How to Pitch Your Music to Student Radio Stations & Blogs in 5 Clear Steps

Written by: Rebecca Ramaker.

You’ve finished your track. The mastering is done, the artwork looks great, and you’ve picked a release date. But now comes the real challenge: getting people to actually hear it.

While TikTok and Instagram are great tools to build an audience, there’s still huge value in

getting support from student radio stations and independent music blogs. These platforms are often run by music lovers just like you, and they’re always on the lookout for new talent—especially if you’re local or part of the same campus community.

So how do you get your music in front of them the right way? Here are five practical steps to help you pitch like a pro, even if it’s your very first release.

1. Do Your Research First

   Before you start emailing anyone, take time to research where your music would actually be a good fit. Not every blog or radio station is right for your release, and nothing turns people off faster than receiving a generic, copy-pasted pitch.

   
   

   Start by making a list of student radio stations at your own university and other campuses nearby. Look up their websites, DJ contact pages, or program directors. Do the same for student blogs and online indie zines that focus on your genre. Use Google searches and check social media too—many of these outlets are more active on Instagram than on websites. You can also take a look at trade bodies in the college broadcasting sphere such as CBI or Student Radio Association.

   
   

   Keep this organized in a spreadsheet with the outlet name, contact info, relevant shows or writers, and what kind of music they usually feature. This makes it easier to tailor your pitch and track your outreach.

   
   

2. Craft a Pitch Email

   Once you’ve identified where to send your music, it’s time to write a short, clear, and personal email. This is not the time for essays or over-the-top hype. Keep it professional and to the point, and always address the recipient by name if you can find it.

   Start by introducing yourself and your label briefly. For example:

“Hi Jamie, I help run [Label Name], a student-run label based at [University]. We’re releasing a new single this month by [Artist Name], a genre-blending producer who also studies here.”

Then share why you’re reaching out. For example:

“We thought it might be a good fit for your show [Name of Show] / blog, since we’ve seen you support similar emerging artists in the past.”

Be sure to include links to stream the track (SoundCloud, Dropbox, or private Spotify link), a press kit (more on that below), and any social media or artist profiles they may want to check out.

Wrap it up with a thank-you and an invitation to reach out if they’d like more info or a preview.

3. Create a Simple but Solid Press Kit

   No one wants to chase down six different emails to find your bio, artwork, or track. Put together a clean, easy-to-use EPK (Electronic Press Kit) and include the link in your email.

   Your press kit should live in a shared folder (like Google Drive or Dropbox) and contain:

   • The track (MP3 or WAV, clearly labeled)

   • A short artist bio (1–2 paragraphs)

   • The single or EP artwork

   • 2–3 high-quality promo photos

   • Lyrics, credits, and any relevant links (Spotify, YouTube, socials)

   You can also include a one-pager PDF that summarizes everything in one file for easy download. This helps the recipient get the full picture without clicking around too much.

   
   

4. Send Your Pitch at the Right Time

   Timing is everything. Don’t send your pitch the night before the release and expect a feature. Student radio shows are often pre-recorded, and blog writers usually schedule posts in advance—especially during exam season.

   
   

   The best time to pitch is 2–3 weeks before your release date. That gives them enough time to check out the music and plan coverage. You can even offer them an exclusive early listen, which makes it more likely they’ll pay attention.

   
   

   Then, about 5–7 days before the release, you can send a polite follow-up. Just remind them that the song is coming out soon and include the press kit again in case they missed it the first time.

5. Follow Up and Build a Relationship

   Whether or not your pitch results in coverage, your goal should be to build a genuine relationship with these outlets. If someone plays your track or writes about it, thank them—both privately via email and publicly on your social media. Share their article or clip. Tag them in your stories. Show them you appreciate their time.

   
   

   Even if they don’t cover your release this time, a respectful and professional approach means they’re more likely to check out your next one. Keep them in the loop for future projects, and if you ever host a showcase or drop a full-length project, they might just be your biggest allies.

Pitching to student radio stations and music blogs doesn’t require a big budget or music PR firm—it just takes some research, respect, and good communication.

To recap:

• Start early and target outlets that match your genre and story

• Write short, personal emails with all the key info and links

• Make a clean press kit they can use easily

• Follow up politely, but don't spam

• Say thank you and keep in touch

Remember, you’re not just promoting a track—you’re building a community around your label and your artists.