How to Get Your Music Played on College Radio

College radio remains a vital platform for independent artists looking to gain exposure and grow their fan base. With the rise of digital streaming and social media, college radio may not be the only way for indie artists to reach listeners, but it remains a valuable channel for music promotion. Here’s what you need to know about getting your music played on college radio.

What is College Radio?

College radio refers to non-commercial radio stations that are operated by colleges or universities, or that report to the College Music Journal (CMJ). There are many other non-commercial stations out there that can still be valuable for independent artists, but focusing on the stations that report to CMJ will give you the best opportunity to chart on the national CMJ charts.

How to Get Your Music Played on College Radio

Getting your music played on college radio can be a lot of work, but with some research and effort, you can do it on your own. Here’s how:

  1. Research the Station

    • Find out which college radio stations play your genre of music and are a good fit for your style.
    • Look for stations that report to CMJ for the best chance to chart on the national CMJ charts.

  2. Connect with the Music Director

    • The music director is the person responsible for choosing the music that gets played on the station.
    • Find out the name and contact information for the music director at each station you’re interested in, and reach out to them with your music.
    • You can usually find this information on the station’s website or by contacting them directly.

  3. Plan a Release Date

    • Choose a release date for your music and let the music director know when it will be available.
    • This date is known as the “going for adds date” and is typically a Tuesday. This is the day your record is trying to get added to the stations available for airplay.

  4. Mail Your Music

    • Mail physical copies of your music and one-sheets to the stations about two weeks before the release date to allow enough time for review before the add date.
    • It’s important to note that some stations may prefer digital submissions, so check with the music director first.

  5. Follow Up

    • Make preliminary calls to the stations at least one week before the release date to ensure that they have received your music and are planning to play it.
    • On the release date, track the progress of your record to find out how much it’s being spun and whether stations are adding or passing on it.

Why College Radio Matters

College radio is an essential component of any indie marketing plan. College stations are dedicated to playing new music and have the freedom to spin great new music based on its merit rather than advertising dollars or anything else. Radio results can be used to boost your accolades and make yourself more attractive to venue promoters, management, labels, press, music supervisors, etc. If you’re a touring band, you can use radio to guide your way into new markets and have the station(s) as an ally in those new markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, college radio remains an important way for independent artists to gain exposure and build their careers. While it may take time and effort to get your music played on college radio, it’s worth it to expand your fan base and gain recognition within the industry. Follow these tips to get your music played on college radio and take your career to the next level.

Are you ready to get your music played on college radio? Let us know in the comments!

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