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What Every Artist Should Know About Playlist Pitching in 2025

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 19:17:56 +0000

The playlisting space is a highly competitive landscape. That’s why it’s so important to truly understand the ins and outs to give your music the best chance possible of getting placed. It’s not solely about luck and having a great song; it’s about understanding how different types of playlists work, what curators actually look for, and how to make your track stand out among a sea of hopefuls. In this post, we’ll give you everything you need to know to approach the process strategically and see real results. Let’s dive in…

How To Actually Get Playlist Placements as an Independent Artist

Understanding The Playlist Landscape

Your track isn’t going to fit every playlist. Before you even start pitching, you should know what kind of playlists to aim for. Each type serves a different purpose and has its own strategy behind it. There are 3 main ones to understand:

Editorial playlists are curated by teams at major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. These are highly competitive and typically favor artists with strong engagement, consistent releases, and a clear identity.
Algorithmic playlists like Discover Weekly, Release Radar, and Daily Mix are generated automatically based on listener behavior.
User-generated playlists are usually created by independent curators, influencers, or even fans, and they can be just as valuable as the big guys. These lists tend to be more niche and are a great way to find listeners who are genuinely into your sound.

Trust me when I say: DO NOT overlook the smaller playlists. Getting added to a handful of targeted, genre-specific lists can do more for your growth than landing one massive playlist that doesn’t even fit your vibe.

How Playlist Pitching Works

Remember, you’re pitching your music to curators, real people who get thousands of submissions every day from talented artists just like you who also have good songs to offer. Before you start submitting tracks willy-nilly, it helps to understand how the process actually works. Here’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes:

Submission: You submit your track through a platform’s official tool (like Spotify for Artists) or through a trusted third-party service. You provide all the relevant info like the release date, genre, mood, instruments, and a short pitch about your song.
Review: Next, the curators listen to the submissions, check for fit, and consider engagement metrics like pre-saves, previous streams, and social traction. They want music that aligns with the playlist’s vibe and audience.
Decision Time: Curators then either add your track to the playlist, keep it in consideration, or pass.
Distribution & Algorithmic Boost: Even if your track isn’t placed on an editorial playlist, algorithmic playlists like Release Radar or Discover Weekly can still pick it up if your track gets early engagement.

Think of pitching as giving curators context for your music. The more complete and accurate the submission, the easier it is for them to decide if it actually belongs on their playlist.

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Your artist name isn’t just something that sounds cool; it’s your brand. It’s how fans find you, how promoters book you, and how your reputation spreads. So when someone else starts using a name that’s just like yours (or close enough to confuse people), things can definitely get messy. But that’s where trademarking comes in! A trademark is what helps you protect your name (and your brand) while you work hard to monetize your music.

The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to get started, just a little patience and the right info. To help you out, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you trademark your artist name the right way…

Step-By-Step Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Trademarking Your Artist Name in the US

Step 1: Make Sure Your Name Is Trademark-Ready

Before you can trademark your name, you need to make sure it’s actually available. If another artist is already using the same name, or even one that looks or sounds very similar, your application could be denied, or you might face a dispute later on.

When choosing your exact name, be aware of these things:

Use your full stage name as it appears publicly. Don’t abbreviate or alter it unless that’s how you consistently brand yourself.

Make sure it’s spelled exactly the way it should be.

Avoid generic terms that cannot be protected (like “The Band” or “Music Maker”).

Next, it’s time to do a thorough search to determine if the name is already in use. A good place to start is to begin by searching all the Digital Service Providers (“DSPs”) you will be distributing your music to. (aka Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, TikTok, Google, etc.) If you find another artist, brand, or company with your name, check to see how active they are. If they’ve released music or currently perform under that name, you may not be able to use that name.

If you do not see your artist name in use anywhere, the next step is to check the relevant registries of the territories that you plan to distribute your music to. If you are in the United States, this means checking with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website to see if anyone’s already trademarked the name within this territory.

NOTE: It is very important that if you plan to distribute worldwide, make sure to also look into the relevant registries of the additional territories you are distributing to.

If you don’t see another party or entity using your name, you are ready to move on to step 2!

Step 2: How To Provide Proof of Use

If you already have songs out, merch on sale, and gigs posted, you need to include proof of how your name is being used. (USPTO calls this “current use”) Some examples of proof include things like:

Screenshot of your Spotify or Apple Music artist page

Photo of merch with your name on it

Poster or social media post from a live show

Top Features Artists Love in DSPs and Why They Matter in 2025 appeared first on Symphonic Blog.

Submit Your Music To Our Dinner Table Jazz Playlist On Spotify

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:43:44 +0000

Looking for a playlist to feature your smooth jazz tracks? Streaming may be the big dog of the industry right now, but physical music is far from dead. Vinyl and CDs have made a huge comeback, not just as collectibles but as meaningful extensions of an artist’s brand. They give fans something tangible to connect with, something that will never go out of style. If you’ve already decided you’re ready to press your music into physical formats, the next hurdle is: how do you actually get people to buy them? With the right approach, physical distro can become one of the most rewarding parts of your release plan. Here are some of our tips to help you do it right…

The Indie Artist’s Guide to Selling Vinyl and CDs: Tips You Should Know

Choosing The Right Manufacturing Partner

Finding the right pressing plant/CD manufacturer can make or break your physical release. Plain and simple. The cheapest option isn’t always the best one, either. You want a company that’s reliable, transparent, and easy to communicate with. (Just like your next romantic partner lol)

That said, start by comparing turnaround times, minimum order quantities, and sample options. Ask about test pressings if you’re doing vinyl, and make sure you understand how replacements or reprints are handled if there’s an issue. And if sustainability is a big part of it for you, look into eco-friendly options. Some plants offer recycled vinyl or biodegradable packaging.

For indie artists especially, services like Disc Makers, Gotta Groove Records, Pirates Press, and Solid Merch are great places to start. They cater to smaller runs, offer design help, and have good reputations for quality control. The goal is to find a partner who not only prints your music but also actually understands the importance of getting it right the first time.

Thinking of hitting up NOLA MusiCon this year? Symphonic Social to Dublin for a night of music and community right before Ireland Music Week kicked off.

Every story starts somewhere. Some begin in studios, others on stage… and sometimes, in a Facebook group among friends who just love good music. Your Story Starts Here is a series dedicated to capturing these journeys. For this chapter, we handed Maeve de Bordons from La Bonne Musique a disposable camera and asked her to document the world behind their collective. What started as a small community in Reading, UK, has grown into a label, event series, and creative hub that celebrates connection, collaboration, and the ever-evolving sounds of electronic music. Symphonic Social to the West Coast for an unforgettable evening at the heart of Los Angeles’ creative scene.