Getting media coverage as an indie artist can often be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out in the music business. Here at SongCast, we have some tips to get your music out there.

Know how to pitch your music to journalists and members of the media.

To get some great PR, don’t give too few or too many details about you and your music in the pitch. Explain who you are, where you’re from, what genre you play, and be sure to include links to your music, a photo and a bio. Write it in the style of a press release, and don’t add way too many details. They don’t need to know every band member’s personal background, and they don’t want to be bombarded with links to all your songs. Pick the newest and best songs. Try to include the things that have significantly influenced your music in these pitches. Use a tone that implies confidence but not cockiness.

Spend time to actually meet industry leaders to get a foot in the door.

When it comes to getting press as an indie artist, one of the most important things you can do is build connections with the people who are covering or promoting your band in the media. Sure, sending out emails to your list of journalist contacts and relentlessly promoting your music on social media platforms are great ways to strengthen connections. However, meeting with people in the industry helps match faces, names, music and stories.

Make sure you’ve established a professional website for your band so you can share that with the press. Don’t be excessively pushy if they don’t act on your press release—just move forward in establishing connections.

So, how do you get press as an indie artist? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our SongCast blog for more tips on how to succeed in the music industry!