Submission Criteria

The Playback Project: Submission Criteria Last Updated: May 29, 2025

This document outlines the complete submission requirements for artists seeking placement through The Playback Project (TPP). These standards are designed to ensure quality, professionalism, and alignment with the platform’s goals for rock radio revival and public broadcast integrity.

To be considered for airplay or promotion through TPP, artists must meet all of the following baseline criteria:

• Monthly Listeners: Minimum of 6,500 monthly listeners on Spotify.
• Streaming Performance: At least 150,000 total streams on a single track.
• Social Following: At least 10,000 followers on either Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.
• Content Reach: At least one post or video with 50,000+ views, plays, clicks, or impressions.
• Release Recency: All eligible tracks must have been released within the last 10 years (no legacy tracks).
• Genre Scope: Submissions are limited to artists in hard rock, heavy rock, alternative metal, or related modern subgenres. Pop-rock, indie folk, and legacy classic rock are not currently accepted.

Failure to meet one or more of the baseline requirements may result in automatic rejection of submission. 

Each submission must meet the following technical and content specifications:

• Audio Format: WAV or 320kbps MP3 only.
• Content Cleanliness: A radio-edit must be submitted for any track containing explicit content. TPP reserves the right to reject tracks lacking a clean version.
• Length: Tracks must be between 2:30 and 5:00 minutes long. Extended intros or outros should be trimmed for radio formatting.
• Metadata: Submissions must include full metadata:
  
  • Artist name
  • Track title
  • Contact email
  • Album (if applicable)
  • ISRC code (if available)

• All tracks must adhere to the radio-first exclusivity window outlined in the TOS.
• Artists agree not to upload the track to any streaming service, DSP, or competing radio platform during the exclusivity period.
• Any violation may result in removal from current or future TPP programming without refund.

While genre diversity is encouraged, all submitted material must demonstrate:

• High production quality (home demos or unfinished mixes will not be accepted)
• Alignment with modern rock radio sensibilities
• Clear vocal presence unless instrumental is intentional and serves a specific creative purpose
• No AI-generated music; all content must be original and human-produced

TPP accepts submissions from:

• Independent artists (self-managed)
• Artist managers or representatives
• Indie labels with full rights to submit on artist's behalf

Submitters must be legally authorized to distribute, promote, and represent the artist and their content.

• Press Photos or Artwork (high-res, .jpg or .png)
• Artist Bio (150–300 words)
• Social media links
• Tour dates or relevant performance history

These materials are not mandatory but strongly improve your chance of acceptance and promotion.

All submissions must be made through the official form embedded on the TPP website. Artists may only submit one track per campaign tier at a time. Repeat submissions or spamming will result in disqualification.

A submission confirmation will be emailed upon receipt. Artists will be notified of approval or rejection within 10 business days.

TPP reserves the right to refuse service to, or terminate service with any artist at anytime, with or without cause, and with or without prior notice, as out lined in our Terms of Service. Additionally, TPP reserves the right to reject any submission at its sole discretion. Grounds for rejection include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to meet eligibility criteria
• Poor audio quality or formatting
• Incomplete metadata
• Offensive, harmful, or AI-generated content
• Conflicts with platform mission or branding

For questions, eligibility clarification, or technical support, contact: 📧 submissions@theplaybackproject.com