Either you submit your music to online blogs, printed magazines, playlists, radios or podcasts, you need to send a "pitch"...
But for the last time, what is a "pitch"?
Think about the best way to sell a new product, but instead you're promoting your music..!
It's basically the email you're sending to the blogs, magazines, playlists, radios, podcasts, etc
In this email, and in a few phrases, you'll present the best way possible your new release, with catchy words and the best highlights (for example that your new song was produced by a Grammy award winner super famous guy).
The content of this email (or pitch) is combined with a shorter version of your press release.
It has to make people want to listen to your music, or intrigued, or curious, or like you even before they heard your music. (it's the most difficult part!)
This email should look professional, straight to the point, not too long, not too short either with enough elements related to you and your release.
It has to include :
- a download link (dropbox for example) to all the documents you're sending (biography, mp3, pictures, artworks, etc.). NEVER attach those thing to your email. ALWAYS send a link to them. When you’re promoting a new song or album you need to make the audio available in advance of the release date
- all your socials/websites links to your band and music.
- the release date of your new song
- a private link to stream the new song to be released.
Here's a basic template :
Hi (insert name),
Hope you’re well? I am (insert name) from (insert band name). I was hoping to get your thoughts on our upcoming single (insert song title) for a play on your radio show (insert radio show title).
You can stream (insert song title) here: INSERT PRIVATE SOUNDCLOUD LINK
Or download it here: INSERT DOWNLOAD LINK”
From here you insert important facts from the press release e.g. who you’ve supported, who you’re influenced by, information on the song and any previous press.
Finish the email with what you’re asking for from them.
“I’d love to hear your thoughts on this for a play and if of interest, we’re available for interviews.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thank you
(insert name)
+ copy-paste the text of your press release
The most important part is the ‘important facts’ as this is what will make you stand out from the hundreds of other sending similar emails. Examples of ‘important facts’ that will make you stand out can be big names you’ve supported, any large press/blogs that have covered you in the past, producer for the single, etc.
Once you’ve sent the email, wait a week to see if they get back to you. These people are very busy so may need at least one follow up, even 2/3 but don’t bombard them and be polite in your following up.
Extra tip
The press release can be re-sent on the day of release with an updated link to the audio on streaming services.
At that moment, the press release should be the only content of your email, and some blogs will copy-paste it to their "news" or "press release" section the day of the release (so make sure you're happy with your press release to be published "as is"!).
Don't forget : the press release should contain the name of the artist, release date, the news you'd like them to share and a link to the song.
For more help on how to write your press release, read this article :)
Or you can just contact me, i'll happily help you with your promo!
