If you're a musician, whether you're a soloist or have a band, one of the best ways to introduce your music to the world is to get your songs playing on the radio. Even a song playing on the campus's small radio station can be a stepping stone to your wider recognition. Submitting your own work may sound difficult, but don't worry. You can read details on how to send music to a radio station in this article. Internet radio is also a great place for independent singers to upload music. Read on for more info.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Handiwork
Step 1. Prepare the music to be sent
Depending on the destination, send music either on physical CD or electronically via digital formats such as MP3.
- To ship a CD, you usually don't need fancy CD packaging or press information. In fact, many radio stations will ask you not to transmit anything like this. Sometimes you just need a plain CD-R with the names and track titles, wrapped in a clear plastic CD case.
- Whatever packaging you choose, make sure all of your information is clear, complete, concise, and correct. Don't let your song go unrecognizable just because you don't list the owner!
Step 2. Make your music easy to share online
Some radio stations will accept email attachments, but some prefer to receive links to your music online. You have many options for preparing digital submissions..
- If you want your music to be more widely available, you can use a service like iTunes, Amazon Music, or Bandcamp. You can use iTunes to sign up for an account to sell free music; Amazon Music requires you to use a distributor to sell music through their Digital Music store. Bandcamp also free registration and is now increasingly popular with the many singers there. Find out more about some of these options, then choose which one is best for your condition.
- You can also post music on the internet using sites like YouTube or Vimeo. Read the terms and conditions of any website carefully; You have to make sure you keep the copyright and permission to sell your music!
- Sites like SoundCloud, Mediafire, and Sendspace operate official file-sharing services so that music directors can download your music without having to worry about viruses or other security issues.
Step 3. Compose a press release
You may be asked to submit your music along with your press information. Most press information includes basic information that will help others get to know you quickly.
- Write a cover letter. The cover letter should be addressed to the person you are sending the music to. Include your contact information, web pages (YouTube, Facebook, websites, etc.) you have, and basic information about your music (genres, themes, etc.).
- Write your short biography. This is a brief description of you (or your band, if applicable) and your achievements so far. You can talk about musicians who influenced your music and your interests. Write in the form of a story. Think of it like meeting a new friend.
- Create a "fact list". This list includes important information about you: your name, musical style, singers/groups that your music is similar to, instrumentation, etc.
Part 2 of 3: Researching Radio
Step 1. Define your radio options
Your music genre will help determine which radio stations may play your song. For example, public radio stations in the US (such as local National Public Radio affiliates) tend to focus on indie, jazz, and singer-songwriter genres. The college radio station closest to you can be a great choice for music that appeals to a younger audience, such as rap, hip-hop, and rock. Make sure you send your song to a station that shows the type of music they play.
Step 2. Research the station closest to you
You have to start small, especially if you're not signed to a record label. College radio stations are perfect for this, as they tend to be open to new and less mainstream music. They also tend to be less motivated by advertising and business than commercial radio, so there's a greater chance that your song will be played. However, commercial radio stations may also be interested in your music, especially if you frequently perform at local venues. Therefore also check the websites of radio stations in your area.
- You can find a radio station finder on the internet that makes it easy to search for radios by country, city, or country.
- Look for people who are "music directors," "station managers," "production managers," or "DJs." People in this profession are usually in charge of receiving, selecting, and playing new music.
- If you're not sure who to call, try calling the general station at the station, and ask to be connected to the person in charge of music programming.
- You can also call radio stations during special programmes. Usually the DJ will take calls from listeners during the program, so you can ask them to play your song. This is quite effective if you call a show that does focus on your music genre.
Step 3. Consider alternative radio
Internet radio is still new, but it has potential for newcomers. Many internet radio stations even suggest submissions from new musicians.
Pandora allows direct delivery. AmazingRadio.com is an internet station that accepts independent and growing musicians. Live365.com stores your music in its own music library, so other radio stations can access it
Step 4. Connect yourself
Many DJs and radio stations already have social media accounts. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook, and frequent their blogs and playlists. Your chances of customizing your post are higher if you know who you're sending it to.
You can also reach radio stations and DJs through social media. All it takes is a chirp of music for them to make your name known without looking too aggressive
Step 5. Read the provided guidelines carefully
The music submission guidelines for each station will vary depending on where you're sending your music to. However, music on CDs is still generally the preferred mode of delivery. Very few places accept submissions of digital files in email attachments..
- If a radio station's website provides specific guidelines, follow them! Your submission will be ignored if you don't follow their procedure. Many radio stations simply dump music without listening to it simply because it wasn't delivered properly.
- If you can't find music delivery information, contact the radio station directly to inquire. Send a short, polite email explaining who you are, your musical experience, and the content of your song. If you have a YouTube, Facebook, or other media page, include a link. Do not attach any files; many radio stations do not open e-mail attachments due to security and virus concerns.
Part 3 of 3: Sending Songs
Step 1. Customize your post
Personally tailored posts are far more appealing to a music director or DJ than generic emails you send to 500 other radio stations.
This also applies to physical CD shipments. If possible, customize your post using the recipient's name (if possible), including a brief statement of why you chose that station
Step 2. Submit your music
After setting guidelines for submitting music, submit! Provide complete information (your contact info and the track on the CD are very important), but don't send them what they didn't ask for.
Step 3. Wait
This process can take days, weeks, or even months for your song to reach the music director, especially if you've already sent it to a major radio station. Don't disturb the station by calling or emailing them. Remember, they receive a lot of submissions from other musicians, and it takes time to listen to them all.
Radio stations may provide an amount of time to respond. When the time is up, politely ask via email, but don't give the impression that you sound upset or angry. Just ask if their music director still has time to listen to your submission
Step 4. Prepare for rejection
Don't forget, there are tons of new musicians and bands out there who are just as hopeful as you are for their work to be played. You may be rejected by some of the radio stations you call the first time, but that's okay. Keep fighting and be patient. Being rejected doesn't mean your music is bad!
Tips
- Be polite. You want to be remembered for the quality of your music, not for always asking the same thing over and over over email.
- Follow the radio station's directions. If they say they only accept music on CDs, don't email them with MP3 attachments! If they ask for press information, provide it. Make their job as easy as possible so that you have a better chance of working with them.
