Building strong media relationships is essential for any musician looking to amplify their career. The right connections can lead to impactful press coverage, greater visibility, and lasting credibility. But like creating great music, it requires strategy, effort, and a personal touch. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your media network, these 10 tips will help you navigate the world of journalists, bloggers, and media outlets with confidence and success.
- Research Journalists and Outlets
Take the time to find journalists who write about your genre or similar artists. Read their work and understand their interests—this insight is gold when pitching your music. Tailored approaches always stand out. - Engage on Social Media
Start a conversation before the pitch. Follow journalists, like their posts, and share their articles. Authentic engagement builds relationships long before your email lands in their inbox. - Personalize Your Outreach
A pitch that feels personal gets attention. Use their name, reference an article they wrote, and explain why your music is a great fit for them. Nobody loves a copy-paste pitch. - Be Professional and Polite
Respect their time and deadlines. Approach every interaction with professionalism—whether it’s a quick question or a full interview request. Gratitude goes a long way. - Offer Exclusive Content
Want to stand out? Give them something nobody else has—early listens, behind-the-scenes videos, or an exclusive angle. It’s a win-win: you get the spotlight, and they get a unique story. - Build a Consistent Presence
Don’t go quiet after your first feature. Keep your media contacts updated with milestones, tours, and new releases. Being consistent makes you hard to forget. - Collaborate on Content
Think beyond the traditional interview. Offer to write a guest post, join their podcast, or create a unique video. Collaborations build stronger connections and broaden your audience. - Attend Industry Events
Face-to-face is still powerful. Meet journalists at industry mixers, showcases, and panels. A handshake and a great conversation are worth more than a dozen emails. - Be Reliable and Transparent
Journalists value trust. Be honest, meet deadlines, and deliver on your promises. Reliability ensures they’ll want to work with you again and again. - Follow Up Without Nagging
Silence isn’t always a no. Follow up politely, but don’t overdo it. Respect their time while showing persistence—it’s a fine balance, but it pays off.
Building media relationships is like writing a hit song—it takes effort, creativity, and authenticity. Play the long game, and the spotlight will follow. For all your publicity needs, feel free to email Eric@ThatEricAlper.com or call me at 647-971-3742. With 25+ years of experience and a deep passion for connecting artists to audiences, I’m here to help you make an impact.
