For an independent artist, few things feel better than seeing your new single or album written about on a blog or featured in a magazine. Media coverage is still a powerful amplifier, even in a digital-first music world. A single review, premiere, or interview can lead new fans to your music, build credibility, and attract curators, promoters, and industry connections.
But how do you actually secure coverage if you don’t have a publicist or label behind you? Let’s break down what it takes to get blogs and media outlets interested in your new release, and how to approach the process in a way that feels genuine and effective.
It’s easy to think that blogs and magazines have lost their relevance, with Spotify playlists, TikTok, and YouTube acting as the main drivers of discovery. Yet press still plays an important role:
Before reaching out to blogs, make sure your artist profile looks professional. A strong Spotify bio, clear press photos, active social presence, and working links are non-negotiable.
Editors and bloggers receive dozens of pitches every day. If they click through and see an empty Instagram or a Spotify page with one listener, it’s harder to take you seriously.
This doesn’t mean you need a massive following. What matters is that you look prepared and intentional with your release.
When you’re ready to contact media outlets, the pitch email is your introduction. Think of it as your handshake, short, clear, and respectful of their time.
Avoid long paragraphs. Journalists and bloggers skim. Your job is to make it easy for them to listen and decide quickly.
Not every blog is the right fit. A hip hop track probably won’t work for a folk-oriented blog, and vice versa. Research outlets that actually feature music similar to yours.
Start small and build relationships. A few smaller write-ups can often lead to bigger coverage down the line.
Timing is everything in music PR. Reach out 3–4 weeks before your release date if you’re looking for premieres or features. Blogs need time to plan content.
If the release is already out, you can still pitch it as a “new single” or “new video,” but your chances for premiere-style coverage shrink. Being proactive makes a huge difference.
The most overlooked part of getting coverage is relationship-building. Journalists and bloggers are people, not vending machines. Following them on Twitter, engaging with their work, and showing appreciation for what they do goes a long way.
If you get covered, don’t just share the article, say thank you. Gratitude is memorable, and it keeps doors open for future releases.
Sometimes cold-pitching isn’t enough. Here are other ways to get your music featured:
Remember: silence doesn’t always mean rejection, sometimes it just means they’re busy.
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share my upcoming single, [Song Title], which is set for release on [Date]. It’s an indie pop track influenced by [influences], and I thought it might resonate with your audience since you’ve covered [similar artist] recently.
Here’s a private SoundCloud link: [link]. Press photo and bio are here: [link].
Thank you so much for your time, and whether or not you’re able to feature it, I really appreciate the work you do.
Best,
[Your Name]
A professional-looking press kit makes your pitch stand out.
Here’s a quick breakdown on pitching your music to blogs and media outlets:
Getting blog and media coverage for your new release doesn’t require a big PR budget. What it requires is research, personalization, and persistence. By targeting the right outlets, crafting thoughtful pitches, and building genuine relationships, you can turn press into one of the most powerful tools in your music promotion strategy.
And remember: every blog mention or write-up becomes content for your socials, your website, and your Spotify artist profile. Pair your press efforts with IndieStar’s free promotional tools, like playlist submissions and campaign organizers, to make sure the buzz you generate leads to real streams and fans.
Because coverage isn’t just about vanity, it’s about opening new doors for your music.
Create an account in seconds to access free AI promotion tools to improve your songs marketing plan.