Getting Radio Play

The first thing an artists 'wants to do' is get radio airplay. It can be effective in getting exposure and if you are the writer, it might garner some songwriting royalties. However, don't lose your mind and break your wallet to get airplay, if it doesn't pay off in gigs and sales.

1. You can mail out copies of your album or single yourself. (too costly - ends up in the trash or on ebay. NEVER send shrink-wrapped sellable product to radio!)
2. You can get on a sampler. (GOOD move)
3. You can submit to online radio through email. (GREAT move - check out www.Live365.com)
4. You can use a submission service. (RadioSubmit.com - good move!)

The best money we have ever spent was for a sampler done in Country/Americana/Roots called The Mark Trail Sampler. For $299 bucks, you are on a well auditioned collection that goes to reputable radio folks around the world. It garners airplay and fans. Check out www.marktrailmusic.com

The Acoustic Rainbow Sampler is really good, too - for a little more - $650-$700 range. It's great for college, alt-rock, folk play.

The CDX is a radio staple - and is a little over $1,200 bucks. It's perfect for contemporary country airplay.

In Europe/U.K. the HotDisc is a GREAT buy for releasing music to radio.

More on getting radio play tomorrow - I.A.