Though I’m a publicist now, I began my profession within the music trade as a blogger, and within the six years since I created that weblog, I’ve seen my fair proportion of submissions from bands and publicists alike. 1000’s of emails have landed in my inbox, however I’ve solely lined a fraction of these tales on the web site.
Why?
Not less than two-thirds of them are boring, poorly written, and simply plain ineffective.
Being on each side of the sport has given me a novel perspective in regard to the artwork of pitching. As a blogger, I shortly discovered what sort of submissions I most popular to obtain and which info is most useful when writing up a function. (For instance, an precise hyperlink to the music you’re pitching could be nice—you’d be shocked what number of artists go away this out altogether with the belief that you’re going to take the time to trace down the track or album your self). By the point I turned a publicist, I already had an concept of what labored and what didn’t, which has helped me write pitches that get opened and lined, regardless of the extent of artist I’m working with.
Whenever you’re a band or solo artist working your personal PR marketing campaign, it’s important to know your personal story and have the ability to current that story to retailers in an efficient, newsworthy means. And when you’re centered on making music and establishing your model, typically it’s straightforward to overlook that crafting the right submission e-mail that includes all of those parts is simply as necessary as making the music itself.
Speak to any music blogger in regards to the submissions they obtain each day and also you’re certain to listen to just a few complaints. An e-mail that claims, “My title is X, right here’s a hyperlink to my music,” doesn’t a function make, and simply gained’t reduce it whenever you’re competing in opposition to hundreds of different artists for coveted actual property on a weblog. So listed below are just a few tips about precisely what NOT to do when pitching your music to bloggers so you may keep away from being THAT artist.
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1. Don’t ignore the weblog’s submission guidelines
Nothing will get your submission deleted quicker than ignoring the principles an outlet has laid out very clearly on their contact web page. In the event that they request that you simply format your topic line a sure means, do it. In the event that they solely take Spotify streaming hyperlinks, don’t ship them a SoundCloud hyperlink, and vice versa. If the outlet states that it doesn’t evaluate albums, or doesn’t need to know something about music movies, don’t waste your time sending a pitch if that’s what it’s a must to supply. And please don’t ship your music in the event that they don’t settle for submissions in any respect. Plain and easy, ignoring tips is the best method to land within the trash.
2. Don’t be that individual that makes use of BCC
I mechanically delete any pitches by which I’m copied on BCC, and I do know different editors who do the identical. Sending out mass emails exhibits that you simply didn’t take time to analysis the outlet, the writers, or put any effort into personalizing your submission in any respect. Sure, it could be simpler for you within the second to hit ship as soon as, nevertheless it gained’t profit you in any respect in the long term.
As a substitute, personalize every e-mail you ship out by together with a praise about an article you actually cherished on that individual weblog, or why you’ve been following that website for thus lengthy. One thing that straightforward actually means the world to the writers who’re working tirelessly behind the scenes, and it hardly takes any effort in your half to take action for those who’re a real fan of their work. To not point out that, on a bigger scale, the music enterprise is all about forming and sustaining relationships, and also you gained’t be doing your self any favors for those who’re not making an attempt to get to know the individuals who have the power that can assist you share your music with the world.
3. Don’t ship one million attachments
Editors obtain an awesome variety of submissions every day. Don’t clog up their inboxes with pointless attachments, press releases, downloads, or unsolicited press pictures that can take up priceless cupboard space. All of these supplies might be uploaded to your EPK, which you’ll as a substitute ship in your submission through a easy hyperlink. Until the outlet’s tips state in any other case, hyperlinks are at all times greatest.
4. Don’t submit outdated music
There may be an insanely quick turnaround in music as of late, so a launch, whether or not it’s a single or album, turns into outdated information FAST. When you submit an album that’s been in the marketplace for a yr, you’re simply going to get laughed at for sending it within the first place. Significantly. Remember the fact that these first few weeks that comply with your launch are essential when pitching, and in case your music has been out for longer than a month, your possibilities of locking down a function are a lot decrease.
And at last…
5. Don’t assume the author or editor is definitely going to take heed to your music
There’s nothing extra annoying to writers than once we get a pitch that reads one thing like, “Right here’s my new single in case you have been searching for new music to cowl.” We glance out for brand spanking new music to cowl on a regular basis, and lots of it lands in our inbox each week. A lot, even, that we are able to’t sustain with all of it. You aren’t an exception, nor are you the reply to our prayers.
However, bear in mind whenever you discovered how you can write persuasively at school? Now could be the time to make use of that talent. The very best factor you are able to do is current your music and your story in a means that can enchantment to the outlet, preserve it brief, don’t comply with up greater than a few times, and at all times do not forget that there’s an actual dwell individual on the receiving finish of your pitch, whether or not they take heed to your music or not. Deal with them as such.
Pitching your music to bloggers is really an artwork, however with a bit of apply, and for those who comply with these 5 easy guidelines, you’ll keep away from lots of frustration alongside the way in which.
Erica D’Aurora is a senior publicist with Muddy Paw PR. She finds her best pleasure in serving to artists obtain their desires.
