Your music can make you or break you. One song is all it takes and put in the right hands is a great way to break your act in the music biz. Given to the RIGHT radio station or media outlet, can give your music exposure, jump-start your career and generate significant income. But, it’s not easy getting your music to the right place. Below I have listed some tips along with some websites and even some contact info! Remember, be patient and do your homework first, don’t just head off on a mass mailing spree.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Include your “Full Contact Information” on Everything: the package, the CD and the CD case. Often these get separated and all is lost! Include your name, phone number, email, website & address.
VIDEO: Submit both your CD & Video, No this doesn’t mean a homemade recording done by your friend. A real, honest music video and, remember to make sure the production is high quality. A rough demo won’t cut it.
CLEAR ALL RIGHTS: All rights must be cleared… including the underlying copyrights, publishing rights, and the rights to the master recording. Get clearances for any samples used, and include them with your submission.
STYLE OF YOUR MUSIC: Songs are categorized by genre, tempo and lyrical content. Listing that info on the CD and the case is helpful. Some outlets want to know your influences, don’t be put off by this. It helps them to determine who better to review your music and helps speed up the process.
FACT SHEET/BIO: include a one page fact sheet. List your accomplishments, if any songs were placed and what you’re doing in your career.
SUBMIT ONLY ONE OR TWO SONGS: Don’t send your whole album, unless it’s requested by the Radio station, they don’t often have the time to listen to your entire CD. Media YES, send your full CD especially if you’re looking for a CD review. Media will NOT review a sampler or 2 song demo.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Don’t waste time sending the wrong music. Research the station, know what kind of music they playing? Media, what type of readership do they have? Know something about them first; submitting inappropriate material is a waste of your time.
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Sometimes radio/media have specific requirements. Pay attention and follow the directions. If they want 2 CD’s, mail them two. If they say “Attn: CD Review” or list a name, That’s what you are to do. Sending them to just any name, or calling and pretending you already sent them won’t speed up anything. Only waste time and maybe just make someone mad. Follow the directions to the letter. Don’t try to be sneaky or think YOU know a better way of doing things!
HAVE YOU JOINED A PERFORMANCE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION YET? You should, if you expect to receive money from your music being played on the radio. Money will come from Performance Rights Organizations: ASCAP. BMI, SESAC. You can request “cue sheets” that shows the number of plays a placement has received.
MOST OF ALL “STAY HUMBLE AND ACT PROFESSIONAL” Don’t send harassing emails or call and leave repeated messages. That won’t get you the kind of attention you’re looking for! Be patient, If you’ve done your homework and all your information is listed, they will call or email you if a song is placed or reviewed.
WAS YOUR REVIEW NOT WHAT YOU WERE EXPECTING? No need to shoot the reviewer. He or she simply based their opinion. Not everyone will love your music and this will help keep you on your toes!
Radio Stations
