When you submit a release to AWAL or in the run-up to delivering frontline content, you have the opportunity to complete the marketing highlights form. We use the details you submit here to better understand your projects. This can be useful for the A&R teams and, where appropriate, would give us the opportunity to get your project in front of DSP editors for pitching purposes. Below we've put some useful tips on how to take advantage of the tool.
Bookmark the link and note - it will send you a code for accessing the form that will initially go into your SPAM folder.
Best Practices Guide
This guide is designed to help you effectively use the Marketing Highlights Form to showcase your latest releases. When completing the form, keep your pitch concise and focused on the most impressive aspects of your music and strategy.
What to Include in Your Submission
1. Brief Introduction of the Release
You have a 500-character limit to grab attention. Highlight key features of your music, such as innovative sounds, collaboration with notable artists, or the inspiration behind your project.
Example Entry
"’19 20 21’, Jezz-Kow's debut EP, explores heartbreak through a mix of subdued verses and climactic choruses. With each track reflecting pivotal childhood experiences, Jezz-Kow's rich vocals paint a vivid picture of her emotional journey. The EP launch will feature a music video, a digital campaign including short-form content, a pre-save competition, and extensive media coverage to ensure a wide-reaching impact."
2. Content Based on Career Stage
New Artists: Introduce yourself to curators. Focus on your unique sound and artistic vision.
Developing Artists: Mention past successful releases, upcoming tours, and current marketing efforts.
Established Artists: Outline your career achievements, major marketing initiatives, release timelines, and digital strategies.
3. Key Information Curators Look For:
Creative Process: Discuss song/project creation, including sonics, inspirations, and notable producers involved.
Artist Positioning: Define your current career stage and overall market position.
Engagement Metrics: Include streaming success, audience growth or engagement, and any viral moments.
Project Timeline: Provide a clear timeline of your release and marketing plans.
Marketing and Tour Plans: Highlight significant plans like sold-out tours or major support slots.
Media Impact: Mention radio plays, chart positions, and impactful social media activity.
Other Essential Information
General Guidelines
Proofreading: Ensure accuracy as the information is used in our newsletters and other promotional materials.
Freshness: Provide new information not previously mentioned in earlier communications.
Additional Context
Share insights about your current scene, collaborators, and any other relevant marketing information that might influence curators.
Specific Categories to Address
Radio: Outline your radio strategy and any recent radio highlights.
Press and Online: Detail confirmed features and overall press strategy.
Live Performances: Discuss recent and upcoming tour dates, fan interactions, and live performance links.
Streaming Engagement: Describe your engagement strategies for platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, including playlist placements and special features like Spotify Canvas or Apple Motion artwork.
Social Media and TikTok: Explain how you're utilizing platforms for promotion, including any influencer partnerships or challenges.
Territorial Focus: If applicable, describe your promotional plans for specific markets and audience growth in those areas.
What else can I do to get my track on playlists?
There are many other ways to submit your music for playlist consideration outside of AWAL. You can use the Spotify’s Playlist Submission Tool in Spotify for Artists, and also look into opportunities to pitch to third party playlists curated by publications and tastemakers. We generally recommend staying away from services that guarantee placement and streams in exchange for a fee, so make sure to thoroughly research any service you’re thinking about using. For more information, check out this article on Streaming Fraud.
You can also keep working on building out your other marketing efforts by submitting your release to genre-specific blogs, publications and radio stations, booking more shows, and building your social media following. There’s not a specific point when playlist placements are guaranteed, but creating a well-rounded promotion campaign will improve your chances.