How to Get Your Music on Local Radio as an Independent Artist

Local radio could be your secret weapon.

Some artists think of radio as outdated, or as something that's only worth doing once you've "made it".

But radio plays can help you take your career to the next stage, and I've seen it firsthand.

One of the bands I worked with, The Double Nines, got their singles played on BBC Introducing, the UK's biggest radio platform for new artists. And the way they used it turned a nice "hey mom, I'm on the radio" moment into leverage.

After one play, they could say "As heard on BBC Introducing".

They used it in DMs to promoters, added it to their EPK and festival applications, and it became a trust builder that made their pitches stronger. Those pitches were successful, by the way, and the radio play definitely played a part in it.

Why Does This Matter?

When someone hears your song on the radio, it shows social proof and builds trust, because "if it's on the radio, it must be good".

And a radio play does more than put ears on your song. It creates momentum that can open a lot of doors.

How to Get on the Radio (Even as an Indie Artist)

• Start local. Find shows that feature new music, like BBC Introducing, student radio and indie tastemaker shows. Blogs can work too.
• Research the host. When you email them, mention a song they played recently, so they know you listen to the show.
• Keep it simple. Introduce yourself, include a link to the song, and add one or two lines about why it's worth hearing.
• Follow up a week later. Radio hosts get flooded with emails, so a polite follow-up goes a long way (just don't overdo it).

Final Words

When someone sees "as heard on the radio", it adds an extra layer of trust.

One play can lead to better gigs, promoters featuring your music, and more replies to your DMs.

To get started, you can even ask ChatGPT: "Give me the contact details of [your country/region]'s top 10 radio stations." Just double-check every contact before you send anything.

And remember that your first radio play might matter more than you think.