At RGM, we believe every artist deserves to be heard.
Whether you’re releasing your first single from a bedroom studio or launching your tenth album through an established label, we approach every submission with the same level of respect, curiosity and professionalism.
Our goal is simple: help music fans discover great new music while providing artists with meaningful, honest and constructive feedback.
Honest Reviews
RGM does not guarantee positive reviews.
Our writers are encouraged to express genuine opinions based on their listening experience, musical knowledge and understanding of the genre being reviewed.
If we love a release, we’ll say so.
If we think there are areas that could be improved, we’ll explain why.
We believe constructive criticism is often more valuable than empty praise and can play an important role in an artist’s development.
What We Look For
Every release is different, but our reviewers often consider:
- Songwriting quality
- Musical originality
- Production and recording standards
- Vocal performance
- Instrumentation and arrangement
- Emotional impact
- Authenticity
- Replay value
- Artistic growth and ambition
A release does not need a large budget or major-label backing to impress us. Great music can come from anywhere.
Independent Editorial Decisions
Editorial decisions remain entirely independent.
Coverage, advertising, sponsorship, partnerships or prior relationships with artists, managers, labels or publicists do not influence the opinions expressed within reviews.
All reviews reflect the views of the individual writer.
Constructive Criticism
RGM was built on the belief that artists grow through feedback.
Our writers are encouraged to identify both strengths and weaknesses within a release.
Criticism should always focus on the music itself and never become personal.
We do not publish content intended to insult, mock or unfairly target artists.
Submission Does Not Guarantee Coverage
Due to the volume of music we receive, we cannot guarantee coverage of every submission.
Our editorial team considers a variety of factors including:
- Editorial suitability
- Publication schedule
- Reader interest
- Genre balance
- Available resources
Submission of music does not guarantee a review, feature, interview or news article.
Review Scores
RGM focuses on written analysis rather than numerical scoring.
We believe context, explanation and thoughtful criticism provide greater value than a simple number or star rating.
AI and Music
As technology continues to evolve, we encourage artists to be transparent regarding the use of artificial intelligence within their creative process.
Where relevant, AI usage may be considered as part of the editorial discussion surrounding a release.
Corrections and Updates
If a factual error appears within a review, artists, managers or representatives may contact the editorial team.
Verified inaccuracies will be corrected as quickly as possible.
Editorial opinions, however, will not be altered simply because an artist disagrees with a review.
Our Commitment
RGM exists to champion music discovery.
We support artists who take risks, challenge conventions and put their work out into the world.
Not every release will be perfect.
Not every review will be glowing.
But every artist deserves fairness, honesty and respect.
That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.
Thank you for trusting RGM with your music.