8 Fundamental Rules for Creating the Perfect Music Submission
As an artist you have to understand the value of music blogs. Hip-hop blogs (and other genre specific blogs) provide you with the opportunity to reach more people. Being featured on these blogs is easier than you think. Some blogs have strict music submission guidelines.
Music submissions are a part of the game. Tweeting your links to these bloggers will hurt you because you are not establishing a relationship. A relationship is built via EMAIL or on the phone. Below I will share 8 fundamental rules that will enhance the music submission process for you. These tactics can be used for blogs or online radio.
1. Maximize the To Field
Make sure you send your music to the right person by maximizing the To Field. If you are sending music to multiple people make sure you use BCC (Blind Carbon Copy).
The To Field should contain one email address (preferably of the person that you are trying to get in contact with).
2. Your Subject Line is very important
The subject line that you craft should be specific and let the recipient know what the email will be about. Some sites require you to use "Music Submission" or "Video Submission" (Check the site to find out the guidelines). I would suggest writing a Subject Line that stands out. For example, you could write: Artist X crafts a song dedicated to 9/11 Survivors. You can also take it one step further and actually use the blog's name in the Subject Line: Submission for Rapzilla: Artist X - Lean on Me.
You want to be specific and provide something that will be interesting for the recipient. Remember that bloggers check their email constantly and they usually scan for good content. STAND OUT!
3. Brevity within the Body
Nobody has time to read a novel. Stop writing your whole life story and get to the details. Shorter emails work!
DO NOT talk about other sites that you have been featured on. Keep your pitch under 5 sentences. Focus on the details of your song. Get to the main point.
DO NOT include a bio unless the blogger asks for your bio. If they are interested they will contact you for more info or they will Google you.
Praverb Tip: The first two sentences of your email should be about the blog or website that you are submitting to.
4. Address the Right Blogger
Really! Take the time to address the blogger by the correct name. Address a blogger by the wrong name and find your email in the recycle bin.
5. Include Streamable Links
Nobody has time for your attachments haha. Include a Streamable Link within the body of your email. Think SoundCloud, Bandcamp, AudioMack, etc. DO NOT use Yousendit, Sendspace, or Mediafire links when you submitting your music. Bloggers want to preview the music that is being submitted to them.
Online Radio is a tad different. Some radio personnel may REQUEST a high quality mp3. You should ask this question within the body of the email.
6. Include Artwork
Make sure you include the single artwork or album artwork. If you use Gmail you can use the Insert Photos option. This option to have the artwork included within the body of the email.
DO NOT attach artwork. You know how people are about viruses haha.
7. Include your Signature
Make sure you include your contact information in the signature of your email. Include your Twitter username, Facebook Fan Page and email address in your email.
8. Proofread!
This is probably the most important step. Make sure you proofread your submission. Make sure you take the time to read your submission out loud. Then press SEND!
Hopefully the rules above help you craft that perfect music submission. This article will also help you out: 5 Tips for Getting More Blog Coverage.
Other Great Resources
6 Steps to Sending the Perfect Demo Submission
My perfect demo submission
Four Ways to Avoid Music Submission Mistakes
Love, Dad: SYFFAL Music Submission Suggestions
How to Craft An Effective Email in 15 Minutes or Less
The 4 Words That Will Get Your Email Opened
Image provided by Know Life
