🇬🇧 How UK Music Press Works: A No-BS Guide for International Artists
If you’re an artist outside the UK trying to break into the scene, let’s get one thing straight: UK music press is one of the toughest to crack. They’re selective, sceptical, and won’t cover just anyone.
So before you wonder why you’re not getting coverage, here’s what you need to know about how UK press actually works.
1. UK Journalists Are Picky—And Hard to Impress
Tip: Your music must be exceptional, not just “good.”
UK music journalists don’t cover artists just because they’re new, buzzy, or have big numbers elsewhere. They care about quality, originality, and cultural relevance—not industry hype. If your music doesn’t genuinely stand out, it won’t get picked up.
2. UK Press Hates Generic Pitches
Tip: If your press release sounds like every other artist’s, expect to be ignored.
UK outlets get hundreds of emails a day. If you’re sending the same “check out my new single” email with no compelling hook, it’s going straight to the trash. You need a unique, UK-relevant angle—why should they care about you?
3. Relationships Help, But They Won’t Save You
Tip: A journalist liking you personally won’t override a bad fit.
Knowing the right people can get your email opened, but that’s where it stops. If your music isn’t the right editorial fit, or it doesn’t excite them, they won’t cover you—period. UK press has no problem saying no, even to friends.
4. UK Press Moves at a Slower Pace
Tip: If you’re pitching last-minute, you’re already too late.
Monthly magazines work 3 months ahead, major online outlets plan weeks in advance, and even smaller sites have a queue. If your single drops next week and you’re only now thinking about PR? You’ve likely missed your shot.
5. UK Press Isn’t Easily Impressed by Hype from Other Countries
Tip: Just because you’re big somewhere else doesn’t mean UK media cares.
You might have millions of streams across the world, but if UK editors don’t think your music fits their audience, it doesn’t matter. Press coverage in the UK is earned, not handed out based on numbers alone.
đź’ˇ Want a PR strategy that actually works in the UK? HBPR specialize in helping artists crack this tough market with realistic, targeted press campaigns. đź“© Get in touch to discuss how we can make UK media care about your music.
