Lesson 18 / 24 · 30–45 min + lead time · preparation time
Submit where the music fits
A relevant submission is more useful than sending the same message everywhere. Read the recipient’s route and listen to what they feature. Treat selection as uncertain. Keep submissions distinct from buying streams or paying for guaranteed playlist placement.
Work through it
- 1Choose up to five suitable shows, publications, local promoters or platform submission routes. Read their rules and note the relevant deadline and requested format.
- 2Prepare a concise introduction: why the music fits, one listening link, the release date and your contact. Use an official form or advertised submission route where provided.
- 3For Spotify, pitch eligible unreleased music through artist access and the current official process. For other services, follow their own rules; do not assume one submission reaches every outlet.
- 4Log what you submitted and when. Follow up only as the recipient’s guidance allows. Decline services offering guaranteed Spotify streams or playlist placement for money.
You are ready to move on when…
You can leave an application or outside reply pending. Record the next step before moving on.
Outlet / why it fits / submission route / requirements / date sent / permitted follow-up / response
Resources for this task
- Spotify: pitch unreleased music Official guide · artist-team access needed to pitch
- Spotify: guaranteed streams and paid playlists Official platform rules · free
Further reading · Passman chapter references
Optional reading · Passman, 11th edition. Chapter 2: reaching listeners and industry contacts.
Optional reading from the 11th edition (2023). No purchase needed. US legal context: use current UK sources for local procedures.
Next: Run the release-day check.
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