do not ask a writer to change an independent opinion simply because you would prefer different wording.

Thank the Writer or Publication

A brief, sincere message is enough.

Share the Original Link

Direct your audience to the publication rather than copying the entire article onto your own website or social page.

Tag the outlet when appropriate and follow any sharing guidance it provides.

Credit Quotations Accurately

When using a short quotation, include the publication’s name and link where possible. Do not remove words in a way that changes the meaning.

Add Useful Coverage to Your EPK

Select the strongest and most relevant pieces rather than listing every mention the artist has ever received.

Record the Result

Update your campaign spreadsheet with the publication date, link, writer and any useful notes.

Keep the Relationship Human

Support the publication’s work beyond your own article. Read and share relevant features when you genuinely enjoy them.

Do not immediately reply with three more unreleased songs.

How to Measure Whether Music Blog Coverage Was Worthwhile

Coverage does not always produce an obvious spike in streams, and streams are not the only useful result.

Look at:

Referral traffic to your website or Bandcamp page
New followers or mailing-list subscribers
Bandcamp sales
Saves, shares and listener responses
Useful press quotations
Improved search results for the artist name
New contacts or conversations
Invitations from radio shows, venues or other publications
Whether the article remains useful in future pitches

Use tracked links where practical, but remember that somebody may read an article and search for the artist later rather than clicking immediately.

Record the results without expecting one feature to carry the entire campaign.

A Simple Four-Week Music Blog Outreach Plan

If you are unsure where to begin, use this manageable structure.

Week One: Prepare

Confirm the final music, title and release date
Finish the biography and release story
Create a private listening link
Organise photographs and artwork
Check credits and contact details

Week Two: Research

Identify suitable blogs and writers
Read recent coverage
Check submission guidelines
Record everything in a spreadsheet
Prioritise the strongest matches

Week Three: Submit

Personalise each email
Use a clear subject line
Include a direct listening link
Link to the press release and images
Record the date sent

Week Four: Respond and Follow Up

Reply promptly to genuine questions
Provide additional assets when requested
Follow up once where permitted
Update your records
Continue preparing the rest of the release campaign

Adjust the timeline to the requirements of each publication and the complexity of your release.

Complete Music Blog Submission Checklist

Before Researching Blogs

Final mix and master approved
Artist and release names confirmed
Release date chosen
Credits checked
Artwork complete
Artist photographs prepared
Biography updated
Release story written
Private or public listening link working

When Choosing Publications

Blog currently active
Genre genuinely relevant
Career stage suitable
Desired feature type available
Submission guidelines read
Lead time checked
Correct contact method recorded
Recent articles reviewed

Before Sending the Pitch

Recipient’s name correct
Subject line clear
Personalisation accurate
Artist, title and date included
Sound described concisely
Strongest angle explained
Listening link placed in the email
Press release linked or supplied as requested
Image folder accessible
Photographer credits included
Contact details provided
Spelling and grammar checked
Every link tested while logged out

After Sending

Submission recorded
Follow-up rules noted
Questions answered promptly
One follow-up sent only when appropriate
Outcome recorded
Coverage checked and shared
Writer thanked
Useful quotations saved accurately

Music Blog Coverage FAQs

How do I get my music featured on blogs?

Prepare a finished release, identify active blogs that genuinely cover your genre, read their submission guidelines and send a concise personalised pitch containing a direct listening link and the essential release information.

Do music blogs accept independent artists?

Many do. Check recent coverage to see whether the publication features artists at your career stage and whether your music matches its current focus.

How many music blogs should I contact?

There is no perfect number. Begin with a manageable list of highly relevant outlets. Quality of targeting matters more than sending the same email to the largest possible list.

When should I submit an unreleased song?

Four to six weeks before release is a useful starting point for many independent online campaigns, but every publication has different lead times. Always follow its current guidelines.

Can I submit music after it has been released?

Yes, when the publication accepts released music and the campaign is still relevant. State the real release date and give the recipient a current reason to consider the track.

Do I need a press release?

Not every outlet requires a formal press release, but you should prepare the essential information. A press release gives you an organised source for your pitches, submission forms, EPK and website.

Do I need an EPK?

An EPK is useful but does not need to be elaborate. A clean page or organised folder containing your biography, music, images, release information and contact details can be sufficient.

Should I attach my song to the email?

Only when the submission instructions request an attachment. Otherwise, use a direct and accessible private or public listening link.

Is a pre-save link enough?

No. A pre-save page does not let a writer hear unreleased music. Provide a private listening link for advance submissions.

Should I follow up with a music blog?

Check its rules first. When follow-ups are permitted, send one short and polite message after a reasonable interval. If there is still no reply, move on.

Why did a blog ignore my submission?

It may have lacked capacity, found the release unsuitable, received it too late or simply preferred other music. Silence does not automatically mean the track is poor.

Does music blog coverage guarantee more streams?

No. Coverage can support discovery, credibility, search visibility, relationships and future promotion, but no legitimate publication can guarantee how many people will listen or take action.

Should I pay for music blog coverage?

That is a campaign decision. If considering sponsored coverage, check the publication’s relevance, deliverables, labelling, timeframe and reputation. Paid promotional content should be disclosed clearly and should never be confused with guaranteed independent editorial praise.

What should I do after getting featured?

Check the facts, thank the writer, share the original link, credit any quotations accurately, add useful coverage to your EPK and record the result for future campaigns.

Final Thoughts

Getting music blog coverage is not about persuading every publication to say yes.

It is about finding the places where your music genuinely belongs and introducing it in a way that respects both your work and the recipient’s time.

Choose relevant outlets. Prepare the music and supporting information properly. Lead with a specific story. Make the track easy to hear. Follow the guidelines. Communicate professionally, then allow the publication to make its own decision.

You cannot control every response, but you can build a repeatable process that improves the quality of every submission.

Start with a small, focused list. Send thoughtful pitches. Record what happens and use what you learn to make the next campaign stronger.