How To Submit Your Music To Radio
This post has been a long time coming. Every since people knew I was affiliated with radio, I have experienced some trying to submit their music to the radio station through me. As an intern, I thought this was cool but quickly as I transcended to the mic, it has became a burden. No matter the time or day I would get the typical, “Oh you work at the station, let me give you my mixtape/album.” Out of respect I would take it. I respect any indie artist trying to get heard on the radio but so many times the submission process was missing tact and strategy. So from my experiences I would like to help any indie artist submit their music to radio but with a strategy that will get some type of feedback or acknowledgement. Allow me to be clear, I AM NOT GIVING TIPS ON GETTING AIR PLAY.
Let me be keep it 100. Over 90% of indie music that gets submitted to radio stations doesn’t get listened to or doesn’t reach the right person. Why, you ask? There are several reasons this occurs. First, the most common problem is HOW the music was submitted. This is where I would like to help address some problems. The moment when you submit your music to the radio station is very similar to an interview process for a job. If you don’t present your best, you won’t receive your best. See, I got a little flow. Ha, let me get back to helping you out. I cannot stress how important the moment of submitting your music is to getting it heard and/or possibly getting some spins. Put as much thought, hard work, and creativity into submitting your music to a radio station as you do your music.
How To Submit Your Music To Radio
I will not entertain the thought of telling you how to make music. The music aspect of my advice is not in play just the submission process of your music. My advice is not set in stone way of submitting music but I will assure you that my advice can guide you to success.
RESEARCH
Research is the most important and primary step to submitting your music to a radio station effectively. You need to know what you need to know. Guess what? You have to put in some work to become knowledgeable. I know you are probably sitting back thinking, “What does he mean about research?” I need you to know everything about the radio station you are submitting those bangers to. When you acquire all the information you can about the radio station, you start planning your next step.
Here are some questions your research should answer.
1. What is the format of the station?
2. Who is the Program Director (PD) and/or Music Director (MD)?
a. Contact information for the PD and MD
i. Social Media Contact.
3. Does the station play independent music?
4. Does the radio station offer contest for independent artist?
a. www.Club937.com “810 Local Flow”
b. www.Power965Fm.com “517 Spotlight”
5. Stay up-to-date with the radio stations promotions
a. What promotions does the station have going on that I can help promote that will in return give me positive exposure?
i. Charity Events
ii. Club nights
After answering those questions, you will have a better grasp of the station you are trying to submit your music to. Do not over look the importance of knowing as much as you possibly can about the radio station. The above questions are just a few to get your brain going to help produce your master plan to submitting your music to radio.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, email me at info@YaBoyLV.com
