How to Get Metal Music on Spotify Playlists

To get metal music on Spotify playlists, name your exact subgenre and pitch curators who already play it. Metal playlists are often run by fans of one specific style, so a clear match matters more than follower count. Sending a death metal track to a power metal playlist is an easy way to get ignored.

Be specific about your subgenre

Use the term a metal listener would use, such as:

• Death, black or thrash metal
• Metalcore or deathcore
• Progressive metal or djent
• Doom or sludge metal
• Power or symphonic metal

If your band crosses styles, name the closest one and add a short detail: "melodic death metal with clean choruses" tells a curator far more than "heavy metal".

Listen for what the playlist will accept

Check the recent additions for these details:

• Vocals: does it include harsh vocals, clean vocals or both?
• Heaviness: where is the limit for this curator?
• Era: is it mostly new releases, or does it mix in older records?
• Band level: are underground bands appearing next to bigger names?

Then browse the metal directory and metal and hard rock. If your sound is lighter, look at the rock guide as well.

A metal pitch that gets to the point

Subject: Melodic death metal for [Playlist Name]: "[Song Name]"

Hi [Curator Name],

We're [Band Name], a melodic death metal band from [City]. "[Song Name]" has [one detail, such as twin guitar leads and harsh vocals with a clean chorus], and we think it fits next to [Artist on Playlist] on [Playlist Name].

Spotify: [Link]

Label: [Label name, if you have one] Mixed by: [Name, if relevant]

Thanks for supporting underground metal.

[Your Name]

Only mention a label, producer or tour if it's real and helps. Try our free pitch email generator for a first draft. With full access, you can save your songs and pitch any curator in the directory with the email already filled in.

Tips for metal bands

Pick a song that shows your style quickly. If a track has a long intro, it may not be the easiest first listen. Choose one that makes your sound clear early, or tell the curator where the song kicks in.

Look beyond Spotify. Blogs, zines, YouTube channels and scene communities can be useful in metal, and some curators also run these. If a playlist links to one, read it before you get in touch.

Respect the curator's rules. Many metal playlists are fan projects. Follow their submission instructions, keep follow-ups to one, and accept a no.

Pitch your next release early. Use Spotify for Artists at least 7 days before release, even if editorial placement is a long shot. It can also get the song onto your followers' Release Radar.

FAQ

Is Spotify worth it for underground metal? It can be, especially when you find fans of your exact style. Niche playlists can suit bands that wouldn't fit mainstream lists.

Should we mention our label? Yes, if you have one and it's relevant to the scene. Don't worry if you're independent, because many curators only care whether the song fits.

What if a curator asks us to pay? Decide what you're paying for, and avoid guaranteed placements or stream counts. Read should you pay for playlist submissions.

For the full process, read how to get your music on Spotify playlists.