Stephanie G. Mathis Remember blogs? In the early 2000s, blogs were big! There are many types of blogs: personal blogs, nature blogs, and music blogs. Music blogs are so common that many indie musicians have made it big by receiving positive reviews.
We’re more reliant on streaming services and social media these days, but blogs remain one of the most popular ways for music fans to discover new music. Today, we don’t say “blog” nearly as often.
You can call it whatever you like: a magazine online, a publication, or even a ‘zine. It’s an online magazine that regularly publishes and features new music, hopefully yours.
Paste magazine also has a daily feature. American Songwriter posts daily features. There are also thousands, if not millions, of smaller blogs and online artist hubs.
Why would you need a review of your business?
Some people may not see the benefit of an online review. You still make music. Someone has to do it! You don’t really need me to tell you that reviews are important (since you read this), but you will need them if you want to release music. You’ll continue to have only your mother and best friend as your fans.
This (getting reviews), as far as I’m concerned, is the most frustrating aspect of being a musician. Booking your tour can be more frustrating than getting a stranger to review your album or single.
A good review can be worth its weight in gold. A good review is like gold.
Here are some tips I have compiled for you. I’ve compiled some tips for you on how to work smarter and not harder, as well as ways to get yourself heard.
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What material are you pitching?
This process can seem overwhelming. The first step is to cut your pie. You need first to know what it is you are pitching. It would be best if you asked yourself the following questions:
What is your “star” track name?
What is my most playable or accessible song?
What are my top songs to pitch, depending on the person I am contacting?
Is there a particular music video I’d like to highlight?
Do I own a single that has a music video to go with it?
It cannot be easy to convince a writer to take the time to listen to an entire album in this age of music videos and singles. Plan to promote one piece of media, such as a video or song. You can also give them the option to check out your entire project. You can use your music EPK as a pitching tool.
Here’s how to determine where to pitch your pitch once you have decided what you are going to throw.
Your tour schedule will determine the pitch you should use.
We said it: Work smarter, not harder. It is impossible to contact every possible reviewer. You can divide the pie up. You can target Houston critics if you are playing in Houston. You can also target publications on the West Coast if you are touring several cities.
You can ask for a feature if you are performing at a music festival. Ask the event promoter of your show to direct you to the appropriate people.
Ask for help from people who are already connected to the city you will be visiting. You can ask for help from people in the town where you will be staying. You’ll have a better chance of getting a good review once the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon become 1 degree.
You can also pitch to magazines that have previously covered your music.
Do not forget to thank your loyal supporters. Chances are, if someone has covered your music before, they will do it again! The blog that they wrote about several years ago may no longer exist. Then, they may be writing for a different audience or even a larger audience. Never be afraid to contact your previous supporters.
You can pitch to publications that have featured your friends’ music
You might be able to hook up with your friends! A reviewer’s active email is worth liquid gold today. Ask your friends to help you. You can get in if they recommend a blog or initiate a three-way email.
Ask your fans for help.
You’re right! You fans! Ask them! Ask your fans for blogs and publications online where they discover new music. Chances are, if they enjoy your music, they will suggest online magazines they think would be a good match.
You could also ask your fans for a review of your album. A simple paragraph with a link to the music website will go a lot further than an “official” review. Even on social media, people love to hear a solid recommendation from a friend.
Go niche
Think about your genre, your brand, your aesthetic, your audience. Look for sites that cater to Anime fans if your music is aimed at them. Do you want to create music that sounds like the 1950s? Consider a blog that focuses on music from the mid-century period. You can find it.
Stay local
Who says you have to stay in your hometown? Go wild and contact every blogger you can find in your city! You can win half the battle if you create buzz around your city. People will share your music no matter where they are. A music review from the East Coast could easily translate to a new listener on the West Coast.
