how does an artist get their music played on the radio?

Answer 1

it depends. some local stations in smaller/medium sized cities will have a designated time for local artists and that is a start. to get national coverage you almost always have to have a record deal or a management deal with some kind of radio connections. it isn't easy.

Answer 2

Hate to burst your bubble, but - unless you know somebody and truly have talent (HUGE TALENT) the odds are really stacked against you.

Some airplay has been generated by Internet exposure, but not much. The actual process is very complicated but generally involves years of writing, singing, playing club gigs, auditioning for anything and everything, getting noticed, word going out to an agent, who becomes interested and takes on your career as a project (for which you will pay dearly).

The agent then pitches various labels and so it goes.

You can also pay for a recording session, cut a song and try to self-promote it or hire a vanity label to promote it to radio for you. Some high schools, community centers and colleges also have recording studios and classes on recording. Those submissions generally end up in the round file at the music director’s desk and are generally considered a waste of money - much like an writer who self-publishes a book.

Many radio stations invite novice artists to submit their music through their web sites. You can check them individually. Don't hold your breath unless the station has a show dedicated to local musicians, you are very good and the recording was professionally produced.

Nowadays there are some options like American Idol, theme parks and cruise lines (if you're a certain age), but again, the odds are huge. BUT you could be the one, good luck!
-a guy named Duh

Answer 3

Actually, these days, you dont need talent. You need 3 things.

1) you need to be marketable. Have the look, be young so they can mold you into what they want, and be willing to sell your soul.

2) You need to have a connection somewhere. Either at a record label, at a station, somewhere along the line. The more people you know, the faster youll move ahead.

3) A fan base. W/ things like youtube and limewire, the only way to differentiate yourself from the other million bands wearing girl pants and bad hair is to self-promote. The big trend right now is al lthe DIY bands like OK go, etc. Market yourself, it impresses people.

On a smaller scale, if you have a local rock station, chances are they have a local band show. Find out who the DJ is and email him inviting him to one of your shows for free. He already has 500 CDs of every crappy band in town, those get tossed in a box along w/ press kits, letters, etc. Get him to come to your show, you will be golden.