What Not to Do When Sending Your Music to a Blog

Upon reading an article on Careers in Music, I was inspired to write my own personal take on how to get your music heard on a blog, the truth behind getting lost in the world of emails, and my own personal process of deciding who will be featured.  That was the original plan, then I noticed poor submissions that were coming in as of late and decided to be very blunt and list some “what not to do’s.” Unfortunately this has all happened, so hopefully this helps someone for a future submission. Remember, you’re competing with a high volume of submissions, don’t be that email that’s deleted before even opened up. Make them want to listen to the music.

• Address the Blog by the wrong name

Sounds silly that this is the first point on the list, but this happens more often than one would think.  I understand that you are trying your best to send your music out there to countless blogs, but if someone takes the time to go through your press kit, read your bio, and above all, listen to your music, please don’t address it to the wrong blog. It makes you look careless and as another “copy and paste” entry.  Careers in Music mentioned “personalizing” and I completely agree, just make sure you’re “personalizing” to the correct blog. Nothing can be worse than this, right?

• When corrected that you contacted the wrong blog, don’t…

…start off by saying, “sorry, can you guys check this out then?” This means, ” I didn’t get the person I originally wanted, but you’ll do.”

Guaranteed to be deleted (unless you’re the next Paul McCartney).

• Send A Blank Submission

Blank submissions with a simple link, and not even a “hello” express once again that you don’t care. Therefore the blog receiving it won’t.  I always point out if one artist sends me a complete email with who he is, and what he’s all about, compared to guy that just sent a link, I’m going with the artist that took their time, it’s only fair. Even if the music isn’t the best, it will be considered for the future.

• Pour on the charm, then later take it all back

This happens more than I’d like to say. Some people will pour on the charm and when a certain amount of time goes by, will follow-up with spice and no sugar. As many submissions you send out, a blog receives. It’s ok to send multiple submissions, we are all human, but for goodness sake, why insult someone. It’s fairly obvious with “likes” on social media (yes we check) that have been given and received. You’ll get the attention, but you will also get deleted.

Here’s what to do:

1. Don’t give up
2. Send your submissions to multiple blogs
3. Personalize each submission to that blog: As much time as you take in crafting the submission, a music blogger will take to craft the article.
4. Resubmit: It’s ok- sometimes it’s a friendly reminder. If one single didn’t catch the attention, maybe the new one will. It happens. I don’t mind follow-ups, it tells me you’re serious.
5. The 5 W’s and H: Send as much information as possible so the blog doesn’t have to waste time searching where you are located at, who is in the band, the name of the new EP, and other important dates. Help us, help you. Things will go much smoother.
6. Be patient: see #4
7. Repeat: Someone will bite. Believe me
8. Give thanks: a simple thank you goes a long way. This means, “I’m putting you in my secret folder and when you have new stuff, you’re on the top of the list.”

When it comes down to it, what you put out is what you’ll get back. There were instances where I personally gave people multiple chances for a resubmission because I noticed it was their first time and they didn’t know what to do. As biased as I try not to be, personally speaking, there are expectations. This is the honest truth. Some blogs will only consider to see what traffic can be given. That’s understandable, that’s what fuels blogs, yet I only have a bare minimum: just tailor it to the blog, be patient, and be respectful.

If your music is that great, it will be shared. Don’t be petty. Don’t go on a rampage on social media mentioning the blog in a distasteful manner (yes, we can see), simply give it your all and believe me, there are secret folders we keep the music we are considering. There are many “starred” emails that we need to go back to, and there is a giant whiteboard filled with submissions that need to be published.