How to get your music played on the radio

There are surely few musicians who do not dream of hearing their tunes on the radio - but many could be unsure of how to achieve this goal.

As with many aspects of getting started in music, the key is often to think small and build slowly - and in this case, this means not just targeting Radio 1.

Unless you have a big-name plugger and promotions company on board, your songs are unlikely to be heard on daytime radio or commercial stations.

However, late night DJs such as Steve Lamacq or Colin Murray regularly champion new and up-and-coming artists on their programme, so it is well worth sending them a demo.

Local radio stations and internet-based programmes are also worth looking into, along with podcasts.

When submitting songs to stations, send a short biography and be prepared to follow up with an email or phonecall.

As is the case in many aspects of the music industry, musicians whose songs are good enough - and who persevere - are likely to be the ones heard on the airwaves.

Product category: Getting started in music