How to Write a Pitch for Editorial Playlist Placements

DSPs such as Spotify and Amazon have artist portals where you are able to pitch an upcoming release for consideration on their editorial playlists. This is the only way you’re able to reach editors without a label or a distribution partner (depending on your deal), so this is an important step to maximise your release. 

In this guide, we’ll look at some best practices, pointers and some examples of pitches from our friends at Stereofox.

Best Practices

• Pitch at least 7 days in advance so that editors have a chance to see it - we would always recommend pitching at least 14 days in advance to give you the best chance.
• You can only pitch one track at a time - if you’re releasing an EP/album, pick the best track!
• Select the most relevant genres - this makes sure your pitch is seen by the right editors 
• Ensure the basic information (such as language & instruments) is correct as this helps the platform to sort your music properly 

Writing your pitch

The pitch notes are where you can really sell your track to editors. It should be short, concise and contain the most up-to-date and relevant information. Here are some pointers to get you started:

Promotion

• Have you been teasing your new release on social media? 
• Have you organised a blog or radio premiere? 
• Do you have a PR or marketing agency helping you promote the release? 
• Have you got any live shows, or have you played any recently? 

Accomplishments

• Have you collaborated with anyone famous on this project?
• Have you had any recent blog or radio support?
• Have you played any big festivals, or opened for a big artist?

Artistic approach

• Are there any interesting stories about how the song was recorded?
• Are you trying to evoke a certain feeling?

Research

• Have an idea which playlist your music would suit? Feel free to mention it
• Consider, mood, genre audience and size of artists in the playlist. 

It’s not possible to include all of this within 500 characters, so make sure to only include the most important details to get editors as excited as possible. 

Pitch Examples

Here are some Spotify For Artist pitches from our friends at Stereofox that have led to editorial placements:

Houndtrack is an LA-based producer who opened for Medasin & Fakear last year. He is very much inspired by nature & nostalgic memories when making music - you can often hear the sounds of waves & crunching leaves, fused with synths & beats. "Cul de Sac", his first release with Stereofox Records, tells a story about his childhood street, where all the kids used to skateboard, have lemonade stalls & had Halloween trick-or-treats. Simply a reflection of those carefree times.

Emerge from the blues of 2020 with this mellow lofi piece that blossoms like a flower - from melancholy to enlightening hopefulness. Japanese producer yuhei miura and renowned Tokyo guitarist Kazuki Isogai team up again for a 6-track EP, Better Days - to bring warmth and assurance for a brighter future. The first single “Hope” envelops captivating guitars and smooth beats - a sound they’ve proven to be dear to the audience of the Spotify Editorial playlists. A perfect addition to Lo-Fi Beats.

Meet the newly born, nature-inspired electronic side of producer Handbook. After growing his beat moniker for 10 years,the UK artist goes beyond the confines of hip hop music in order to heavily emphasize imagery and mood by exploring the depths of deep house, chill techno, and downtempo music. “Ritual Two” is the first single from his debut EP with Stereofox Records. Dark and captivating electronica for those late night drives. Perfect fit for your Electronic Rising or Lowkey Tech playlists.

Ready to pitch your music to Spotify and Apple Music editors?

Head back to the un:hurd app to explore more tools and resources for playlist promotion.

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