One of the most contentious topics on SubmitHub, is feedback. Some submitters love it, some don’t…some really don’t. Ultimately though, it’s one aspect that makes SubmitHub unique!
If you’ve ever tried emailing music to blogs, it’s more than likely that you’re aware of what it feels like to be ignored. For all that effort, it’s nice to know at least that someone has heard your music.
However, not everyone enjoys the heavy handed approach of some bloggers when giving feedback, and furthermore some just want to know that the music has been heard. To handle the different preferences of submitters we’ve gone ahead and rolled out a new option so that users can select if feedback ‘just isn’t that important to them.’ In this instance, blogs/labels/channels are able to dial back on how technical they get when responding. For those who still love detailed responses, the blogs/labels/channels will continue to provide the goods.
To understand more about what ‘quality-feedback’ is, we reached out to two blogs with some of the site’s highest rated feedback: mp3hugger & Sphere of Hip-Hop. Here’s what they had to say!
Interview with Kevin from Mp3hugger:
How do you keep-up giving such good feedback?
Thanks for saying that, I suppose from an early age certain pieces of music had the ability to stop me in my tracks. My Dad was a little worried about me in fact because my mood would change based on the music that was on the radio at the time. So all I do when I hear any piece of music is write down how it is affecting me, sometimes it barely registers but other times it affects to the point where I get emotional. The only other thing capable of doing that to me (apart from family) is football.
Have their been any cases where people have reached out to you afterwards and thanked or berated you for something you’ve said?
A few times, by email and via the SubmitHub chat facility, and thankfully it has been mostly positive. In fact, sometimes I even hear thankful noises from those whom I’ve declined which really surprises me.
If you could say something to artists reading this about blogging and the submissions process, what would it be?
Be yourself, when you are writing music/emails, because originality is a dying art so I always side with acts that try something new even if it mightn’t be totally to my taste it goes further with me than a perfectly crafted piece of same-same.
What do you feel are the benefits of providing such high-quality feedback?
Up to the arrival of SubmitHub I never really wrote about the music I didn’t like and I have to say doing so has opened my eyes and ears. It is important that the music being created by artists is valued and by giving, hopefully, useful feedback it might spur them onto even greater things.
Interview with Josh from Sphere of Hip-Hop:
You have some of the highest rated feedback on SubmitHub, do you have some sort of formula? Why do you think that makes for good for those those on the receiving end?
As for formula, I try to offer as much constructive criticism as I can. It’s easy to think, after hearing 20–30 seconds, “This doesn’t work for us” but I still try to offer up some positive feedback. Nothing forced, but if the song is great… I say so, even if it’s not gonna work for our audience.
Many years ago I heard about a technique called the "compliment sandwich"–start off with a positive, middle is critique, end on a positive. By nature, we're all very sensitive about our art so I try to take that into consideration.
This approach has worked well for Sphere of Hip-Hop for the last 20 years. I'm a normally blunt music critic but I learned early on, that a harsh technique wasn't fruitful.
Is there something in particular that motivates you to give such good feedback?
I’ve got some experience in PR,radio, and with record labels. That has helped me to navigate the nuances of truly understanding what people are looking for. I’m also a big fan of teaching, and of sharing information. One reason our brand-affinity is so strong amongst our fans/regular visitors is because of that. Yes, we’re gate keepers so to speak… but we’re not so hung up on holding tightly to that stuff. By giving value, we’re able to build a positive vibe around our brand. That matters. It’s come back to benefit us in many practical ways and we’ve earned positions of favor just by being respectful.
On average how much time do you spend responding to submissions each day? How does that work with your schedule?
The time ebbs and flows but generally 1–2 hours per day, during the week. SubmitHub makes that work easier and more efficient. I block out time right away in the morning until 8:30–9 am to go through our inbox and SubmitHub.
What would be your main tip to other blogs/labels about giving solid feedback?
Kill with kindness ;) I think the same things most bloggers do… “here we go, another trash XYZ styled copy-cat track” but… that feedback while honest, and even warranted sometimes, isn’t helping the artist or your platform. I want these people to think enough of Sphere of Hip-Hop to continue trying to land on our outlet. I want to hear better music and see these artists grow in their approach.
Curious to see what the founder of SubmitHub thinks? Check out his article ‘Why SubmitHub Sucks.’
