The Importance of Cover Art

The COVER ART for your single remains a vital place to grab the attention of the listener or of radio programmers. It’s the image that leads the right people to your music, can turn that passive listener into an active listener or it can turn the listener away! 

Many stations that stream are displaying the song’s COVER ART on their websites, station apps, and social media streams. 

Many radio stations that stream are displaying the song’s COVER ART on their websites, station apps, and social media streams as the song plays. Even one show of a bad cover can drive listeners away from you and the radio station. Programmers may reject your song, even before it’s heard because of the the COVER ART. It can also cause programmers TO LISTEN because of great cover art design. 

Many may even promote the song on their social media platforms using the cover! Be sure to send a high quality SQUARE cover to stations along with the servicing of your audio and relevant information about your song. 

When it comes to listening to a song, more often than not, before you press play, the first thing that will catch your attention, is the accompanying cover art. There is a strong connection between the music and artwork, detailing its importance in heightening the listener’s experience. 

Please refrain from listing symbols like digital store logos, extra credits and other mayhem.

Please refrain from listing symbols like digital store logos, extra credits and other mayhem. The name of the artist and the title of the song and the name of the artist should be displayed prominently and create a memorable and pleasurable experience for those who see it as your song plays. It may be displayed on a mobile device, in a car dash or on a big screen. The lettering should be clear, even from a distance and the photo high quality. The best covers show a striking,  complimentary picture of the artist along with a clear display of the artists name and song title. 

The cover art for your song can make a very strong statement because this is the imagery that many times makes the first impression. You want the impression to be one of professionalism and great artistry in the music. 

Here are some covers that represent some of the top songs at gospel radio in April 2021. 

It’s wise not to service a SONG to radio with your ALBUM/EP cover. Be sure your single has it’s own identity when it’s delivered to radio programmers. If they don’t match (song & cover) you will confuse your listeners and possibly reduce SONG engagement.

Robyn M