How to Get Your Song on the Radio

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 01:10
Whether you're a solo artist or in a band, one of the best ways to get your music out there is to get it played on the radio. Even if you start small at a local radio station, it can lead to national exposure. Sending in your songs can...
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Whether you're a solo artist or in a band, one of the best ways to get your music out there is to get it played on the radio. Even if you start small at a local radio station, it can lead to national exposure. Sending in your songs can seem like a daunting task, but with some know-how it can be worth it!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Getting Your Submission Ready

  1. Step 2 Make your music easily shareable online.
    Some radio stations may accept email attachments, but more often if they accept electronic submissions they will want a link to an online source for your music. You have many options for digital distribution.
    • If you want your music more publicly available, you can use services such as iTunes, Amazon Music, or Bandcamp. iTunes allows you to sign up to sell your music for free;[1] Amazon Music requires you to use a distributor to sell your music through their Digital Music store.[2] Bandcamp is also free to sign up and is becoming increasingly popular with artists.[3] Examine several options and choose the best for your situation.
    • You can also get your music online by using websites such as YouTube or Vimeo. Read the Terms and Conditions for any website carefully; you want to make sure you keep your copyright and permission to sell your music!
    • Sites such as Soundcloud, Mediafire, and Sendspace operate legal file sharing services that allow music directors to download your music without having to worry about viruses and other safety issues.
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  2. Step 3 Compose a press kit.
    You may or may not be requested to submit a press kit with your music. However, it doesn't hurt to have one ready to go. Most press kits include several basic elements that will help people get to know you quickly.
    • Write a cover letter. This should be addressed to the person to whom you're submitting your music. Include your contact information, any webpages (YouTube, Facebook, website, etc.) that you have, and basic information about your music (genre, themes, etc.).
    • Write a short biography. This should be a short description of you (or your band, if you have one) and your accomplishments so far. You can talk about your influences and interests here, but keep this part story-oriented. Consider it like your introduction to a new friend.[4]
    • Create a "fact sheet." This should include the essential information about you: name, style of music, other artists/bands you are similar to, instrumentation, etc.
    • Indicate a focus track(s). Some radio programmers might listen to your whole album, but many will start by listening to one track which will be decisive. Feel free to pinpoint a focus single. The challenge here is to select a “single,” a track that is both representative of your musical style and that also has a strong potential for listening [5] .
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Researching the Radio Scene

  1. Step 2 Research your local stations.
    You're probably going to need to start small, especially if you haven't signed with a record label yet. College radio stations are excellent places to get your start, because they tend to be open to playing new and less mainstream music. They also tend to be less driven by advertising and business concerns than commercial radio, so they might be more willing to take a chance on your song.[8] However, commercial radio stations may also be interested in your music, especially if you're a local act, so check out the websites for the stations in your area.
    • You can find radio station locators on the internet. These will allow you to search by state, city, or country.[9]
    • Look for titles like "music director," "station manager," "production manager," or "DJ." These are usually the people in charge of receiving, selecting, and playing new music.
    • If you're not sure whom to contact, try calling the station's general information line and asking to be connected to the person in charge of music programming.
    • You can also call in to the station during a specific program: often, DJs answer the phone during their programs and you can ask them about getting your song on air. This works particularly well if you call a show focusing on the genre of music you make.[10]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Submitting Your Song

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