Before the date
Lock the title, the date, and the link you want writers to use. Write the one-sentence news. Gather artwork, a photo with a credit, and a bio that does not overclaim. Decide which format is the lead: many singles want a premiere or a short feature; a longer record can carry a review and an interview. If you are not sure, that is a fit question, not a reason to pitch everything.
Reviews, interviews, features
A music review needs something the critic can hear, with enough notice to publish near the date. An interview needs you, not just the file, and a subject that is not “the song is out.” An editorial feature needs a scene, a method, or a change. Online desks are digital press. Asking for all of them in one note makes each ask weaker.
The week it is out, and after
If an editor says yes, answer with the asset they asked for and the embargo they agreed to. If they say no, do not argue the song into a different verdict. After the date, a late pitch can still work for a feature with a longer life. It rarely works for a “first listen” frame you already missed. Update the bio only with coverage that actually ran, and link the piece.
What Hooked Engine will not attach to a release
No guaranteed blog, no bought quote, no stream count dressed up as an article. The campaign is outreach after a review of the materials. See how musicians get press and the musician offer. When the date is real, send the inquiry.