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What your band needs to know about radio pluggers

Posted on October 31, 2019

Over the last five years, I've worked in various radio positions including plugging. In this blog, I'll explain what you and your band need to know about radio pluggers – and how to get your music out there to the right people.

Major vs indie labels

It’s a plugger's job to get an artist’s music played on the radio. This activity can be done by major labels with their in-house pluggers or independent freelance pluggers. Now, they're all doing the same thing but the only difference is that the major labels will have a lot more cash to spend.  That's not to say an independent plugger won't do as good a job and get your music played.

DIY plugging

Maybe you're thinking; "Georgie this is exactly what I want, my music played on the radio!"  However, how do you go about doing it?

If you're reading this I'm going to assume that you're an independent band or artist. Purely because if you're with a major label, they'll more than likely sort it all out for you. As an indie artist, you can hire a plugger for a certain length of time with varying different price points. There are great reasons to hire a plugger you may have a single coming out or want to hire them for a full-on EP campaign. A plugger will help you get your music out there and under the noses of the right people.

The price for your plugger is going to come down to how many contacts they have in their pockets. You're going to be paying more for someone with experience and a greater network of contacts to schmooze with. However, someone cheaper will still have their own set of contacts and a little black book. Don't think you have to be with a major label to have an amazing plugger.

Finding your plugger

Finding a plugger is easy but you have to do a bit of research. Google is your friend, so simply type in radio plugger and see what pops up. Try LinkedIn as this can be a great resource for finding professionals as they will generally have a published roster of artists they have plugged. However, the best way would be to find some other bands who are on a similar level to you and find out who’s plugging their music. Then maybe get in touch and see if you can jump on that bandwagon.

I hope this post has shone a light on the world of pluggers and given you some good ideas on getting your music to the right people. There’s loads of other great content on the WaterBear Youtube Channel with more radio tips from me too!

If you’d like to learn more about how to progress your career at WaterBear, please do get in touch and come along to an Open Day or Order a Prospectus.

By georgie.palzeaird

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WaterBear Education Ltd, Hanover House,
118 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, UK  Map

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 726230

WaterBear Sheffield, Unit 4, Gatecrasher,
49 Eyre Lane, Sheffield S1 4RB, UK

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1143 992720

Why We're WaterBear...

- ‘Water bear’ is the common name for a Tardigrade.
- Tardigrades are micro creatures, found everywhere on earth.
- They are the most resilient creatures known.
- They can survive and adapt to their surroundings, even in outer space.
- Their resilience and ability to adapt and survive inspires us in everything we do. We love them.

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