When pitching; don’t attach large files, always send download or streaming links
Research presenters or use Amrap AirIt to target particular shows that would play your music
Capitalise on airplay by pitching interviews and forming relationship with the presenters
We hit up Triple R Music Coordinator and total legend Simon Winkler for his ‘best practice’ tips for getting airplay and raising your profile at community radio.
Remember, in this crazy wonderful biz, there are no guarantees to airplay, but there a few key actions you can take to set yourself up for the best absolute shot at it.
At Triple R, Simon receives most of his new music pitches via email, as well as the occasional CD. Each week, he compiles anywhere from 150-300 new tracks and their accompanying info and shares it in one big Google doc with the station’s presenters.
How can your song stand out from the new music pack?
Simon tells us that at most community stations, the music is “driven by the passion of presenters,” who are making their own playlists. Simon’s role is to ensure the presenters have access to the music and information they need.
Simon says, “Don’t just submit music. Research the programmers who play your kind of music. Get in touch and build relationships.”
An initiative of the CBAA (Community Broadcasting Association of Australia), Amrap (Australian Music Radio Airplay Project) distributes new Australian music to community radio stations nationally through its AirIt service.
Absolutely. The stations work with Amrap to provide music endorsements on a monthly basis, and Amrap highlights new songs to their network of presenters. It’s all related.
Triple R is an ‘unplaylisted’ station. A high-rotation track is getting 6-15x spins a week. Most songs are played once or twice. The music team selects an Album of the Week and also has its Soundscape list, which is an excellent resource for checking out what new music is getting noticed.
Capitalise on airplay by pitching an interview or submitting a request in a TIMELY manner. Don’t just react after a spin and pitch an interview. Over at Triple R, interviews are coordinated by Sam Cummins, who works closely with Simon on highlighting artists, music and events.
How to pitch an interview:
Get in touch with Simon Winkler and/or Sam Cummins here. Go forth and service, good luck!