Guide
Music Promotion for Independent Artists
A release nobody hears is a tree falling in an empty room. Promotion is how people hear it. Here is what works, in the order that matters.
The short version
- Promotion starts before release day, not after it.
- Playlist pitching is the cheapest way to reach new listeners. Pitch every release.
- Short video is where new listeners find music now. One clip per song, minimum.
- Your existing listeners are your best promoters. Give them a reason to share.
- Promotion should end in a show. Listeners in a city are a room you can fill.
Before release day
- Submit at least two weeks early. That leaves time for playlist pitching and for press to hear it.
- Pitch Spotify editorial playlists for every release. Use Spotify for Artists and pitch before the release date.
- Line up your content. One short video per song, cut for the platforms where your listeners actually are.
- Tell your listeners first. Email, socials, and your own channels. Your existing audience is the launch.
After release day
- Push the playlist pitch results. A playlist add is a story. Share it.
- Keep posting. One release is one moment. A week of clips, stories, and live versions keeps it alive.
- Watch where your listeners are. Your streaming data shows which cities are listening. That is your booking list.
- Nice Set promotes your music and turns your streaming data into ranked venue picks. You pitch the venue from the site, find local artists to collab with, and find musicians for your band.
Questions artists ask
How do I promote my music as an independent artist?
Start before release day. Pitch playlists, post short video, tell your existing listeners first, and keep promoting for weeks after release.
How do I get on Spotify playlists?
Pitch every release through Spotify for Artists before the release date. Editorial playlists are pitched, not bought.
Should I pay for playlist promotion?
Be careful. Paying for playlist adds can get your music removed from Spotify. Pitch playlists yourself and build real listeners.
Does Nice Set promote my music?
Yes. Nice Set includes promotion with distribution, and turns your streaming data into ranked venue picks so your promotion ends in shows.
Apply for distribution
Promote the release, then play the cities already listening.