As an independent musician, getting your music heard by a wider audience can feel like an uphill battle. With so many musicians vying for attention, it can be difficult to stand out and make an impact. That’s where third-party playlists come in. Playlists have become an increasingly important tool for music discovery, and being featured on one can lead to a significant boost in streams, followers, and exposure.
Third-party playlists are playlists that are curated by individuals, organisations, or platforms other than the artist themselves. These playlists can be found on popular streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
They can range in size from a few hundred followers to millions, and can focus on a variety of genres, moods, or themes. The key to reaching these playlists is finding the right curators and making a compelling pitch.
However, for independent musicians, reaching third-party playlists can be a challenge. Playlist curators receive a large number of pitches from artists, and competition is fierce.
Additionally, many curators are selective about the music they feature, and it can be difficult to know what they are looking for. Despite these challenges, independent musicians who are able to reach these playlists can experience a significant boost in their career.
In this guide, we will explore the power of playlists and how independent musicians can reach new audiences by getting featured on third-party playlists. We will discuss how to find the right playlists, how to make a compelling pitch, and how to build a relationship with playlist curators.
Finally, we will introduce Rise Indie, a platform that can assist independent musicians in reaching playlists and growing their careers. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the tools and information you need to make your music heard.
Finding Third Party Playlists
As an independent musician, it’s essential to understand the importance of playlist placement and how it can help you reach new audiences and grow your fanbase.
With the rise of streaming services such as Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, playlists have become a crucial tool for discovering new music and building a following.
However, the challenge of reaching these playlists can be significant, especially for independent musicians who lack the resources and connections of major label artists.
Utilising Music Distribution Platforms
The first step in finding third-party playlists is to utilise music distribution platforms that can help you get your music in front of playlist curators and fans.
Services such as DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby allow you to distribute your music to major streaming platforms and make it available for playlist curators to discover.
By using a distribution platform, you can ensure that your music is properly formatted and tagged, making it easier for playlist curators to find and consider for their playlists.
Searching for Relevant Playlists through Playlist Directories
Once your music is available on streaming services, you can start searching for relevant playlists to target.
One of the best ways to do this is through playlist directories, which are websites that compile lists of playlists across various streaming services.
Websites like SubmitHub and Groover offer an extensive list of playlists that you can search through and target based on genre, mood, or theme.
This makes it easier to find playlists that fit your style and target audience, increasing your chances of getting added to a playlist.
Utilising Social Media and Online Communities
In addition to playlist directories, you can also utilise social media and online communities to find playlists and connect with playlist curators.
Join Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to independent music and start engaging with other musicians and curators.
This can help you build relationships and increase your visibility within the music community, making it easier to get added to playlists.
You can also use social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with playlist curators and promote your music.
By using hashtags and tagging relevant accounts, you can increase your chances of being discovered and considered for playlists.
Pitching to Playlist Curators
Creating a Professional and Well-Crafted Pitch
As an independent musician, getting your music onto third-party playlists is an essential part of reaching new audiences and building your fanbase.
But, how do you get the attention of playlist curators who receive hundreds of submissions every day?
The key is to create a professional and well-crafted pitch that showcases your music and appeals to the curators’ taste.
First and foremost, make sure your music is ready to be submitted.
Ensure that your recordings are of high quality and well-mastered. Make sure your album artwork and band photo are professional and eye-catching.
Your music should be uploaded to a music distribution platform so that playlist curators can easily access and stream your music.
Once your music is ready, it’s time to craft a compelling pitch.
Your pitch should be short, concise, and professional. Start by introducing yourself and your music.
Provide a brief biography of your band or solo act, and describe your musical style. Mention any notable achievements or milestones in your career.
Next, introduce the specific track or album that you want to be considered for inclusion on the playlist.
Explain why you think it will be a great fit for the playlist, and provide a link to the track so that the curator can easily listen to it.
Finally, end your pitch with a thank you for considering your music and a call to action for the curator to get in touch with you if they’re interested in including your music on their playlist.
Building a Relationship with Playlist Curators
Building a relationship with playlist curators is an important part of getting your music onto their playlists.
A good relationship with a playlist curator can lead to repeated inclusion on their playlist, exposure to new audiences, and opportunities for future collaborations.
One way to build a relationship with playlist curators is to engage with them on social media.
Follow them on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, and like and share their posts.
Engage with their posts by commenting and asking questions.
This will help to establish a relationship and increase your visibility to the curator.
Another way to build a relationship with playlist curators is to reach out to them directly.
If you have a personal connection with a playlist curator, use it to your advantage. If you don’t have a personal connection, consider reaching out to them through email or social media.
In your message, introduce yourself and your music, and explain why you think your music would be a great fit for their playlist.
Offer to send them a copy of your music and ask for their feedback.
Understanding What Playlist Curators are Looking For
Playlist curators receive hundreds of submissions every day, so it’s important to understand what they’re looking for in order to increase your chances of getting your music included on their playlist.
First and foremost, playlist curators are looking for music that fits the genre and style of their playlist.
Make sure your music is a good fit for the playlist before you pitch it.
If you’re unsure, take a look at the other artists on the playlist to get a sense of the style and genre of music the curator is interested in.
Second, playlist curators are looking for music that is of high quality.
Make sure your recordings are well-mastered and sound professional.
Your album artwork and band photo should also be professional and eye-catching.
Finally, playlist curators are looking for music that is unique and stands out from the crowd.
Make sure your music is original and distinctive. Showcase your unique sound and style in your pitch.
How Rise Indie Can Help
For independent musicians who are seeking to reach more third-party playlists, Rise Indie can provide the guidance and support needed to achieve success.
We offer a range of services designed to help independent musicians reach their full potential and succeed in the competitive music industry.
Providing guidance on how to create an effective pitch through coaching
One of the key services provided by Rise Indie is coaching on how to create a compelling and effective pitch to playlist curators.
With our experience working in the music industry, we provide personalised guidance and support to help independent musicians understand what playlist curators are looking for and how to craft a pitch that showcases their music in the best possible light.
Whether it’s working with musicians on their press materials, building relationships with curators, or providing feedback on their pitch, Rise Indie is there to support musicians every step of the way.
Offering services to promote your music to playlists on your behalf
In addition to coaching and support, Rise Indie also offers services designed to help independent musicians reach more playlists.
From promoting music to curators and building relationships with playlist owners, to pitching music directly to playlists and tracking performance, Rise Indie provides a comprehensive solution for independent musicians looking to reach more audiences and increase their exposure.
Whether it’s through personalised coaching, marketing campaigns, or direct outreach to playlists, Rise Indie has the tools and expertise to help musicians achieve their goals and succeed in the music industry.
Summary
The power of playlists cannot be overstated for independent musicians looking to reach new audiences.
The music industry is competitive, and reaching third-party playlists can be a significant challenge. However, by utilising music distribution platforms, searching for relevant playlists through directories, utilising social media and online communities, and creating a well-crafted pitch, independent musicians can increase their chances of being heard by playlist curators.
Persistence and perseverance are key in reaching playlists. It is essential to remember that it may take time, and you may receive rejections before finally being accepted onto a playlist. With each rejection, you can learn and improve your pitch for the next opportunity.
Finally, Rise Indie can play a significant role in supporting independent musicians in their journey to reach playlists. Our experience can guide you in creating an effective pitch, and their services can help promote your music to playlists on your behalf. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced musician, Rise Indie is here to help.
The power of playlists is immense, and with the right tools and resources, independent musicians can reach new audiences and take their careers to the next level.
You can contact us here.