The Closed Loop - Radio Tips and Tricks

     For the bulk of us, getting radio airplay is the holy grail of promotion.  The problem usually is, that getting radio airplay is about as hard as finding the Holy Grail!  For this very reason we as undiscovered, unnoticed, unknown, artists have to get MORE creative than the mainstream and think WAY outside the box.

     The fastest way to get airplay right now is to go on Jango, I Heart Radio, Last FM, Pandora, etc.  These are mainly internet based airplay and it is a fast growing market.  The problem is, when you have a million new songs coming out, it is hard to cut through the white noise of all the other artists.  Think of it as going to the record store and you see all the rows of CDs for sale sometimes many artists deep.  Aside form looking through all the names and such how do you find that new gem?  It makes it exponentially harder the more material there is around you.  You have to do something that is so new and cool, the music alone can't propel you forward as it used to, which is very sad.  However, there are ways to do this.  Put up some really unique videos on YouTube, do all the internet radio stations and tap into a much easier form of terrestrial radio around all of us.  This being College Radio.  You have to sift through each station to find its genre and makes sure that it matches your style.  Once you have identified that you can contact them via their submissions page which most all college radio stations have.  You will have to follow up because you are not alone in sending new material to them.  Be polite and punctual on sending material in.

     Another route is talk radio, specifically look for talk radio that have music shows that will promote your music.  Usually AM doesn't have the following that FM does but that is okay as it is a start and allows you to start building notoriety.  

     Another way to get airplay is not necessarily with conventional radio but also through local cable music shows.  These are starting to make a comeback.  These will play usually on multiple cable stations as well on the show's official YouTube page.

     I am always looking for more ways to promote music and I would love to share anything you have had success with in your own efforts.  

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