Ep. 68: What Journalists Wish You Knew Before Pitching Them with Youa Vang

Ever sent a press email and heard nothing back? You're not alone.Too many great musicians get overlooked—not because their music isn’t good, but because their pitch falls flat.In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Youa Vang, a Twin Cities-based music journalist who’s written for outlets like The Current, MSP Magazine, MN Monthly, and MPR. She’s interviewed over 500 artists—from household names like Jeff Bridges and Aimee Mann to local indie bands trying to break through—and she’s seen it all.We talk about what makes a story stick, how to pitch yourself without sounding generic, and the biggest mistakes artists make when trying to get coverage. Youa also shares how the industry has changed, what journalists are looking for now, and why a strong personal narrative can open more doors than just a great track.Whether you're trying to land a blog write-up or simply sharpen how you present yourself online, this episode is packed with advice you can actually use.Listen in to learn:What journalists wish artists actually understoodWhy storytelling matters just as much as your soundHow to prep for an interview so you don’t freezeWhat to include in a pitch (and what to leave out)Why awkward interviews still make great storiesIf you're serious about getting your music heard, don’t miss this one.Episode Links and Mentions🌐 The Current🌐 MSP Magazine🌐 Minnesota Public Radio🌐 DakotaConnect with the Guest:🔗 [email protected]🔗 https://3drdcrafts.com/Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.