For labels, publicists, and artist teams
Bring artists and music into the Indie Music Bus conversation
Introduce your company, the artists you work with, and the music you want Walter to hear. You do not need a previous Indie Music Bus connection to begin.
The same form welcomes new introductions and music from approved contacts. New companies introduce themselves first, then share music after the partner route is approved.
Use the company-introduction form so Walter receives the information needed to understand your work and the artists you represent. Music sharing opens only after the partner route is approved.
New music. Real context. A closer listen.
The partner route gives music teams a clear way to begin a relationship, share music, and explore several independent editorial possibilities.
Who can take part
People helping independent music reach listeners
Labels, PR firms, managers, and artist-development teams are welcome to introduce themselves. New and established companies use the same starting point, and no previous relationship is required to begin the conversation.
Artists use the direct submission page. They can share one artist profile every 30 days with a biography and public music links.
What to bring
Start with a clear introduction
Tell Walter who you work with, what kind of music you represent, and what you hope to explore with Indie Music Bus. Approved contacts can then share the songs they want considered.
Of Absolute Importance is one optional editorial path, not the whole partner program. When requesting that feature, include artist-approved context about why the song matters.
How it works
A clear route from introduction to listening
- Introduce your company. Any eligible music team can start the conversation through the company-introduction form.
- Share music after approval. Approved contacts may propose up to two songs each month. This is a cap, not a quota.
- Add useful context and listening links. Include accurate release information, plus the artist’s personal context when asking for Of Absolute Importance consideration.
- Walter considers the possibilities. A song may lead to a playlist feature, Song Story, interview, review, Of Absolute Importance, another editorial idea, or no publication.
Pilot terms
A focused 90-day starting point
- New companies may introduce themselves and request access throughout the pilot.
- Approved contacts may share up to two song submissions each month.
- After a song is accepted, Indie Music Bus supplies ready-to-share materials and asks the artist or representative for one genuine playlist-support activity.
- Walter and the partner review what worked and decide whether to continue after the pilot.
What partners receive
A clear route and a continuing relationship
- A straightforward route for introductions and music sharing.
- Attentive listening across several possible editorial formats.
- Ready-to-share artwork and promotional materials for songs that are chosen.
- A conversation about the editorial format that best fits when something connects.
What partners contribute
Context, selectivity, and genuine audience support
- Choose music you believe deserves careful consideration rather than sending an entire release calendar.
- Provide accurate release information and the artist’s own explanation when requesting Of Absolute Importance consideration.
- Support the wider playlist organically through appropriate company or artist channels.
- Share confirmed publications accurately through the channels that make sense.
Independent choices
Partnership opens a conversation. The music guides where it goes.
Partner participation helps Walter find music and reach more listeners. Walter still makes each playlist and editorial choice independently, based on the music and the needs of each feature.
External form and privacy
The partner form opens on Google
The partner form is hosted by Google Forms. Google receives connection information when the form opens and handles the information entered there. Review Google’s privacy information before continuing.
Use the form for the requested business, artist, song, permission, and contact details. Keep passwords, financial credentials, medical information, and unrelated personal data out of the form.
Invited partners can reply to Walter’s original email if the form is unavailable. New companies can return later to request access.
A few useful details
Partner questions
How does the partner route begin?
Eligible music companies introduce themselves through the form. Approved contacts use the same form to share music.
What happens after a song is shared?
Walter considers the music across the relevant editorial and playlist possibilities. When he wants to explore one, he gets in touch about what comes next.
Can a company request access without an invitation?
Yes. You do not need a prior connection to introduce your company. Use the introduction and request-access option in the partner form.
Where do artists submit directly?
Artists use the direct form on the submission page. The partner form is for labels, publicists, managers, and artist-development teams.