If you don't have a fanbase and you are an indie musician wanting to get some exposure with your next drop, you are going to have someone more popular than you help you spread the news. A gatekeeper is someone who already has a following on a blog within your niche or who decides what music goes on a playlist within your genre. Now, please don't flood these people with emails and such. Please respect them, earn their trust and create a win/win situation for both of you.
Getting your music through a Gatekeeper/blogger who has a large base isn't done with one email, one direct message or one call. You have to earn their respect over time and be relevant to what they are doing. Are they raising money for a charity? Work out a deal where you give a certain percent of your money to their cause for every sold album.
This is what I did I Googled who the top women's Christian bloggers were and read about them. I looked at their websites, read what is important for them and got a sense of how they work. One was interested in a charity and had amazing Instagram-like posts, clean and light. I took some time to follow what she stands for, how she posts and how she words things. It is like walking through a room and you see someone with clothes that you also like and who looks like someone you could be friends with.
....
Find bloggers that fit your story and who would benefit from your album.
I looked into who she was following and who was following her to see what it is that makes these millions of people tick. I have a great story and my album has a message. Could this fit in and help these people meet their needs?
There is no easy way to build a friendship. It takes effort and time. So, forget just asking them to post something about your album. Try to meet a need.
Links:
https://www.sharefaith.com/blog/2014/07/top-15-christian-female-bloggers-top-must-read-blogs-christian-women/