How To Find Playlist Curators Who Actually Get Your Music

Landing on the right playlist can make or break a release, but it’s not about chasing numbers. Learn how to find playlist curators who truly get your sound and then maintain long-term relationships with them.

How To Find Playlist Curators Who Actually Get Your Music

by Kevin Breuner via Reverbnation Blog

Playlists are still one of the best ways to get discovered, but the rules of the game have changed. The winning strategy among artists is now getting connected to the right curators – the ones that have a fan base that connects with their music.

There are basically three types of playlists you can land on:

• Editorial playlists → run by platforms like Spotify or Apple Music
• Algorithmic playlists → like Discover Weekly, based on listener behavior
• User curated playlists → made by actual people: influencers, radios, etc.

That last one? That’s where you have the most control (and the most to gain) if you play it smart. So here’s how to do it: how to find curators who get you, how to approach them, and how to build relationships that last.

Finding the right playlist curator is a vibe thing, not a numbers game

Instead of chasing outsize playlists, start by asking: which are the curators that already like what I do (even though they don’t know me yet?)

Go vibe first

• Are they into your genre?
• Do their previous adds include artists like you?
• Does their playlist feel intentional?

Consistency is key. A playlist with 2000 real listeners who like your music is more powerful than 100K fake streams from halfway across the world. 

Pro tip: You can search through software like PlaylistSupply to see where similar artists are being added, or you can just listen as a fan, and take notes.

Pitching is part of the game, but don’t sound like a bot!

OK so you found the perfect curator. Now what?

We’re all in an industry where outreach is part of the job. Music is art – but it’s also sales. You’ve got to know how to pitch yourself. But in a world where everyone’s using the same tools (hello ChatGPT), it’s easy to end up saying the exact same thing. Your message has to feel human because the person on the other end is human too. That’s how you stand out.

What does work:

• Follow their playlist
• Write a short text stating why you are reaching out to them specifically
• Mention a song of theirs you enjoyed
• Explain your song to them, and why it might relate to them

Keep it informal, (very) personal, and short. It’s not a job interview, it’s a chat between two passionate music lovers.

You handle the music, Groover handles the intro

Tracking down the right curators, confirming they are real, figuring out how to contact them, and waiting forever for a response can be: a lot. That’s why platforms like Groover exist. They connect you with curators, bloggers, radios, labels and assure you get a response. They filter out the noise and allow you to focus on the music + message.

You are not buying streams. You are opening the door to real listeners, through tastemakers that truly care about discovery, so use it wisely:

• Before the drop → to test unreleased music
• After the drop → establish long-tail momentum
• Anytime → to have a real, substantive group of people championing your work

Maintain your relationships

You got the share? Fantastic. It’s a great start.

Quick tips on what to do next:

• Don’t forget to share the playlist on your socials and tag to the curator
• Say thanks publicly 
• Ask for feedback or keep them in the loop on your next releases
• Send them unreleased tracks – and make them feel like they’re part of your journey
• If they’re local, invite them to your next show!

This is relationship-building. And long-term, it’s way more powerful than a one-shot stream spike.

It’s about finding the people whose taste aligns with your vision, and growing something together. If you treat curators like collaborators not vending machines  you’ll start building a fanbase that actually sticks. Your next fans are out there. You just need to reach the right ears.

Want to try Groover out? ReverbNation artists can now enjoy a 15% discount. Sign up on Groover and use the code REVERBNATIONGROOVERVIP [more explanations on how to apply the special discount here] Follow Groover on Instagram and Spotify.