• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Radio promotion

VonCakeman

VonCakeman

Sep 22, 2010
48
5
Chicago, IL
#1
So, it's that time... My newest band's CD is recorded. Mastering is in progress, and we're planning a release date this spring. We've selected a promotion company. The thing is, it's a little more than we can afford at the moment. We hope to have cash ready near the release date. I think it's important to get some buzz going before then though.

We're going to make a DYI promotion run while we raise funds. Our target is going to be college radio stations in the Midwest. We hope to generate some buzz to boost attendance for small weekend tours. I know that college is about as far as we can go without representation. I thought I'd ask if anyone on talk bass has done this before and has any tips. This is uncharted territory for me. Any advise or links to resources would be great.
 
#3
We are promoting a pop rock album. It fits in well with the alternative college radio format. I have one of our tracks up at Invalid Link Removed along with some video. I'll put more audio up when the mastering is done. The videos are probably a better representation of our sound than the one audio clip up there.
 
#6
I know about companies like tinderbox. We've already selected one and our package. pretty similar stuff. It's just that we don't have enough capital right now to pay for it. I don't see any reason to not call at least a few local and surrounding stations while we come up with the funds though. That's why we're doing DIY to start with.
 
#7
Since there are others looking for info, I'll post what I've found out so far in hopes that others will recipricate. (keep in mind, I haven't started yet, so this is all theory, and not practice. On the plus side, I have worked outside sales for 3 years, and this doesn't seem so different:

1) I found the website http://www.ontheradio.net It allows me to search by location and format. For now, I plan on targeting areas that we are touring in, or plan to tour to. The website lists phone numbers, and websites of most stations. Seems like more than enough info for a DYI Campaign.

2) College radio stations in general are run by volunteers that work only a few hours per week, so getting a hold of them is tough. Plan on making lots of calls and sending lots of emails before you get through.

3) Its good to send physical product as well as email. Make sure you get some mailers!

4) Print your disks in Jewel cases. A DJ in the Studio won't be able to find your disk in a jacket if it's on the wall with a bunch of other disks.

5) Be persistant and follow up to make sure your stuff is getting played.

6) good luck!
 
#8
From my experience promoting a record to college radio, if you don't have the money to do the promotion yet I would recommend delaying the release of the record and your tour dates to promote it. You want your radio push, your press push, and your tour to be hitting all at the same time to maximize the impact of each.

When your radio promoter is talking to the music director, it helps if they have a different interesting thing to say about your band each week. The first week it could be about who famous produced your record, the next it could be how you're featured in such-and-such magazine, the next about your date that week in their city, etc.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back