These FAQ have been updated as of 3rd August 2026.
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 website.
- Distribution of our free e-news The Weekly Worm, which you can sign up for here.
We are also the home of THE HOMEGROWN HUNDRED!
Q: What makes us different?
A: Did you know the majority of online music magazines 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.
We operate under strict journalistic integrity. 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.
Our playlists and features are meticulously put together by real human beings every week.
This is why listeners love and trust us as a place to discover genuine recommendations of new Australian music!
Q: But I really want to tell the world about my new release…
A: To address this need, we have a dirt cheap ‘Community Announcements’ section in The Weekly Worm (effectively a musical Classifieds section!). It's open to independent artists and labels, non-profits and community groups. Email us for details.
Q: What is The Weekly Worm?
A: It's our weekly e-news full of the latest music news and recommendations, and even opportunities for artists.
You can sign up here (it's free!).
Q: I'm a business looking to advertise in The Weekly Worm (or sponsor THE HOMEGROWN HUNDRED)…
A: Smart choice! Get 1,250 (and counting!) pairs of Aussie music-lovers' eyes on your brand AND help support the independent Australian music scene! Email us for details.
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!
Q: What genres do you include?
A: We are genre-agnostic! If we think our listeners will love it, it's in, no matter the genre.
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'm a publicist or similar and wish to send you press releases…
A: In the first instance, please fill in the submission form; we'll contact you from there.
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
- Albums up to 1 month old
- Music videos up to 3 years old
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 publicly released.
Q: Can I submit covers or remixes?
A: Yes, you can. While we prioritise original music, we do include the occasional cover or remix.
Q: What happens after I submit?
A: You'll get an email response from us within two weeks.
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.
Q: Can I submit more than once?
A: You don't need to! After you submit, we will follow you and automatically consider all of your future releases!