Question 1

What is a press release?

Accepted Answer

A press release is an official announcement written by a company, organization, or individual (like an artist or label) to share something newsworthy (like a new song, album, tour, or signing) with the media and the public. It&#x27;s written like a news story, providing all the key facts.‍

Question 2

What is press release distribution?

Accepted Answer

Press release distribution is the process of sending that official announcement (the press release) out to journalists, news outlets, bloggers, industry professionals, and potentially news websites. The goal is to get the news seen by the right people.‍

Question 3

How does press release distribution work?

Accepted Answer

It works by using a service (like MusicWire) that has large lists of media contacts and connections to news networks. You give the service your press release, and they use their system (email lists, direct feeds to news sites like AP) to send it out widely and/or to targeted contacts all at once.

Question 4

Why do artists/labels use press releases?

Accepted Answer

They use press releases to officially announce important news in a professional way, hoping media outlets will write stories, fans will get excited, and industry people (like A&R or curators) will take notice. It helps control the initial message and shows they are actively making moves.‍

Question 5

What&#x27;s the difference between press release distribution and getting actual media coverage?

Accepted Answer

Distribution is just the sending of your announcement to many places. Getting media coverage means a journalist, blogger, or outlet actually writes their own story about your news, interviews you, or features your music based on that announcement (or other outreach). Distribution increases the chances of coverage, but doesn&#x27;t guarantee it.

Question 6

What kind of music news is typically announced with a press release?

Accepted Answer

Common news includes new single or album releases, music video premieres, tour announcements, signing with a label or agency, major collaborations, award nominations/wins, significant streaming milestones, or major band member changes. Essentially, any official news you want the wider industry and public to know about.

Question 7

Besides media coverage, what are other benefits of distributing a press release?

Accepted Answer

Other benefits include increased online visibility (SEO via pickups), building brand awareness, establishing credibility and authority (especially with placements on sites like AP/Benzinga), reaching potential industry partners (A&R, labels), and providing content for social media.

Question 8

How fast can my release go live?

Accepted Answer

Submit before 5 p.m. ET and we can launch the same day. Standard turnaround is 24 hours after editorial approval.‍

Question 9

Can you help me write or polish the release?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Choose the “Need writing help” option at checkout and a MusicWire editor will draft or refine your copy within one business day.‍

Question 10

Will it show up on Google News?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AP News and Benzinga are indexed within minutes, and the additional outlets that syndicate your release are cached by Google News and Bing News shortly after.‍

FAQ

Artists Frequently Ask:

Artist's Teams Frequently Ask:

PR Professionals Frequently Ask:

Your question isn't listed?

FAQ