You and 500+ other subscribers read Vibrant Revolt, a music promotion newsletter that wants you to shine bright enough to scorch the earth. Every Wednesday we’re firing this bad boy out, jam-packed with anti-cringe advice for those who are sick of bots and bullshit.

// What’s Inside

💣🔥 Disruptive Discourse // The Power of Press: Why Media Exposure Still Matters — Yes, it matters, but not in the ways you might think. And there are a number of things you should do to get as much mileage out of it as possible. Read the full article below →

🗑️❓ Truth or Trash // Each week, we'll present you with three headlines and one lie. Think you know your industry news? Prove it: read the headlines below, and try to guess which one’s the fake.

🛠️🥾 Riot Guide // Tips for Setting Up A Music Release // ‘Do It Yourself Motherf!*&$r’ — This week we’re doing things a little differently: instead of a write up, we’re bringing you the latest video from Vanessa Silberman, industry mainstay and guru, who’ll be laying out all the things to consider when setting up a release. Watch it below →

// Disruptive Discourse

The Power of Press: Why Media Exposure Still Matters

Back in the late 2000s and throughout the 2010s, music blogs were the ultimate gatekeepers. Sites like Hype Machine, Pitchfork, and Vice weren’t just places to catch the latest tracks; they were the kingmakers of the indie music world. A positive review—or even just a mention—on one of these platforms could turn an unknown band into the next big thing overnight. These tastemakers had the power to elevate careers, setting trends and influencing what millions of listeners would have on repeat.

But then came the 'Vid. Fast forward to today, and the game has changed dramatically. The once-thriving indie blog scene has been decimated, with many of these platforms either shutting down or losing their cultural relevance. To add drivel to injury, we’re now navigating a digital wasteland filled with AI-generated content and SEO-driven clickbait. The curators that once dominated the music blogosphere have been bulldozed, replaced by algorithms churning out generic content designed to game search engines rather than genuinely engage with music. That's not to say we don't have some very dedicated personalities still fighting the good fight (hats off to Anthony Fantano, the hardest working man on the internet), but overall the ecosystem of sites and blogs is nowhere near what it used to be.

For musicians today, this shift means the old paths to success through blog features and reviews are no longer reliable. The rise of streaming services, social media, and the relentless march of AI content creation have democratized access, sure, but they’ve also made it harder for any single voice to rise above the noise. The traditional gatekeepers might still exist in some form, but the landscape is more fragmented and chaotic than ever. It’s not just about getting a good review anymore—it’s about understanding how to navigate this new, twisted ecosystem to find and connect with your audience directly.

Why Getting Press Matters for Musicians

Getting press still matters—big time. When you land a feature in a legit media outlet, it’s a golden stamp of approval. Because you've basically demonstrated that you can get press, which takes no small amount of having your shit together to do. Plus, in an industry where image can make or break you, that credibility is worth its weight in gold. Press coverage can also open up a ton of doors—think more gigs, collabs, and even record deals.

But that's not all. When your name pops up in reputable outlets, it doesn’t just give you cred; it also boosts your visibility in a way that lasts. Why? Because every mention and link back to your site or socials does wonders for your SEO. When search engines see your name associated with high-quality, relevant content, it pushes you higher in the rankings. And let’s be real: when someone Googles your band, you want to be the first thing that pops up, not buried under pages of Facebook profiles with the same name as you, or some obscure indie video game with a cult-like following (yes those were real examples).

But again, it’s all about how you leverage that press. Engage with the coverage, share it, and keep the conversation going. That’s how you turn a fleeting mention into sustained buzz. Press is more than just a moment in the spotlight—it’s a tool for building long-term visibility and driving your music forward. If you use it.

Breaking Down Media Placements

Not all media placements are made equal—each type plays its own role in boosting your visibility and credibility. Here's a rundown of the different types of Media Placements:

• Online Articles
  These are your bread and butter for building an online presence. The best part? They’re shareable. When you land a spot in a news roundup, listicle, feature, interview, or even a full-blown cover story, don’t just let it sit there. Share it everywhere—socials, newsletters, even your website. Interact with the article; engage with the comments, and use it as a launchpad for more visibility.

• College or Pirate Radio
  It might seem old school, but radio still packs a punch, especially for local and niche audiences. If you get airplay, don’t sleep on it. Engage with the listeners, thank the DJ, and follow up with promos on your channels to ride the wave.

• Music Video/Single/Album Premieres
  Premiering a music video on a well-known music blog can generate significant buzz. A well-timed premiere can also be picked up by other outlets, extending the reach even further. Releasing a new track/album/video exclusively through a site with a decent following before it's available elsewhere can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity.

• Live Session Features
  Getting featured in a live session on platforms like NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Audiotree, or KEXP can provide a unique, intimate view of your music. These sessions often reach dedicated, engaged audiences.

• Magazine Features
  Landing a feature in a physical or digital magazine, especially in niche or genre-specific publications, can help cement your reputation within a particular music community. Don't think you're going to land the cover of Rolling Stone on your first outing though: start with independent zines that cater to your genre.

• Social Media Takeovers
  Some artists do social media takeovers on popular music-related accounts (record labels, festivals, radio stations, etc). These takeovers can introduce your music to new audiences in an interactive way.

• Playlist Placements
  Being featured on a well-curated playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal is increasingly becoming a priority. Themed playlists or genre-specific lists can greatly amplify your reach.

• Event Appearances and Hosting
  Making appearances at industry events, such as panels, conventions, or even award shows, can be a powerful way to increase visibility. Publicists often arrange for their clients to be involved in these events, whether as speakers, performers, or even hosts.

• Blog Takeovers
  Similar to social media takeovers, blog takeovers involve taking control of a popular music blog for a day or a series of posts. It allows artists to showcase their personality, discuss their creative process, and connect with the blog’s audience directly.

• Awards and Nominations
  While not a direct media placement, being nominated for or winning awards can generate significant press. Publicists often push for nominations in various award shows, both mainstream and indie.

• Podcast Guest Spots
  In addition to interviews, musicians can be featured on podcasts as guest hosts or contributors, discussing not just their music but other interests or industry insights.

Understanding the different types of media placements and how to make the most of each one is crucial for any musician looking to boost their profile and stay relevant. Each type has its own strengths—knowing how to leverage them can make all the difference.

Want to learn how to make the most of what press you get? Check out the rest of the article for our ultimate guide on how to leverage your press placements →

Folks, please, a moment of your time:

We know you’re the coolest person on Planet Earth, but don’t gatekeep this shit. We’re entering a new era of transparency, and in order to destroy the old guard we all need to support the emerging talent around us. So: if you see something worth sharing in here, do it.

To sweeten the deal, we’ve come up with this fun little referral rewards program. After all, we can’t just ask you to do something from the kindness of your hearts, right? No you’re right, it’s better to offer cool merch as a thank you.

// Truth or Trash?

Welcome to Truth or Trash, where the gullible are rewarded with gifs and the sleuths with news. Can you guess which one is the fake?

This Week‘s Headlines:

1) 🎤🎸 Paul McCartney Confirms He's Recording a New Album with Led Zeppelin’s Surviving Members

2) 🐺💃 Pitbull re-credits Kesha on ‘Timber’ after backlash for removing 

3) 🇩🇪🎶 AI-generated parody song about immigrants storms into German Top 50

4) 🎭🚔 Chappell Roan’s Been Offered Lead Acting Roles, But She’d ‘Rather Get Arrested’

(Answer below)

// Riot Guide

Tips for Setting Up A Music Release // ‘Do It Yourself Motherf!*&$r’

Vanessa Silberman, whose career spans various spectrums of the music industry—from artist development to record production—is renowned for her DIY ethic and her work with a plethora of artists and bands. Her label, A Diamond Heart Production, stands out for its artist-friendly approach, embodying old-school record label traits with a new-school state of mind. In 2021, Alternative Press Magazine named Vanessa and her label as one of the 11 LGBTQIA+ and women-owned labels changing the music industry.

Known for her relentless DIY ethic and work across the music industry, Vanessa kicked off a collaboration for V13 Video earlier this month with her hard-hitting series, “Do It Yourself Motherf!*&$r.” In this video, she breaks down the essentials for prepping your next music release. From nailing down your marketing and budget to picking the right distribution channels, Vanessa cuts through the noise and gives you the real-deal advice you need to make your release a success. Get the inside scoop on how to plan, gather assets, and execute like a pro—because in this game, half-assing it isn’t an option. Check out the video now.

Truth or Trash Answer:

We made up the Paul & Zeppelin one (#1). We give it a month before they make another found footage doc of this though, there’s always something more to be found it seems.