How to Submit Music to a Radio Station

 

How to Submit Music to a Radio Station 


Getting your music played on the radio can take your career to the next level. Whether you're an independent artist or a small label, radio airplay can increase your exposure, build your fan base, and help you earn royalties. But submitting your music to radio stations the right way is key. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to successfully submit your music to radio stations in South Africa and beyond.



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Why Radio Airplay Matters


Radio still plays a huge role in promoting music, especially locally. Stations like Metro FM, Ukhozi FM, 5FM, YFM, and community stations reach millions of listeners every day. Airplay can:


Build brand awareness


Grow your local and national fan base


Lead to gig and collaboration opportunities


Earn you royalties through SAMRO and CAPASSO




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Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Music


1. Make Sure Your Music is Radio-Ready


Before submitting your music, ensure that it meets broadcast standards:


High-Quality Production: Your track should be professionally mixed and mastered.


Clean Version: Remove profanity or sensitive content.


Radio Edit: Keep your track around 3–4 minutes long.


MP3 or WAV Format: Most stations prefer MP3 (320kbps) or WAV files.



2. Register Your Music


To earn royalties from radio airplay in South Africa, register your songs with:


SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) – For performance rights.


CAPASSO – For mechanical rights.


RiSA (Recording Industry of South Africa) – Optional, but helpful if you want an ISRC code.



These registrations also prove that you legally own the rights to your music.



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3. Prepare a Press Kit (EPK)


Your Electronic Press Kit (EPK) should include:


A short artist bio


High-quality artist image


Song details (title, genre, producer, release date)


MP3 or WAV file (radio version)


Lyrics (especially for language-checking)


Social media and streaming links


Contact information



Having a complete EPK makes you look professional and increases your chances of being taken seriously.



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4. Identify the Right Radio Stations


Not every radio station will suit your genre or audience. Do research and target the right ones:


National stations: Like Metro FM, 5FM, Ukhozi FM – good for wide exposure.


Community stations: Reach specific local audiences.


Campus radio: Great for breaking into the youth market.


Online radio: Growing fast and more open to unsigned artists.



Find the correct contact details, music compiler names, and submission processes on their official websites or social media pages.



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5. Submit Your Music Professionally


Follow each station’s submission guidelines exactly. Some may accept:


Email Submissions: Attach the track and EPK or share a Google Drive/WeTransfer link.


Online Submission Portals: Some have dedicated websites or upload forms.


Physical Submissions: A few still accept CDs or USBs (less common now).



In your email or cover letter:


Be polite and brief.


Mention why you’re submitting to their station (e.g., you like their playlist or format).


Include your contact info and a thank you.



Example email:


> Subject: New Radio Submission – [Your Name] – [Song Title]


Hi [Music Compiler Name],


My name is [Your Name], a [Genre] artist based in [City]. I’d love to submit my latest single, "[Song Title]," for possible airplay on [Radio Station Name].


Attached is my press kit and a clean, radio-ready version of the song.


Thank you for your time and support.


Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Social Media Links]





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6. Follow Up Respectfully


Wait about 1–2 weeks before sending a polite follow-up. Don’t spam them. If they don’t respond after 2–3 attempts, move on and keep improving.



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Bonus Tips


Build Relationships: Attend music industry events, follow radio presenters on social media, and network.


Promote Your Airplay: If you do get played, share it on your platforms. Tag the station—it encourages them to play you again.


Start Small: Local and online stations may be easier to break into before going national.




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Final Thoughts


Submitting your music to a radio station is more than just sending a song. It’s about presenting yourself professionally, targeting the right stations, and making a good impression. With the right preparation and persistence, you can get your music played and start growing your audience one spin at a time.



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Want more help? You can also hire a radio plugger or PR agent to help you get airplay. But many artists succeed by doing it themselves—starting with blogs like this.


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