For CD distribution, you usually don’t need fancy packaging or elaborate press kits. In fact, many radio stations will request that you not send in materials like this. Some musicians insist that a plain silver CD-R with your name and the song title, accompanied by a track listing in a clear plastic case, is all you need. Whatever packaging you choose, make sure all your information is clear, complete, concise, and correct. You don’t want a music director to fall in love with your song only to be unable to figure out who it belongs to!
Write a cover letter. This should be addressed to the person to whom you’re submitting your music. Include your contact information, any webpages (YouTube, Facebook, website, etc. ) that you have, and basic information about your music (genre, themes, etc. ). Write a short biography. This should be a short description of you (or your band, if you have one) and your accomplishments so far. You can talk about your influences and interests here, but keep this part story-oriented. Consider it like your introduction to a new friend. [5] X Research source Create a “fact sheet. " This should include the essential information about you: name, style of music, other artists/bands you are similar to, instrumentation, etc.
You can find radio station locators on the internet. These will allow you to search by state, city, or country. [9] X Research source Look for titles like “music director,” “station manager,” “production manager,” or “DJ. " These are usually the people in charge of receiving, selecting, and playing new music. If you’re not sure whom to contact, try calling the station’s general information line and asking to be connected to the person in charge of music programming. You can also call in to the station during a specific program: often, DJs answer the phone during their programs and you can ask them about getting your song on air. This works particularly well if you call a show focusing on the genre of music you make. [10] X Research source
Pandora allows direct submissions. [11] X Research source AmazingRadio. com is another online station that accepts independent and emerging artists. [12] X Research source Live365. com will host your music in their Music Library, which will allow their online stations access to it.
You can also reach out to radio stations and DJs through social media. A tweet to them about your music will get your name out there without seeming overly aggressive.
If the radio station’s website provides specific guidelines, follow them! Nothing will turn off staff faster than you not following their directions. Many stations will discard music without listening to it if it isn’t submitted properly. If you can’t find information about submitting your music online, contact the station with your inquiry directly. Send a short, friendly email explaining who you are, your musical experiences, and what your song is about. If you have a YouTube, Facebook, or other media page, include a link. Don’t send any attachments; many places won’t open email attachments because of security and virus concerns.
This also goes for physical CD submissions. Whenever possible, customize your submission using people’s names (if you can find them) and a brief statement of why you fit in with their station’s “feel. "
The radio station may give a time-frame for responding to you. If it’s past that time-frame, a friendly email inquiry is appropriate, but try not to sound accusative or angry. A simple email asking if the music director has had time to listen to your submission yet will suffice.
