As an artist, I can see how it gets hard to reach out to people everyday. With social media being so heavy, there’s so many ways to access people. But what’s the correct way? We have Bloggers, Writers, DJs, Radio Hosts, and others that present themselves on these platforms but do they really want to be contacted? As an artist, you want to get your music to everybody possible but it’s a daunting task to reach out to so many people so often. The rejection rate is high I’m sure. We see it everyday. That one artist who spams their music links to everybody on the timeline. The people who go on rants about how they hate when people enter their DMs without a proper introduction. There’s people who even have their emails in their bios but don’t respond when you do reach out to them.
So what is the right way to introduce yourself and have someone check out your music?
There is no “right way.” There’s not a formula or a method to get people to check out your music. Everybody’s different and while one person may be fine with Soundcloud links being sent their way that doesn’t work for everybody. You can always ask what’s the best way to send you music, and someone might even tell you. But that doesn’t always mean they will listen. As an artist, you just have to come correct. That’s the best thing you can do. Remain professional and genuine. It never hurts to reach out to someone. If they choose to answer that is on them, and if they don’t then that’s just something you have to roll with. The thing is people pay attention wether you think they do or don’t. We all get notifications for mentions, DMs, emails, and whatever else may be used. Artists shouldn’t stress over the message being delivered or the link being clicked because that’s out of your control. There’s not a special phrase or keyword that’s going to get people to listen to something you send them. The only thing you can do is get it out there.
The message has been delivered. Be consistent not annoying.
If you send a DM or email saying, “Hey, my name is ___ and this is what I do. Here’s a link to my music if you have a chance I would appreciate you checking it out.” they’re going to see it. You don’t always have to ask “Did you get what I sent?” or “Have you seen my message?” Know when to follow up and when to keep it pushing. If someone tells you they’ll check it out, and you never hear from them then a follow up comes as nice reminder. If you’re not getting a reply, you’re better off trying again with the next release then to keep following up for one song. Focus on being consistent with your material and your approach. Don’t get lazy and send a formal message one time and from every release after that just send over the link. Show that you care not only about your craft but also how you carry yourself. Sometimes people just want to see that you can be consistent and you’re not just another artist looking for a handout. Sometimes people have listened to your music and just haven’t let you know. The people in the industry are always listening that is their job. Your job as an artist is to keep producing quality music in order to get heard.
The work speaks for itself. People will find you.
People don’t need to hear all the hype. We don’t need to hear that your music has been on however many websites, has this many plays, has been shared by whoever, or anything else. We know the business. We know that all these stats can either be fabricated, paid for, and not genuine. You don’t have to make yourself seem more appealing to cop a listen. Let the music speak for itself. If you believe in your music, then let the music take care of all the hard work. When you’re music is solid and people start to tune in all the people in the industry that you want to hear it will catch on. Bloggers, Writers, DJs, Radio Hosts, all have obligations to stay on top of what’s hot and coming next. They’re going to find you if you’re doing what you need to do. Don’t stress over them hearing the music when you want them to. They’ll hear it when it’s time.
Stop complaining and get to work. Don’t lose focus on the goal.
If the person that you want to listen to your music isn’t responding don’t complain about it. Don’t get on social media after you’ve reached out to people and complain that nobody is hitting you back. That’s all seen. You can’t reach out to people and then after a few days of no response hop on the timeline slandering the industry and the people in it. That’s not going to get you anywhere. Nobody is obligated to respond to your messages and that’s nobody’s job. You’re better off using that as motivation to get better and making yourself undeniable. The people you’re so upset about not listening to your music can’t even change your career like that. A single listen isn’t going to be enough to get you that label deal or national tour. Stay focused on building your fanbase and the rest will come into place. You’re not making music for that one person you sent a DM or email to. You’re making music for everybody to hear and that should be your focus.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing you can do to make someone listen to your music. If someone wants to listen then they will. The only thing you can do is let your music remain quality and stay consistent. Some people are more open to checking out track than others. Don’t give up or get discouraged by not receiving responses. That’s just a part of the process. If you believe in your music and you’re gaining fans then everything else will follow.
