Are you a musician trying to get your songs on the airwaves? This article will walk you through the entire process. From preparing your music to reaching out to the right contacts, this write-up has everything you need.
Getting your songs in the hands of radio programmers is an art and a science. Before you even think of sending your track, ensure that your audio file is professionally mixed and mastered. Radio stations have limited time and tons of submissions, so your first few seconds must impress. >how to get your song on the radio
Your music should be in the correct format. MP3 (320kbps) files are most common, but guidelines vary by station. Metadata tagging is crucial. Include your artist name, track title, album, genre, and year.
Now that you’ve got a polished track, you’ll need a press-ready media kit. This package should contain a succinct introduction, a good promo picture, contact and web presence info, and your radio single with clean and explicit versions if applicable. A warm, tailored note can make all the difference.
One major mistake artists make is sending music to the wrong people. Each radio station has departments and gatekeepers. Target the genre-specific host or station contact. Public and regional radio outlets are more likely to support emerging artists.
Let’s talk money—specifically royalties. Artists earn mainly from performance and mechanical royalties. Performance royalties are paid to songwriters, composers, and publishers. Every time a station plays your song, your PRO logs it and pays you. However, Artists only get performance royalties, not master rights in the U.S.
To collect all royalties, join both a PRO and a digital royalty agency like SoundExchange. For non-interactive plays like Pandora or SiriusXM, SoundExchange pays you.
Even if you follow every step, getting radio airplay isn’t guaranteed. What improves your probability? Connections make a huge difference. Engage with radio hosts on Instagram or Twitter. Interact with their content, retweet their links, and build genuine rapport.
One-off submissions rarely work. Follow up after a week or two. Be polite and professional, not pushy. If they play your track, thank them publicly. This might lead to repeat plays or even interviews.
Another key strategy is to identify shows with a matching sound. Match your vibe with the station’s format. Timing matters. Your release timing can make or break your chance.
A big bonus comes from creating buzz elsewhere. Highlight any achievements, even small ones. Radio wants artists who already create waves.
Also, don’t underestimate college radio. College DJs love discovering new acts. Start small to grow big.
You can use music distribution platforms that pitch to radio. These platforms streamline your submission process. While some cost money, they can be worth it.
Keep a spreadsheet of submissions. Organization boosts professionalism. Professionalism stands out to radio stations.
At the core, being played on radio requires effort, consistency, and strong relationships. Each radio journey is unique. But if you keep trying, refining, and improving, you’ll eventually find the right station for your music.
Now’s the time to build your campaign and go for it. Don’t wait—start spinning your dream into reality.