How to submit your song to radio stations in 2020
At WaterBear, the college of music, we have published several videos and tips on how to get your music on the radio. We’re passionate about helping emerging artists and bands get heard. In this blog, we provide a practical route filled with submission links to popular music radio stations in the UK.
Before diving into each specific radio station, lets recap on the top three tips that will give your tracks the best chance for radio success:
Make the perfect radio edit
Read this blog (link above) for further information on:
Editing out the swearing
This should be self-explanatory but to get radio traction you’ll need to keep the cussing to a minimum. Have a clean and dirty edit of your track for this reason.
Consider the length of your track
There is a sweet spot of about three minutes in the perfect radio edit. There are exceptions, but you’ll notice a successful song usually adheres to this rule. Creating a radio hit is an art – learn to enjoy the creative restriction around it.
The importance of the intro
Consider having an intro, this will allow the presenter some time to speak and introduce you before the singing starts. It can really help.
Write the perfect press release
Writing a press release is an art form in itself – here are some top takeaways (don’t forget to check the link in the title).
Keep it short
Your press release should be one-page maximum. If you have gone over, consider revising it. A producer will want to scan through it to find your act’s highlights.
The layout
To keep it easy, here’s the best way to order your press release:
- Your band or artist name
2. The name of the single/EP
3. Have links embedded into the single or video (Professional Recording)
4. Artwork (Hi-Res Main Image/Hi-Res Professional Shots)
5. The blurb
6. Social media contact info
Note, this should all fit on one page!
The links
Hyperlink text to point to the relevant social media channels and streaming sites. It looks more professional and helps to condense your text. Also, get Soundcloud so you can distribute private links efficiently.
The blurb
This is your chance to show off a bit – put your key highlights in bold, so they are easily readable!
Make it easy for the radio producer to find you
Don’t tell people where to find you – give them links to your socials and streaming site. Always think about making the presenter’s job as easy as possible!
Submit your music to these radio stations
If you have a professionally recorded radio edit and press release ready, you have all you need to start sending to the below links. Good luck!
Amazing Radio
Genre: Rock/Alternative/Indie
Submit Your Music
BBC Introducing
Genre: All
Submit your music here
BBC 6 Music – Giles Peterson Show
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap, Dance/Electronic, Soul/R&B/Funk, Jazz
Email: gilles.6music@bbc.co.uk
Folk Radio
Genre: Folk/Country
Submit your music here
Hard Rock Hell Radio
Genre: Hard Rock /Metal
Submit your music here
Radio Reverb 97.2FM (Brighton)
Genre: All
Submit your music here
Rinse FM 106.8FM (London)
Genre: Garage/Grime/Dubstep/House and Jungle
Submit your music here
Fresh on the Net
Genre: Alternative/Alt-Pop/Pop
Submit Your Music
Fab Music
Genre: Alternative/Rock/Pop
Submit Your Music
KiSS Radio
Genre: Pop/Mainstream
Submit your Music
Under Dogs With Lucy Leeds
Genre: Alternative/Rock/Pop
Submit Your Music
Unity Radio
Genre: Hip Hop/RNB/Grime/Garage/Bass Music/Drum & Bass/House/Reggae & Afrobeats
Submit Your Music
Radio Hartlepool
Genre: Mainstream/Local
Submit Your Music
KISSTORY
Genre: Old Skool and Anthems
Submit Your Music
Kerrang!!
Genre: Rock/Metal/Hard Rock
Submit Your Music
Planet Rock
Genre: Rock/Alternative Metal
Submit Your Music
Resonance FM
Genre: Alternative/Experimental
Submit Your Music
BBC Radio 1Xtra
Genre: Urban/Hip Hop/Grime
Submit Your Music
1BTN
Genre: Electronic/House/Techno/DNB
Submit Your Music
