Learn how to land a music newsletter feature and get your indie music noticed. These expert tips, pitch strategies, and relationship-building hacks make it easier to get featured in newsletters and zines that matter.
You’re an indie artist. Maybe you’re prepping to drop your first EP, or booking shows from your couch with a cracked screen and a dream. Either way—you’re ready for people to actually hear your music. Good news: you don’t need a label, fancy press team, or sold-out tour. What you do need? A personal, scrappy strategy.
Music zines and newsletters are slept on. Seriously. They’re not chasing TikTok stars or whatever’s hot on Spotify this weekthey’re looking for fresh, real voices. That’s where you come in.
📚 Understanding the Zine & Music Newsletter Feature Vibe
So, what are we even talking about?
Music newsletters = curated, email-based roundups packed with recommendations, interviews, and music news ,all delivered straight to your fans’ inboxes.
Zines (short for magazines) = independent, often scrappy little publications ,print or digital ,that highlight underground scenes, weird genres, and rising voices.
Check out platforms like Pitchfork’s LEVELS or the UK-based So Young Magazine that regularly spotlight raw, independent talent.
The best part? These platforms live to find unknown talent. Whether you’re making lo-fi pop in your bedroom or thrashing through post-punk in your garage, there’s a zine or newsletter out there that wants your sound.
🎧 Zines & Newsletters to Explore
🎯 Why This Actually Matters
Getting featured isn’t just about looking cool (though, yeah ,you will). It means:
- Exposure to people who care ,not passive scrollers, but engaged listeners.
- Street cred ,editors, bookers, and even labels notice.
- Growth ,one feature can lead to blog pickups, playlist adds, and new shows.
Plenty of now-big artists got their first real buzz from one little zine mention.
🔍 How to Find the Right Outlets for Your Music Newsletter Feature
Not all outlets fit your vibe ,and that’s okay. Start by:
- Digging through Bandcamp Daily, Substack, or Instagram hashtags.
- Browsing directories like SubmitHub, Groover, or The Indie Bible.
- Stalking where similar artists have been featured.
Dig through directories and indie blogs like Gold Flake Paint, The Grey Estates, or the Music For Days Substack. Make a spreadsheet (yeah, boring but helpful): names, links, contacts, and notes on what they cover. You’ll thank yourself later when your inbox doesn’t become a chaotic mess.
🎨 Build a Press Kit That Pops
Your press kit = your music’s dating profile.
What you need:
- A short, punchy bio that feels like a story, not a résumé.
- High-quality promo pics (ditch the blurry iPhone shots).
- Streamable music links ,SoundCloud, Bandcamp, private YouTube links.
- Social media handles and contact info.
Let your bio show off you. Mention that weird recording setup you used. Talk about the weird influences. Be real ,editors notice.
📧 Pitch Like a Pro to Score a Music Newsletter Feature
Ready to send that email? Here’s the golden rule:
No mass emails. Ever. They can smell it a mile away.
What to include:
- Use their name (seriously).
- Mention something they’ve published recently.
- Keep it short ,like, 150–200 words tops.
- Drop links, not attachments.
Subject lines matter, too. “Moody synth-pop track for premiere” hits harder than “music submission.” And if you don’t hear back? Here’s how to handle rejection in the industry without burning out.
⏰ When (and How) to Follow Up
Best time to pitch? Mid-week mornings. Avoid Mondays (chaotic), Fridays (checked out), and weekends (good luck).
If they don’t reply? Wait 7–10 days, then send a polite nudge:
“Hey [Name], just wanted to check in on my submission ,would love to hear your thoughts when you have a moment!”
Short, sweet, respectful.
🤝 Network Like a Real Person
Before you even pitch, show some love. Like their posts, share their work, drop a comment. Build the relationship beforeyou hit send ,it’ll feel way more natural.
Also, if you’ve got unreleased music, exclusive tracks, or behind-the-scenes stories ,offer that. It makes your pitch way more tempting.
🚀 After the Feature: Don’t Let It Die
Once you land a feature, make some noise. Use your feature as a launchpad by repurposing content like a pro across platforms.:
- Share it across your socials.
- Add it to your press kit.
- Thank the editor publicly (tag them!).
This not only shows gratitude, but boosts their visibility too ,which they’ll remember next time you reach out.
❌ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Let’s keep it real ,don’t do this:
- Send one generic email to 50 editors.
- Ignore submission guidelines.
- Write boring subject lines.
- Use broken links or janky formatting.
- Forget to follow up.
And please… don’t ghost the editor if they do respond. Be cool.
Bonus Tip: Keep a “Feature Tracker” Spreadsheet
If you’re pitching multiple outlets, stay organized with this template:
| Outlet Name | Contact Name | Submission Sent | Response | Notes | |
| The Grey Estates | Lauren | [email protected] | ✅ Mar 4 | Waiting | Loved their dreamy DIY focus |
| So Young Magazine | Jack | [email protected] | ✅ Mar 6 | ✔️ Yes | Feature going live Apr 1 |
🧠 This helps you avoid double-pitching and keeps the momentum rolling.
Final Thoughts
Getting featured in a music newsletter or zine isn’t just “nice to have” ,it can actually move the needle. You don’t need industry connections, just a thoughtful approach and some hustle.
So get organized, get personal, and go make some noise. The right people are ready to hear you.
FAQs
Search Bandcamp Daily, Substack, indie blogs, or check where similar artists are featured.
A bio, press photos, streamable music links, social media handles, and contact info. Want to build a press kit that stands out, check here.
150-200 words. Short, sweet, and personal.
