ABOUT THE "PHYSICAL SUBMISSIONS" TO RADIO STATIONS...

Submitting music to radio can usually be done online, through the stations websites or via email. 
But some radios still do it the old school way : by mail only. 

Many of them are important stations you don't want to miss! That's why the physical submissions shouldn't be ignored and deserve the extra effort.


Before the online submissions to radios, you should plan accordingly and send the "physical submissions".

That effort comes before your submit your music to radios online, because you need to consider the time frame of CD manufacturing, paper printing, going to the post office and getting the mail opened by the stations music directors.



Here comes another set of materials!

You really don't need to make it fancy and spend too much money on enveloppes, paper, pictures, CD case not even CD's. My advice: go straight to the point, and send the essential.
A red enveloppe and the most expensive CD case won't make a difference.
Music directors listen to the music and if they like what they hear will read your information.


Checklist:
  • Enveloppes -> Nothing crazy, go for cheap if you're on a budget
music-submission-to-radio-station

  • The "One sheet"
on a regular A4 sheet you need to show :
- a biography, 
- a picture, 
- RIYL (= Abbreviation of "recommended if you like") -> provide the name of one or more familiar bands who sound similar to the your music.
- artwork  of the single / EP / album
- The release date
- The track list + mention next to each track "FCC clean" or "explicit"

music-submission-to-radio-station

CD's  -> If you are releasing a physical CD, then reserve some of them for the submissions.

IF you only release your new music online, but still want a chance to be played on some radios that require physical submissions, here's my cheap, yet effective solution:

music-submission-to-radio-station-> Buy cardboard CD covers : $17.50 for a pack of 25 on Amazon 

-> Get stickers printed with your artwork (4" x 4" to fit on the CD cover). I bought a batch of 100 for $45 on UPrinting. The ones I didn't use for the physical submissions, i added to my band's stickers collection and merchandising.
 
-> Get a batch of 50 CD's burnt : I usually use the services of this company, which I found was the cheapest : https://atlantadisc.com/ . 
They charge $25 for 50 CD's
I ask them to print "PROMO ONLY" ON IT + THE NAME OF THE RELEASE.  It's cheap but looks professional.

Must-Read: How to Get the Most Out of Your Radio Airplay?

  • Personalized letter addressed to music director of each radio

Et voila ! :)



IF YOU NEED HELP WRITING, EDITING, GETTING THE RADIOS ADDRESSES FOR PHYSICAL SUBMISSIONS, PROOFREADING AND / OR ADVICES, DON'T HESITATE, SHOOT ME AN EMAIL.

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