Want Radio Airplay? Stop Sending Stations Streaming Links...

Independent artists want their music heard. I understand that.

But if you're contacting a radio station that has never heard of you before, you have to remember something:

The station doesn't know you yet.

That isn't disrespect. That's just reality.

You may have been making music for years. You may have fans. You may have performed shows. You may even have other stations playing your music.

But when you email a station for the first time, you're introducing yourself to a stranger.

That means your first impression matters.

A Streaming Link Is Not a Radio Submission

Sending a Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, or Apple Music link and saying, "Check out my song" isn't enough.

A radio station needs an actual audio file if it's going to add your song to its music library.

We can't put your Spotify link into rotation.

We can't schedule your YouTube video between two songs.

And we shouldn't have to hunt around the internet trying to find everything we need to play your music.

If a station has a submission form or submission instructions, follow them.

They're there for a reason.

Make It Easy for the Station

Before you submit, have your business together.

Send what the station asks for.

That may include your properly labeled audio file, artist name, song title, clean or explicit version, contact information, cover art, and any other information requested by that particular station.

And make sure you've handled things like your PRO registration and SoundExchange registration when appropriate.

The easier you make it for a station to review and process your music, the better.

Nobody Owes Anybody a Listen

This may be the most important part.

Sending somebody your music doesn't create an obligation for them to listen to it.

Radio programmers receive music from artists they don't know all the time.

Their time has value too.

Don't approach a station like you're doing them a favor by allowing them to play your music.

And don't assume that because another station plays your song, every other station should automatically want it too.

Every station has its own sound, audience, standards, and programming decisions.

Your song may fit.

It may not.

That's part of submitting music.

Professionalism Goes Both Ways

Artists should absolutely expect radio stations to treat them professionally.

But stations should be able to expect the same thing from artists.

Read the submission instructions.

Send what's requested.

Introduce yourself professionally.

Don't make somebody chase down your music or information.

And don't assume a stranger already knows who you are.

Your music deserves a fair opportunity.

Give yourself that opportunity by submitting it the right way.

Sound Mind Radio

Real music. Real culture. Real vibes.