&TillyYou might be wondering, “Why does this matter so much?” And we get it – identifying similar artists can feel like a chore, especially if your style doesn’t fit neatly into a mainstream category. But it’s more than just an exercise. Knowing a few artists who are at least somewhat similar to you can be incredibly helpful. It can guide you in many ways, including:
- Pitching your music more effectively: When submitting to SubmitHub playlists or curators, adding at least 3 similar artists improves your targeting considerably. We check out those artists, their similar artists, and even the similar artists of those similar artists 🤯 and then compare that data with the curators' all-time shares to show you the best matches first. On top of that, both SubmitHub and Spotify editors can use the artists you mention as a frame of reference, helping them better understand where your music fits.
- Ads and marketing: If you’re running or planning to run (Meta) ads, you can list bigger artists that are at least somewhat similar to you in the Interests section. This helps you reach audiences that are more likely to vibe with your music. Including "For fans of [Insert Artist Here]" in your ad copy or social content can also work wonders for connecting with potential fans.
- Insights for your own strategy: Knowing your similar artists, and by extension, their = your audience, helps you tailor your strategy more effectively. Whether it’s your social content, artist profile, video styles, or website, you’ll approach things with more direction. Plus, looking at what worked for artists in a similar style can reduce the trial-and-error part of building your brand and help you focus on what’s likely to be more effective.
But what if you’re drawing a blank? Don’t worry! Here’s how to approach finding similar artists for your project or song:
Start with your Fans also like
One of the easiest places to find similar artists is your Fans also like section on Spotify. If you're a small or indie artist, it might feel a bit strange (or even very strange) at first since the algorithm may not yet know exactly where you belong. But it’s still worth checking out! These artists are ones that Spotify’s algorithm believes your fans are also listening to, which can offer valuable insights into where your music is resonating – or why and what to adjust if it doesn’t feel right at all.
Pro tip: If you find 1 or 2 artists that at least kind of align with your sound in your Fans also like, look into their Fans also like sections, too. You might uncover even more artists with a similar vibe, get inspired, or at least help you understand your Spotify “competition.”
Your influences
Take a few minutes to think about the artists who first inspired you to create music. Who are the artists, voices, songs, and styles that moved you? While you may not sound exactly like your influences, their vibe and energy often make their way into your music, whether directly or not. These influences form a foundation, and once you have a few names in mind, repeat the “detective work” by checking their similar artists (Fans also like), too.
Pro tip: Mentioning your influences in your Spotify editorial pitch or curator quick pitch can help give the editors and curators a clearer sense of your sound. Plus, it’s a great little touch for bloggers or press – subtle but effective, and rather personal (as opposed to generic), even if you don’t sound exactly like them.
Crowdsourcing
This might sound obvious, but… Don’t be afraid to ask others for input! Friends, family, and even your fans can offer great suggestions about who you sound like. If a few people mention the same artist(s), that’s a solid indicator.
And you can also take it to social media! Try an Instagram story with a question sticker or a post with a poll asking, “Who would you say my new song sounds like?” – and don't forget to add a snippet of your track. This can give you valuable feedback, and create some engaging content at the same time.
For an even bigger reach, head to Reddit. Genre-focused subreddits or feedback groups like r/musicfeedback are great places to ask for artist suggestions. Musicians and listeners there might offer some honest feedback as well as a couple of recommendations for similar artists.
Pro tip: AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can help too. While they can’t listen to your track, you can describe your genre, sound, prominent instruments, and vibe, and they might offer useful suggestions based on that information.
SubmitHub feedback
When it comes to finding similar artists, SubmitHub actually has a couple of features that can help. First, hop over to the Hot or Not section to get user feedback on your track. Simply ask for suggestions on who your music sounds like, and at least a portion of the reviewers may point you in the right direction.
Another great option is to ask curators directly. When submitting your track for feedback, choose the Honest feedback option and include a request for similar artist suggestions in the Quick pitch and/or the optional Requested topic. Curators listen to a wide range of music, so chances are some of them will offer solid recommendations that might not have crossed your mind.
Wrapping up
Finding your similar artists may seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just don't overthink it – with a unique sound, you likely won't find someone who sounds exactly like you. Instead, focus on similar vibe, energy, lyricism, or voice. It's about that little something that connects you to a bigger artist, making it likely that if fans enjoy them, they'll enjoy your music too.
Putting some thought into identifying similar artists can help you grow your audience, succeed with curators (SubmitHub or otherwise), and even give you more confidence in knowing where your music fits and how to “sell” it. So, take a few minutes to jot down a couple of similar artists in a note somewhere – you might be surprised at how much it helps to have that for (future) reference 😉