We've put together a FAQ for you, with a general ‘About’ section, followed by a ‘Submissions’ section.
Got a question that's not covered here? Let us know!
About
Q: What does Grassroots Earworm do?
A: We connect lesser-known Australian music with listeners who want to hear it! We do this in three main ways:
- Curation of our signature new release playlists FRESH OUT THE GATE and HEAR IT FIRST.
- Presentation of music videos, album reviews, and music recommendations here on our blog.
- Distribution of our e-newsletter ‘The Weekly Worm’, which you can sign up for here.
Q: What DON’T we do?
A: Did you know that the vast majority of online music magazines only publish reviews of indie music in exchange for monetary payment?!
We neither request nor accept payment for any kind of editorial coverage or playlist inclusion. Every song we include on a playlist is purely because we think our listeners will love it. Every album and artist we review is purely because we think you should know about them. As such, we are proudly unbiased and proudly supporting indie artists without charging them any money.
Q: How many playlists are there and when do they update?
A: There are two new-release playlists:
FRESH OUT THE GATE features new releases from artists with up to 500 followers on Spotify.
HEAR IT FIRST features new releases from artists with up to 25,000 followers on Spotify.
These two playlists update on alternate fortnights, so you have new music every week!
There are also twelve annual genre playlists, which can be found here.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: To get involved as a listener, follow the playlists on Spotify and sign up to receive the Weekly Worm. And of course keep up to date with us on Instagram!
Artists can submit their music here and then make sure to follow the playlists on Spotify and follow us on Instagram (we will follow you back on both platforms!).
Q: Why do you use Spotify?
A: As more people move away from Spotify (for a host of great reasons), eventually another platform might emerge as the dominant one. But we'll always go with what we think is the most effective platform for getting indie music widely heard, and at the moment it's still Spotify, unfortunately.
Q: I have another question…
A: If you’ve got questions/comments/etc, either DM us on Instagram or send us an email.
Do not try to submit music via DM or email. Submissions are only accepted through this form.
Submissions
Q: How do I submit?
A: By filling in this form.
Q: Who can submit?
A: Australian artists. This includes anyone who was born in Australia (even if you no longer live here), and anyone who is living in Australia (even if you weren’t born here). Publicists/managers/labels/etc can also submit on behalf of artists.
Q: What can I submit?
A: You can submit:
- Tracks up to 3 months old for consideration for our new release playlists (FRESH OUT THE GATE and HEAR IT FIRST)
- Albums up to 5 years old for consideration for review
- Music videos up to 5 years old for consideration for Music Video of the Week
Q: What CAN’T I submit?
A: Do not submit any music produced by AI.
Also please don’t submit music until it has been released.
Q: Can I submit covers or remixes?
A: Yes, you can. While we prioritise original music in our new release playlists, we have been known to include the occasional cover or remix – plus, we have a dedicated annual ‘Covers of the Year’ playlist!
Q: Does submission guarantee inclusion/coverage?
A: No. There is A LOT of music out there, we could not possibly present it all. We fill the limited spots on our playlists and in our features with the music we believe our listeners will love the most. Don’t be disheartened if we didn’t include you this time. You’re always welcome to submit your next release!