Dig deeper.

How to get the most from Hidden gem of the month

What it is

Every month we dig past the big names and find one Australian artist who deserves way more ears. Then we shout about them everywhere, for free. Nobody pays to be here, nobody gets paid, and the artist doesn't owe us a thing. It's a fan thing, plain and simple.

For us this is about the sheer love of music and the moments you remember when that song comes on, on the drive home from work.

What makes a hidden gem pick

How the pick happens: the computer picks five eligible artists at random, then we have a proper listen and choose one. There's a final check that there's nothing dodgy before it goes up. There's no application form. That's on purpose, so nobody can buy, beg or game their way in.

• Australian, and we double-check it.
• Under the radar: a small following, not on every playlist yet.
• Active: they've put something out in the last six months.
• Something special: a voice, a lyric, a sound, an idea we can't stop thinking about.

How to be findable

You can't apply, but you can make it easy for people (us included) to find and love your music.

1. Keep releasing. The six-month rule means regular releases keep you in the running.
2. Make your streaming profiles complete: a real bio, a clear photo and your latest song up top. Spotify recommends writing your own bio and keeping some of it for news ^[1].
3. Get your music to community radio. Amrap is a free platform where Australian community radio presenters find and download new Australian music, including from unsigned artists ^[2].
4. Make a free local profile here and list your gigs on the register.
5. Credit your collaborators everywhere. It helps listeners find related artists ^[1].

If you're picked

Lucky you, though really it's earned. We'll shout about you on our channels and to our supporters list. You don't have to do anything back. If you want to make the most of it, have a few things ready:

• A smart link with your best song first.
• Two or three good photos you have the rights to.
• A one-line bio and a slightly longer one.
• Your next gig on the register, if you have one.
• Reply to new fans who message you. That's how a spike becomes a following.

What we won't do

• Take money to feature you, ever.
• Promise streams, playlists or income from a feature.
• Feature anyone using bought streams or bots. No bots, no BS.
• Ask you to sign anything.