Press Outreach for Drum & Bass Releases
Press coverage in drum & bass can do things that streaming numbers and social media posts simply can't. A feature on a respected D&B blog, a review in a dance music magazine, or an interview on a well-known podcast builds credibility and puts your music in front of audiences who actively seek out new releases. The D&B press world includes everything from long-running sites like UKF and DNB Dojo to independent bloggers and podcasters with small but fiercely dedicated followings. This guide covers how to find the right outlets, write pitches that journalists actually respond to, and develop press relationships that grow with each release.
Finding the Right Outlets and Journalists
The drum & bass press world is smaller and more specialised than mainstream music media, which works in your favour. Start by identifying the outlets that regularly cover D&B releases. UKF, DNB Dojo, We Rave You, DJ Mag, Mixmag, and Data Transmission are solid starting points. Then dig deeper into independent blogs, YouTube review channels, and podcasts. Many D&B podcasts feature new releases and accept submissions. Build a media list with specific journalist or editor names rather than generic info@ addresses. Check recent articles to see which writers cover D&B at each outlet - some publications have dedicated bass music editors while others rotate coverage across staff. Note what kind of content each outlet prefers: some run reviews, others favour premieres, and some focus on artist interviews. Matching your pitch to what they actually publish dramatically increases your chances of getting covered. If an outlet mainly does premieres, pitch an exclusive stream rather than asking for a review.
Crafting Your Press Pitch
A good D&B press pitch is short, specific, and gives the journalist something to work with. Start with a clear subject line: "Premiere Offer: [Artist] - [Track] on [Label] / Out [Date]" or "New EP: [Artist] on [Label] - Press Assets Available." In the body, get to the point immediately. One sentence on who the artist is, one on what the release sounds like, and one on why it matters - maybe it's the artist's debut, a return to a legendary label, or a collaboration with a notable producer. Include a private listening link so the journalist can hear the music. Promoly is particularly useful here because tracks stream directly in the browser, which means no downloads cluttering their inbox. Attach or link to a press kit with a bio, high-resolution photos, and any relevant quotes or background. Keep the whole email under 250 words. If you're offering a premiere, make that clear in the subject line and specify the terms: when the track is available for premiere, the release date, and whether it's exclusive to one outlet.
Following Up and Maintaining Relationships
After sending your pitch, wait at least five business days before following up. Journalists are busy and often working on multiple pieces simultaneously. A polite one-line follow-up asking if they received the email is fine. If you don't hear back after two attempts, let it go for this release and try again with the next one. When a journalist does cover your release, amplify it. Share the article across all your social channels, tag the writer and the outlet, and make sure your audience sees it. This drives traffic to their site, which editors notice and appreciate. Send a brief thank-you email. These small interactions build rapport over time. Keep a log of every media interaction: who you pitched, what you pitched, whether they covered it, and any notes about their preferences. After several releases, you'll know that writer A prefers liquid D&B premieres while writer B is more interested in neurofunk reviews. That knowledge makes every subsequent pitch more targeted and more likely to succeed.
Tips for drum & bass press outreach
Offer premieres strategically
An exclusive premiere gives a journalist a reason to cover your track ahead of everyone else. Save them for your strongest releases and most important outlets.
Match content type to outlet
Some outlets do reviews, others do premieres, others do interviews. Pitch the type of content they actually publish, not what you wish they'd publish.
Include visual assets
Artwork, press photos, and video stills make it easier for an outlet to run your story. Include download links in every pitch.
Pitch one release at a time
Don't dump your entire back catalogue into one email. Focus on a single release and give the journalist enough material to write about it properly.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using generic email addresses
Sending to info@ or submissions@ often means your pitch sits in a shared inbox. Find the specific journalist's email and address them by name.
Attaching large audio files
Don't attach WAV or MP3 files to your emails. Use streaming links so journalists can listen without downloading. It also avoids email size limits and spam filters.
Ignoring niche outlets
A review on a small D&B blog with 5,000 dedicated readers can be more valuable than a passing mention on a massive site. Don't overlook niche media.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I pitch press?
2-3 weeks before release for reviews and features. For premieres, reach out 3-4 weeks early so there's time to coordinate the exclusive timing.
Should I pitch every release to press?
Not necessarily. Focus press efforts on releases with a clear angle or story. If it's a straightforward single with no hook, your energy might be better spent on DJ promo and playlist pitching.
What if a journalist gives my track a bad review?
Don't respond defensively. Thank them for the coverage and move on. A professional attitude in the face of criticism builds more respect than arguing ever will.
Is it worth pitching mainstream music outlets?
If your release has a compelling story, yes. Pitchfork, The Guardian, and others do cover D&B occasionally, but they need a strong narrative hook beyond just the music.
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