Best 10 Playlist Curators for Music Submission

As a guitarist and singer who’s poured my heart and soul into crafting original music, I know firsthand the thrill of creating something unique and the subsequent challenge of getting it heard. In today’s digital age, playlist curators have become the new gatekeepers of the music industry, holding the power to introduce your sound to thousands, if not millions, of eager listeners.

After spending countless hours in my home studio perfecting my tracks, I found myself facing the daunting task of promotion. That’s when I discovered the world of playlist curation – a game-changer for independent artists like myself. These curators, with their carefully crafted playlists, offer a golden opportunity to reach new audiences and grow our fanbase.

Through my journey of submitting tracks and navigating the often overwhelming landscape of music promotion, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best playlist curators that every aspiring artist should know about. Whether you’re a fellow guitarist, a bedroom producer, or a full-fledged band, these curators could be your ticket to getting your music the attention it deserves. 

So, let’s dive in and explore these platforms that could potentially catapult your music career to new heights!

1. Simon Field

Simon Field is a well-regarded independent Spotify playlist curator known for his ability to connect emerging artists with new audiences. His playlists have a growing following, making them an attractive platform for musicians seeking exposure. By submitting music to Simon Field’s playlists, artists can reach a diverse listener base that actively seeks out new and innovative sounds. Field listens to every submission personally, ensuring that each track is given fair consideration. However, artists should note that while he reviews all submissions, he does not provide feedback on them. This approach allows him to maintain a high standard of curation and offer listeners a consistently engaging musical experience.

2. Playlist Curator

Playlist Curator has established itself as one of the most prominent and comprehensive playlist curation services on the internet. This platform stands out for its meticulous approach to creating diverse and engaging playlists that cater to a wide range of moods, themes, and occasions. With a presence across major streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube Music, and SoundCloud, Playlist Curator offers listeners a vast array of carefully curated musical experiences.

At the heart of Playlist Curator’s success is their rigorous curation process. Their team of experienced curators employs a multifaceted approach, combining diverse music selection, thematic coherence, and stringent quality control. This ensures that each playlist not only maintains a high standard of musical quality but also provides a cohesive listening experience tailored to specific themes or moods. The platform’s commitment to regular updates keeps their playlists fresh and exciting, constantly introducing listeners to new tracks while maintaining the core essence of each collection.

Playlist Curator offers a unique opportunity for artists to submit their music for consideration. Through a straightforward submission process, musicians can apply to have their tracks featured in popular playlists such as “Songs About True Love,” “Songs About Soulmates,” and “Songs About the Sun and Sunshine.” This open submission policy allows emerging artists to gain exposure alongside established acts, contributing to the platform’s diverse musical landscape.

3. iMusician

iMusician is a prominent name in the music distribution and playlist curation space, providing a vital platform for independent artists to showcase their work. The service offers a range of curated playlists across various genres, including EDM and LoFi, which are particularly popular among electronic music enthusiasts. iMusician emphasizes the importance of playlists in today’s music industry as a key method for artists to gain visibility and grow their fanbase. They provide opportunities for artists to submit their music without any cost, aligning with Spotify’s guidelines against paid placements. This accessibility makes iMusician an appealing option for artists looking to expand their reach without financial barriers.

4. SpinGrey

SpinGrey offers a unique approach to playlist curation by utilizing a Patreon-based system that allows artists to submit their music with priority. This model fosters a direct line of communication between curators and artists, potentially increasing the chances of playlist inclusion. SpinGrey curates a variety of playlists on Spotify, covering multiple genres and moods, which provides artists with the flexibility to find the most suitable fit for their music style. Additionally, SpinGrey maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where they share updates about their playlists and new releases. This multi-channel strategy not only enhances artist promotion but also engages listeners across different platforms.

5. Boost Collective

Boost Collective has established itself as a prominent player in the music promotion and playlist curation space. This platform offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to help independent artists gain visibility and grow their audience on Spotify. Boost Collective’s approach combines playlist curation with artist support tools, making it a versatile resource for musicians at various stages of their careers. Their playlist submission process is streamlined, allowing artists to easily submit their tracks for consideration across a wide range of curated playlists. What sets Boost Collective apart is their commitment to connecting artists with genuine listeners, focusing on organic growth rather than artificial inflation of streaming numbers.

6. For the Love of Bands

For the Love of Bands is a passionate curator known for their dedication to showcasing emerging and independent artists, particularly in the rock and alternative genres. This curator has built a reputation for carefully selecting tracks that resonate with their audience, creating playlists that offer a cohesive listening experience while introducing listeners to new and exciting artists. Their curation process often involves personal listening sessions to ensure each track aligns with the playlist’s theme and energy. For artists looking to submit their music, For the Love of Bands typically prefers direct submissions through their designated channels, allowing them to maintain a personal touch in their curation process.

7. Rizing Playlists

Rizing Playlists has emerged as a significant force in the Spotify playlist curation landscape, particularly for artists seeking to expand their reach. Based in Denmark, this curator manages an impressive array of playlists covering various contemporary music styles. With over 177,000 followers across 29 different playlists, Rizing Playlists offers opportunities for artists in genres ranging from Pop and Indie to Rave, Rap, and even Classical. Their focus on discovering promising new artists makes them an ideal platform for independent musicians aiming to reach a broader audience. Rizing Playlists’ submission process is typically straightforward, often utilizing online submission forms or platforms to manage the high volume of tracks they receive. Their diverse range of playlists ensures that artists from various genres have a chance to find a suitable home for their music, contributing to the curator’s popularity among both artists and listeners seeking fresh, curated content.

8. Daily Playlists

Daily Playlists has established itself as a dynamic force in the Spotify playlist curation landscape. This platform offers a unique approach by updating its playlists on a daily basis, providing fresh content for listeners and frequent opportunities for artists to gain exposure. Daily Playlists curates a wide range of genres, from pop and hip-hop to indie and electronic, catering to diverse musical tastes. Their submission process is typically streamlined, allowing artists to submit their tracks easily through a dedicated portal. What sets Daily Playlists apart is their commitment to featuring both established and emerging artists, creating a balanced mix that keeps listeners engaged and offers valuable exposure for up-and-coming musicians.

9. SoundCampaign

SoundCampaign has carved out a niche in the playlist curation world by focusing on organic growth and genuine listener engagement. This platform prides itself on connecting artists with real, engaged audiences rather than relying on artificial streaming methods. SoundCampaign’s curation process is known for its thoroughness, with each submitted track undergoing careful consideration for placement in the most suitable playlists. They offer a range of genre-specific and mood-based playlists, providing opportunities for artists across various musical styles. One of SoundCampaign’s standout features is their emphasis on data-driven insights, offering artists valuable feedback and analytics on their playlist performance.

10. Playlist Push

Playlist Push has emerged as one of the most prominent names in the playlist promotion industry. This platform connects independent artists with a vast network of playlist curators, offering a unique approach to music promotion. Playlist Push vets both artists and curators to ensure high-quality submissions and authentic playlist placements. Their service operates on a campaign-based model, where artists pay for their music to be considered by relevant curators within the Playlist Push network. What sets Playlist Push apart is their transparency and commitment to adhering to Spotify’s terms of service. They provide detailed reports to artists, including feedback from curators and performance metrics. While the paid model may not be suitable for all artists, Playlist Push has gained a reputation for delivering tangible results and valuable insights to musicians looking to expand their reach on Spotify.