How to Email Music Blogs, Curators and Journalists So They Reply

Music writers and curators receive far more submissions than they can hear. The emails that get answered are not the most impressive ones; they are the ones that are clearly meant for that person and quick to act on.

Build a small, relevant list

• Find writers and curators who covered artists similar to you in the last three months. Search those artists' names with "review", "premiere" or "playlist".
• Note the person's name, the outlet, the article or playlist that made you think of them, and their preferred contact method.
• Thirty well-chosen contacts beat three hundred random ones.
• Respect submission rules. If an outlet uses a form, use the form.

Write the email

Subject line: short and specific. "Premiere request: Mia Jensen – Harbour Lights (lo-fi, Bergen)" or "New single for your Late Night Lo-Fi playlist".

Body:

• One line showing you know their work: the article or playlist you liked and why.
• One or two lines about the song: genre, mood, one interesting detail.
• One line of context: release date, previous support, a show.
• One link to listen. Add the press release and photos as links, not attachments.
• A clear question: "Would you consider it for a premiere on the 14th?" or "Would it fit the playlist?"

Example

"Hi Alex, your piece on quiet piano records last month introduced me to two of my favourite releases this year. I'm Mia, a songwriter from Bergen, and my single 'Harbour Lights' (out 21 November) sits in a similar place: piano, field recordings and a slow build. Private link: [link]. Press release and photos: [link]. Would you consider it for a premiere in release week? Thanks, Mia"

When to send and follow up

• Premieres and reviews: three to four weeks before release.
• Playlists: one to two weeks before release, or on release day for playlists that only add released songs.
• Follow up once, after about a week, by replying to your first email with one new line. Then stop.

Track everything

Use a simple spreadsheet with columns for name, outlet, date sent, follow-up date and result. Over a few releases it becomes your most valuable promotion tool: people who covered you once are likely to listen again.

What not to do

• Do not send group emails with everyone in the "to" field.
• Do not attach WAV files or large press kits.
• Do not pay for "guaranteed" reviews or placements.
• Do not argue with a no. A polite thank you keeps the door open for the next release.

Ready the materials first: a press release, an electronic press kit and a scheduled release on SpaceMedia.