A few weeks ago, I shared an article I had written with a social media group. I wrote a brief caption explaining what Ennui Magazine does, and several people responded positively.
But, like anything on the internet, there were also haters. One kid responded, “How will this help my music? This isn’t real journalism.” I realized music blogs might still be a topic many people don’t understand—especially independent artists and musicians. So, what is the purpose of music blogs?
Music blogs provide a platform for music enthusiasts and experts to share their opinions, reviews, and news about the latest trends, releases, and emerging artists in the music industry. Music blogs can also serve as a promotional tool for musicians, especially independent and emerging artists, by providing them with exposure to a broader audience and helping them build their fan base.
Additionally, music blogs can be a valuable resource for music fans, providing them with insights, recommendations, and commentary on the music they love. Music blogs aim to create a community of music lovers and promote the discovery and appreciation of great music.
Here are the six main roles of music blogs in supporting independent artists:
- Audience Exposure
- Increased Credibility
- Networking Opportunities
- Music Reviews
- Industry Marketing
- Support For Artists
Many music blogs are very much real journalism. A laundry list of profitable positives comes from featuring your music on blogs. Although maximizing the profitability of your band isn’t the only way to take your music seriously, it certainly helps other people differentiate your music from all of the meaningless noise out there.
AUDIENCE EXPOSURE
Many artists understand how an article in Alternative Press could help them reach a wider audience, but most don’t have the budget to hire a publicist. That’s where smaller publications or music blogs can be valuable resources.
Exposure is a crucial aspect of the music industry, especially for independent bands and musicians who do not have the marketing budgets of major record labels.
In simple terms, exposure refers to the ability of a band or musician to reach a wider audience and increase their fan base. This is important because the more people are aware of an artist’s music, the more likely they are to attend their shows, buy their albums, and become lifelong fans.
Understanding how to gain exposure is critical to a successful career as a musician. Check out our guide that details How To Start A Successful Music Career At Any Age.
However, gaining exposure can be challenging for independent bands and musicians, who often lack the resources to promote themselves through traditional channels.
Fortunately, music blogs can be a powerful tool for gaining exposure in the music industry. Music blogs are online platforms that review, promote, and showcase new and independent music. They offer a wide range of content, including music reviews, interviews, live session recordings, and playlists.
Music bloggers are passionate about discovering new music and helping independent artists gain exposure to a broader audience.
FEATURE YOUR MUSIC
One of how music blogs help independent bands and musicians gain exposure is by featuring their music on their websites. Music bloggers often listen to hundreds of new songs each week, and they select the best ones to feature on their blogs.
When a music blog features an independent artist’s music, it exposes the artist to the blog’s audience, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand readers. This exposure can help the artist gain new fans and attract the attention of industry professionals, such as talent scouts and music supervisors.
PROMOTE YOUR PERFORMANCE
Another way in which music blogs help independent bands and musicians gain exposure is by promoting their shows and tours. Music bloggers often have a loyal following of fans who trust their recommendations. A music blogger promoting an independent artist’s upcoming show or tour can help the artist reach a wider audience, especially if the blogger has a large social media following.
Many successful independent bands and musicians have benefited from exposure on music blogs. For example, the indie pop band Foster the People gained national exposure after their song “Pumped Up Kicks” was featured on several music blogs, including Extra Chill and Pitchfork. The song became a massive hit, earning the band a Grammy nomination and worldwide acclaim.
Similarly, the Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett gained a loyal following after her music was featured on the influential music blog Stereogum. Her debut album, “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit,” received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy.
INCREASED CREDIBILITY
Credibility is another important aspect of the music industry. It refers to the perception that an artist is talented, authentic, and deserving of attention and support. Credibility can be hard to come by in the music industry, especially for independent bands and musicians who do not have the backing of a major record label.
However, music blogs can help independent bands and musicians build credibility in various ways.
Creating a band logo is a great way to help increase your credibility. Check out our post about The Importance Of A Strong Band Name And Logo (With Examples).
Have you heard the saying, “All press is good press”? If there’s any truth to that, it certainly applies here. Getting a feature from Rolling Stone would be a major step in any band’s career. But even a front-page article from a widely recognized publication has a shelf life. A continuous stream of press—even from smaller music blogs—looks good to just about everyone.
POSITIVE MUSIC REVIEWS
We’ll talk more about this later, but music blogs help independent bands and musicians build credibility by providing honest and thoughtful reviews of their music. Music bloggers are passionate about discovering new music and are often willing to take risks on unknown artists.
When a music blogger writes a positive review of an independent artist’s music, it can help to validate the artist’s talent and potential. This can be especially helpful for artists who are just starting out and are looking to build their reputation in the music industry.
ESTABLISHED & RESPECTED
Another way in which music blogs help independent bands and musicians build credibility is by featuring them alongside established and respected artists. Many music blogs have a mix of content featuring both new and established artists.
When an independent artist is featured alongside a well-known and respected artist, it can help to elevate their profile and make them appear more credible. This can be especially helpful for artists who are trying to break into apart of the industry where credibility is necessary, such as the festival circuit or music licensing.
LIVE SESSIONS
Finally, music blogs can also help independent bands and musicians build credibility by offering a platform for showcasing their live performances. Many music blogs offer live session recordings, interviews, and video content that showcase independent artists performing their music in a stripped-down, intimate setting. Artists performing their music well in a live setting can help solidify their credibility as talented and authentic artists.
Check out this Audiotree Live session from Nashville-based rock band Michigander.
Music blogs can be a valuable tool for independent bands and musicians looking to build credibility in the music industry. By providing honest reviews, featuring artists alongside respected and established artists, and offering a platform for live performances, music blogs can help independent artists gain the credibility and recognition they need to succeed in the music industry.
Having a strong visual element is an essential aspect of live music. Check out our post detailing How To Create A Successful Live Performance Experience (With Examples).
Some respected music blogs that have helped independent bands and musicians gain credibility include Pitchfork, Stereogum, The Fader, and NPR Music. These blogs have a reputation for discovering new and innovative music. Their support can go a long way towards helping independent artists build successful careers in the music industry.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Music blogs are an excellent tool for gaining exposure, building credibility, and networking with other artists, industry professionals, and fans.
Check out our post that covers the Essential Benefits of Collaborating with Other Musicians.
The music industry is highly collaborative, and independent artists must connect and form relationships with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals. Music blogs can provide a platform for independent artists to connect with other artists and industry professionals.
SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES
One way in which music blogs can be a valuable tool for networking is through their comment sections or social media pages. Many music blogs have active comment sections where readers can interact with each other and the blogger. Independent artists can use these comment sections to connect with other artists, share their music, and collaborate on projects.
Social media can be equally as hurtful as it is helpful. Check out The Dos & Don’ts Of Social Media For Bands & Musicians.
Additionally, many music blogs have a strong social media presence, and independent artists can use these platforms to connect with other artists and fans.
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Music blogs can also be valuable for networking with industry professionals, such as talent scouts, managers, and music supervisors. When an independent artist’s music is featured on a popular music blog, it can attract the attention of industry professionals looking for new and innovative talent.
Music blogs can also provide a platform for independent artists to showcase their music to industry professionals by offering promotional opportunities, such as premieres, playlists, and exclusive interviews.
There have been many successful collaborations between independent bands and musicians that have resulted from music blogs.
For example, the indie rock band Vampire Weekend gained national attention after their music was featured on the influential music blog Stereogum. The band’s success led to collaborations with other indie rock bands and a major record deal.
Similarly, the indie pop duo Sylvan Esso gained exposure after their music was featured on several music blogs, including NPR Music and Pitchfork. The duo has since collaborated with other artists, toured internationally, and earned critical acclaim.
MUSIC REVIEWS
Music blogs can also provide independent bands and musicians with music reviews. Reviews can be an invaluable tool for independent artists looking to improve their craft and identify areas for growth. Additionally, positive reviews can help independent bands and musicians gain traction in the music industry by exposing them to a broader audience and building credibility.
HONEST FEEDBACK
One way in which music blogs provide reviews is through album or song reviews. Music bloggers listen to and analyze the music of independent artists, providing a detailed analysis of the sound, style, and overall quality of the music. This can be a helpful tool for independent artists looking to improve their craft and create music that resonates with their target audience.
POSITIVE REVIEWS
Positive reviews from music blogs can help independent bands and musicians gain traction in the music industry by exposing them to a broader audience. When an independent artist’s music is featured on a respected music blog and receives a positive review, it can attract the attention of industry professionals, such as talent scouts and music supervisors.
Positive reviews can also help build credibility and increase the artist’s fan base, leading to more live shows, collaborations, and album sales opportunities.
Many examples of independent bands and musicians have received positive reviews from music blogs. For example, the indie folk band Fleet Foxes gained critical acclaim after their debut album received positive reviews from several music blogs, including Pitchfork and Gorilla vs. Bear. The band’s success led to collaborations with other artists and a major record deal.
Similarly, the indie pop band Alvvays gained exposure after their music was featured on several music blogs, including Stereogum and NPR Music. The band’s debut album received positive reviews and earned them a loyal fan base.
Music publications can be a powerful tool for independent bands and musicians looking to gain exposure, build credibility, network with other artists and industry professionals, and receive music reviews. By taking advantage of these opportunities, independent artists can increase their chances of success in the music industry.
Independent blogs can help to level the playing field for up-and-coming artists, who often lack the resources and support of major record labels. With the help of music blogs, independent artists can gain exposure, build credibility, network with other artists and industry professionals, and receive valuable feedback on their music.
Music blogs play a critical role in discovering and promoting new and innovative music, and they are an important part of the music industry ecosystem.
INDUSTRY MARKETING
Marketing is an essential part of the music industry, and it can be challenging for independent bands and musicians to promote themselves without the backing of a major record label.
Fortunately, music blogs can be a valuable tool for independent artists looking to market their music and reach a wider audience. Music blogs offer a variety of promotional opportunities for independent bands and musicians, including premieres, exclusive interviews, and features on playlists.
PREMIERS OF NEW MUSIC
One way in which music blogs can help independent bands and musicians with marketing is by offering premieres of new music. When a music blog premieres an independent artist’s new song or album, it creates buzz and anticipation among its readers. This can help to generate excitement around the artist’s new release and increase the likelihood of the release being successful.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS
Another way in which music blogs can help independent bands and musicians with marketing is by offering exclusive interviews. Music bloggers often have strong connections in the music industry and can offer independent artists the opportunity to be interviewed by well-respected music journalists. These interviews can provide valuable exposure for independent artists and help to build their credibility in the music industry.
CURATED PLAYLISTS
Music blogs can also help independent bands and musicians with marketing by featuring their music on playlists. Many music blogs curate playlists that feature new and emerging artists, and being featured on one of these playlists can be a valuable tool for gaining exposure and building a fan base.
Music blogs can be a powerful tool for independent bands and musicians looking to market their music and reach a wider audience. By taking advantage of the promotional opportunities offered by music blogs, independent artists can increase their chances of success in the music industry.
SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS
Music blogs can be an incredibly valuable resource for independent bands and musicians looking to gain exposure, build credibility, network with other artists and industry professionals, receive feedback on their music, and promote their music to a wider audience. By taking advantage of the opportunities provided by music blogs, independent artists can level the playing field and increase their chances of success in the music industry.
Throughout this blog post, we explored how music blogs can help independent bands and musicians through exposure, credibility, networking, reviews, and marketing. We have also provided examples of successful independent artists who have benefited from music blogs, such as Foster the People, Vampire Weekend, and Alvvays.
In today’s music industry, where major record labels and streaming services dominate, music blogs provide an essential platform for independent artists to get their music heard and build their careers. Music blogs are run by passionate fans committed to discovering new and innovative music and offer a vital link between independent artists and the wider music industry.
Music blogs are critical in discovering and promoting new and innovative music. They are an essential tool for independent bands and musicians looking to build a successful career in the music industry.
Related Questions
How do music blogs choose which independent artists to feature?
Music blogs receive a large volume of music submissions and listen to as much as they can. They look for artists they think have potential and offer something unique or innovative.
How important is social media presence for independent bands and musicians featured on music blogs?
Social media presence is vital in today’s music industry. Music blogs often have large social media followings, and independent artists can use these platforms to promote their music and engage with fans.
Can music blogs help independent artists secure record deals?
Yes, exposure on music blogs can lead to increased interest from record labels and industry professionals, ultimately leading to a record deal.
Do music blogs charge independent bands and musicians for features?
Some music blogs charge for features or reviews, but many do not. Independent artists should research and approach the blog’s policies professionally and respectfully.
How can independent artists make the most of their exposure on music blogs?
Independent artists can make the most of their exposure on music blogs by promoting the features on their social media channels, reaching out to fans and industry professionals, and continuing to create and release quality music.
For more industry tips and music marketing hacks, check out Ennui Magazine. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.