Whether you are a single artist or in a band, if you are a musician one of the best ways to get your music out there is to be broadcast on the radio. Even starting with a small local radio you can get to have national resonance. Sending your songs to a radio may seem like a daunting task, but don't worry! Read on to understand how to send your songs to a radio station.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Song
Step 1. Prepare your music for distribution
Depending on what you are about to present, you will need to be able to send a physical CD or an electronic file in a digital format such as MP3.
- For CD distribution, you usually don't need a special packaging or an elaborate presentation. In fact, many radio stations ask not to send material of this type. Some musicians claim that all you need is a simple silver CD-R with the band name and title on it, accompanied by the song list, in a clear plastic box.
- Whichever package you choose, make sure it contains all information clearly, completely, concisely and correctly. You don't want the art director to fall in love with your song without being able to figure out who it belongs to!
Step 2. Prepare for online sharing
Some radio stations accept email attachments, but often they want a link to an online contribution in this case. There are many options for digital distribution.
- If you want your music to be listened to more, put it on iTunes, Amazon Music or Bandcamp. iTunes allows you to sign up for free to sell music; Amazon Music requires the use of a distributor to sell on their online music store; Bandcamp is also free and is becoming very popular with musicians. Go through different options to find the best one for you.
- You can also put your music online using websites like YouTube or Vimeo. Read carefully the Terms and Conditions on each site: you must be sure to keep the rights to your music and to be able to sell it!
- Sites like Soundcloud, Mediafire, and Sendspace allow free file sharing services that allow art directors to download music without worrying about viruses and other security issues.
Step 3. Make a press kit
You may or may not need a slideshow to send along with the music. Either way, it doesn't hurt to have it ready. Most press kits include basic elements that let you know something about yourself quickly.
- Write a cover letter. It should be addressed to the person you are sending your music to. Include contact information, your web pages (YouTube, Facebook, website, etc.) and basic information about your music (genre, themes, etc.).
- Write a short bio. It should be a concise description of you or your band, and what you've accomplished so far. You can also talk about your influences and interests, but stick to your story more than anything else. Think of it as an introduction to a new friend.
- Create a summary outline. It should include essential information about you: name, musical style, other similar artists or bands, instruments used, etc.
Method 2 of 3: Search the Radio Environment
Step 1. Determine the options
The kind of music you play will help you choose the radio stations that might play your song. For example, some radios focus on indie, jazz and songwriters, while others, like local ones, prefer to appeal to young audiences with pop, hip-hop and rock. Make sure you send your song to the station that plays your musical genre.
Step 2. Search local stations
You will probably have to start from the bottom, especially if you don't have a record label yet. Local stations are a great place to start, as they tend to be more open about airing new music, and not just the more popular one. They are also less based on the commercials and commercials of the larger radios, so they will be more inclined to accept your song. However, even the most commercial stations may be interested, especially if they operate in the same area, so take a look at the websites of the radio stations in the area where you live.
- There are radio locators on the internet that allow you to search by state or city.
- Look for roles such as "art director", "radio manager", "production manager" or "DJ". Usually these people are the ones in charge of receiving, selecting and airing new songs.
- If you don't know who to contact, try calling the radio switchboard or sending an email asking to be put in touch with the person in charge of programming.
- You can also call the radio during a specific program: often the DJ answers the phone during the broadcast and you can ask him how to play your song. This works best if the show already plays the kind of music you make.
Step 3. Consider independent radios
Online radios are still the little sisters of broadcast ones, but they are one more resource for emerging artists. Many online radios allow - or even ask! - to artists who are new to the music scene to submit songs.
Step 4. Create contacts
Many DJs and radio stations have pages on social networks. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook and visit their blogs and playlists. You will have a better opportunity to customize the sending of the song, if you know who you are sending it to.
You can also contact radios and DJs via social networks. A tweet addressed to them about your music will get you noticed without sounding too aggressive
Step 5. Read the guidelines carefully
The instructions for sending the material can be very different, depending on where you want to send your music. In general, however, sending a CD is the most requested method. Few places accept sending files as attachments via email.
- If the radio site provides specific directions, follow them! Nothing will bother staff more than someone who doesn't follow directions. Many stations discard music without even listening to it if it is not sent correctly.
- If you can't find information on how to submit your music online, contact the station and ask them directly. Send a short, friendly email explaining who you are, your musical experiences and what the song is about. If you have a page on YouTube, Facebook or another social media, please send a link. Don't send attachments - they often don't open them for fear of viruses.
Method 3 of 3: Send a Song
Step 1. Customize the sending
A personalized message has a much better chance of getting noticed by the art director or DJ than a standard email that has clearly been sent to 500 other stations.
This also applies to sending physical CDs. Whenever possible, personalize the message using people's name (if you find it) and a short sentence explaining why you like their radio and why it's right for your song
Step 2. Submit the song
Once you understand the sending instructions, send them your music! Provide complete information (your contact details and CD track list are essential), but don't send anything that isn't required.
Step 3. Wait
It can take days, weeks or even months for your song to reach the artistic director, especially if you have sent it to a big radio. Don't stress people out with phone calls or emails. Remember, they receive a lot of requests from hopeful artists like you, and it takes a while to hear everything.
Sometimes radios give a maximum response time. If the maximum time has passed, an email with a friendly request is appropriate, but don't be angry: just a simple email asking if the art director has had time to listen to your song
Step 4. Be ready for rejection
It's great when an artist has a big breakthrough in his career, but there are a lot of artists and bands and the space on the radio is what it is. You may be rejected by the first radios you contact, and that's okay. Have perseverance and patience. Being rejected doesn't mean your music sucks!
Advice
- Be gentle. You want to be remembered for the quality of your music, not for the irritation in the fifth email you sent to the artistic director.
- Follow the instructions. If a radio station says it only accepts CDs, don't email them with an MP3! If they want a presentation, give it to them. Make their work as easy as possible and they will be more enticed to work with you.
