Music has always been an important part of our lives. It helps us express ourselves, relax, and even connect with others. But sometimes, it’s hard to get your music heard by people outside your immediate circle. This guide will show you how to get your songs on the radio. Want more tips for independent artists? Check out all of our free artist resources.
“How do I get my music on the radio?” is a question every artist asks.
The truth is, getting your music played on the radio is all about finding the right people at the radio stations you are looking to get your music on, and sending your music to them. Whether it’s commercial radio or college radio or internet radio, the process is going to be the same. Some radio stations may have a specific submission process you have to follow. Oftentimes, they will detail this on their website.
To get your music on the radio, you should follow these steps.
- Identify the radio stations you want to be played on.
- Identify the radio shows on each station you want to be played on.
- Find the contact information of the radio station and its hosts and DJs.
- Send your music in a professional pitch to the radio station and its hosts and DJs.
It can take time to hear back from radio stations. You can follow up on your pitches, but make sure not to spam the radio station.
If you have a big fanbase, another tactic you can try is asking your fans on social media to call into radio stations and request your song. If you’ve got a dedicated fanbase, this can be a good way to get the attention of radio stations, its hosts, and DJs.
“Can I pay to get my music on the radio?” is something some may ask.
The answer is no. In the United States, it is illegal for radio stations to accept payment to play music on their station without disclosing the payment. If you really want to get a message out on the radio, you can advertise on their station. Contact the station’s advertising department to see what options they have. However, this won’t be the same as just paying to have your music in rotation. That’s called payola.
Want help pitching your music to radio stations? Check out our artist management services.