Getting That Music Review, Interview or Feature
Getting a thoughtful write-up about your music is like magic—it’s the moment someone else sees the spark in your sound. Whether it’s a blog review or a feature in a legacy publication, media attention can help your music more ears. If a publicist isn’t in the budget, don’t fret—you can still get your music into the hands of the editors and writers who can spread your story. Let’s dig into how to get music reviews and features for your next release.
Music Media Matters
A thoughtful review, candid interview, or a slick feature doesn’t just reach potential fans—it helps your music make a mark with staying power. A write up serves to amplify the story around your sound and artistic vision.
Know Your Targets
Media outlets, like music itself, come in all flavors. Don’t make the rookie mistake of sending your fuzzy, psych-rock anthem to a dance-pop blog. Pitch with precision.
- Magazines: From iconic names like Rolling Stone to underground rags with devoted cult followings, magazines are the holy grail of media attention. Features, interviews, reviews—they’ve got it all.
- Newspapers: Think New York Times or The Ottawa Citizen. Don’t sleep on them— many papers have evolved into cross-platform behemoths with loyal audiences.
- Digital Press: Fast-moving, sharp-tongued, and endlessly diverse, digital outlets like Brooklyn Vegan or The Belle Report are the heart of new music discovery and indie buzz.
- Freelancers: These multi-format writers contribute to an array of media outlets and are worth reaching out to – who knows what name might vibe with your latest drop.
Timing Is Key
Timing is crucial—like hitting the right note at just the right moment. Whether you’re promoting a single, EP, or album, here’s the timing breakdown:
- Singles: These are best pitched just before release, as digital media moves fast.
- EPs/Albums: Send them out 6-8 weeks in advance for maximum impact, giving editors time to assign writers and book interviews. For print outlets, you may need up to 3 months—depends on individual print cycles.
- Follow-Ups: A well-timed nudge can turn an ignored inbox into a featured post. But keep it respectful—don’t go bugging folks in their social DMs! Always maintain professionalism.
Serving the PR Package
Make it easy for media. They’re busy, and they need everything packaged just right. Here’s what your PR kit should include:
- A press release that tells your story.
- A bio that sparks curiosity.
- The backstory, whether it’s about the single or full album.
- High-res album art and promo photos.
- A secure link to stream/download your music. (This is where Play MPE comes into play.)
Why promote music with Caster?
Forget about wasting time on packing tape and mailing labels—Caster is your shortcut to promo piece of mind. Through Play MPE, you can easily distribute all your media assets, from bio to music, in one slick, digital package that’s optimized for journalists (and other curators) who are under tight deadlines. And your music and promo materials? Your entire promotional release gets hosted in Player, the leading platform that curators live in, to access and discover the latest music. And yes you can distribute pre-releases securely before your impact date. All releases are encrypted. That is what the MPE stands for: music protected by encryption. If it’s secure enough for major labels, it’ll keep your indie release safe too! Play MPE understands that different types of music curators have unique needs and lead times. With that in mind – every Caster package comes with three promotional email sends that you can use over six months! So you can send your music out as a pre-release and then follow up closer to the impact date and again on release day! Caster gives you the flexibility to use your sends anyway you want – however it is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks between sends.
Targeted Distribution: Make It Count
Spamming everyone with your music? Not a good look. Play MPE’s curated lists ensure you’re hitting the right people across specific genres and music formats. Whether it’s bloggers or music editors, you can target those looking for music like yours.
Pitch Like You Play
Don’t phone it in with your pitch—treat it like a live performance. Your email subject line should hook them instantly, and your PR package needs to stand out and tell an engaging story. Include visually interesting promo photos, a link to a music video, a slew of upcoming tour dates. Show media you mean business and have exciting things in store. This is your moment to sell them on your music. Make it count.
The Play MPE Advantage
Why Play MPE? Because tossing your music into the void is a strategy as outdated as a 1990s mixtape. Albeit mixtapes are still cool, nowadays you’d send a friend a digital playlist, right? With Caster, you take control—your music, your story, and your distribution all wrapped up in one smooth package. Plus, with Player, your release is instantly available to media pros who can access everything they need to turn your release into coverage. Plus! They can even direct message you if they want more information. But of course, always make sure to include a contact in your release information.
Getting media attention isn’t just about exposure—it’s about alignment. The right story in the right outlet can turn a casual listener into a lifelong fan. So curate your pitches, perfect your timing, and let Play MPE handle the distribution to your target markets.
Somewhere out there, a writer is ready to fall in love with your music. And once they do, new fans will follow.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to promote your music to radio. Play MPE’s massive distribution lists help you get music to media and many other key players such as curators in radio, music supervision and much more.