How to get your music reviewed

By Emily HowarthNovember 21, 202419 mins read

Getting your music reviewed can significantly boost your credibility and exposure. Here’s some tips on how to improve your chances of securing a review.

Choose the right release

Pick a specific song or project you want reviewed. Make sure it either is a good representation or a recent/new release or both! Always make sure you put your best foot forward.

Decide whether you’re seeking feedback on a single track, an EP, or a full album. If you’re looking for a quick shout out or spotlight, requesting a song review can be the way to go—especially if you have a standout single. For a more in-depth critique, or if your project is a cohesive body of work, request an album review. Timing matters too: reach out close to your release date to maximize relevance and impact.

Build a focused Electronic Press Kit (EPK) around it.

Include high-quality audio files or streaming links.
Always use standard formats like MP3 or WAV to ensure your music is easily accessible—nothing slows down a reviewer more than having to convert files or hunt for the right player. Avoid obscure file types or zipped folders that require extra steps. Make it simple for them to hit play and dive in.
Add a compelling artist bio.
Provide high-resolution images.
Mention key details about the release (themes, influences, collaborations).

A polished EPK tailored to your release makes a strong first impression.

Craft an engaging introduction

When reaching out to any publication, your opening message matters. Publications receive countless submissions so it’s important to showcase what makes you different or exciting.

Start with a strong opening statement that stands out.
Highlight what’s unique about your release (e.g., an interesting backstory).
Personalize your message for each publication.

Generic emails are easy to ignore—invest time in making your pitch memorable.

Send your music confidently

You might wonder if you should reach out first to ask whether it’s okay to send your album for review. In most cases, there’s no need—publications expect to receive music submissions and typically have guidelines for how to do so.

Instead of waiting for a green light, go ahead and send your release along with all the necessary details. This keeps things efficient and demonstrates confidence in your work.

Just remember to be respectful: don’t bombard inboxes, always use a professional tone, and make sure you’re following any submission instructions listed on the publication’s website.

Target indie and smaller publications

Big outlets often receive overwhelming numbers of submissions. Indie and smaller publications typically have fewer gatekeepers and more time to give your release proper attention.

Smaller outlets often enjoy discovering new talent. Show why your music is fresh and exciting—they might even support you long-term.

Research and find the right channel

Before you hit send, spend some time researching where your music fits best. Look for blogs, magazines, radio stations, and reviewers that actually cover your genre and support emerging artists. Check their previous reviews, submission guidelines, and preferred formats—some may want a streaming link, others a downloadable file.

A little homework goes a long way: targeting your outreach ensures your pitch lands in the right inbox, instead of getting lost in the shuffle. Create a shortlist and personalize your approach for each one. This attention to detail can dramatically increase your chances of getting noticed.

Watch out for commercially motivated reviews

Not every review offer is created equal. While most writers and editors genuinely want to support independent artists, sometimes the real drive behind a review can be more about their own profits than your music.

How can you spot when commercial interests are at play?

Pay-to-play requests: If someone asks you to pay a fee in exchange for coverage, it’s a clear red flag. Authentic outlets like Pitchfork, NME, or Stereogum don’t charge artists to write reviews.
Overly generic responses: Watch out for emails or messages that feel copy-pasted and don’t reference specific details about your music.
Upselling services: If you’re suddenly encouraged to purchase “promotion packages” or other paid services in addition to a review, exercise caution.
Lack of editorial substance: Genuine reviewers will show real interest, often asking you thoughtful questions or referencing your work. If the process feels impersonal or transactional, it’s wise to take a step back.

Stay alert—your goal is to connect with people who are passionate about music, not those focused on their bottom line.

Be professional and clear

Keep your email concise and professional. Make sure to include all relevant information about your release. Always provide direct, clickable links to your music.

Pro Tip: Use a smart link (e.g., via PUSH) that allows reviewers to choose their preferred streaming platform. This shows professionalism and ensures accessibility.

Consider sending physical copies

If you have physical copies (like CDs or vinyl), consider sending some to publications or local radio stations – local outlets especially appreciate supporting artists from their area.

However, don’t send physical copies without asking first. Many magazines and blogs prefer digital submissions, and unsolicited packages can end up unused, costing you time and money. Always check submission guidelines or reach out to the publication to see if they’re interested in receiving a physical copy. Respecting their process shows professionalism and helps you avoid unnecessary expenses.

If a publication does request a physical copy, make sure it’s well-packaged and includes any relevant materials, like a one-sheet or press note, so you make the best possible impression.

Run a giveaway or raffle

Hosting a giveaway—like a “share and win” raffle—can do wonders for your album launch. This win-win tactic creates excitement and helps your release reach a wider audience with minimal extra effort.

Here’s why a giveaway is worth considering:

Boosts visibility: When fans share your review or album post (especially using a unique hashtag for tracking), your music gets in front of new audiences who might not have found you otherwise.
Encourages fan engagement: Asking people to like, share, or comment on your content encourages more interaction. This extra buzz can even get you noticed by the algorithms on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Drives organic traffic: All that extra activity—clicks, shares, comments—can bump up the ranking of your review or post in search results, sending more organic traffic your way.
Low cost, big impact: Running a giveaway doesn’t require a massive budget—just a few CDs, vinyl, merch, or digital downloads can get fans excited.
Direct fan connection: Connecting with winners (and seeing them post their prize) helps strengthen the bond with your audience and can inspire others to get involved.

A well-run raffle can transform casual listeners into devoted fans and get the word out about your latest release.

Amplify your reviews

Ensure that you share any reviews you receive on your social media, website, and EPK. Promoting reviews gives additional exposure to the publication and encourages them to consider future submissions from you.

But don’t stop there! Make the most of every positive review by:

Thanking the reviewer: Send a short, genuine thank-you email to the author or publication. A little gratitude goes a long way and builds lasting professional relationships.
Sharing everywhere: Post the review on all your social channels—Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, wherever your audience is hanging out. Tag the publication and reviewer if possible.
Boosting your web presence: Add a backlink to the review on your website, and if you have a Wikipedia article or artist profile elsewhere, mention it there too. This not only drives traffic to the review but also strengthens your own online reputation.
Leaving positive feedback: If the publication has a presence on Google, Facebook, or similar platforms, leave them a glowing 5-star review. It’s a small gesture that’s always appreciated.

These actions help nurture a positive relationship with reviewers and publications, making them more likely to support your future releases—whether it’s a new single, music video, or even an interview down the line.

Have more tips or strategies?

If you’ve discovered other creative ways to get your album reviewed, don’t keep them to yourself! Share your experiences and suggestions—they could help fellow artists in the same boat. Just drop a comment or reach out, and we might update this guide to include your ideas. Every bit of insight helps build a stronger music community for everyone.

Increase fan engagement with a giveaway

Want to keep the buzz going after your album drops? Running a simple giveaway tied to your reviews can ramp up excitement and interaction with your audience.

Try partnering with a blog or magazine where your music was reviewed and offer a few copies of your album—CDs or vinyl work great. Launch a “share and win” campaign: ask fans to share the review on their social media using a specific hashtag (something unique to your release or campaign).

Here’s why this works:

Broadens the reach of your review and music—fans help spread the word for you.
Sparks conversations and encourages fans to get involved, boosting engagement.
Drives more clicks and site visits to your review, which can help your ranking on Google.
Strengthens your direct connection to fans, especially if you offer signed copies as prizes.
Minimal cost for strong returns—plus, winners often share their excitement (and your album) with their friends and followers.

Giveaways aren’t just about prizes; they make fans feel like a part of your journey.

Give back and build goodwill

Once your music gets a great review, don’t just celebrate quietly—use this momentum to foster community and open more doors.

Express gratitude: Send a brief thank you note to the reviewer or publication. A simple, genuine thank you goes a long way and helps nurture relationships for future features.
Share the spotlight: Post the review on your social media channels, website, and EPK. Tag the publication and the reviewer where possible—this not only boosts your profile, but also supports their work by driving new readers their way.
Strengthen your digital presence: Add links to your reviews on your website, press kit, or even your Spotify artist profile. This improves your credibility and makes it easier for others to find and share coverage of your music.
Show support in return: If you appreciated the reviewer’s effort, leave a positive rating for their publication on platforms like Google or Facebook. This gesture helps them, while showing you value their contribution to the music scene.

Taking these steps benefits everyone: you, the reviewer, and your fellow artists. It also increases the likelihood of receiving more coverage in the future, whether that’s additional reviews, interviews, or features.

What is a “share and win” campaign?

A “share and win” campaign is an easy, low-cost way to get fans buzzing about your release while spreading the word to new audiences. The concept is simple: encourage your fans to share your music review or album announcement on their social media—often using a unique hashtag or tagging your account—and enter them into a giveaway. Prizes can be signed CDs, vinyl, download codes, or even exclusive merch.

Here’s how running a “share and win” campaign can benefit your album:

Boosts visibility: The more people share your review, the more eyes you’ll get on both your release and the publication that covered you.
Drives engagement: Fans are more likely to interact with your posts, increasing engagement rates and helping your music stay visible in newsfeeds. Each share multiplies your reach.
Direct connection to fans: Sending prizes directly to winners gives you a chance to build personal relationships. Fans who win often post about their prize, generating a ripple of positive word-of-mouth online.
Minimal investment for big impact: It takes little time and money to set up, but the organic traffic and attention can be significant.

Consider collaborating with the publication for extra impact—some outlets love to co-host giveaways, which exposes you to even wider audiences.