The Press Release Checklist: What Music Outlets Actually Look For

Learn what music blogs and outlets actually look for in a submission. Follow this essential press release checklist to get your music covered.

The Press Release Checklist: What Outlets Actually Look For

Let’s be honest: music blogs and editorial desks get buried in emails every single day. If your pitch is messy, missing vital links, or forces a writer to hunt down basic info, it’s going straight to the trash.

If you want your music covered, your job is to make the writer’s life as easy as possible. When you remove the friction, you make it infinitely easier for an editor to say yes and hit publish.

Whether you’re handling your own rollout or pitching on behalf of an artist, here is the real-world checklist of what music outlets actually look for before covering a release.

1. Clear Release Dates

Nothing stalls a pitch faster than confusion over when a track is actually dropping. Editors need to know right away whether they’re looking at a brand-new premiere, a Friday release, or something that’s already been out for a month.

  • What to do: Put the exact release date right at the top. Ditch vague terms like “out soon” and give a clear calendar date so the writer can frame their review properly.

2. Smart-Links That Work Instantly

Music journalists aren’t going to dig around for your music, and they definitely don’t want massive WAV files clogging up their downloads folder just to take a quick listen.

  • What to do: Drop a clean streaming smart-link near the top of your email or release. Make sure your Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube links are active and ready to go. If the track is still unreleased, a private, password-protected SoundCloud link is usually your best bet.

3. Clean, High-Res Press Photos

Good music needs good imagery. A blog post or feature isn’t complete without professional photos to match the vibe of the track.

  • What to do: Include a single, organized cloud folder link (Google Drive or Dropbox) with your press photos, cover art, and a photo credit text file. Keep heavy image files out of the email body itself—nobody wants their inbox clogged or spam filters triggered.

4. Real Contact Info

It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed by how many great tracks come with no clear way to get back in touch.

  • What to do: Wrap up with direct contact details. Include your working email, website, and active socials so the team can easily reach out for quotes, interviews, or quick follow-ups.

Ready to Pitch?

Putting together a solid press release is only half the battle. Once your submission meets media standards, then pitch your single directly to our team via our [Submission Portal].

CTA Box:

Looking for Dedicated Coverage? Don’t leave your rollout to chance. Find the right editorial write-up option for your latest release and secure your slot via our [Artist Services Page].

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