How Plugd Empowers Artists & Producers to Make the Right Connections

If you’ve spent any time trying to break an artist or place your productions, you already know the hardest part isn’t writing the perfect track or building a slick image. It’s getting the right people to actually hear what you’ve made. That’s always been the dividing line between talent that moves and talent that stays stuck.

Over the past two decades in the UK music industry, I’ve seen brilliant records fizzle because they never found a champion. I’ve also watched average records blow up because someone, somewhere, made the right introduction.

This is exactly where Plugd steps in. It’s not just another list of emails. It’s a tool designed to give artists and producers direct, actionable access to the people who decide what gets signed, synced, or promoted.

The Data: Why Access Trumps Everything

Let’s start with the cold, hard numbers. A 2022 report by the Ivors Academy and Musicians’ Union revealed that 82% of UK songwriters and composers earn less than £200 a year from streaming (Ivors Academy, 2022). That’s not a reflection of quality. It’s a reflection of bottlenecked access.

Another study from MIDiA Research found that over 80% of new artist signings are influenced by personal recommendations or direct industry relationships, not algorithms or viral moments (MIDiA, 2022). The myth of “just go viral” is an empty one for most musicians.

The Realities of Networking in the British Music Scene

Let’s not mince words: British A&Rs, publishers, and managers value relationships. We talk. We ask around. A direct intro or a pitch that comes through a credible channel is worth 100 times more than an Instagram DM or an unsolicited SoundCloud link.

In practice, that means:

• If you don’t already have someone in your corner, you’re locked out of opportunities.

• Generic email lists are outdated within months and often filled with irrelevant or moved-on contacts.

• The average unsigned artist wastes hours sending messages that never get opened.

Plugd addresses this by combining accurate, up-to-date industry data with powerful filters so you can pinpoint who to speak to and start real conversations.

Who Really Needs Plugd?

It’s easy to think only artists need this, but from years managing writers, producers, and even engineers, I can tell you Plugd solves problems for:

• Producers looking to place tracks with artists or publishers

• Songwriters needing to pitch demos to A&Rs or managers

• Independent artists trying to reach festival bookers or playlist curators

• Managers building relationships beyond their immediate circles

For example, if you’re a grime producer who wants to get beats into a label like Parlophone or an artist manager trying to pitch an indie-pop act to Dirty Hit, you can find the right contact at those companies, check if they’ve worked with similar genres or artists, and decide who to approach.

The Importance of Verified Contacts

Nothing sours an artist’s first impression faster than sending a killer pitch to a dead inbox. According to research by the PRS Foundation, one in three emerging artists cite "lack of industry contacts" as their biggest obstacle to progress (PRS Foundation, 2023).

Plugd’s biggest asset is that it doesn’t give you outdated or scraped lists — it’s verified and regularly updated with live data and partner-sourced info, so you know the contact is real, current, and relevant.

Making It Count: Outreach Strategy Matters

Access alone doesn’t guarantee success. You still need to approach contacts professionally, concisely, and with a clear ask. A recent piece by Music Business Worldwide highlighted that A&Rs typically listen to the first 10 seconds of a track before deciding to skip or keep listening, so your communication has to be as tight as your music (MBW, 2022).

Good outreach means:

• Writing subject lines that don’t scream “spam”

• Keeping emails under 150 words

• Including direct links, not attachments

• Explaining why your sound fits their roster or catalogue

Plugd’s outreach resources and guides help you get this right, so you’re not just blasting contacts but sending intentional pitches that build your reputation, even if the first answer is a “not right now.”

The Bottom Line

If you want a real shot at breaking through, you don’t need viral luck. You need a way to connect directly with the people who can move your career forward. Plugd was designed from the ground up by people who have lived both the struggle of trying to get heard and the responsibility of making decisions behind the scenes.

It’s built for those who are ready to invest time and effort into their music careers, not those looking for a quick fix. If you want your music in front of the right people, on the right desks, and in the right conversations, Plugd is your best chance at levelling the playing field.

Sign up for early access today and get your first five credits free. Don’t leave your career to chance — take control of your connections.