Step 2: Getting Your Music on the Radio!
Last month I went over the first three steps to getting your band played on radio. We covered research, media kits, and what to send. Now I will go over follow-up and what to do when you get airplay. Then I will go over a couple tips regarding radio stations outside of your region.
Following-up:
1. Most PD’s and MD’s accept calls only during specified hours. Ask their assistants for their “call-hours,” and only call them to pitch your material. These call hours apply to everyone – major labels, indie labels, independent promoters – be prepared to be put on hold. **Remember, their assistants and interns can be excellent contacts, use them wisely. Be patient, don’t ask for special favors, and say THANK YOU!!!
2. Call once to make sure the PD or MD received your package. Do not bug them before they have had a chance to form an opinion.
3. If you do not hear yourself played within about a month of sending the material (remember, most local shows only air once a week), call politely and inquire why not. Ask for some honest feedback and suggestions – what they liked and didn’t like about your music.
4. Be persistent, but don’t be a pest with constant calls.
5. Try to play radio station sponsored shows. Not only will your act receive publicity from the station advertising the event, but your band may get heard on-air when they cut to the event between songs.
6. Do not call and request your own material. DJ’s will always know it is you. If you have a street team or a large enough following, you can let them know to call and request your material. Only do this after you are positive that the station received your package.
When you get Airplay
1. Send a letter to thank the radio station for playing your song. This proves that you were actually listening, which will encourage them to play it again.
2. If interviewed, speak positively of the local music scene. The station that airs you is trying to promote the scene.
3. Offer to go to the station and play a song or two on-air. Be sure to include a list of all radio stations that play your music in future press kits.
Hitting National Radio
**All of the above principles also apply to approaching radio stations outside of your area, although it’s much harder to do sufficient research. Here are some tips that should help you get airplay.
1. Follow up, follow up, and follow up! You don’t have the advantage of being a local band, so you need to keep your name fresh in the music directors’ and program directors’ minds.
2. Radio airplay alone will not help your career. Capitalize on out-of-town airplay you get to work distribution deals and get gigs. If you have developed a relationship with a program director, he or she may point you towards appropriate venues you can book.
“You can probably do the job as well, if not better, than a promotions guy… after all, you probably care more if the band succeeds than he or she would. If you follow these steps, and your music is any good, you should get radio airplay.” ~ Jodie Summers, Homegrown Show, WRFY/Reading, PA
I had no idea that being in a band would ever be as much work as it is. Like a lot of us band peeps, I was naive enough to think that just having good music and putting on a good show was enough to get “noticed” and secure a record deal. I had no clue what I was in for. I hope this column helps you get one step closer to your goals, whatever they may be. Stay confident throughout the process and be diligent! Remember to be respectful and be yourself. It wont pay to be a hardass but it will help if you have a good sense of character. Hard work does not always pay the bills, but in the end, it pays the conscious!
NO REGRETS!!
I’m out…….
Moons
Following-up:
1. Most PD’s and MD’s accept calls only during specified hours. Ask their assistants for their “call-hours,” and only call them to pitch your material. These call hours apply to everyone – major labels, indie labels, independent promoters – be prepared to be put on hold. **Remember, their assistants and interns can be excellent contacts, use them wisely. Be patient, don’t ask for special favors, and say THANK YOU!!!
2. Call once to make sure the PD or MD received your package. Do not bug them before they have had a chance to form an opinion.
3. If you do not hear yourself played within about a month of sending the material (remember, most local shows only air once a week), call politely and inquire why not. Ask for some honest feedback and suggestions – what they liked and didn’t like about your music.
4. Be persistent, but don’t be a pest with constant calls.
5. Try to play radio station sponsored shows. Not only will your act receive publicity from the station advertising the event, but your band may get heard on-air when they cut to the event between songs.
6. Do not call and request your own material. DJ’s will always know it is you. If you have a street team or a large enough following, you can let them know to call and request your material. Only do this after you are positive that the station received your package.
When you get Airplay
1. Send a letter to thank the radio station for playing your song. This proves that you were actually listening, which will encourage them to play it again.
2. If interviewed, speak positively of the local music scene. The station that airs you is trying to promote the scene.
3. Offer to go to the station and play a song or two on-air. Be sure to include a list of all radio stations that play your music in future press kits.
Hitting National Radio
**All of the above principles also apply to approaching radio stations outside of your area, although it’s much harder to do sufficient research. Here are some tips that should help you get airplay.
1. Follow up, follow up, and follow up! You don’t have the advantage of being a local band, so you need to keep your name fresh in the music directors’ and program directors’ minds.
2. Radio airplay alone will not help your career. Capitalize on out-of-town airplay you get to work distribution deals and get gigs. If you have developed a relationship with a program director, he or she may point you towards appropriate venues you can book.
“You can probably do the job as well, if not better, than a promotions guy… after all, you probably care more if the band succeeds than he or she would. If you follow these steps, and your music is any good, you should get radio airplay.” ~ Jodie Summers, Homegrown Show, WRFY/Reading, PA
I had no idea that being in a band would ever be as much work as it is. Like a lot of us band peeps, I was naive enough to think that just having good music and putting on a good show was enough to get “noticed” and secure a record deal. I had no clue what I was in for. I hope this column helps you get one step closer to your goals, whatever they may be. Stay confident throughout the process and be diligent! Remember to be respectful and be yourself. It wont pay to be a hardass but it will help if you have a good sense of character. Hard work does not always pay the bills, but in the end, it pays the conscious!
NO REGRETS!!
I’m out…….
Moons
