KTN’s Leading Gospel DJ Reveals 8 Secrets to Having Your Song Played on Radio

Most artistes are always at a loss at how to make their songs receive a heavy rotation on radio station and media as a whole. However, there seems to be some hope after this puzzle was earlier this week solved by none other than a deejay.

KTN’s Tukuza’s official DJ/ VJ, DJ Krowbar aka The Master Record Selector, who is passionate about raising talent in Africa has advised artists on how to have their songs played in the media. It will be remembered that celebrated radio and TV host, ‘Mzazi’ Willy M. Tuva had echoed similar sentiments.

1. Sound Station (Radio Policy)

Most if not all radio stations have a sound policy they work with. This is how it works… Radio stations will play music according to who they are targeting. So if your target audience is not the same as them. Your music will not or never be played there. e.g. ONE FM has a modern African pop sound, don’t expect to hear a mainstream vernacular artist on that station.

2. Drop your music

I know we are leaving in a digital age most artist will hit the DJ/Station/Presenter an online-link to their song.

That’s good effort but the good old CD and/or DVD is still the best way to drop your music in WAVE format. Reason being very few artist know how to convert music to the best radio quality. Make sure you have a proper packaging to your music… We will always be moved by well thought out packaging.

3. Poor skill in writing and delivery skills + poor recording, mixing and mastering

Some songs are just terrible, some below average, or above average. others good and a few WOW songs.

ALL or most radio station will play GOOD and WOW music ONLY. No radio station owner or DJ or presenter wants to play average stuff to his/her listeners. The Kenyan audience is very keen and their standards are high don’t take our citizens for granted, they can EASILY tell good or bad music in 30 sec.

4. Radio Edit

Radio edit is very important in the radio station business. Most pop radio stations are very keen on time and radio ads. Make sure your song is below 3min 30sec.

That is full commercial time for a song. The human mind gets tired of rthym frequencies in 3 min. So have that in mind when taking a 6 min song for airplay.

If you are a secular act and have curse words in your music do an effort of dropping CLEAN EDIT music with the bleeps in place.

5. Requests (Fan base) + Street team

Have a fan base ready (buddies, family and classmates) to request assuming your song makes the cut to get airplay. Its good in creating demand for airplay. Plus at the same time a STREET TEAM. Guys who will update or tweet about your song and RTs too.

6. Network

Know the right people in the game/industry. Most radio guys have a sound they like or moods or topics that revolve around them. Do music around that, you’ll get airplay according to their sound and/or style. #MzikiWaWananchi will always be a seller… Truth be told, most Kenyans listen to Swahili speaking radio stations than English speaking radio stations.

7. Timing for release

Some songs will be released on Monday and hit on Tuesday, others will take a year. The lesson here is timing. We are in a growing industry. Dont release music without planning or finding out who else is releasing their music in similar time and what is the song. Do your research before dropping a CD. Anytime is good but GOD’s TIMING WILL ALWAYS BE BEST.

8. Promoters

If you are new in the game/industry and understand nothing… Look for these guys, I’ll be honest most are crooks but there are a few good apples in the trees. Pray to God to lead you to the right ones. Plus consult with other fellow artist on what steps to take.

Originally published on Uliza Links