For years, I’ve been behind closed doors. Editing. Building. Quietly shaping what would become Elicit Magazine. I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. And yet, here I am, receiving hundreds of music submissions from artists filled with hope, ambition, and a love for this chaotic industry.
I have to pause sometimes to remind myself: this is exactly why I started. Just like you—the artist chasing their next song, their next stage, their next story—I still pitch myself to PR firms and labels. I still introduce this publication with the same nerves and excitement that I had when it began.
That feeling you get when you write a song that takes your breath away—the one that feels bigger than yourself? That’s how I feel about Elicit Magazine. It’s not just a platform. It’s my heart. It’s my soul. And every single submission is a reminder of what’s possible when someone believes in their own voice.
After five years of reviewing submissions manually, I’ve picked up a few tips on what turns an editor on and off when listening to new music. I’m not quite tenured yet, but I’ve been around long enough to know what catches attention and what gets passed over.
1. Tell Me Your Story
I can’t stress this enough. Don’t just send a link and call it a day. Whether you’re emailing, using a contact form, or DMing on social media, introduce yourself. Tell me who you are in 100 words.
I’m not just paying attention to your sound. I want to feel your story. And if that makes you say, “Wait, what? Ashley, that’s crazy,” hear me out. In this industry, your story is your edge. Music blogs aren’t just curating songs. We’re curating people.
I believe in the artist as much as I believe in the person behind the music. So help me believe in you.
2. Be Professional
This one should go without saying. But here I am, saying it. Spell your name correctly. Use proper grammar. Take your submission seriously if you want anyone else to.
We all speak our own language. That’s part of the beauty of music. But when it comes to first impressions, sloppy messages send the wrong signal. If your email is filled with misspellings and shorthand like “biz” or “dis,” I’ll skip right over it.
Respect your craft. Respect the people reading it. That professionalism matters.
3. Details, Details, Details
If you’re serious about being featured, give me what I need to make that happen. Include:
- Links to your music (Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music)
- Your website and social channels
- Release dates, past or upcoming
- Any prior media features or notable achievements
And please, show me a live performance. If an artist doesn’t have one posted publicly, we skip the submission 99 percent of the time. That’s not about being harsh. It’s about finding real artists. Elicit Magazine isn’t just a music blog. We’re curators of talent. If you can’t perform live, we’re probably not the right fit for you.
Your Submission, Your Shot
Every time you send your music to a blog or publication, you’re stepping into the spotlight. Make it count. Put in the time to craft a message that reflects your artistry. Introduce yourself. Polish your presentation. Lead with authenticity. And most importantly, remember this—if you’re here, doing the work, then you’re already on your way.
For more submission tips and behind-the-scenes insights, visit Elicit Magazine.
