3 Ways Artists Are Getting Their Songs On Spotify Playlists

by Cari Cole

So what’s the real deal with Spotify playlists? Is it luck? Payola? Connections? Right now, for a fleeting moment, it’s the latter. You are introduced to somebody at Spotify, who curates playlists, who falls in love with your music, puts you on one and BAM. You start blowing up.

I was recently listening to my Discover Weekly, which Spotify curate’s specifically for you, and heard a sound that whipped my head around in seconds — who is that?! It was a — new artist, Jesse Hale-Moore, a New York artist who plays at Rockwood, with a small following, who is now one of my favorite artists. Boom. The power of Spotify playlists and their instant reach.

So how do you get your music on a Spotify playlist? Well, for starters, you no longer need to get “verified” as Spotify recently removed that requirement (but monthly listeners still help to get the word out about your music for sure, keep growing those.) At this stage in the game, getting on a playlist is definitely a “who you know” kind of thing. It comes from introductions inside the industry.

This is where a DIY mentality, that you can do it all yourself, actually hurts indie artists. It’s not auspicious to isolate and not grow industry relationships — for a plethora of reasons, this being one.

Here’s 3 ways I’ve seen getting on playlists happen recently with some of my beloved artists that I have worked with over the years:

 

1. In some cases, Spotify exposure comes from the producers you work with.

 

Our Alumni artist, Rainsford, is exceeding a million streams on her song, S.I.D.. (articles in Billboard don’t hurt) – and her collab with Norwegian producer Jerry Folk who Feat. her on the song, Purple Feelings, is helping to get the word out faster. I remember when we were working together a few years ago, as we wrote a catalog of 22 songs, in our A & R development process we researched producers from that neck of the world. Exciting to see it all come together ;).

 

2. Introductions from marketing companies.

 

Our beloved Alum Artist (and CCVM Head Songwriting Teamster), Stolar is in the 6 figure digit streams with his new songs, Feel Good and Paralyzed (on loop over here.) He recently got on a few Spotify playlists that came from a relationship with a marketing company he works with.

 

3. Building Industry relationships.

 

Our Alumni, Sarah Solovay is killing it at #7 on Spotify on the Global Viral Charts this week. Sarah is great at building relationships. I remember when I met Sarah and told her about the ASCAP Expo. 2 weeks later there she was attending their private Pop Awards event. Smart girl. Go Sarah! Now look at her!

 

Building relationships in the industry is an key area of focus that Indies need to add to their list. Here are my Top 3 Ways to Build Industry Relationships:

 

1. Attend Music Conferences to Meet Industry Face to Face

 

My top 4 favs are: ASCAP Expo, SXSW, Durango Songwriters Expo and Midem (France, international music business.) Go. Network. Meet Industry. Soak it in. Follow up.

 

2. Entertainment Attorney Introductions

 

Most artists think they need a manager, and while that can be helpful for sure, an entertainment attorney is usually first on the list given the contracts artists have to sign early on. And, entertainment attorneys can make introductions to music industry people for you. I counsel artists I work with, in how to actually work with their attorney’s, target people they want to meet, and make it happen.
An important note and update about managers: While there are some awesome integris managers out there, there are also a handful of thieves. We’ve all heard the war stories. Never forget that even if you have a manager, you still have to manage your finances and oversee your own day to day business. Another sad recent war story: A business manager who stole more than $7 million from Alanis Morissette and others was sentenced Wednesday to six years in federal prison and ordered to pay $8.6 million in restitution. Jonathan Todd Schwartz, 47, wept and apologized at the hearing, saying he took full responsibility for his behavior and would have a life of shame because of it. “I alone am responsible for the devastation,” he said, adding: “I will spend the rest of my life asking for forgiveness.”

 

3. How to Find the Right Industry People For You and Your Music

 

It’s an art. This is something I am passionate about teaching artists. From over 3 decades of coaching artists at my studio in New York, I’ve gotten a serious education in the industry watching artists climb, become successful and the details of how they did it. It absolutely starts with having an exceptional brand and music in the marketplace. That comes first.

NEWS FLASH: Then, the next step is more about finding the right people for you and your music than it is about growing your social media. We’re seeing artists now with low social media numbers blowing up on Spotify ;).

Also keep in mind that you must find the RIGHT people for you and your music. Music is a subjective thing and connections are centered around musical tastes and genres. You want to find people that dig what you do and who dig you ;). Not an easy feat, but when you know where to look, it’s easier. I know this sounds like a sell, but I spent a lot of time and energy working on this for artists. I’ve written it all down in a step by step system that is part of my program, Fast Forward Program & Blueprint: For Smart & Resourceful Musicians Who Want to Build Their Brand and Make a Living Making Music. Hundreds of artists have stepped up their connections and relationships with it.

 

For a complete look inside the program click here.

For full details on the current schedule for Fast Forward, click here.

 

“I, like so many artists had worked so hard for so long without gaining traction. I had recorded expensive albums that hadn’t been properly launched or promoted. I’d run out of steam with my website & social media platforms which were haphazardly managed & I had repeatedly gotten to the point of exhaustion and overwhelm. Fortunately for me it was at this point I came across Cari. She tells it like it is. Her courses are truly what they says they are. You are guided through authentic self-discovery, rehearsal & actions that you are accountable to achieve. It is very worthwhile and really essential for any artist releasing original work — I really couldn’t recommend it more highly. Today I am proud to say I have just come out of the studio with my 4th album, the songs from which I’ve absolutely loved writing & collaborating with my band – it’s my best work yet. Further, I have won numerous awards here in Australia & internationally as well as being booked to play my original work on a long list of incredible gigs & the festival circuit that I am very much a part of post Cari’s programs. Everyday I am grateful that my professional work has taken such a step up. Do yourself a favor & take the short time it takes to complete Cari’s Fast Forward Course before you step out the door, you will be forever glad you did 🙂 “

Kate Lush / www.katelush

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Hi, I’m Cari Cole.

You’ve got talent, but you want to become great at it. You’re in the right place! My mission is to help you refine your unique artist vision to bring to the world.

About Cari Cole

Cari Cole is the CEO / Founder of caricole.com and CCVM: Label Without Walls. She is a Holistic Vocal Coach, Artist Development Expert, A&R Director, and Songwriter based in New York City helping artists for the past 38 years. She is a mentor for Women in Music and The Association of Independent Music Publishers.

Her latest venture, CCVM a label services company, provides artists with a seamless path from creation to completion. After 30+ years of observing the overwhelm and challenges that artists face, Cari pulled together the best top creative professionals and designed a new approach to supporting our artists.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on Cari Cole's website is informational only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Cari Cole's website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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