Remember when we talked about the best ways to promote your music online and get your music on playlists? Sharing your music with small indie and large blogs are a great way to start getting an organic following, and if they really like it you may even be asked to do an interview!
Not everyone gets their start cold calling/emailing a blog though and there are certain important conventions to follow so your beat doesn’t get lost in the wind. To start you off, our past blog about getting your music on playlists talks about some of the most important things to remember when reaching out, and if you’re looking for some blogs interested in indie music then you’ve come to the right place!
These blogs have all been chosen because of their generality and internationalism however, sending your music to a genre-specific or local blog will always be more effective when you’re just starting out. It is always important to ensure your song has the right fit, otherwise there is no way you will be featured.
A&R Factory
A&R Factory is one of the biggest music blogs designed to bring independent and unsigned artists to the ears of labels and industry veterans. Their easy online submission form promises to be viewed by those who use this site as a resource for new music. Since its inception in 2012 it has grown immensely and now accepts music of all genres anywhere in the world. If you get on here then you know you got something good.
Indiepulse Music Magazine
Indiepulse Music Magazine is an independent music publication devoted to (you guessed it) indie music artists. They are always looking for new music and artists to feature in their stories and interviews, therefore this site can be even more than a ticket onto a playlist.
Xune Mag
This magazine is another publication featuring mostly independent and emerging artists worldwide. Their submission form is only gated by a little social media love therefore it should be accessible to pretty much anyone! Again, interviewing, reviewing and being placed on playlists are all on the table and Xune doesn’t discriminate by any genre.
Indie Shuffle
This blog is an assembly of international writers united in one belief, that humans are better than robots at picking music. Their commitment is compelling, and dedication even more so. There are no bad reviews on the site, therefore if you are featured again, good things will come. Once again don’t worry about genre or vibe, all it takes is high quality music. Furthermore, submitting is extremely easy from their website and, if the writer in you takes an interest, you can even get involved that way!
The Alternative Feed
The Alternative Feed says they started to just be about good music, and they have done just that. Friends Lindsey Lanham and Garnette Ransom have made a unique music blog that is accessible and entertaining in the best way. Submitting your music online will nominate you for a review and/or feature on one of the most no nonsense music sites around, what could be better?
The Line of Best Fit
This music newspaper/magazine features mostly established artists but maintains a strong discovery playlist on spotify that has almost 4000 followers! This website requires a very strong pitch to be featured as a completely indie artist and does not have a dedicated music submission button therefore you’ll have to put your best foot forward with some great emailing skills.
Cut the Pause
Cut the Pause is a smaller specifically underground music blog with a playlist of only 21 songs followed by over 1200 people. Again, submit any genre from anywhere in the world for a chance to be featured on their site or on their playlist.
BIRP.FM
This blog was started all the way back in 2009 as an indie/rock playlist but has now grown to many genres and styles. Based in Paris Texas, they are also always looking for remote writers and new music to feature on one of their many monthly playlists. BIRP is just as much a community as it is a blog, and it never hurts to get involved if you want to get your tracks reviewed.
Emerging Indie Bands
Emerging Indie Bands has a uniquely international focus, unlike other blogs which plit songs by genre, this one does by region. For this reason, this is a great resource to find new bands that are not only really cool but close by! Getting in contact with the writers here is not quite as straightforward as other blogs however, there is no dedicated submission form therefore appealing to them through social media DMs might be the best shot.
Hearya
Hearya, based in Chicago is another music blog/publication with an interesting twist. They feature regular live streamed music sessions featuring some of the artists they love! Again, this blog does not have a submission form but most get in touch through comments on their website or through social media.
Indie Music Filter
Finally, Indie Music Filter based in Toronto gives yet another incredible look into the best indie music around with articles, playlists and a podcast. On this blog, guest writers are regularly featured for even more unique perspectives and their article categories are even more unique with examples like East vs West and Mellow Mondays. Getting your music to the ears over at Indie Music Filter is as clear as it can be with a page dedicated to how best to send them music.
Conclusion
There are countless music blogs out there on the internet from a fans local scene breakdown to a massive newspaper with countless writers and a multi-thousand plus playlist. Depending on your career stage, each one can be beneficial and getting your music on one blog will undoubtedly help get it on another. Although these blogs may be the biggest and most general indie blogs out there, they might not be the right fit for your music. Finding one that best fits you is always more effective than email blasting everyone you can find so make sure to do some research into each site before putting yourself out there.
Also, getting rejected or not getting a response is always going to be part of the process, every has to start somewhere, and it is much better to leave the conversation peacefully than to vent your frustration and close those doors, they may not be featuring you right now but maybe your next release will be more their speed.
If you are interested in the music promotional journey and other music related content, be sure to keep up with our blogs on our website here. Also feel free to reach out to us about your music.
We offer audio production, mixing and mastering services that can take your song to the next level, just fill out this quick contact form. Have a great day!
- By Erik Steiner
