As a musician, getting your song played on the radio can be a major milestone in your career. Not only does it give you exposure to a wider audience, but it also adds credibility to your music. And when it comes to Canadian radio stations, the process may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can be achievable.
Understanding the Canadian Radio Landscape
Before diving into the process of getting your song played on Canadian radio stations, it's important to have a basic understanding of the Canadian radio landscape. Canada has two types of radio stations - public and private.Public stations are owned and operated by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and are funded by the government. Private stations, on the other hand, are owned by private companies and rely on advertising revenue for funding. There are also different types of radio stations in Canada, including commercial, campus/community, and non-commercial. Commercial stations play mainstream music and are funded by advertising revenue. Campus/community stations are run by students or volunteers and focus on local and independent music.
Non-commercial stations are not-for-profit and play a variety of music genres.
The Importance of Canadian Content
One thing that sets Canadian radio stations apart from others around the world is the requirement for a certain percentage of Canadian content (CanCon). This means that a certain percentage of the music played on Canadian radio must be written, produced, or performed by Canadians. This requirement is in place to support and promote Canadian artists and their music. The CanCon requirement varies depending on the type of station. For commercial stations, at least 35% of the music played between 6am and 6pm must be CanCon.For campus/community and non-commercial stations, the requirement is at least 12% of the music played throughout the day.
Getting Your Song on Canadian Radio Stations
Now that you have a better understanding of the Canadian radio landscape, let's dive into the process of getting your song played on Canadian radio stations.1.Create a High-Quality Recording
The first step in getting your song played on Canadian radio stations is to have a high-quality recording. This means investing in a professional recording studio or working with a reputable producer. Radio stations receive hundreds of submissions every day, so you want to make sure your song stands out with its production quality.2.Register Your Song with SOCAN
SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) is a not-for-profit organization that collects and distributes royalties for songwriters and publishers. Registering your song with SOCAN ensures that you receive royalties when your song is played on the radio.It also helps track your song's airplay, which can be useful for future marketing efforts.
3.Research Radio Stations
Before submitting your song to every radio station in Canada, it's important to do some research and target specific stations that align with your music genre. Look for stations that have a history of playing independent or local artists. You can also reach out to campus/community or non-commercial stations in your area as they may be more open to playing new music.4.Follow Submission Guidelines
Each radio station will have its own submission guidelines, so make sure to follow them carefully. Some stations may only accept physical copies of your music, while others may prefer digital submissions.Make sure to include all the necessary information, such as your contact information, song title, and a brief bio about yourself and your music.
5.Network and Build Relationships
Networking and building relationships with radio station DJs and music directors can go a long way in getting your song played on Canadian radio. Attend local music events, connect with industry professionals on social media, and reach out to radio stations directly to introduce yourself and your music. Building a personal connection can increase the chances of your song being played.6.Consider Hiring a Radio Promoter
If you have the budget, hiring a radio promoter can be a great way to get your song played on Canadian radio stations. These professionals have established relationships with radio stations and can help get your song in front of the right people.However, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable promoter who has experience working with your genre of music.
