Independent Artists And Internet Radio
April 1, 2012 | 
Author
Independent artists face significant challenges when it comes to generating attention to their work. If no one knows that you exist, they can’t very well appreciate what you may have to offer.
One of the ways that an artist attempts to get on the public radar is through seeking radio airplay. But obtaining radio airplay on traditional radio stations as an independent can be nearly impossible. Most traditional radio stations are corporately owned and the program director has a limited menu from which to choose. And to even be considered in most cases your CD would need to be widely released and available from large retailers.
Internet Radio is a much more viable path to reaching an audience and doesn’t have as many hurdles to clear for the independent artist. Many Internet Radio stations are small operations which are open to receiving music submissions from independent artists. Often times, it’s as simple as finding their contact information and asking for their submission policy. Some stations have an upload page on their website to facilitate submission of new music for their consideration. Other stations prefer submissions via mail, with a physical CD and a press kit to accompany it.
If you’re new to the world of Internet Radio and you’re wondering where to find stations that are playing music from independents you should visit sites like http://www.Live365.com or http://www.ShoutCast.com which provide a directory of Internet Radio stations. The stations at these sites can be searched by genre so that you can target stations with formats that you think are fitting for your sound.
The audience for Internet Radio is growing, while the audience for traditional radio is shrinking. And while some of the Internet Radio stations that you find may have a small number of listeners, remember that small is always better than zero. You may find some very dedicated fans of what you do via Internet Radio and a dedicated fan is far more valuable to the independent artist than a casual listener.
Now for those of you who may be concerned about royalty payments from Internet Radio, I would suggest that the exposure for an independent artist is probably more important than the prospect of royalty payments. That’s not to say that Internet Radio stations don’t pay royalty payments, but some of the smaller stations may have signed a blanket licensing agreement with the Performance Rights Organizations and as such you might not be paid individually. That’s still not a bad deal; after all, if you’re an independent, chances are that you’re fighting to rise above the white noise of an ever widening entertainment landscape.
I’m not saying to ignore traditional radio, if you’re able to get air play that’s great. We all would enjoy the thrill of driving down the road and hearing our song come over the air. Just remember that the barrier to entry is high, and chances for success are low, whereas the opposite appears to be true of Internet Radio.
Posted in radio via internet | 
Tags: Independents, Music Submissions, Submission Policy | 
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Radio on the Internet, Phone-In Shows
A little while ago I wrote an ezine article in praise of eBooks.
It will be interesting to see just how long it takes for that ‘eBook revolution’ to take place.
EBooks are, of course part of a wider electronic revolution in communications. Music and films are now passed around in a way which calls for profound restructuring of copyright, social networking sites give all manner of concerns and may, amongst other things, revolutionise employment recruitment.
There is little need for me to write in praise of blogging, in fact there are most definitely aspects of blogging I wouldn’t praise. We all know about it. By revolutionising communication of issues it is changing politics and even culture; organic shifts in perception and awareness flow from it. But there is a step beyond blogging the written word and it is of this I wish to write now.
I have always been a fan of radio; it gives information, drama, and music without the costly interference of visual sets. I have enjoyed appearing on radio, with no need to worry about my appearance, the voice is all that matters. Local radio has learned to refine its audience and will offer listen again and pod-casts you can hear in the car. All very good. Now there is a further step; there is “Blogtalkradio.” This is a trade name in which I wish I had some ownership, sadly I only use its services as a host, as yet there is little competition, but that will change.
The principle is very simple. Those appearing on the show phone in, using ordinary telephones; there are a switchboard and studio accessible to the host, over the Internet, and the show is available, also on the Internet, either live or as a recording, to anyone, anywhere in the World. All you need to listen is an Internet connection, and all you need to contribute is a phone.
I had thought the cost of regular 30 minute calls from the U.K. to New York would be an item. In fact, I phone in for 2.5p per minute, it obviously depends on the phone provider, but the cost need not be significant – and that is without using Skype.
So let us look at the concept. It is now possible for radio shows to be made and ‘broadcast’ over the Internet. People from all over the World can listen and even join in at very little cost.
Here, the studio is virtual rather than real, and there is really very little need for any in-house support; in deed the potential for earning from advertising is massive. It means that practically anyone can be a radio presenter, reaching global audiences. When I appeared on B.B.C. radio there was a producer, assistants, a bricks and mortar studio, and offices with staff and, of course, they have a broadcasting licence.
When anyone can put out a show, on any subject, to which anyone can contribute, we must surely be approaching the ultimate instant blog. The potential for special interest and support groups, charities and campaigns of every sort is limitless.
The one drawback is for an individual, such as me, how would people know you were there? For groups, who can pass the word amongst themselves and to interested outsiders through any means, even this is no longer a problem.
I have tried it, it works; welcome to the world of the mass, instant, speaking blog.
Posted in radio on internet | Tags: 5p Per Minute, Internet Connection, Restructuring | No Comments »
The FM Modulator – Used for Its Convenience, not Quality
The FM modulator or FM transmitter is a device used to play your plug-and-play Satellite radio receiver through your vehicle’s FM stereo. FM transmitters can also be used to play other digital audio devices like iPods, CD and MD players.
Normally second choice to an audio cassette adaptor because of sound quality, the FM modulator is still a very quick and simple way to get your plug-and-play Satellite radio receiver working in your vehicle.
Although sometimes only used if all else fails, the FM modulator at least provides an option for listeners who not audiophiles, want an easy way to hook up their receiver, or simply do not have a built-in cassette player in their vehicle.
Enough degrading these devices; there are probably thousands of Satellite radio listeners out there who will tell you that they experience good reception using an FM modulator. However, there is no doubt about it, an FM modulator, if used, can and will on occasions degrade the quality of audio output from your plug-and-play Satellite radio receiver.
An FM modulator converts the audio signal from the plug-and-play receiver into an FM signal, which is then transmitted over an unused FM frequency or station selected by the listener. The limitations of the FM frequency band mean this in no way represents what the signal actually sounds like.
There are two types of modulator available; wireless and hardwired.
The wireless modulator is built-in to a power adaptor that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, the docking station or cradle that houses the plug-and-play receiver, or, more recently, the plug-and-play receiver itself. The receiver’s audio output is transmitted over the air to an unused FM frequency.
The wireless modulator is convenient, easy to install and configure, but broadcasts only a very short-range signal prone to fading and with interference; comparatively weaker compared to a hardwired modulator.
The hardwired modulator is placed in between the vehicle’s stereo unit and antenna. The modulator connects directly into the stereo’s FM antenna socket to provide a better frequency response and a signal with less interference that is less lightly to fade.
It is recommended that a hardwired modulator be installed professionally, as it requires a connection to the antenna socket on the rear of the vehicle’s stereo and to the electrical system, all located behind the dashboard.
The amount of interference, static and fading you experience, using either of these devices, depends on where you are geographically located in the US, quality of the in-built tuner or broadcast and the type of modulator installed in your vehicle.
For example, somebody living in a major metropolitan area, using a wireless modulator, will no doubt experience poor reception along with the frequent and often debilitating interference from other radio stations.
With regard to sound quality, the wireless modulator rests at the bottom of the pile with the hardwired version above it. However, depending on circumstances, hardwired modulators can be as good as cassette adaptors if not better.