How To Get Your Music Played On College Radio Stations
Want to get your music played on college radio but don’t know where to start?
Getting airplay on college stations opens doors that streaming platforms can’t. While many independent artists focus only on Spotify and social media, college radio offers real connections with dedicated music fans and industry professionals.
This guide breaks down exactly how to:
- Submit your music to college radio stations the right way
- Build relationships with program directors and DJs
- Track your radio plays and measure success
- Turn radio exposure into real music career opportunities
Ready to get your music heard? Let’s start with what makes college radio different from commercial stations and why it matters for your music career.
Author
Written for Songstuff by Luke Mounthill of Luke Mounthill Beats
Table of Contents
What Makes College Radio Different from Commercial Radio?
The World of College Radio: A Quick Guide
Want to get your music on the radio? College stations offer great opportunities for new artists. These stations work differently from commercial radio, making them perfect for independent musicians looking to build an audience.
Think of college radio as the friendly neighbor of the music world. Unlike commercial stations that only play top hits, college stations love discovering and sharing new music. They don’t have to answer to big corporations or worry about advertising dollars, which means they can take chances on fresh sounds.
Here’s what makes college radio special:
- DJs pick their own music instead of following strict playlists
- Stations welcome submissions from independent artists
- You can submit your music without paying expensive fees
- Most stations combine regular radio with online streaming
For example, WERS 88.9 FM at Emerson College in Boston offers both traditional radio broadcasts and live online streaming. They play a wide range of music, including local, alternative, indie, and iconic songs. Listeners can tune in through their radios or listen online via the WERS website.
College stations build strong local music communities. Many hold concerts, interview artists, and create spaces where music fans come together. This makes them valuable partners for growing your music career.
Let’s look at how college and commercial radio compare:
| College Radio | Commercial Radio |
|---|---|
| Free to submit music | Costs money to promote |
| Talk directly to music directors | Must work through promotion companies |
| Open to many music styles | Strict rules about music style |
| Welcomes independent artists | Usually needs record label backing |
Why College Radio is the Perfect Starting Point
Starting with college radio makes sense for new artists. These stations help you build real connections with listeners who love finding new music. Plus, many music industry professionals started their careers at college stations, making them great networking opportunities.
When you get played on college radio, you get several benefits:
- Real fans who actively seek out new music
- Chances to perform at campus events
- Opportunities for radio interviews
- Connection to local music scenes
- Experience working with music professionals
College radio staff care about different things than commercial stations. They look beyond social media numbers and streaming stats. Instead, they focus on finding good music that their listeners will enjoy.
Music directors and DJs pay attention to these details:
- How well your music is recorded
- Whether your sound is unique
- If you fit their station’s style
- Your connection to local music
- How professional your submission looks
Getting your music on college radio works differently than commercial stations. Think of it like joining a community rather than just promoting your music. College stations share music with each other, which means playing on one station can lead to others picking up your songs too.
Many artists make simple mistakes when submitting their music. Here’s what to avoid:
- Sending rough recordings instead of finished songs
- Missing important song information in your files
- Writing boring or generic descriptions
- Using aggressive marketing tactics
- Not reading the station’s guidelines
Building relationships matters most in college radio. The people running these stations actually want to hear from artists. They’re music fans first, and they love connecting with musicians who care about their community.
To start building these connections:
- Listen to the station before submitting
- Follow their social media
- Go to station events when you can
- Get to know the music directors
- Support other local artists
Understanding how college radio works helps you plan better ways to share your music. Next, we’ll talk about creating a strategy to get your music played, including how to research stations, contact the right people, and prepare your submissions.
Planning Your College Radio Strategy
Understanding Program Directors and DJs
Program directors and DJs are the gatekeepers of college radio. These music fans spend hours searching for new sounds to share with their listeners. Let’s look at how they work and what they need from you.
Program directors handle most new music submissions. They sort through hundreds of songs each week to find the best fits for their station. Many started as DJs themselves and really know their music. Think of them as music scouts who can help launch your career.
What program directors look for in submissions:
- Clean, professional recordings that sound good on air
- Music that matches their station’s style
- Complete song information and artist details
- Easy ways to contact you if they like your music
- Clear links to your music online
Understanding specialty shows helps too. Many DJs run shows focused on specific types of music. This means more chances to get played if you know which shows match your style.
How to Build Your Station List
Creating a good station list takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Start by finding stations that play music like yours. This works better than sending your music to every station you find.
Here’s a practical way to build your list:
- Check online radio directories for station info
- Write down their submission rules and contacts
- Note which shows might like your music
- Track when they accept new music
- Keep their time zones in mind for follow-ups
College Radio Research Table:
| What to Track | Why It Matters | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Music format | Matches your style | Station website |
| Submit times | When to send music | Submit guidelines |
| Contact info | Reaching the right person | Staff directory |
| Show schedule | Finding right shows | Program guide |
Keep your station info in a simple spreadsheet. Update it when you contact stations or get your music played. This helps you track your progress and plan future submissions.
What Stations Look For
Music directors spend most of their time sorting through new music. Making their job easier increases your chances of getting played.
Basic submission requirements most stations want:
- High-quality WAV or MP3 files
- Clear song titles and artist info
- Short, interesting artist bio
- Good cover art or press photos
- Working links to your music online
Remember that each station has its own rules. Some want physical CDs, while others only take digital files. Some need special forms filled out. Following their exact rules shows you respect their time.
The most successful artists check these details:
- The station’s preferred music format
- Submission deadlines
- File naming rules
- Required song information
- Special instructions
Radio stations get busy during certain times. Many get swamped with submissions when school starts or before big music events. Plan your submissions around these busy times for better results.
Quick tips for standing out:
- Send your best songs first
- Keep file names simple and clear
- Include all needed information
- Follow up politely if allowed
- Thank them for their time
Stations also notice if you support their community. Following their social media, attending events, and engaging with their content shows you care about more than just getting played.
Building a smart station list and following submission rules carefully sets you up for success. Next, we’ll cover exactly what to include in your submissions and how to format them properly.
How to Submit Your Music to College Radio
What to Include in Your Submission
Sending music to college radio stations needs planning. Let’s break down exactly what you need to make your submission stand out.
The Perfect Submission Package:
| Must-have items | Why you need it | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Music files | Your actual songs | Label tracks clearly |
| Artist bio | Tells your story | Keep it short, interesting |
| Contact info | How to reach you | Include social media links |
| Press photos | Visual identity | Professional but natural |
| One-sheet | Quick facts | Highlight key achievements |
Let’s start with your music. Always send your best tracks first. Music directors might only listen to one or two songs, so make them count. Clean, mastered recordings show you’re serious about your music.
File preparation checklist:
- Name files clearly with artist and song title
- Tag all songs with correct metadata
- Check audio quality before sending
- Remove any blank space at start/end
- Make sure volume levels match across tracks
Your artist bio needs to grab attention quickly. Keep it short – about three paragraphs works best. Tell your story in a way that makes people want to learn more about your music.
Digital vs CD: Choosing Your Format
Most stations now accept digital submissions, but some still want CDs. Check each station’s rules before sending anything. Here’s what works best for each format:
Digital Submission Tips:
- Use high-quality WAV files for best sound
- Keep MP3s at least 320 kbps if allowed
- Include album artwork as separate files
- Send download links from trusted sites
- Test all links before sending
If sending CDs:
- Use professional duplication, not burned copies
- Print directly on discs instead of using labels
- Package carefully to prevent damage
- Include tracking numbers for important packages
- Mark packages as “Radio Submission”
Some stations use submission systems like Spinitron or NACC. These platforms help track your music across multiple stations. They’re worth using if stations require them.
Writing a Bio That Gets Attention
Your bio sells your story to music directors. Make every word count. Start with your most interesting facts – maybe you opened for a famous band or won a local music award.
Strong bio elements:
- Clear band/artist name and genre
- Recent achievements and releases
- Local music scene connections
- Upcoming shows or releases
- Similar artists (pick realistic ones)
Avoid common bio mistakes like:
- Writing more than one page
- Using complex or fancy words
- Making hard-to-prove claims
- Listing every show you’ve played
- Including personal information
Remember to update your bio regularly. Add new achievements, remove old information, and keep everything current. This shows music directors you’re actively working on your music career.
Quick Bio Template:
- First paragraph: Who you are and your sound
- Second paragraph: Recent achievements
- Third paragraph: Future plans and contact info
Your submission package should feel professional but personal. Show stations you’ve done your homework and respect their process. Next, we’ll cover how to build strong relationships with stations that play your music.
Building Strong Radio Station Relationships
Connecting with the Right Program Directors
Building good relationships with program directors takes time and care. These music professionals receive hundreds of submissions each week, so making a real connection matters.
First, learn how each program director likes to communicate. Some prefer email, while others use social media or station submission forms. Follow their preferred contact method to show respect for their time.
Ways to connect with program directors:
- Send short, friendly emails about their shows
- Share their station’s social media posts
- Attend station events when possible
- Comment thoughtfully on their playlists
Program directors remember artists who support their station’s community. Take time to learn about their local music scene and what makes their station special.
Working with Student and Community DJs ️
Student and community DJs often run specialty shows focused on specific music styles. These shows can be perfect for getting your music heard by the right audience.
Building connections with DJs requires understanding their show format. Listen to a few episodes to learn what they play and how they present new music.
Think of DJs as music fans first. They got into radio because they love sharing new music with others. When you reach out, talk about music you both enjoy and show genuine interest in their show.
Smart ways to support DJs:
- Listen to their shows regularly
- Send positive feedback about songs they play
- Share their show schedules on your social media
- Thank them when they play your music
Remember that student DJs often become tomorrow’s music industry professionals. Many successful radio promoters and music directors started as college DJs.
Using Social Media to Boost Your Radio Presence
Social media helps you stay connected with stations that play your music. Create a professional presence that makes it easy for radio staff to find and share your content.
Start by following station accounts and engaging naturally with their posts. Don’t just promote your music – become part of their online community.
Here’s what works well on social media:
- Share station event announcements
- Post when your music gets played
- Tag stations correctly in relevant updates
- Create shareable content about your music
Building your online presence takes time, but it helps stations see you as a serious artist. Keep your profiles updated with:
| Platform | What to share | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-scenes content | 2-3 times a week | |
| X | Quick updates | Daily |
| Longer posts and event info | Weekly |
Social media works best when you’re genuine. Share real moments from your music journey and celebrate others’ successes too. This builds trust with radio stations and their listeners.
Keep track of which stations engage with your social media. These stations often become your strongest supporters, playing your music regularly and sharing your updates with their audience.
Remember to thank stations when they support you. A simple social media shout-out or thank-you message goes a long way in building lasting relationships.
Tracking Your College Radio Airplay
Smart Follow-up Techniques
Tracking your radio plays helps you understand which stations support your music most. Let’s look at how to keep track without being pushy.
Start a simple tracking system using a spreadsheet. Note when you submit music, who you contact, and any responses you get. This helps you follow up at the right times.
Professional follow-up schedule:
- Wait two weeks after submission before first check
- Send short, friendly email asking if they received your music
- Thank them for their time and consideration
- Offer any new info about your music if available
Remember that radio staff are busy people. Being patient and professional makes them more likely to remember you positively.
Using NACC and Spinitron for Tracking
Many college stations use platforms like NACC (North American College and Community Radio Chart) and Spinitron to report their playlists. These tools help you see when stations play your music.
Setting up tracking alerts:
- Create accounts on reporting platforms
- Add your artist name and song titles
- Set up email notifications for plays
- Check weekly charts for your music
Don’t worry if you don’t see plays right away. It often takes time for new music to make it into rotation. Keep building relationships while you wait.
Making the Most of College Radio
Creating Content Stations Love
Stations need more than just music. They love sharing artist stories and behind-the-scenes content with listeners.
Think about creating:
- Short video updates about your music
- Photos from recording sessions
- Stories about your songs
- News about local shows
Quality matters more than quantity. Focus on making content that shows your personality and music style clearly.
Tapping Into Local Music Scenes
College radio stations often serve as hubs for local music communities. Getting involved in these scenes helps build stronger station relationships.
Start by:
- Going to local shows
- Meeting other artists
- Supporting venue events
- Joining music groups
Remember that college radio teams want to support active members of their music community. Being present and supportive opens more opportunities.
Building Lasting Radio Relationships
Long-term success in college radio comes from genuine connections. Keep in touch with stations that support you, even when you’re not promoting new music.
How to maintain relationships:
- Share station success stories
- Support their events
- Keep them updated on your progress
- Thank them for their support
These connections often lead to more opportunities like:
- Live studio sessions
- On-air interviews
- Festival performances
- Local show bookings
Stay organized and professional in all your radio contacts. Keep good records, follow up politely, and always show appreciation for support.
Remember, college radio success takes time. Focus on building real relationships and creating good music. The plays will follow when you do things right.
Luke Mounthill
Luke Mounthill Beats is a music producer and content writer who creates high-quality beats for rappers and singers. His industry-level instrumentals help artists stand out, while his expert tips guide them in growing their careers. With years of experience, he provides both the beats and knowledge needed for success, helping musicians turn their dreams into reality.
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