Indie Artists Greatest Guide To Getting College Radio Play
Indie Artists Alliance (IAA) has actually come up with the best and most affordable resource guide in America for getting music played on college radio.
There are hundreds of college radio stations across the country that are searching, yes searching, for great songs to put into their rotation. IAA’s guide not only lists most all of them, but also includes detailed and up-to-date contact information, as well as inside information about how to submit material. As an example, the easy-to-follow guide states that Northwestern University ‘s WNUR 89.3 FM in Evanston IL, listens to everything that comes to them and welcomes the unheard, controversial, strange, unsigned, and forgotten. South Orange College, Seton Hall Catholic University’s WSOU 89.5 FM in South Orange, NJ plays heavy metal and hip-hop, but screens all their music for lyrical content that does not undermine the mission and values of Seton Hall University or the Catholic Church. If a band or song isn’t appropriate for WSOU, they will not play it. "Radio play means more CD, digital media sales and gigs," says Indie Artists Alliance President and Founder, "We are driven to create new and unique ways for Indie Artists to succeed as our growing suite of products and services and are proud to announce the release of this guide." Along with submission tips, every state-by-state listing in the guide includes the genre’s of each station, as well as their address, main phone number, studio phone number, email address and contact person. It also states what type of formats they prefer songs to be submitted in, such as CD’s, CD-Rs or mp3s. If all that weren’t the bargain of the century, "Indie Artists’ Greatest Guide To Getting College Radio Play" also features in-depth articles and expert tips on writing an effective press release, constructing a compelling cover letter and guaranteed ways to attract a DJ or music director’s attention. Contributors for the E-book include Peretz and Luanne Hunt, an entertainment journalist and public relations specialist, who has interviewed hundreds of music, television and sports personalities, including Ray Charles, Jon Bon Jovi, Loretta Lynn, Toby Keith, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, Jewel, and Jessica Simpson. Peretz is President and Founder of CDDVD Now and Indie Artists Alliance. For more information or to order the guide, go to http://www.indieartistsalliance.com/college-radio.htm This is a digital download and is only $19.95. Pay by Credit Card or Paypal and eDelivery by Payloadz. Where Are You Elvis?
Yes, I’m well aware The King is gone despite hearing a recent report that he’s been spotted numerous times at a Jiffy Lube in Bakersfield.
So when I ask, “Where are you Elvis?,” I definitely do not mean that literally. What I am trying to get at is, “Are there any recording artists out there who are one-of-a-kind and not trying to re-hash what’s been done before?” My husband and I went to see the new film “Cadillac Records” last weekend, which is about the rise and fall of the 1950s/60s record label, Chess Records. The company launched the careers of numerous legends, including Chuck Berry, Etta James and Muddy Waters. As I was watching the compelling story unfold on celluloid, it was a disappointing reminder to me how sterile, predictable and tedious today’s music has become. Back in the day, every major act had something unique, passionate and exciting to bring to the table. No one with any artistic sense at all dared to mimic someone else’s sound. Frankly, what would have been the point? A band trying to copy The Beatles would have been considered a laughing stock. Badfinger tried it. Excuse me, “Who?” Personally, and some WHAM! fans may hate me for this, I must digress and say that I think the 1980s were the ruination of popular music. The growing popularity of the synthesizer practically eliminated the need for studio musicians. Pretty much any instrument could be artificially produced on the gadget, as well as a variety of interesting sounds and beats. Electronics reigned higher than the Supremes. As a result, repetitive, shallow, heartless and mind-numbing music became the new standard on which to build our tuneful future. From that decade on, I can’t think of one major artist or band who has even come close to the likes of Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan or The Rolling Stones. Granted, some have sold millions of records thanks to masterful marketing, but tell me, whose songs are the kids Karaoke’ing to on “American Idol?” It’s a sad fact, but unless artists start coming up with some fresh material, American music will continue on its downhill course. I’ve heard countless new artists, both major and Indie, and it’s all basically been there, done that. Some aren‘t even half-bad in their attempts to duplicate what’s been popular before. But hey, if I want to hear Hank Williams, I’ll put on his records and kick back with A&W root beer. If I’m longing for some Motown magic, I’ll dial into my local oldies station, which spins the tunes from Hitsville, U.S.A. every Friday night. One thing I know I won’t do is spend hours surfing the Internet trying to find artists to listen to who are only mere imitations of the greats. Yuk! And you can be darn sure I won’t be looking for my “Blue Suede Shoes” in Las Vegas. Remember, just because it walks, talks, act, and even sings like Elvis, doesn’t mean it’s the genuine article. The key word here being “genuine,” something I wish every artist would get back to being. Just thinking about the possibility gets me all shook up! Scams and Schemes To Cheat Performers
The nerve of some people! Here I am working like crazy to make a name for myself in music and some idiot sends me a phony email promising to make me a star. Does he think I was born yesterday?!
This dude, who shall remain nameless, said he heard some of my songs on the Internet and thinks they’re awesome. He’s a independent A&R rep, of course, and has major connections to help me get a deal, among other wonderful things. I admit, with great embarrassment, that I was tempted to be flattered by this nonsense. But the following jarred me out of my starry-eyed stupor: “In order to implement an effective promotional campaign that helps you reach your music goals, our company requires you pay a modest fee. The fee will cover everything from administrative costs to putting together marketing materials to radio promotion. If you are on board, we’d like to get started working with you immediately. Please fill out the application below and send it to us with a check for $3,500. When we receive your check, we will email you a contract detailing every step of your campaign.” Okie dokie! I’ll get that check out today Mr. Star Maker! The scariest thing about this is that the sleazy schmuck probably wouldn’t even bother to attempt such a scheme if it hadn’t worked on some people. And thinking about guys like him who prey on the naïve upsets me greatly. More than anything, I want my fellow artists to protect themselves and not be taken in by these snake oil salesmen, or saleswomen in some cases. Legally, it wouldn’t be a good idea for me to expose certain companies by name, but I can offer some tips about how to spot a scam. A legitimate company will: 1. NEVER contact you through your email or myspace page. 2. NEVER ask for money. 3. NEVER send out a form letter with vague information about how they are “lovin’ your tunes.” 4. NEVER claim that paying them for their services guarantees your success. 5. NEVER gush about your music and tell you you’re the greatest thing since peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Additionally, stay away from companies inviting you to be on a compilation CD they plan to send out to labels, radio, etc. Most of the ones I’ve encountered ask you to buy a certain number of copies, which will set you back a minimum of $200. And the chances of getting signed by a record label in this matter are nil. The only way to get heard by the labels is through good old-fashioned networking. If you know someone in the music business affiliated with a label, such as a music attorney, producer or personal manager, they may be able to submit your material or get you a live audition. Once in a while, record companies will send scouts to check out new bands who have created a buzz, either locally or regionally. This happens more often in big cities like Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. But even without the backing of a major record company, bands and solo artists can achieve success on their own. It takes hard work, perseverance and a strong, unwavering belief that what you’re creating is valuable to the masses. Do you research, put your own success plan together, commit to doing at least one thing every day to further your career and never stop writing, recording and performing. In this business, there are no shortcuts. And if someone tries to convince you there are, tune out the BS and run for the hills! Spinning Real News, Not Fables
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!
The last thing any artist wants to be known as is the Chicken Little of the Music Business. Well, that’s exactly the kind of reputation a person gets when he or she sends out news that isn’t news at all. That’s not to say they are purposely trying to deceive anyone. It’s typically a case of getting carried away with the thrill of their new single, CD or video. Look, most songwriters and artists I know seem to have one thing in common -- they want to make a difference with their music. And that’s a wonderful goal because music certainly has the power to move hearts and change lives. Whether we write or sing about the injustice of war, pursuing a dream, or the complications of falling in and out of love, someone, somewhere will be inspired. While that may be something to get excited about, it doesn’t necessarily qualify as news. Countless artists produce songs every day hoping their messages will catch on with the masses. After all, if music can’t be shared, what’s the point? Well, the point is that if an indie artist is looking to promote their music on a grand scale, there has to be a compelling story behind it. Just because you release a touching song about your cousin being wounded in Iraq doesn’t mean the world is interested in hearing it. A friend of mine put it best -- it’s all about the spin. In other words, you need to ask yourself, "Is my project newsworthy and if so, why?" Perhaps your song just got picked up for a major film or a high-profile charity has decided to use it as the centerpiece of its fundraising campaign. These are the types of accomplishments the media, radio and record labels would be interested in. Also, another thing to remember is that when you release your news, it has to be a done deal. You may have several opportunities in the works, but unless they are finalized, sending out a press release would be totally inappropriate and useless. I’ve worked in the newspaper business for 10 years and have seen my editors deluged with requests from indie and major artists hoping to get some ink. Only the most newsworthy and relevant items get their time and attention. The bottom line to editors is delivering quality content that is both exciting and timely. From a personal standpoint, your music will always have merit. And who knows? With a lot of effort and persistence, you may land at the top of the charts or be chosen to write the theme song for the next Olympic games. So determine your goals and work hard to make them happen. When they do, that will be the right time to let the world know YOU, not Chicken Little, have arrived! 
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