The Ultimate Guide for Indie Artists

Getting your music on playlists is a game-changer for independent artists. It’s a powerful way to reach new listeners, expand your fanbase, and boost your streaming numbers. But with millions of songs vying for playlist placements, it’s not as simple as just submitting your track. It takes strategy, persistence, and a deep understanding of how the playlist ecosystem works. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by Best Coast Records, will equip you with five proven strategies to get your music on playlists and take your career to the next level.

1. Understand the Playlist Landscape: Know Your Target

Before you even think about pitching, you need to do your homework. The playlist world is diverse, ranging from massive algorithmic playlists with millions of followers to niche genre playlists curated by passionate fans. Understanding this landscape is crucial.

• Types of Playlists: Familiarize yourself with the different types of playlists:
  
  • Algorithmic Playlists: Created by streaming platforms based on listening habits. These are often the hardest to crack but offer the largest reach.
  • Editorial Playlists: Curated by the streaming platforms’ own music experts. These are highly influential and can significantly boost your visibility.
  • Independent/User-Generated Playlists: Created by individuals, blogs, or other organizations. These can be more accessible and often target specific genres or moods.
• Identify Your Niche: What genre does your music fit into? Who is your target audience? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to find relevant playlists.
• Research Target Playlists: Don’t just target the biggest playlists. Look for smaller, niche playlists that align with your music’s style and target audience. These can be a great starting point. Use tools like Chartmetric or Playlist Miner to analyze playlist data.
• Analyze Playlist Content: Listen to the playlists you’re targeting. What kind of music do they feature? What’s the overall vibe? This will help you tailor your pitch.

2. Craft a Compelling Pitch: Make Your Music Irresistible

Your pitch is your first impression. It needs to be concise, persuasive, and highlight what makes your music unique.

• Personalize Your Pitch: Don’t send a generic email blast. Address the playlist curator by name (if possible) and show that you’ve done your research on their playlist.
• Keep it Short and Sweet: Curators are busy. Get to the point quickly. Highlight the key elements of your song (genre, mood, influences).
• Focus on the Music: The most important thing is the quality of your music. Make sure your track is professionally mixed and mastered.
• Highlight Your Story: What’s the story behind your song? What inspired you to write it? A compelling story can make your pitch stand out.
• Include Relevant Links: Provide links to your song (preferably a private stream or unreleased version), your artist profile, and your social media.
• Follow Submission Guidelines: Many playlist curators have specific submission guidelines. Follow them carefully.

3. Build Relationships: Network and Engage

Networking is essential in the music industry. Building genuine relationships with playlist curators can significantly increase your chances of getting placed.

• Engage on Social Media: Follow playlist curators on social media. Interact with their posts and show genuine interest in their work.
• Attend Industry Events: Networking events are a great way to meet playlist curators and other industry professionals.
• Connect with Other Artists: Collaborate with other artists and share each other’s music with your respective networks.
• Build Your Own Playlist: Creating your own playlist can be a great way to connect with other artists and curators.