Program To Make Music

First, some realities: If you are thinking that if you get a track played on a radio station that booking agents and venues will come calling to you, it's probably not going to happen. If your sights are aimed at getting played at commercial major market stations, your chances are slim to none (unless that station has a new, local or indie artist program which invites submissions). What radio airplay CAN do for you as a new artist is to help test the waters and see what kind of reception your music will get outside of your home base. That could help you decide which direction to next take your career in.

At the beginning career stage, you need to be proactive at getting airplay opportunities to work in your favor. Here are some essential steps to take:

1. Be brutally honest about your product. Make sure your music is a stylistic fit for a radio market you are interested in. Be certain that your material, vocals and instrumentals are strong enough to be playing side by side with the other, established artists. It also helps to get some feedback from others in the know.

2. Market your product appropriately. Your best chance is at public/community/college/non-commercial radio stations that are receptive to playing new artists and new product. There are resources all over the web that will help you select stations and study their formats and playlists.

3. Follow up on opportunities. Track your airplay and get some comments from those who have played your CD. If there is some strong feedback and consistency in airplay, then do some research in that area about possible interviews or gigs.

I have seen new artists take this approach and eventually become full-time touring artists. However, "eventually" is the operative word here. It took many years of being proactive in contacts and research, building relationships in the industry, releasing subsequent product and perfecting their craft to make it happen.

One release with a little airplay won't be enough to build a career on. But it could be a foundation if you are willing to make the most of it by doing the work and staying the course.