In this article I, Bill Cleve, dig into whether pitching your song to a music blog still moves the needle for artists today. A lot has changed since the blog boom of 10–15 years ago, so I want to give you a clear, practical look at what a music blog placement can actually do for your career — and where to spend your limited time and budget instead.
Why music blogs mattered (and why they changed)
Back in the day, blogs were the primary form of music discovery. Features and reviews on sites like Pitchfork, Complex, Pigeons & Planes, and independent blogs could catapult an artist into mainstream attention. Artists such as Lily Allen, Chief Keef, Vampire Weekend, and Arcade Fire all benefited from that era.
But writing music reviews day after day is repetitive, and consumption habits shifted. Streaming platforms and social media replaced long-form reading with short, visual, and algorithm-driven discovery. That doesn’t mean a music blog is useless — it just means the role has changed.
The real value of a music blog placement today
- SEO/online discovery: Authoritative sites rank high in Google. A thoughtful profile or review on a big domain can define what someone discovers when they search your name.
- Credibility and storytelling: A well-written feature gives new listeners context about who you are, your aesthetic, and your narrative — which can convert casual clickers into fans.
- Signals for curators: Streaming playlist editors and algorithmic systems look for buzz. Coverage on reputable outlets can help signal momentum to Spotify or other curators.
Music publications are not totally dead — if you can get one, I would definitely take it.
When a pitch is worth it — and when it’s not
Don’t throw your whole promo budget at chasing every possible write-up. Ask yourself:
- Is the publication’s audience aligned with my genre? (A rock outlet won’t convert a hip-hop single.)
- Will the article reflect my story and image accurately?
- Is the outlet authoritative enough to help with SEO or curator attention?
If you can answer yes to those, a targeted music blog placement can be a smart, low-cost move. If not, it’s a weak use of resources.
Where to spend time and money instead
These days, direct marketing and visual content often produce stronger returns:
- Targeted Spotify, Facebook, and YouTube ads
- Short-form video optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels
- High-quality music videos and visualizers that get shared
- Playlist pitching and direct outreach to playlist curators
The younger audiences who drive streaming growth live in short-form video platforms, not long-read blog posts. Invest in content that meets them where they are.
My recommendation
Pursue music blog coverage selectively. If a placement costs little, matches your audience, and will present your story well, take it. But don’t over-index on blogs as your primary marketing strategy — combine selective press with paid promotion and strong visual content to reach listeners faster.
FAQ
Q: Will a single music blog feature make me famous?
A: Rarely. A single write-up can boost discovery and SEO, but lasting growth comes from a mix of consistent releases, playlists, ads, and engaging visual content.
Q: Should I pay for blog placements?
A: Be cautious. Paid placements can be worthwhile if the outlet is reputable and the audience aligns with you, but avoid paying for low-authority sites that won’t move the needle.
Q: How do blogs affect Spotify playlisting?
A: Editors look for signals of buzz. Coverage on respected outlets can increase your chances, but it’s only one of many factors (streams, engagement, pitching relationships).
Q: What’s the best use of a small promo budget?
A: Prioritize targeted ads, short-form video production, and playlist outreach. Use any earned press to strengthen your online presence and SEO.
If you want to dig deeper, I’ve linked resources and examples that explain how the blog era evolved and what that means for artists today. Focus your energy strategically: a music blog can help, but it shouldn’t be the whole plan.
