I get a lot of questions about how to get radio airplay. I won't lie to those musicians who are just starting out - it is tough sell. Most radio stations have a set play list that is governed by the charts that, in turn, are governed by music heavyweights. Even college radio stations are using the play lists. Breaking in to either of these circuits is often an uphill battle although not impossible. The first thing you must do is to evaluate where you are as a band or a musician. You must be brutally honest about how you can approach local and regional stations. One of the questions you must ask yourself is whether or not you have a distribution deal that gets your music in the local retailers. Radio stations will shy away from those artists that listeners cannot walk into a store and buy. If you are an independent artist working with your own label without a distribution deal, you could reach the end of the line before you finish your first call to local radio stations. If you do have a distribution deal, you might get a hearing of your plea from one of the jocks or their assistants. But I caution you about being realistic about the market. Trying to plead your case often takes multiple calls to a radio station and you should realize that you should shoot for small and medium size radio markets. Trying for shows or jocks with huge syndication is just not a realistic approach. Just take a look at all the artists that have a record deal with major labels or even large indie labels that cannot get a single rotation and believe me these folks have staff that does nothing but call radio stations.
Okay, now I've depressed your aspirations. Let's look at what you can do to weasel your way onto the radio. Concentrate on your live performances and local and regional rags. The more local and regional shows you do, the more times your name appears in print, the more likely that you might arouse interest from the small, local radio stations. Local, word-of-mouth advertising is priceless for getting you on the radio or into local stores. A lot of you are saying "what about that distribution deal?" Well, believe it or not some large retail record chains will take your music on consignment. Particularly if you have raised local awareness such that people are asking for your music. They'll demand that your music be shrink-wrapped and have a barcode and will expect that you will be responsible for monitoring the stock.
Go To Page: 1 2
