Instead of complaining about how people are doing it wrong, I decided to type out a few tips that would be helpful for people who need direction. Check them out!

1) MAKE SURE YOUR SONG IS FREE OF PROFANITY

It seems like this would be common sense, but you wouldn’t believe how many artists submit profanity laced tracks and expect the radio station to make adjustments for them. Music with curse words will never make it on the radio station. To increase your chances of getting a listen, make sure you have a radio edit version of your track readily available.

2) PRESENTATION IS KEY

I understand that when you are excited and passionate about your music, you want others to hear it by any means. However, a recordable CD with the title of your single written on it with a sharpie leaves a bad impression. It makes the decision maker think you are not serious about your career as an artist.

If music is what you REALLY want to do, INVEST in yourself. Make sure your CD is presented in a way that represents the quality of the music. Honestly, there have been times when I would listen to a song just out of curiosity because of how nice it was packaged.

3) KNOW WHO THE DECISION MAKERS ARE

Some artists think the best strategy is to send their music to every person working at the radio station. Not only is this a BAD strategy, it can be a costly one. Despite what you may think, Radio Personalities do NOT choose their playlists. Music decisions are made by the Program Directors NOT the jocks. At Hot 107.9, we take appointments with artists on Wednesdays. During the appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to have your track heard my a Music Coordinator who can advise you on how to get your track featured on the Durtty Boyz “Battle Grounds.”

4) OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO…

Another GREAT way to get noticed is to develop relationships with CLUB DJs, if you have a hot record in the streets, the radio station may come to YOU. The internet is also an AMAZING resource to create a buzz. ReverbNation.com offers great resources for artists to showcase their music online. You should also consider developing a professional website.

5) IN SUMMARY

I admit, I do get annoyed by the spam, flyers, and random mixtape CDs that artists hand me, but I DO understand that its all out of love for music. I hope that those who didn’t have an understanding of how things work will feel more equipped after reading this.

To submit your track for consideration, drop your package off at: Radio One Atlanta, WHTA-FM Hot 107.9 101 Marietta Street, 12th Floor ATTN: REDD Atlanta, GA 30303

Good Luck!!