Behind The Mic: How To Get Your Album Reviewed

posted in: Features

You just dropped a new album and are ready to update your EPK and send out press kits to promoters, booking agents, labels and more. But what would a press kit be without some press?

Great quotes from reliable and reputable sources have the potential to get your music serious consideration from those who have never heard of you. People who receive press kits get hundreds of them, but if yours includes a stellar album review, it may put you in the front of the pack.

Start off by doing some research on publications that include album reviews. We all want our music reviewed by Pitchfork or NME, but smaller artists will probably not get attention from the large publications.

The best place to start is right here on the Internet, where there are literally thousands of bloggers waiting to be sent albums to review. You should also look locally and consider which newspapers, Web sites and  magazines might be interested in your material. Take a look at the types of albums they’ve reviewed lately. You don’t want to send a heavy metal album to a publication that typically reviews jazz and soft rock. Try to see where some similar local bands have gotten reviews lately and see if the reviewers liked or disliked their material. Remember, asking for a review will not always result in a 5-star rating. Don’t get discouraged if you receive an unsatisfactory review. Everyone has different tastes.

Each Web site, magazine and blog has different requirements for album submissions. Some may require you to mail a physical copy of the record, while others may simply ask for a link to some MP3s. Some reviewers may also ask for some brief information about your band, recent accomplishments, photos and/or a track listing. No matter what, it’s essential to make sure you read each publication’s submission requirements before sending in your music. If reviewers receive your media in a different format than they have requested, or you’ve left something out, they might not listen at all.

When you send an email or a written letter requesting a review, try to include a personal touch. Address the reviewer by name if you know it, and let them know that you enjoy their Website/magazine and would be honored to have your music reviewed in it. Many reviewers will not respond to album review requests that look like spam e-mails or are clearly copied and pasted to multiple recipients. Always make sure to include your contact information at the bottom of your letter so the reviewer can get in touch with you if necessary.

Keep in mind that many publications write up reviews a month or two in advance, so you might not see your review published for 6-8 weeks. Also remember that not every reviewer will contact you when the review is published, so you may have to check yourself.

When you see your album review, always be sure to send a follow-up letter and thank the reviewer. You can then promote your review through social media and include a quote in your EPK here on OurStage!

What are some sites you’ve gotten album reviews on? Let us know in the comments below!