This Week's Opportunities

A well-written pitch is just as important for a funding application as it is for a booking. Use the principles in this issue to make your case.

• Olbrich Gleam Grant: An international, unrestricted grant of $5,000 for emerging visual artists. A major opportunity for those with a strong, focused portfolio. Submit Your Proposal →
• U.S. Embassy Annual Program Statement: The U.S. Mission to South Africa is accepting proposals for its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program, funding projects that strengthen ties between SA and the U.S. View the Program →
• INSEAD Women's Leadership Programme: An opportunity for female entrepreneurs and leaders to apply for a program designed to accelerate their careers and business growth. Learn More & Apply →

Why Your Best Track is Being Ignored

The most common pitch an A&R or DJ receives is: "Hey, check out my new track [link]." This pitch is deleted 99% of the time. Why? Because it's lazy. It's self-centered, generic, and creates work for the recipient.

A professional pitch flips the script. It's built on three principles:

• It's CONCISE: No life stories. Get to the point in three paragraphs max. Who are you? What do you want? Why is it relevant to them?
• It's CUSTOM: Show you've done your research. "Hi [Name], I'm a fan of your 'Afro-Soul Vibes' playlist..." is infinitely better than "To whom it may concern."
• It's CLEAR: Have one single, clear "ask." "Would you be open to listening to my new single for potential playlisting?" is a clear ask. "Let me know if you can help" is not.

3 Email Templates Every Artist Needs

Use these templates as a starting point. The magic is in your research—fill in the brackets with personal, specific details.

1. To a Playlist Curator / Radio DJ

Subject: Submission: [Your Song Name] for [Playlist/Show Name]
Hi [Curator's Name],

I'm a [Your Genre] artist based in [your area] and a big fan of your [Playlist/Show Name]. I particularly loved the [Specific Song] you featured last week.

I've just released a new single called "[Your Song Name]" that I believe is a perfect fit. It has a similar [Vibe/Tempo/Theme] to [Artist They Play]. You can stream it here: [Private Link]

Thanks for your time and for supporting independent music.
Best,
[Your Name]

2. To a Venue Booker

Subject: Booking Inquiry: [Your Artist Name] - [Date Range]
Hi [Booker's Name],

I'm writing to inquire about booking my band, [Your Artist Name], at [Venue Name] this coming [Month]. We are a [Your Genre] group from [your area] and have built a local following, recently selling out [Local Venue].

Our live show is a high-energy [Description of show]. We believe we'd be a great fit to open for an act like [Artist They Book] or as a headliner on a weeknight.

Here is our EPK and a 1-minute video of our live show: [Link to EPK/Video]
Thanks for your consideration.
[Your Name]

3. To a Journalist / Blogger

Subject: Story Pitch: [Your Artist Name]'s New Single & [Unique Angle]
Hi [Journalist's Name],

I've been following your work on [Publication Name] and really enjoyed your recent article on [Similar Topic/Artist].

As an artist from [your area], I'm releasing a new project on [Date] that explores [The Unique Angle]. It's more than just a song; it's a commentary on [Theme], and I'm even [Doing X to support it].

I think this story would resonate strongly with your readers. My EPK is attached, and I'm available for an interview. Would you be open to a 10-minute chat next week?
Best,
[Your Name]

How a 3-Sentence Email Landed a Festival Gig

Let's look at a real-world scenario. An emerging Eastern Cape jazz-fusion band wanted to play an opening slot at a major local festival.

• The Bad Pitch (They Almost Sent): "Hey, we are a band from EC, we have a new track we know your audience will love. Can we play your festival? Here is our Audiomack."
• The Good Pitch (They Sent Instead):
  Subject: Opening Slot for [Festival Name] - [Band Name] (Local Jazz-Fusion)
Hi [Booker's Name], I know you're busy. We are [Band Name], a 3-piece jazz-fusion group based here in East London, and we've been selling out [Local Venue]. Our sound is a mix of [Artist X] and [Artist Y], and we believe our high-energy live show would be a perfect fit to warm up the stage for the main acts. Here is our EPK and a 1-minute live video: [Link]

The Takeaway: The pitch that won was short, personal, and proved their value (sold-out shows). It showed they had done their research (fit for the stage) and, most importantly, it made the booker's job easy with a single link to a 1-minute video. They didn't have to "dig for the gold"; it was presented to them professionally.