Top 10 Music Blogs Independent Artists Should Follow for Advice and Press
Getting your music heard is hard, and getting your music heard by the right people is even more challenging. Nowadays, social media and curated playlists are the most popular methods for finding new music. However, some musicians — and music lovers — forget that music blogs are still one of the best ways to break into the music industry and discover unknown musical gems.
Below, we share our curated list of 10 music blogs that you should follow as an independent artist. These blogs not only offer advice, but they provide the latest in industry news and accepting submissions for new music to showcase. Rock on!
IndiePulse Music Magazine
This online music publication advocates for the independent music scene and features news, interviews, and reviews, and covers stories about indie music artists pursuing what they love. IndiePulse also has a podcast called Caffeinated Conversations that’s full of unscripted conversations with indie artists and names in the music industry. And last, but certainly not least of all, IndiePulse is actively looking for artists and bands to interview and review.
Hypebot
A blog that’s been around since 2004, Hypebot is well known for its approach to the new music industry and the trends and technologies that change how music is discovered, consumed, marketed, and monetized. Their in-depth and quality content offers something for independent musicians and record labels alike. A bonus for independent musicians looking to break into the music industry is the community of fellow aspiring artists and industry professionals that can be found in the comments section below each blog post. They’re a great resource, offering tips and encouraging messages for all.
Pigeons & Planes
Balance is the way of life, according to this music discovery blog by New York-based youth culture magazine, Complex. The popular music blog is a resource to music lovers and artists with its daily updates on music news and new music from genres spanning from hip-hop to electronic and indie. Subscribers to their newsletter will also be pleased to find that Pigeons & Planes features music from up-and-coming artists as well as your favorite established artists.
Earmilk
This online-based music publication prides itself on being a hub for all things related to music. This includes music news, business interests, and key lifestyle markets like events, clothes, and art. Earmilk’s wide-spanning coverage of all tastes and music genres comes from its diverse staff, made up of journalists, musicians, and music fanatics. Their site is also home to op-ed articles, mixtapes, album reviews, interviews, festival listings, and various series like artists to watch. And better still, Earmilk takes music submissions from artists and guest bloggers who want to get their music and voice heard.
Indie Shuffle
Indie Shuffle firmly believes that humans are far better than robots when it comes to music discovery, and we couldn’t agree more! After all, some of your favorite bands and songs were introduced to you through a friend. The site aspires to keep that experience alive with its approach to curated music. They encourage independent artists to submit their best tracks to be added to the consistent rotation of highlighted new music.
Each song showcased features a write up describing why they chose it, with a “sounds like” comparison to help you further gauge if you’ll like the track. And if you can’t keep up with their new music lists, follow them on Spotify to take advantage of their curated lists. One other thing that enhances the experience is its in-house embedded music players that allow you to listen to music without leaving the page.
Drowned in Sound
Despite being based in the UK, this music webzine-turned newsletter is all about music’s global impact. It’s a favorite publication among independent artists due to its preference for showcasing artists of all genres in the indie variety. According to the about us section, Drowned in Sound commissions around 15 album reviews a week from submissions by unsigned artists. In the newsletter, readers get a mix of owner Sean Adams’ recommendations, history spanning the newsletter’s 20 years in existence, along with playlists, and worthwhile reads from around the web.
This Song Is Sick
There’s no better feeling than when you discover new music, and This Song Is Sick aims to give that feeling to its host of fans in more than 110 counties. The fan-named “most popular blog of 2020” accomplishes this through the curated music they feature on their site. Their model is simple: if a song is deemed sick by their team, it gets a shoutout. Amidst the music, the blog also shares music-related posts, opinion pieces, and the latest news. Independent artist can submit their tracks to the site, too, further contributing to the aptly named blog’s reputation of featuring sick music you’ve never heard of.
Brooklyn Vegan
Despite its name, no, this music blog isn’t about food (even though we think a music and food blog would be a deliciously lethal combination). Brooklyn Vegan is all about creating a community within the music industry, often encouraging its readers to chime in and engage with the brand and each other within the comments section. They allow music lovers and musicians to catch up on the latest music news and gossip in the international music community and offers content on music across all genres, including tour and festival coverage, live streams, podcasts, and interactive discussion forums.
Pitchfork
Perhaps the most widely known of the online music magazines featured in this list, Pitchfork features the latest music news and hit tracks without the distraction of ads and clickbait. The Condé Nast-owned publication is viewed as an authority in the music industry and boasts of being the most trusted voice out there. Here, you’ll find the whole gamut: the latest in music news and charts, videos, recommendations, celebrity features, the best apps, and much more.
Indie is Not a Genre
This top 50 alternative music blog award-winning blog covers news, reviews, live events, new album recommendations, interviews, and the works. Its creators started the blog for a purpose: not to trust the hype. When you browse its website, it becomes clear why they’re called Indie is Not a Genre. It’s a statement because indie is, in fact, not a singular genre. You’ll find sections dedicated to punk, pop, rock, singer-songwriters, psychedelic — you name it, they cover it. To further back up their claim, they also have a dedicated space for indie artists to submit their music to be considered for the press.
Mirada Media
Getting discovered as an independent musician can sometimes prove challenging. With these music blogs, you’re not only able to stay up to date on the music industry, but they offer multiple chances for your music to be discovered. Mirada Media is also a resource for independent artists. In our blog, we share marketing tips and industry insights for independent artists looking to break into the music scene. We can also help protect your music and sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands as you share it throughout the music community. Our SecureMedia API can protect you from premature releases of the music you’ve poured your blood, sweat, and tears into.
To join our community and get early access to the Mirada platform be sure to sign up for the early access program!