How to Get Media Coverage as an Artist- Insider Tips
Discover proven strategies for effectively obtaining media coverage as an artist. Improve your brand’s visibility with expert tips and attract the attention your story deserves.
Introduction
Getting featured in the media isn’t only for big artists with major label backing. Independent musicians can also land valuable press coverage with the right strategy and approach. This article will go through how to get media coverage, connect with the right journalists, and make a lasting impression that earns you valuable visibility and credibility.TLDR – How to Get Media Coverage
Here are the key steps for getting media coverage, which will be explained in depth later on:- Identify appropriate media outlets and contacts
- Create an engaging pitch or story
- Write a professional, tailored press release
- Build relationships with journalists
- Pitch your story at the right time
- Offer visuals and exclusive content
- Follow up professionally, if needed
- Share coverage on your platforms
What is Media Coverage?
Media coverage refers to the exposure or publicity an artist receives from media platforms such as newspapers, TV, radio, as well as digital publications, music blogs, YouTube channels, and social media influencers. Media coverage can come in many forms: interviews, album reviews, event previews, artist profiles, concert reviews, playlist placements, or news mentions.
If you’re looking to get your name in the media, we’ve got you. Check out our services page to see how we boost credibility, help build your reputation, and increase discoverability.
Why Media Coverage Matters For Artists
There are many reasons why media coverage matters for artists, but these are the main objectives:
- Increases visibility and discoverability – Media pieces are often the first encounter fans, agents, and labels will have with your work.
- Builds credibility and trust – Features from a recognizable outlet establish you as a serious and professional artist, increasing the chances of labels signing you.
- Boosts your online visibility (SEO) – The more your name is in the media, the more your name will hit the algorithm and be easily searchable.
- Leads to new collaborations, gigs, and sponsorships – The right media placements can lead to events, live shows, or partnerships.
Provides quotes and references for your DPK, website, and EPK – Builds your digital portfolio and resume.
What Makes a Story Newsworthy?
According to Wake Tech, three factors make your story newsworthy: Relevance, Impact, and Unusual.
Journalists receive dozens, sometimes hundreds, of pitches a week, so your story must clearly stand out as something that will appeal to their audiences. They aren’t interested in simply promoting your work; they’re looking for stories that will connect with their audience. To pitch your story effectively, you have to position it as newsworthy.
Newsworthy elements include:
- Timeliness – Is your release tied to a current event or trend?
- Impact – Does your story connect to a shared emotional or social experience?
- Novelty – Are you doing something unique or unconventional?
- Proximity – Are you a local artist that they can highlight for their community?
- Human Interest – Is there a compelling backstory of struggle, identity, or triumph?
- Prominence – Are you working with a known artist, playing a major venue, or tied to a cultural moment?
Ask yourself: Why would someone who’s never heard of me care about this story?
How to Get Media Coverage as an Artist
Let’s go over some ways to get media attention for your music| Identify appropriate media outlets and contacts | Start by researching journalists, bloggers, and editors who cover genres like yours. Build a list of:
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| Create an engaging pitch or story | A simple announcement is boring. Instead:
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| Write a professional, tailored press release for your release | A strong press release should include:
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| Build relationships with journalists | Treat journalists like people, not targets.
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| Pitch your story at the right time | Timing tips:
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| Offer visuals and exclusive content | Give the journalist a reason to say yes.
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| Follow up professionally, if needed | If you don’t get a response:
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| Share coverage on your platforms | When you land press:
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If this seems overwhelming, a publicist can do this for you. Check out our article on how to find a publicist to ease the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Media Coverage
There are lots of common mistakes to avoid when you’re looking for media coverage. Here are some of them:
Sending the same pitch to everyone (mass emails) – Make sure you personalize your emails and approach them warmly.
Weak story angle or no real “news” – You know what makes your story worthy! The tips mentioned before will help craft the story.
No visuals or links – Not having photos or links makes your pitch bland and lost in the shuffle. Journalists need background info!
Pitching too close to your release date – Journalists need time to plan and write, so it’s only fair to give them ample time to listen and check out the story.
Being pushy or unprofessional – Make sure you don’t cross the line from being persistent to pushy. Overfollowing could lead to annoying the media and not getting future coverage from that outlet.
Ignoring smaller outlets or local opportunities – Local and niche coverage will eventually lead to bigger opportunities in the future as you build your name in the press.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can I Identify the Right Media Outlets?
Start with blogs and outlets that have covered similar emerging artists. Tools like SubmitHub, HypeMachine, IndieMono, and Reddit threads are helpful. Search “[your genre] + music blog” on Google for ideas.
How Do I Write an Effective Press Release?
Keep it clear, concise, and objective. Avoid hype language or heavy opinions that can’t be backed up. Include quotes, streaming links, images, and social handles. Make it easy for a journalist to copy/paste.
Should I Hire a Public Relations (PR) Firm to Get Media Coverage?
It depends. If you have a budget and a major release or tour, a good PR firm can amplify your campaign because they have a team working on it, and have long-term relationships built. Otherwise, you can do effective outreach on your own, just be strategic and organized.
What Are the Best Practices for Following Up With Journalists?
Keep follow-ups short, polite, and a professional summary of your original pitch. Send 1–2 reminders max over 2–3 weeks. If they don’t reply, don’t take it personally, move on and pitch elsewhere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Media Coverage
Media coverage isn’t just about getting your name out there; it’s about telling a story that resonates. By understanding what journalists care about, crafting a newsworthy narrative, and pitching clearly and professionally, you can earn valuable press at any stage in your career.
Focus on building real relationships and showing up consistently. The more you give journalists something worth writing about, the more likely your story will be the one they choose to share. If you’re a musician ready to share your story, hit the Let’s Talk button and connect with us.