Is Radio Still Relevant? How To Get New Artists Like Sam Bradley Heard!

Here is an interesting article on the relevancy of radio in these current techi-times.

IS RADIO STILL RELEVENT?

Despite the growing popularity of the Internet as a means of distributing recorded music, radio still plays a major role in helping listeners discover new artists.Radio is no different from many businesses that are experiencing changes in the digital age, said Brian Rickman, programming director for URBan Radio Group.

Rickman said radio might not be the first place to turn to when someone wants to hear their favorite songs, but it is the primary medium where people will discover new music.

“They will be exposed to it here first,” Rickman said.

Once they discover the artist, a new fan will likely utilize the Internet to learn more about the artist or to download their music.

“There’s no doubt the Internet is incredibly important to artists these days,” Rickman said.
Record producer Rick Hall, who founded FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, agrees that radio is and will remain the primary means of bringing new artists to the public.

While he believes artists could have a hit recording by utilizing the Internet to distribute their music, “I don’t believe you can have a giant hit without radio.”

Shoals music business insider Dick Cooper said radio “is one of the places you as a fan can discover artists you like.”

Cooper, who recently became the chief operating officer of Rockin’ Camel Records in Gadsden, said radio today, whether it’s traditional radio, satellite radio or Internet radio, gives new artists more avenues to target their particular audience.

“Radio still plays an important role in the music business. It’s just more diverse,” he said.

source


Now that we've estasblished it's importance.... How can WE get Sam Bradley heard?

Here are a few ideas.

How To Get Your Favorite Artists Heard On The Radio!

Commercial Radio Stations

Of course we woud all LOVE to hear Sam played on commercial radio right alongside the big music acts of today, but the reality is that if you are an unsigned indie band or artist the chances are slim to none that you will get national radio play on commercial stations. Sadly, commercial stations love numbers and money just a little bit more than music.

That said... it is possible to get airplay in the artist's town as many commercial radio stations have a local music programming.


Here is a list of stations in Vancouver, BC with local music programming.

The Beat 94.5 FM Vancouver

The Beat is a one-time urban and R&B station that now leans towards current Top 40 pop hits.


The Fox 99.3 FM

The Fox is currently the only place on the dial for modern and alternative rock, along with harder classic rock and metal. There are also shows focusing on punk and independent music.

Virgin Radio 95.3 FM

Virgin Radio features an Adult Top 40 format that includes artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pink, Nickelback, Black Eyed Peas and Green Day.


JACK FM 96.9

Jack FM plays a variety of rock and pop hits, mostly from the seventies, eighties and nineties, along with some more current selections.

Shore 104.3 FM

Shore104 plays roots, rock and rhythm with an emphasis on new, emerging and Canadian. No station in a box here, Shore104 was built from the ground up and has a playlist 4 times that of most Canadian stations.


College/Community radio stations

Your best bet for getting local and national radio play is with college and community radio stations.


These stations are more "musician friendly" and very open to playing new music by unsigned independent acts.  The on-air talent have much more control over what they play than those employed at commercial radio stations.


There are hundreds and hundreds of college radio stations in the United States/Canada and most of them play a very eclectic range of music.


This is something we can all do ANYWHERE... simply find your local college station (we have a comprehensive list on our side-bar over there --------> ) then contact their Music and or Program Directors and ask for Sam!


Let these stations see the strong fan presence and buzz currently surrounding our Sam Bradley and his impending CD release!


JUST DO IT!  : )


and last but not least...

Internet Radio Stations

Today there are many, many internet radio stations that you can get your music played on, with most of them specializing in a specific music genre.


Once again, you simply find the internet stations that play Sam's style of music.  (Google is your friend)


The advantage with internet stations is that they too are open to playing new music by unsigned  artists and usually an MP3 shared via email is all they require. The downside of internet radio stations is that  you really have no any idea of listernership/numbers.  Internet Radio has not caught on with the general public quite yet and if you do get played on an internet radio station you may actually have only five or six listeners, instead of hundreds or thousands that you may get with a (for lack of better words) real radio station.


It is still,  in our opinion,  very worthwhile to find some good internet stations and sing Sam's praises!  

It definitely will not hurt!


Now go on....Spread The Word.  Two Ears At A Time.