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How to Get a Radio Station to Play a New Artist

It's incredibly difficult for a new artist to make it onto the radio. Gigantic media conglomerates own most of the commercial radio stations in the country, filtering in new music from mainstream avenues.Whether you want a college radio station to play your favorite local band's music or you're in an independent band and want to get played on your city's big alternative station, you'll need to submit a professional package to music directors.

Instructions

    • 1

      Organize a press kit that includes the following: the new artist's CD in a jewel case with a track listing, a one sheet detailing what you're sending to the station and why, and press clippings/quotes highlighting the new artist.

    • 2

      Submit your press kit to the music director at a radio station.

    • 3

      Call the music director two weeks after submitting your press kit. Ask her if she received the press kit, listened it it, as well as if and when she is going to add it to the rotation. If the music director says that the station will be playing the new artist's music, thank her and continue to follow-up for 6 to 8 weeks after with periodic phone calls.

    • 4

      Organize a group of supporters to contact the radio station and request that it play the new artist's music. Do not barrage the station with requests.

    • 5

      Contact a promotion agency, if possible. Submit your music to the agency. If the agency is interested in working with you, it will use its vast network of connections to submit the new artist's music to radio stations and work on getting its music played.

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