Written by: Rian L. Moses
Getting your music played on local radio stations can offer several benefits for musicians, especially those who are trying to establish themselves and grow their fan base. Local radio stations have dedicated listeners within your community and when your music is played on these stations, it reaches an audience that might not have discovered your music otherwise.
Having your music played on the radio lends credibility to your work. It's a sign that your music is of a certain quality and has been recognized by professionals in the industry. It's a milestone that you can use to engage with fans and media, and it adds depth to your music journey. The moment you hear your song on the radio will give you that endorphin rush you have been chasing. It can be incredibly validating for an artist and can motivate you to continue creating and pursuing your musical goals.
Have you taken the steps to get your music played on your local stations?
To help get you on your way, here are a few strategies you can consider:
Create High-Quality Music: The first step is to ensure your music is of high quality. Invest time and resources into producing well-recorded and well-mixed tracks.
Research Stations: Identify local radio stations that align with your genre and target audience. Different stations cater to different genres, so find ones that suit your musical style. (See below for local Richmond, VA radio stations)
Build Relationships: Networking is key. Attend local music events, industry mixers, and other gatherings to connect with radio station staff and DJs.
Submit Your Music: Many stations have a submission process for local artists. Visit their websites and look for guidelines on how to submit your music for airplay.
Personalized Approach: When reaching out to stations, personalize your messages. Explain why your music would be a good fit for their audience and how it aligns with their programming.
Press Kit: Create a professional press kit that includes information about your band, high-quality promotional photos, a well-written bio, and any press coverage you've received.
Engage on Social Media: Build a strong online presence through social media platforms. Stations often look at an artist's online following and engagement.
Live Performances: Offer to perform live in-studio or at station-sponsored events. This not only showcases your music but also gives you the chance to interact with the station's team.
Follow Up: After submitting your music, follow up with the station. A polite and respectful follow-up can help keep your music on their radar.
Persistence: Getting airplay might take time. Don't be discouraged by initial rejections. Keep refining your approach and continue submitting your music.
Remember that radio stations receive numerous submissions, so it's essential to stand out by being professional, respectful, and authentic. Building relationships and maintaining a strong local presence can greatly increase your chances of getting your music played on local radio stations.
Here are some stations (in no particular order) serving the Greater City of Richmond:
WRXL 102.1 FM (XL102): Alternative Rock
WDYL 100.9 FM: Contemporary Hit Radio (Top 40)
WURV 103.7 FM (103.7 Play): Hot Adult Contemporary
WKLR 96.5 FM (Classic Rock 96.5): Classic Rock
WCVE 88.9 FM: Public Radio/NPR
WRIR 97.3 FM: Independent Radio (Editor's Note: They love to support local music! Reach out to the DJs that most align to your music style)
WRBX (RVA BoomBox): Indie Hip-Hop Radio
WBTJ 106.5 FM (106.5 The Beat): Urban Contemporary
WTVR 98.1 FM (Mix 98.1): Adult Contemporary
WKHK 95.3 FM (K95): Country
WRXL-HD2 98.5 FM (Big 98.5): New Country
WVNZ 1320 AM (Praise 104.7): Gospel and Christian Programming
WKJS 99.3 / 105.7 FM (KISS FM): Urban Adult Contemporary
WBBT 107.3 FM (B103.7): Classic Hits
The Breeze: Soft Album Rock
You can visit the websites of these stations for more information on their programming and submission guidelines if you're a local musician looking to get your music played.
Keep building and making music that you love.
Blog Author - Rian L. Moses: What's Up?! I'm one of the founders of HearRVA. Richmond, Virginia has been my home since 2006 and I'm still discovering new things. I'm a visual artist at heart and graduated from VCU in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art (major in video & animation/ minor in painting & printmaking). It feels great to use these skills on all the visuals you see coming out of HearRVA.