When I first started Muddy Paw PR, I was lucky to have the help of several mentors on the way. But back when I started my music blog Infectious Magazine in 2009? It was a whole lot of figuring it out myself, stumbling through the dark, and hoping things worked out. It took years of doing that to find my community and half the time, I still didn’t feel like I belonged.
Community and mentorship have always been a cornerstone of what I believe in, and because of that, I wanted to start something called Industry Insiders, a new interview series that spotlights the people who help make this whole industry run: journalists, playlists, label reps, managers, and more.
I want to dive deep into what they do, how they find new talent, what catches their eye, and what you, indie musician, artist, music maker—need to know to stand out.
Whether you’re brand new to the music industry or have been kicking around for over a decade like me, I hope these conversations help guide you with actionable insights and a behind the scenes look at how to get discovered as an indie artist.
Let’s get into it today with Carmela Carr of Generation Clash!
What makes a song or artist stand out to you when considering submissions?
If a song makes me move, I love it. If I’m listening to it and I’m grooving, it’s a good song to me. If it doesn’t make me move, I lose interest.
What’s one common mistake artists make when reaching out for coverage, and how can they avoid it?
A lot of people reach out to me and spell my first name wrong and I’d like that to stop.
How do you typically discover new music, and what role do blogs/playlists play in shaping your personal taste?
I discover new music from record stores, Discogs, and eBay listings. Blogs/playlists help shape my taste because I try to listen to the entire playlist and give every song a chance. I love playlists when they have multiple genres because that’s where you can discover new genres and it helps you to be more open minded about what you listen to.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give artists trying to get featured on blogs like yours?
Send me an email. Be nice when you email me. Include a link to your music and your EPK.
What’s your favorite part about curating music and supporting indie artists?
I love sharing artists. This is the only thing standing between them and being discovered. Posting, sharing a song, anything that someone will see and become aware of.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to share?
Use an agenda book. It will help you stay organized.
Shout out one blog/playlist/or other influential person working in the music industry we should check out
You’ve gotta check out SafetyTess. She posts awesome photography and she shares all her music discoveries. You can find her at @safetytess on Instagram.
What about one band everyone should check out?
Streetheart!