How to Get Your Music Played on College Radio

College radio has long been a launchpad for independent artists. Unlike mainstream stations, college radio often focuses on niche genres, underground acts, and emerging talent. With passionate student DJs and loyal listeners, it’s a prime opportunity to get your music heard by an engaged audience. Here’s how to get your tracks spinning on college stations.

1. Research College Radio Stations That Fit Your Style

Not all college stations are the same. Some specialize in indie rock, others in hip-hop, jazz, or experimental music. Start by creating a list of stations whose programming aligns with your sound.

How to Find the Right Stations:

• Look up college radio directories like College Radio Directory.
• Search for college stations near you—they may have a local artist focus.
• Listen to station playlists or past broadcasts to gauge their vibe.

💡 Pro Tip: Pay attention to specialty shows that cater to your genre. These programs are often curated by DJs passionate about your style of music.

2. Build a Strong Pitch

A professional, personalized pitch is key to getting noticed. College radio stations receive countless submissions, so make yours stand out.

What to Include in Your Pitch:

• A Short, Personalized Intro: Address the DJ or music director by name and mention why your music is a great fit for their station.
• A Brief Bio: Share a few sentences about your music style, influences, and career highlights.
• Your Music: Attach a high-quality digital file (MP3 or WAV) or include links to your tracks via platforms like SoundCloud or Bandcamp or Dropbox.
• Press Materials: Add a one-sheet (PDF) with a professional photo, album details, and links to your website or social media.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid generic mass emails. Personalized pitches show that you’ve done your research and care about the station.

3. Format Your College Radio Submission Correctly

Every station has its own submission guidelines. Some may prefer physical CDs, while others accept digital files. Check their website or contact them directly to confirm their preferences.

Physical Submission Tips:

• Include a clearly labeled CD with your artist name, album title, and contact info.
• Add a personalized note or letter for a human touch.
• Use a padded envelope to protect your materials during shipping.

Digital Submission Tips:

• Use platforms like WeTransfer or Dropbox to share files if emailing them directly isn’t allowed.
• Ensure your file names are professional (e.g., ArtistName_TrackTitle.mp3).
• Provide a streaming link in addition to downloadable files.

💡 Pro Tip: Some stations prefer both digital and physical submissions, so cover all your bases.

4. Follow Up Professionally

Once you’ve sent your music, don’t just sit back and wait—follow up to ensure your submission was received.

How to Follow Up:

• Wait 1-2 weeks after sending your submission before reaching out.
• Send a polite email or make a quick phone call to confirm receipt.
• Ask if they need additional materials or have any feedback on your music.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be pushy—respect their time and decision-making process.

5. Leverage Local Connections on College Radio 

Many college stations prioritize artists from their local area. Use this to your advantage:

• Highlight your local ties in your pitch (e.g., “As a local artist from [city], I’d love to be featured on your station!”).
• Offer to perform at campus events or participate in interviews.
• Build relationships with local DJs by attending station-hosted events or shows.

💡 Pro Tip: Tag the station in your social media posts to increase your visibility within their community.

6. Engage with the College Radio Station’s Community

Getting airplay is just the beginning. To maximize your exposure, engage with the station’s audience and staff.

• Share station links on your social media and encourage fans to tune in.
• Thank the station and DJs publicly for playing your music.
• Participate in live on-air interviews or special shows when invited.

💡 Pro Tip: Send a shoutout to the station when your track airs—it shows gratitude and encourages fan engagement.

7. Be Persistent but Respectful

Not every submission will result in airplay, and that’s okay. Stations have limited time and specific criteria, but persistence pays off.

• If a station doesn’t respond, wait a few months and try again with new music.
• Continue to build your presence online and in your local scene to increase your appeal.
• Keep track of which stations have played your music for future collaborations.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus on stations that have shown interest and build a relationship with them over time.

8. Track Your College Radio Airplay Success

When your music gets played, track the results to understand its impact.

• Use tools like Nielsen BDS or Spinitron to monitor spins on college radio.
• Ask DJs for listener feedback—this can help you refine your music or pitch.
• Use airplay as a credential when reaching out to other stations or media outlets.

💡 Pro Tip: Add “As featured on [Station Name]” to your press materials and social profiles to boost credibility.

9. Offer Exclusive Content 

Give stations a reason to prioritize your music by offering something unique.

• Provide an exclusive track, live session recording, or unreleased demo for their playlist.
• Record a personalized station ID (e.g., “Hey, this is [Your Name], and you’re listening to [Station Name]!”).
• Partner with stations on special giveaways or events.

💡 Pro Tip: Exclusives make you memorable and encourage stations to keep supporting your work.

10. Celebrate and Share Your Success

Getting played on college radio is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Use it as a stepping stone to further your career.

• Share the airplay news with your fans and thank them for their support.
• Highlight the feature in your EPK (Electronic Press Kit) to attract other opportunities.
• Build on the momentum by reaching out to more stations or venues.

💡 Pro Tip: A shoutout or thank-you note to the station staff goes a long way in maintaining a positive relationship.

Final Thoughts

College radio is an incredible platform for emerging artists to reach new audiences, gain credibility, and grow their music careers. By researching the right stations, crafting a strong pitch, and engaging with the community, you can turn airplay into a powerful tool for success.

So, what are you waiting for? Send out those submissions and let the college airwaves carry your sound! 🎶