SubmitHub has become a go-to platform for musicians seeking exposure and feedback from music bloggers, curators, and influencers. But a common question arises: can you submit unreleased music through SubmitHub? The answer is nuanced, and understanding the platform’s policies and best practices is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.
Understanding SubmitHub’s Stance on Unreleased Music
SubmitHub generally accepts unreleased music, and in many cases, it’s even encouraged. Many curators actively seek fresh, exclusive content to share with their audiences. However, there are specific considerations and strategies you should keep in mind when submitting unreleased tracks.
The platform’s primary focus is on helping artists get their music heard by relevant tastemakers. Unreleased music often generates more excitement and offers curators a chance to be among the first to discover and share a potentially viral track.
Why Curators Love Unreleased Music
Curators are always looking for an edge, something that will set them apart from the rest. Unreleased music gives them that advantage. By featuring a track before anyone else, they gain credibility and attract more listeners. They become trendsetters, rather than followers. This exclusivity is a valuable asset in the competitive music blogging and influencing world.
Furthermore, unreleased music creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. When a curator promises an exclusive premiere, it piques the interest of their audience and generates more engagement. It’s a win-win situation for both the artist and the curator.
Benefits of Submitting Unreleased Music on SubmitHub
Submitting unreleased music on SubmitHub can be hugely beneficial for artists. It allows you to:
- Generate buzz before your official release: Get people talking about your music before it hits streaming platforms.
- Get early feedback: Receive constructive criticism from industry professionals that can help you refine your track.
- Secure premieres and features: Land exclusive premieres on influential blogs and playlists, boosting your visibility.
- Build relationships with curators: Connect with key players in the music industry who can support your career.
Crafting the Perfect Unreleased Music Submission
Submitting unreleased music requires a slightly different approach than submitting released tracks. You need to be strategic and provide curators with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Providing Context and Background
Always include a detailed description of your track. This should go beyond simply stating the genre and title. Tell the story behind the song, explain your inspiration, and highlight what makes it unique. Give curators a reason to care.
Explain the message you’re trying to convey through your music. Let them know about the production process, the instruments used, and any interesting anecdotes related to the song’s creation.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Be upfront about your release plans. Clearly state when the track will be officially released. This allows curators to plan their content accordingly and schedule premieres in advance. If you’re flexible with the release date, mention that as well.
Also, be realistic about the level of feedback you’re seeking. Are you looking for general impressions, or specific suggestions on mixing and mastering? The more specific you are, the more helpful the feedback will be.
The Importance of High-Quality Audio
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth reiterating: ensure your unreleased track is of the highest possible audio quality. Curators are discerning listeners, and they won’t waste their time on poorly produced music, regardless of its potential.
Invest in professional mixing and mastering. A polished sound will significantly increase your chances of getting featured. Even if the song itself is brilliant, poor audio quality can be a major turn-off.
Mastering the Art of the Private Link
When submitting unreleased music, you’ll typically use a private link. Make sure this link is easily accessible and doesn’t require any special software or plugins. SoundCloud and Dropbox are popular options. Ensure that downloading is enabled and the stream/download is high quality (preferably WAV).
Clearly state the terms of use for the private link. Specify whether curators are allowed to share it with others or if it’s strictly for their review. Protecting your unreleased music is crucial.
Navigating SubmitHub’s Feedback System with Unreleased Tracks
SubmitHub’s feedback system is a valuable tool for artists, but it’s essential to understand how to interpret and utilize the feedback you receive, especially for unreleased tracks.
Understanding Feedback Styles
Curators on SubmitHub have different feedback styles. Some are very direct and offer specific criticisms, while others are more general and focus on overall impressions. Don’t take negative feedback personally. Instead, view it as an opportunity for growth.
Pay close attention to the reasons curators give for passing on your track. If they consistently mention the same issue, it’s likely something you need to address.
Iterating Based on Feedback
Use the feedback you receive to refine your track. If multiple curators suggest the same changes, consider implementing them. This could involve adjusting the mix, re-recording certain parts, or even restructuring the song altogether.
Remember that feedback is subjective, but patterns are significant. If several curators point out a similar issue, it’s worth taking seriously. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make changes based on the feedback you receive.
Follow-Up Strategies (The Right Way)
While it’s tempting to follow up with curators who passed on your track, it’s important to do so respectfully and strategically. Avoid being pushy or demanding.
If you’ve made significant changes based on their feedback, you can politely ask them to reconsider. However, be prepared for them to stick to their original decision.
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid When Submitting Unreleased Music
Submitting unreleased music on SubmitHub can be a game-changer, but there are certain pitfalls you should avoid to maximize your chances of success.
Premature Release Announcements
Avoid announcing the release of your track prematurely. If you’re relying on SubmitHub to secure premieres, you don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Keep your release plans under wraps until you’ve secured a premiere or two. This will create more excitement and anticipation for your track.
Watermarking and Security Concerns
While it’s important to protect your unreleased music, avoid excessive watermarking. Curators need to be able to clearly hear and evaluate your track. Overly intrusive watermarks can be distracting and annoying.
Consider using subtle, less intrusive watermarks that don’t detract from the listening experience. You can also limit the number of times the track can be downloaded from the private link.
Ignoring Genre Relevance
SubmitHub allows you to target specific genres. Make sure you’re submitting your music to curators who specialize in your genre. Sending a rock song to a hip-hop blog is a waste of credits and time.
Research the curators on SubmitHub and carefully select those who are most likely to appreciate your music. This will significantly increase your chances of getting featured.
Alternatives to SubmitHub for Unreleased Music Promotion
While SubmitHub is a great platform, it’s not the only option for promoting unreleased music. Consider exploring these alternatives to broaden your reach.
Direct Outreach to Bloggers and Playlists
Directly reaching out to music bloggers and playlist curators can be a highly effective strategy. Build a targeted list of relevant contacts and send them personalized emails with your unreleased track.
This approach requires more effort than using SubmitHub, but it can yield better results if done correctly. Focus on building genuine relationships with influencers rather than simply spamming them with your music.
Social Media Teasers and Pre-Saves
Use social media to generate buzz around your unreleased music. Share snippets of the track, behind-the-scenes footage, and engaging content that piques the interest of your followers.
Encourage pre-saves on streaming platforms to boost your release day numbers. A strong pre-save campaign can significantly increase your chances of getting featured on editorial playlists.
Private Listening Parties and Feedback Groups
Host private listening parties with your friends, family, and fellow musicians. Gather feedback on your unreleased track and use it to refine your sound.
Join online feedback groups and share your music with other artists. This can be a valuable source of constructive criticism and support.
In conclusion, submitting unreleased music on SubmitHub can be a powerful tool for emerging artists, but it requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the platform’s policies, crafting compelling submissions, and utilizing feedback effectively, you can maximize your chances of getting your music heard by the right people. Remember to explore alternative promotion strategies and protect your unreleased tracks while generating excitement for your upcoming release.
Can I submit an unreleased song on SubmitHub?
Yes, you absolutely can submit an unreleased song on SubmitHub. In fact, many artists specifically use SubmitHub to get early feedback and potential coverage for songs before they are officially released. This allows you to gauge the reception of your music and potentially secure playlist placements, blog features, or radio airplay in advance of your launch date, giving your release a significant boost.
Submitting an unreleased track can be a strategic move for building anticipation and momentum. Just be sure to clearly indicate in your submission details that the song is unreleased and specify the release date if known. This helps curators understand your timeline and schedule their posts or playlists accordingly. It also avoids any potential confusion about copyright or distribution.
What are the benefits of submitting an unreleased song?
Submitting an unreleased song offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to get early feedback from music curators and influencers. Their insights can be invaluable in refining your track or marketing strategy before it’s widely available. Secondly, you can potentially secure pre-release coverage, generating buzz and anticipation for your upcoming release.
Another key benefit is the opportunity to build relationships with curators. Even if they don’t feature your song immediately, the exposure to your music can open doors for future collaborations or support. A successful submission can lead to playlist adds, blog reviews, and even radio play, all before your song officially drops, creating a strong foundation for its launch.
Does SubmitHub require exclusive rights to my unreleased song?
No, SubmitHub does not require any exclusive rights to your unreleased song. You retain all ownership and control over your music. The platform simply provides a mechanism for you to submit your song to curators for potential feedback and coverage. You are free to submit your song to other platforms, distributors, or music industry professionals as you see fit.
Think of SubmitHub as a facilitator, connecting artists with curators. You grant them a temporary license to listen to your song for consideration, but you are not relinquishing any ownership or control. Always review SubmitHub’s terms of service for the most up-to-date information on their policies regarding intellectual property.
How do I indicate that my song is unreleased on SubmitHub?
During the submission process on SubmitHub, there’s usually a specific field or section where you can indicate the release status of your song. Look for options like “Unreleased,” “Pre-Release,” or “Upcoming Release.” Select the appropriate option to clearly communicate that the track is not yet publicly available.
In addition to selecting the release status, it’s also helpful to include the release date in the song description or notes section. This provides curators with a clear timeline and allows them to plan their coverage accordingly. You might also want to mention if there are any specific embargoes or restrictions on sharing the song before the release date.
What happens if a curator shares my unreleased song before the release date?
While curators generally respect release dates, mistakes can happen. If a curator accidentally shares your unreleased song before the agreed-upon release date, the first step is to contact them directly. Politely explain the situation and ask them to remove the post or take down the playlist. Most curators will be understanding and act quickly to rectify the error.
If the curator is unresponsive or refuses to take down the content, you can contact SubmitHub support. Provide them with the details of the situation, including the curator’s profile, the post URL, and the agreed-upon release date. SubmitHub can then intervene and assist in resolving the issue. It’s also a good idea to monitor the internet for unauthorized uploads and file takedown requests where necessary.
Can submitting an unreleased song hurt my chances on SubmitHub if it’s not polished?
Yes, submitting an unreleased song that is not fully polished can negatively impact your chances on SubmitHub. While it’s fine for the track to be unreleased in terms of official distribution, it should still be professionally mixed and mastered. Curators are looking for high-quality music that aligns with their taste and audience, and a poorly produced track will likely be passed over.
Think of your submission as a first impression. If the song sounds amateurish or unfinished, it can damage your credibility and make curators less likely to consider your future submissions. Before submitting, ensure that your song is sonically competitive and represents your best work. Getting feedback from trusted sources before submitting can help you identify and address any weaknesses in the production.
Is there a specific genre that is more likely to get accepted when unreleased?
There isn’t one specific genre that guarantees acceptance for unreleased songs on SubmitHub. The likelihood of acceptance depends more on the quality of the music, the fit with the curator’s taste, and the overall presentation of the submission. However, certain genres that thrive on building anticipation and early buzz, such as indie pop, electronic music, and alternative, may see slightly more success with unreleased submissions.
Ultimately, the most important factor is creating a great song that resonates with your target audience. Focus on producing high-quality music that showcases your unique style and talent. Research curators who specialize in your genre and tailor your submission to their preferences. A well-crafted song, combined with a strategic submission approach, will significantly increase your chances of getting accepted, regardless of genre.