Sometimes we feel a bit powerless when it comes to Spotify because we don’t control the Editorial playlists from Spotify or Apple Music, etc, but there’s a LOT that can be done to further help your next release. For us to hear from someone who’s doing an amazing job with his label and artist profile on Spotify, I invited UOAK, Sekora Records owner, to talk more about this to you:
4 THOUGHTS FROM ME
1. When looking for labels to sign your next release on, select those that have a strong presence on Spotify and connections to their editorial team. Spotify has become increasingly more important over the years, from growing an audience, and getting discovered to earning more in royalties and even getting booked as an artist and/or DJ. The way you can find labels that have a strong presence on Spotify is simply by looking them up on Spotify and finding any playlists that they own, and finding out how active those playlists are. Besides their own playlists, it’s also the size of their network that matters. Having a look at their recent releases and how well they are performing, especially the lesser-known artists, gives you an idea of what to expect in terms of Spotify promotion. While it isn’t everything, signing to a label that understands Spotify can give you many benefits worth pursuing.
2. Be active in looking for playlists and ways to get your song promoted on editorial and non-editorial playlists. You can manually search for playlists and curators on Spotify, by searching keywords that fit your genre, or you can simply submit music on Submithub, where a good amount of curators tend to take submissions, including me (send a song here). Using premium credits on Submithub forces the curator to listen to your song (otherwise you get a refund) and makes sure they have to form an opinion on adding your track or not, and explain why. In addition, using premium submissions helps you cut in line on getting heard. This increases your chances of getting added by a long shot, as large curators tend to get lots of general submissions and rarely have time to listen to all of them
Takes from Leo Lauretti -> In addition to getting heard, this can also help you get feedback from curators, as said, which can help you understand if you need to further develop your songs. The post we have here on how to make a promo list would help a lot to make a ‘playlist promo list’ as well, so definitely take a look at it.
3. Increase your reach and expand your audience by creating and curating your own playlist. Playlisting is an art form in my opinion. If you take the time to select great songs and brand your playlist accordingly, that’s one of the most important parts. Remember, you’re not making a playlist just for the sake of making a playlist to get streams, you’re creating an experience for those who follow and listen to your playlist. Starting with that mindset will increase your chances of building a solid following. From there on out it’s about regular curation and updating, and sharing your list with as many potential listeners as possible. Paid advertising is also a strategy that can work, but you’ll need some investment upfront before you might see results.
Takes from Leo Lauretti -> This playlist is not a way to promote your own music, but to promote your brand as someone who creates great experiences for listeners as UOAK said. Therefore, instead of only putting your own songs, mix up with songs that other listeners like. Check one of UOAK’s personal playlists for example.
4. The best thing before a release is to set up all your material in advance. Doing a pre-save campaign for example and getting it heard by other DJs if you make dance music. Getting some plays in mixes can help, anything that creates a buzz before the track drops, and then sending that traffic towards Spotify on release. Make sure to let Spotify know in your pitch what you’re doing to create a buzz and send traffic their way! On release day, it’s about sharing the track anywhere that’s relevant to your sound and pitching it to curators. Getting into as many playlists as possible helps a lot, big or small. Besides that it’s key to send traffic from outside Spotify to your release, benefitting the algorithm and improving your connection to algorithmic playlists. When you have done the right promo and preparations for your release, the Spotify algorithm really can take your tracks to new heights. That’s the beauty of Spotify, but it all starts with you putting in the effort to get your track heard on Spotify and everywhere else.
If you want to know more about Spotify, UOAK has just recently released a Music Streaming Masterclass with in-depth tips on how to get the most out of Streaming Platforms. Definitely recommend you go check it out
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
If you could make an engaging playlist that you would listen to yourself, what would it be about? Which tracks would you select? What kind of vibe or mood would it describe? What would excite you to come back the next day and listen to that playlist again?
Think about it, write it down, select the right tracks in an order that flows naturally, brainstorm on the brand & title, and write down keywords that come to mind. That’s your playlist idea, now go make it!
