Frequently
Asked
Questions
About the Indie Bible
What is the Indie bible?
The Indie Bible is a collection of music-industry directories and educational guides created to help independent musicians find legitimate opportunities to promote their music.
The resources connect artists with music reviewers, blogs, radio stations and shows, playlist curators, record labels, promotional services, booking agents, venues and other music-industry contacts.
The original Indie Bible covers a particularly broad range of opportunities, including music reviewers, blogs, radio, promotion and marketing services, publicists, PR companies, management services, record labels, distributors, licensing services and other resources for independent artists.
Who is the Indie Bible for?
The Indie Bible directories are designed for independent musicians and songwriters who want to create more exposure for their music.
That includes artists looking for reviews, radio airplay, playlist curators, label contacts, distribution, marketing resources, booking gigs and other ways to build their careers.
Is the Indie Bible only for unsigned musicians?
No. The resources are particularly useful to independent and DIY artists, but many of the opportunities are relevant to artists on independent labels, self-releasing artists and other musicians who handle some or all of their own promotion.
What kinds of music are covered?
A very wide range.
Depending on the directory, categories include Rock, Pop, Alternative, Indie, Hip Hop, Rap, Electronic, Dance, Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Country, Americana, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Metal, Punk, Reggae, Ska, Soul, R&B, Funk, Christian/Gospel, Latin, World, New Age/Ambient, Experimental and many others.
The main Indie Bible specifically states that all styles of music are covered.
The specialized streaming directories are also divided into extensive genre sections. For example, the Spotify Bible includes everything from Blues and Children's Music to Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Jazz, Metal, Pop, Punk, Reggae, World Music and official Spotify curators.
Is the Indie Bible useful outside the United States?
Yes.
The resources contain opportunities in multiple countries and regions. Some directories are international by design. The Booking Agents Directory, for example, includes agencies in North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Asia and Africa, as well as cruise-ship opportunities.
How long has the Indie Bible been helping independent artists?
The Indie Bible has been published for 27 years.
Over that time, the way musicians promote themselves has changed enormously-from physical demos and traditional radio and press to blogs, streaming platforms, playlists, social media and digital submissions. The purpose, however, remains the same: helping independent artists identify appropriate people and organizations that may be interested in their music.
Choosing the Right Indie Bible
Which Indie Bible should I buy?
The Indie Bible is a collection of music-industry directories and educational guides created to help independent musicians find legitimate opportunities to promote their music.
The resources connect artists with music reviewers, blogs, radio stations and shows, playlist curators, record labels, promotional services, booking agents, venues and other music-industry contacts.
The original Indie Bible covers a particularly broad range of opportunities, including music reviewers, blogs, radio, promotion and marketing services, publicists, PR companies, management services, record labels, distributors, licensing services and other resources for independent artists.
What's included in the Indie Streaming Pack?
The Indie Streaming Pack combines the Indie Spotify Bible, Apple Music Bible and Indie YouTube Bible, along with their companion educational guides.
It's intended for artists who want to concentrate on streaming and digital music discovery across all three platforms rather than purchasing each directory separately.
What's included in the Ultimate Indie Bible?
The Ultimate Indie Bible combines the main Indie Bible with the searchable Online Database and the Indie Venue Bible resources.
It's intended for artists who want both music-promotion contacts and live-performance opportunities, with database tools for searching and organizing contacts.
What's included in the Extreme Indie Bundle?
The Extreme Indie Bundle brings together the major Indie Bible resources: the Indie Bible, Online Database, Spotify Bible, Apple Music Bible, YouTube Bible, International Booking Agents Directory and Indie Venue Bible, along with the associated bonus educational guides.
Do I need every directory?
No.
If you know exactly what you're trying to accomplish, an individual directory may be all you need.
A musician primarily interested in Spotify playlist promotion doesn't necessarily need a booking-agent directory. Likewise, an established live act searching for representation may be more interested in booking agents and venues than playlist curators.
The larger bundles make more sense when you're pursuing several types of exposure simultaneously.
What's Inside the Directories?
What information is included in an Indie Bible listing?
The information varies because different types of music-industry contacts require different information.
Depending on the resource, a listing may contain a contact or curator name, location, genres, description, website, email address, social-media account, playlist or channel link, submission page, submission instructions and other relevant details.
For example, Spotify listings can include curator, location, genres, followers, number of songs, a description, submission method and Spotify playlist page.
Does the Indie Bible provide submission information?
Yes, whenever that information is available.
This is an important part of the directories because different music services want to receive music in different ways.
A contact might request an email, online submission form, dedicated music-submission page, SubmitHub or Groover submission, social-media message, streaming link or another method.
Does every listing contain an email address?
No.
Some music-industry contacts deliberately do not publish email addresses. Others specifically request submissions through a form, social-media account or third-party submission service.
The absence of an email address does not necessarily mean you cannot submit. The appropriate submission method may simply be different.
Are direct submission links included?
Where available, yes.
For example, directory listings may point directly to a music-submission page, SubmitHub page, Groover profile or another submission system rather than simply providing the organization's homepage.
Are social-media contacts included?
When relevant and available, yes.
Some curators and music services prefer social-media contact. The Spotify Bible even recommends having accounts on major social platforms because, in some cases, direct messaging is the only available way to contact a curator.
Does the Indie Bible tell me which genres a contact accepts?
Genre information is an important part of the directories.
This allows you to concentrate on contacts whose musical interests actually correspond with what you create rather than wasting everyone's time by submitting indiscriminately.
Does the Indie Bible guarantee that someone will listen to or accept my music?
No.
The directories identify opportunities and provide information to help you approach them appropriately. They cannot determine whether a curator, reviewer, radio programmer, booking agent or other industry professional will like a particular artist.
Ultimately, that decision belongs to the recipient.
And that's an important distinction: the Indie Bible provides access to opportunities, not guaranteed outcomes.
Submitting and Promoting Your Music
How do I submit my music using the Indie Bible?
Start by finding contacts that genuinely fit your music.
Then read the individual listing and, when appropriate, visit the contact's website or submission page to check their current instructions.
Follow those instructions exactly.
Your submission method may be email, an online form, a streaming link, a specialized submission platform, social media or something else.
The Ultimate Guide to Promoting Your Music describes checking each recipient's specific submission guidelines as the fundamental rule of music promotion.
Why are submission guidelines so important?
Because music services don't all work the same way.
One blog may want a private streaming link. Another may use a submission form. A radio station may have a dedicated music director. A playlist curator might use SubmitHub. Another may accept submissions through Instagram.
Ignoring those instructions can prevent your music from being considered at all.
The guide warns that sending music without checking submission guidelines wastes both the artist's time and the recipient's.
Can I send the same email to hundreds of Indie Bible contacts?
You can contact multiple appropriate prospects, but a generic mass email is strongly discouraged.
Your promotional guide identifies the generic email blast as one of the methods that can lead to failure. It also recommends finding the appropriate contact person's name whenever possible.
Researching fewer, well-matched opportunities and approaching them properly is usually a much better strategy than blindly sending the same message to everyone.
Should I personalize my music submissions?
Yes.
Personalization doesn't mean writing an essay for every recipient. It means demonstrating that you know whom you're contacting and why your music might be appropriate for them.
Research the outlet, playlist, station, channel, label or agency first.
Should I attach MP3 files to my email?
Only when the recipient specifically requests attachments.
Some music services accept attachments. Others specifically prohibit them.
One listing in the Indie Bible, for example, requests a link if a physical CD isn't available and explicitly states that emails containing attachments will be deleted.
Never assume one submission format works for everybody.
Should I send a streaming link?
If the recipient accepts streaming links, they can make it much easier for someone to hear your music.
The promotion guide recommends providing an easily accessible streaming option when pitching reviewers rather than creating unnecessary extra steps for the recipient.
Should I research a contact before submitting?
Absolutely.
Look at what they actually feature.
A playlist filled with acoustic singer/songwriters probably isn't the best target for a Death Metal track. Likewise, a publication devoted to Classical music is unlikely to be your best target for an EDM release unless its submission information indicates otherwise.
The principle throughout the Indie Bible guides is simple: target your promotion.
How many people should I contact?
There isn't a magic number.
The goal isn't to submit to the largest possible number of people. It's to build a sufficiently large list of appropriate contacts and systematically work through it.
Keeping track of who you've approached, when you submitted and what response you received can make a large campaign considerably easier to manage. The promotion guide specifically recommends recording submission dates and responses.
Should I follow up after submitting?
Follow the recipient's instructions first.
Where follow-up is appropriate, be professional and politely persistent rather than demanding.
If somebody says no, don't argue with them. A rejection from one reviewer or curator doesn't mean a future release won't be a better fit. The guide specifically recommends remaining pleasant and keeping the relationship open for future releases.
What should I do after I get coverage or airplay?
Share it.
Thank the person who supported you, record the result in your promotional records, and keep the relationship alive.
Successful placements can also strengthen future pitches because they provide evidence that other people in the industry have responded positively to your music.
Spotify & Playlist Promotion
Can the Indie Spotify Bible help me get onto Spotify playlists?
The Indie Spotify Bible helps you find and approach playlist curators whose playlists may be suitable for your music.
It does not guarantee playlist placement.
The directory provides the research and contact information; you still need to choose appropriate playlists, follow submission instructions and persuade curators that your music belongs there.
Does it include different genres of Spotify playlists?
Yes.
The Spotify Bible is organized into extensive genre sections including Blues, Chill, Christian/Gospel, Christmas, Classical, Country/Americana, Electronic/Dance, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Hip Hop/Rap, Indie Rock/Alternative, Jazz, Metal, Pop, Punk, Reggae/Ska, Soul/R&B/Funk, World Music and many others.
Does it include independent Spotify curators?
Yes. Independent playlist curators are a major focus of the directory.
The accompanying material is also designed to teach artists how curators want to be approached, rather than merely providing names and links.
Does the Spotify Bible include official Spotify curators?
The directory includes a section devoted to official Spotify curators.
Do Spotify curators charge submission fees?
Some submission systems and curators may charge fees, while many do not.
The directory attempts to identify known placement/submission fees where that information is available and also warns artists that fees are sometimes not disclosed until later in the submission process.
Should I pay for guaranteed Spotify playlist placement?
Be cautious about anyone promising a guaranteed result simply in exchange for money.
A legitimate submission fee can be a fee for someone's time or for using a submission platform; it does not automatically mean you're purchasing a guaranteed positive outcome.
The Indie Bible materials repeatedly encourage artists to research paid services and be alert to questionable or hidden fees.
What is SubmitHub?
SubmitHub is a music-submission platform used by many curators.
Some Indie Bible listings direct artists to SubmitHub when that's the curator's chosen submission method. The Spotify Bible explains that hundreds of Spotify curators use the service and recommends becoming familiar with how it works.
Apple Music & YouTube
Is there an Indie Bible specifically for Apple Music?
Yes.
The Apple Music Bible is designed to help artists find Apple Music playlists and curators across a broad range of genres.
Like the other directories, it is intended to help you identify appropriate opportunities and understand how those curators want to be approached.
Is there an Indie Bible specifically for YouTube?
Yes.
The Indie YouTube Bible covers both YouTube and YouTube Music opportunities.
Do I need a music video to use the Indie YouTube Bible?
Not necessarily.
The YouTube Bible explains that some channels post artists' music videos, while other channels will post audio and integrate it into their own visual content, such as artwork, original visuals or lyric videos.
That means YouTube promotion isn't limited to musicians who have professionally produced music videos.
Does the YouTube Bible include YouTube Music playlists?
Yes.
The directory includes a separate YouTube Music section with playlists across numerous genres.
Does it include educational information about YouTube promotion?
Yes.
The accompanying Independent Artist's Guide to YouTube contains 41 articles covering subjects such as getting music onto channels and playlists, promoting videos, connecting with curators, creating accounts and channels, and uploading videos.
Radio, Blogs & Music Reviews
Can the Indie Bible help me get radio airplay?
Yes. Radio is one of the major categories covered by the main Indie Bible.
It includes radio stations and shows that are willing to play independent music across many different genres and regions.
Again, inclusion in the directory doesn't guarantee airplay. It identifies opportunities where independent artists can investigate and submit appropriately.
Should independent artists still submit to radio?
The educational material places particular value on appropriate non-commercial, college, community and similar radio opportunities for independent artists rather than blindly pitching commercial radio.
Can the Indie Bible help me get my music reviewed?
Yes.
The main Indie Bible contains extensive sections devoted to reviewers and music blogs, divided by genres and geographic regions.
How should I approach a music blogger or reviewer?
Research the publication first.
Make sure it actually covers your style of music, find the appropriate submission instructions and make it easy for the reviewer to hear your work.
Don't assume every publication accepts music in the same way.
What if a reviewer doesn't like my music?
Move on professionally.
Musical taste is subjective. A rejection doesn't mean your music is bad, and arguing with a reviewer isn't likely to help your career.
More importantly, don't burn a potentially useful relationship over one release. Your next recording may be a much better fit.
Booking Agents, Gigs & Venues
What does a booking agent do?
A booking agent helps artists secure live performance opportunities. Their work can include approaching promoters and talent buyers, negotiating performance fees and contracts, planning tours, coordinating dates and routing, and helping artists move into larger or more appropriate venues and markets.
A good booking agent also brings relationships with promoters, festivals and venues that an independent artist may not yet have developed.
When should I start looking for a booking agent?
There is no single point in an artist's career when a booking agent becomes necessary. However, the advice throughout our booking resources suggests that artists are generally in a stronger position when they have already developed some momentum on their own.
That means playing shows, developing an audience, building a professional reputation and demonstrating that people will come to see you perform. Agents are more likely to become interested when an artist's live career has reached the point where handling all the opportunities independently is becoming difficult.
Can unsigned and independent artists approach booking agents?
Yes. Independent artists can approach booking agents, but being unsigned does not mean an agent will automatically be ready to represent you.
Before contacting an agency, research it. Learn which artists it represents, which genres it works with, the territories it covers and, whenever possible, the appropriate agent to contact. Your initial approach is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and work ethic.
Does the Booking Agents Directory include agencies that accept submissions?
The directory was compiled with the intention of listing agencies believed to be open to submissions. Because submission policies can change, artists should always check an agency's current requirements before submitting.
Should I pay a booking agent just to consider my music?
Be cautious.
Some agencies may charge a small, clearly disclosed submission fee. The Booking Agents Directory distinguishes these from services charging large or hidden fees and specifically warns artists to avoid questionable agencies that are not upfront about their charges.
Radio, Blogs & Music Reviews
Can the Indie Bible help me get radio airplay?
Yes. Radio is one of the major categories covered by the main Indie Bible.
It includes radio stations and shows that are willing to play independent music across many different genres and regions.
Again, inclusion in the directory doesn't guarantee airplay. It identifies opportunities where independent artists can investigate and submit appropriately.
Should independent artists still submit to radio?
The educational material places particular value on appropriate non-commercial, college, community and similar radio opportunities for independent artists rather than blindly pitching commercial radio.
How do I find venues that are appropriate for my music?
Start with genre, location and type of opportunity, rather than simply contacting every venue you can find.
The Indie Venue Bible uses genre tags covering styles ranging from Acoustic, Alternative and Blues through Hip Hop, Jazz, Metal, Punk, R&B/Soul, Reggae/Ska, Singer/Songwriter and World Music. It also identifies opportunities such as festivals, concert series, colleges, open mics and open jams.
This allows artists to concentrate their efforts on venues and opportunities that actually make sense for their music.
Can the Indie Bible help me plan a tour?
Yes. The live-music resources are designed to help artists research both the business of touring and potential places to perform.
The Ultimate Guide to Touring & Playing Live covers booking agents, international touring, North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, South America, Africa and specialized opportunities such as cruise-ship work.
The Ultimate Guide to Booking Gigs goes further into preparing for shows, booking gigs, contracts, college gigs, touring, tour promotion, sponsorship, non-traditional venues, performance and building attendance.
Do I need a booking agent to get gigs?
No.
Many independent artists book their own shows, particularly early in their careers. Learning how booking works can actually put you in a stronger position later because you'll better understand promoters, contracts, fees, routing and what a professional agent does.
An agent becomes particularly valuable when the number, size or complexity of your opportunities begins exceeding what you can efficiently handle yourself.
Getting Your Music Reviewed
How do independent musicians find blogs and publications that review music?
The Indie Bible contains dedicated sections for independent-music reviewers and music blogs, organized extensively by genre and, where appropriate, geographic region.
The main Indie Bible describes its resources as including hundreds of magazines and hundreds of music blogs, alongside radio, labels, distributors and promotional resources.
Rather than searching randomly for "music blogs," you can identify outlets that are much more likely to be interested in your particular style of music.
What's the best way to approach a music blogger or reviewer?
First, determine whether the publication actually covers your kind of music.
Then read its submission instructions.
Some reviewers want streaming links. Others use submission forms or third-party platforms. Some accept physical releases. Others specifically prohibit attachments.
The Indie Bible's promotion guide makes this one of its fundamental rules: follow each recipient's specific submission guidelines.
Should I attach my MP3 to a pitch email?
Only if the recipient specifically requests an attachment.
Never assume.
Some outlets explicitly delete emails containing attachments, while others may request files. The correct submission method depends entirely on the recipient. One example in the Indie Bible specifically instructs artists without a physical CD to send a link and warns that emails containing attachments will be deleted.
Should I send the same email to hundreds of reviewers?
No.
Mass emailing may be faster, but it removes exactly the kind of targeting and personalization that can make somebody pay attention to your music.
Research the outlet, determine whether your music fits, find the appropriate contact when possible and follow its submission instructions.
Your goal isn't simply to send more submissions. It's to send better-targeted submissions.
What should I include when pitching my music?
There isn't one universal format because every recipient has different requirements.
In general, your goal should be to make it easy for the recipient to understand who you are, what you're submitting, why it may be relevant to them and where they can hear it-without making them hunt for the information.
Most importantly, give them what they ask for, not what you assume they want.
What if a reviewer doesn't respond?
Don't automatically interpret silence as a judgment on your music.
Reviewers and curators can receive enormous numbers of submissions and simply cannot feature everything they receive.
Where appropriate, a polite follow-up can be reasonable. But repeated messages, demands for an explanation or arguing with someone who declines your music is unlikely to help.
The promotion guide specifically recommends being pleasant when music isn't selected and maintaining the relationship because a future release may be a better fit.
Radio Airplay
How do independent musicians find blogs and publications that review music?
The Indie Bible contains dedicated sections for independent-music reviewers and music blogs, organized extensively by genre and, where appropriate, geographic region.
The main Indie Bible describes its resources as including hundreds of magazines and hundreds of music blogs, alongside radio, labels, distributors and promotional resources.
Rather than searching randomly for "music blogs," you can identify outlets that are much more likely to be interested in your particular style of music.
What's the best way to approach a music blogger or reviewer?
First, determine whether the publication actually covers your kind of music.
Then read its submission instructions.
Some reviewers want streaming links. Others use submission forms or third-party platforms. Some accept physical releases. Others specifically prohibit attachments.
The Indie Bible's promotion guide makes this one of its fundamental rules: follow each recipient's specific submission guidelines.
Should I attach my MP3 to a pitch email?
Only if the recipient specifically requests an attachment.
Never assume.
Some outlets explicitly delete emails containing attachments, while others may request files. The correct submission method depends entirely on the recipient. One example in the Indie Bible specifically instructs artists without a physical CD to send a link and warns that emails containing attachments will be deleted.
Should I send the same email to hundreds of reviewers?
No.
Mass emailing may be faster, but it removes exactly the kind of targeting and personalization that can make somebody pay attention to your music.
Research the outlet, determine whether your music fits, find the appropriate contact when possible and follow its submission instructions.
Your goal isn't simply to send more submissions. It's to send better-targeted submissions.
What should I include when pitching my music?
There isn't one universal format because every recipient has different requirements.
In general, your goal should be to make it easy for the recipient to understand who you are, what you're submitting, why it may be relevant to them and where they can hear it-without making them hunt for the information.
Most importantly, give them what they ask for, not what you assume they want.
What if a reviewer doesn't respond?
Don't automatically interpret silence as a judgment on your music.
Reviewers and curators can receive enormous numbers of submissions and simply cannot feature everything they receive.
Where appropriate, a polite follow-up can be reasonable. But repeated messages, demands for an explanation or arguing with someone who declines your music is unlikely to help.
The promotion guide specifically recommends being pleasant when music isn't selected and maintaining the relationship because a future release may be a better fit.
Indie Bible vs. Google & AI
Can't I find music industry contacts myself with Google?
Yes.
The information exists on the internet, and with enough searching you can find many individual music blogs, radio stations, playlists, venues, labels and other contacts yourself.
The problem is the time and organization involved.
The Indie Bible brings large numbers of music opportunities together, organizes them by categories such as genre, location and type of service, and includes submission and contact information where available.
You're not paying because the internet doesn't exist.
You're paying to avoid having to build the directory yourself.
Can't I just ask ChatGPT or another AI to find these contacts?
AI can be extremely useful for researching the music business, developing promotional strategies, writing pitches and discovering potential opportunities.
But asking an AI a question and working from a researched directory are different things.
The Indie Bible provides a structured body of music-industry contacts and information that has been researched and organized specifically for independent artists. Instead of repeatedly asking an AI to discover individual opportunities, you have a resource you can browse systematically by the kind of exposure you're looking for.
In fact, the two can work extremely well together: use the Indie Bible to identify appropriate targets and use AI to help research those targets further, organize campaigns and develop personalized approaches.
What's the difference between the Indie Bible and the specialist directories?
The Indie Bible is the broad, all-in-one music promotion resource. It covers reviewers, music blogs, radio, promotional services, publicists, PR, management, labels, distributors, licensing and other areas of the independent music business.
The specialist directories go much deeper into a particular area-for example Spotify playlists, Apple Music playlists, YouTube channels/playlists, booking agents or live venues.
Which one is right for you depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
Which Indie Bible product should I buy?
Start with your immediate goal.
If your priority is broad music promotion-reviews, radio, blogs, labels and industry services-the main Indie Bible provides the widest range of opportunities.
If playlist promotion is your priority, one of the streaming directories or a streaming bundle may make more sense.
If your goal is performing live, focus on the booking-agent and venue resources.
Artists pursuing several strategies simultaneously may get more value from one of the larger bundles.
Music Promotion Strategy
What's the best way to promote music without a record label?
Don't depend on one promotional channel.
Independent promotion can combine playlist outreach, music blogs, reviews, radio, YouTube, social media, live performances, direct fan engagement and other opportunities.
The Ultimate Guide to Promoting Your Music reflects exactly this kind of broad approach, covering radio, reviews, streaming, YouTube, submission services, licensing, marketing, PR, social networking, labels, distribution and other areas.
How do I increase my chances of getting a response?
Make the recipient's job easy.
Research them. Make sure your music fits. Follow their instructions. Use the correct contact method. Keep your introduction concise and professional. Provide whatever links or materials they've requested.
And remember that you're contacting a person-not an entry in a database.
How important is personalization?
Very.
A personalized submission demonstrates that you've taken the time to understand who you're contacting.
That doesn't mean writing an essay to every curator. It means avoiding the obvious signs of mass outreach and demonstrating that there is a reason you've chosen this particular person to hear this particular song.
Should I follow up after submitting my music?
Follow the recipient's instructions first.
If follow-up isn't prohibited, one polite follow-up may be appropriate after a reasonable amount of time.
Repeatedly emailing someone who hasn't responded is unlikely to improve your chances.
What if my music keeps getting rejected?
Rejection is part of music promotion.
A curator, blogger, radio programmer or booking agent rejecting a submission doesn't necessarily mean the music is bad. It may simply be wrong for that person's audience, programming, current needs or taste.
Keep improving your targeting, presentation and music-and keep going.