Music blogs still matter for credibility and discovery. Here's how to write a press pitch that doesn't get deleted, find the right outlets, and build media relationships.
TL;DR
Music blogs want good music with a good story. Research outlets that cover your genre, write concise personalised pitches, include streaming links and high-res images, and pitch 2-3 weeks before release. Never mass-email, never attach MP3s, and never say 'check out my new track' with zero context.
Why Blog Coverage Still Matters in 2025
In an era of algorithmic playlists and social media virality, you might wonder whether music blogs still matter. They absolutely do — but for different reasons than a decade ago. Blog coverage provides credibility that algorithms can't. A positive review from a respected publication signals to industry professionals, playlist curators, and potential collaborators that your music has been validated by human ears with editorial standards.
Blog features also provide permanent, searchable content. When an A&R rep, sync supervisor, or potential manager Googles your name, blog coverage appears in the results, providing social proof and media narrative. A string of blog features tells an industry story of momentum and critical recognition.
Additionally, many blogs have associated playlists and social media accounts with engaged followings. A feature on a well-curated blog often comes with playlist placement, social media promotion, and newsletter inclusion — multiple discovery touchpoints from a single placement.
Researching the Right Outlets
Not all blogs are created equal, and pitching the wrong outlet wastes everyone's time. A death metal blog isn't going to feature your acoustic folk EP, and sending it there just marks you as someone who doesn't do their research.
Start by identifying blogs that cover artists similar to you. Check the online coverage of artists in your genre at a similar career stage. Which blogs reviewed their last release? Which ones premiered their videos? Build a spreadsheet of 20-30 relevant outlets with the specific editor or writer who covers your genre.
Submithub is useful for identifying blogs that accept submissions in your genre, and it provides response rates and typical coverage style for each outlet. It costs credits for guaranteed responses, but the directory itself is valuable for research regardless of whether you use the submission system.
Don't ignore regional press. Your local music blog, newspaper arts section, and regional BBC Introducing all provide valuable coverage that's often easier to secure than national outlets. Building a foundation of local press coverage creates the story of 'local artist generating buzz' that national outlets find compelling.
Writing a Press Pitch That Gets Opened
Your subject line is everything. Blog editors receive dozens of pitches daily and delete most without opening them. A good subject line includes your artist name, track/release title, and a hook: 'New Single from Manchester's [Artist] — Premiere Opportunity' or '[Artist] — "Track Title" (FFO: Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Squid).' The FFO (For Fans Of) reference immediately tells the editor whether your music fits their coverage.
The pitch email itself should be 3-4 short paragraphs maximum. Paragraph one: who you are and what you're pitching. Paragraph two: the story behind the release (why it exists, what it's about, anything interesting about how it was made). Paragraph three: key details (release date, label/distribution, any notable credits or previous coverage). Include streaming links (private SoundCloud or DistroKid pre-release link), high-res press photos (link to a Google Drive or Dropbox folder), and any existing coverage.
Never attach MP3 files to pitch emails — they'll be blocked by spam filters. Never write essays — editors don't have time. Never be generic — a pitch that could be sent to anyone will be read by no one. Personalise each email to the specific outlet and editor.
Building Real Relationships With Music Media
The best media coverage comes from relationships, not cold pitches. Follow music journalists and editors on social media. Engage genuinely with their content — comment on articles, share their features, interact as a human being rather than someone who only appears when they want something.
Offer exclusive content to outlets you want to build relationships with. A premiere (letting a blog be the first to share your new track) gives them valuable content and traffic, and gives you a guaranteed feature with a specific publication date. Most blogs actively want premiere content — it's mutually beneficial.
Be easy to work with. Respond promptly, provide everything they ask for (assets, quotes, information), and be grateful for coverage regardless of whether it's a 5-star review. Journalists remember artists who are professional and pleasant, and they'll cover your next release more readily.
And be patient. Building media relationships takes time. Your first few pitches might get zero responses. Keep making great music, keep pitching thoughtfully, and the coverage will come. Every artist with extensive press coverage started by getting one blog to say yes.
DIY PR vs Hiring a Publicist
You can absolutely do your own PR as an emerging artist. The strategies in this guide are exactly what a publicist would do on your behalf — research outlets, write pitches, build relationships, follow up. The advantage of DIY is cost (free) and authenticity (your pitch is from the artist, which some editors prefer).
Consider hiring a publicist when you have a significant release (debut album, major collaboration), when you have budget from a label or funding body, or when your career has reached a level where professional PR consistently delivers results that DIY can't. A good music publicist costs £500-2,000 per campaign and should provide transparent reporting on coverage secured.
Be cautious of publicists who guarantee specific results or charge excessive fees for emerging artists. No publicist can guarantee coverage — they can pitch, follow up, and leverage relationships, but editorial decisions are the editor's. A good publicist will be honest about what's realistic for your current profile.
At Noise, we believe every artist deserves to be heard, regardless of whether they can afford PR. The strategies here work — we've seen bedroom artists secure coverage in respected publications through thoughtful, personalised outreach. The investment is time, not money.