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Acoustic Rainbow Radio Sampler Service?

Discussion in 'Bluegrass [DB]' started by neddyrow, Dec 31, 2014.

  1. Dec 31, 2014 #1
    neddyrow

    neddyrow www.simmerinstew.com Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2011
    Cortland, NY
    Has anyone heard of this service? We got an email from these guys (not sure how they found us) and they want us to submit our album to see what songs would be worth playing on the air. The review of the album is free but to get your music on "worldwide bluegrass music radio" you have to pay $625 to be on their playlist.

    I checked out their site and it seems a little low-tech. Not sure if they are the real deal. Not sure if this is a scam or a real offer. $625 is a little high but if you can get your music out there, it might be worth it.

    Curious if anyone else has had this offer. We're not pros but we don't suck. Might be the boost we need to get on bigger stages more often. Please let me know if you've heard of these guys. Thanks.
     
  2. Jan 1, 2015 #2
    Jeremy Darrow

    Jeremy Darrow

    Apr 6, 2007
    Nashville, TN
    Endorsing Artist: Fishman Transducers, Aguilar Amplifiers, Ear Trumpet Labs
    There are a number of services like this out there. Placing a song on one of these CDs CAN help to get the attention of DJs, who are constantly inundated with submissions that often don't even get opened, and get a song played. Take a look at some of the artists whose songs have been on previous editions and you can see that many labels and independent artists see enough value in these compilations to spend the money. I've worked with bands that have used similar samplers with great success. You will often get airplay reports as part of the package, this is really helpful if you're touring because it allows you to see the markets where your music is already getting played. That gives you a leg-up in those markets. On the other hand, if you're not touring, getting played in distant markets does you little good. Call the the "Big in Japan" condition. On the flip-side, it's easier to get airplay if you're already touring in the first place. If releasing on the sample is part of a bigger promotional plan, it may very well be worth it. If you're hoping to get one song on the radio and then wait for the phone to ring, save your money.

    If you want to play bigger stages in your home market, focus on building a big audience that you can get to show up reliably. Being "good" is completely subjective, getting people through the door at every show is not. The same goes for getting better gigs anywhere, really. Make friends, make fans, get good at staying engaged with them. Keep track of your numbers.

    On the other hand, if you have a strong record or a killer video and a ton of money to give to a great publicist, disregard everything above.
     
  3. Jan 5, 2015 #3
    neddyrow

    neddyrow www.simmerinstew.com Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2011
    Cortland, NY
    Thanks for the advice!

    I'm curious as to what specific radio stations and places these CDs are played on. I feel like there must be contracts where certain stations only play music that has been pre-decided for them based on that. As you can see, I know little of the industry.
     
  4. Jan 5, 2015 #4
    Jeremy Darrow

    Jeremy Darrow

    Apr 6, 2007
    Nashville, TN
    Endorsing Artist: Fishman Transducers, Aguilar Amplifiers, Ear Trumpet Labs
    These samplers mostly go to independent radio stations and DJs, but I would be surprised if they'd be willing to share the complete list. These discs don't wind up on the desks of Top 40 program directors if that's what you're thinking. Or, if they do, they probably don't get opened.

    Indy DJs can usually program what they want. If they like it and it fits, they'll play it. That's even the case for some of the Sirius/XM DJs.