How to Pitch Your Music to a Radio Station (And Actually Get Airplay)

Published: July 7, 2025
Category: Music Business & Strategy
By In Da Streets Radio

If you think just sending a YouTube link and saying “check me out” will get you radio spins, think again. Getting your music played on a radio station — especially one like In Da Streets Radio that supports indie artists — requires a real strategy, professionalism, and presentation.

Here’s how to stand out, get heard, and get airplay that counts.

1. Do Your Research First

Before pitching to any station, know their vibe.

• What genres do they play?

• Who are the DJs?

• Do they have specific days or segments for indie music?

At In Da Streets Radio, we spin hip-hop, R&B, and cultural talk — so if you’re sending a folk song or EDM, it’s not a fit. Tailoring your pitch to the station is step one.

2. Get Your Song Radio-Ready

Don’t send a rough draft. Stations want music that’s:

• Professionally mixed and mastered

• Clean (no cursing if not in an uncensored slot)

• Tagged correctly (MP3 with metadata: artist name, song title, etc.)

• Labeled properly (Example: ArtistName_SongTitle.mp3)

If you have a high-quality WAV file, offer it as an option — but always provide an MP3.

3. Submit with a Press Kit or One-Sheet

Stand out by sending more than just a link. A proper music submission should include:

• Artist bio (short and direct)

• Song description (what’s the vibe, story, or inspiration?)

• Links to social media and streaming platforms

• Cover art

• High-resolution artist photo

• Downloadable song file (Dropbox, Google Drive, or private streaming link)

This shows you’re serious and media-ready.

4. Write a Personal, Straightforward Pitch Email

A good pitch email is short, clear, and respectful of the recipient’s time.

Example:

Subject: Radio Submission – [Your Artist Name] – “[Song Title]”

Dear [DJ Name or Station Name],

I’m an independent hip-hop artist based in [City] and I’d love for you to consider my new single, “[Song Title],” for rotation on In Da Streets Radio.

This track is about [insert short description].

You’ll find my press kit and song file here: [Link]

Thank you for your time and support of independent artists.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Info + Social Media]

Avoid attachments — use links.

5. Follow Up — Don’t Spam

Give it at least a week before following up once. Keep it polite and to the point. If you don’t hear back after that, keep it moving and try another station.

Persistence matters, but desperation kills your brand.

6. Build a Relationship, Not Just a Placement

If a station spins your song, support them:

• Share the stream link with your audience

• Tag the DJ or station on social media

• Tune in and comment during your airplay time

• Submit regularly with updates — not just requests

At In Da Streets Radio, we remember artists who engage. We’re more likely to spin you again — and refer you to others.

Final Thoughts

Getting airplay isn’t luck — it’s a process. When you treat your music like a business, stations will treat you like a professional. Present yourself right, deliver a quality product, and pitch with confidence.

In Da Streets Radio spins independent artists daily. If you’re ready to submit your track, visit indastreetsradio.com and follow the submission guidelines.

Let your music move the culture — and get the recognition it deserves.