Thrill the DJ: Airplay 101

Hex Music talks with: Laney Goodman

PARIS (PRWEB) October 21, 2003 -- Looking for airplay? Nationally syndicated radio host Laney Goodman explains how to give your group a fighting chance: Try a little courtesy.

1. Timing is everything
It's very helpful in programming the show, if you put the play time of each of your songs on the CD -- preferably on the back of the case/where your songs are listed, so the DJ can more easily time his or her show.

2. Watch out for the f***in profanity
Profanity will not help get your tracks on the air. Many excellent songs cannot be broadcast because they are "NBQ" (not broadcast quality) -- that is, they contain one of the "Seven Deadly Sins" -- words like shit, piss, fuck, cock, cunt, or other sexually explicit lyrics which the FCC does not allow radio stations to broadcast.

DJs don't make the rules, but they have to play by them. If you can use other words than ones the FCC will not approve, your music has a much better chance of getting on-air -- on any radio station.

3. Word up to the wise
If you can't avoid profanity and you feel your artistic integrity will be compromised by "toning it down", then help the DJ out and mark which songs on the CD contain one (or more) of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Ani Di Franco's Righteous Babe Records label does it well -- they tell you exactly which songs they "think are fine, but the FCC thinks are fineable". It's clever, it's smart, it's realistic.

4. Say what?
Include bio information and/or interesting tidbits about your band or your work, that might be of interest to listeners.

Brief blurbs about where you're from, and a little personalized information about your music, helps the DJ say interesting things about your music during the show.

Just don't flood them -- receiving stacks of pictures and pages and pages of information can get a little overwhelming. Save the extras for your press kits. Send only what they need to know.

5. Time is on your side
Give the DJ time to review your CD before you follow-up to see if it will be played.

DJs receive dozens of CDs each week (and even more e-mails), and it takes time to give each a worthy listen and follow up with the artists.
Be patient.

6. Hello, Reality
Be realistic. Not everyone will fit into the mix right away. It may take time for your work to be included in the playlist, but if you're truly excellent at your craft and your music fits the show, you could find yourself being played on markets nationwide -- and beyond.

7. Get serious
Musicianship and professionalism are key. They will do you far more good than flashy packaging. In the end, it's all about the music. Get your chops down and develop your creative strengths, and always send only your best work.

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Bio: LANEY GOODMAN
DJ/host Laney Goodman is a veteran broadcasting professional, with over 18 years' experience in radio. Women in Music with Laney Goodman" is a one-hour radio series featuring an eclectic mix of the best music from female artists worldwide. The program is heard on 80+ national markets each week: www.womenonair.com

Bio: HEX MUSIC/LABYRINTHE CITY
French group "Hex" licenses music tracks to TV/film prodcos. Their album "Spoonful of Voodoo" is distributed by Tower Records: www.tower.co.uk.

NB: If youd like to use this information in print, please cite the following as your source:
[© Courtesy of: Laney Goodman, www.womenonair.com and Hex Music, http://hexmusic.free.fr]