December 30, 2014

Center Stage Artist - Jeff Matey

Meet the last Center Stage Artist of 2014 Jeff Matey. Folk, blues and rock n' roll artist who started playing the guitar at the age of 12.  He left his home state of NJ in 1989 to pursue music in Austin, TX. Before hanging up his guitar in 1998, Jeff made an effort for an entire decade performing in Texas, New Jersey, and New York City.
 
In 2010 from his new home in Houston, TX he took up the guitar again and started revisiting and re-releasing some music he had recorded in the 90's.  In 2012, the full-length record of brand new material "Time Doesn't Wait" was release on Jeff's own record label Lone Oak Records.  The record was recorded at SugarHill Recording Studios.

A full stream of the record is available at http://jeffmatey.bandcamp.com and is also available for purchase on this site as well as all major online outlets.

Describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence
Drawing on traditional elements - folk, blues, and rock 'n roll - usually guitar-based, with a focus on the song, sometimes elaborate, but most often concise, and always with arrangements that perfectly suit.

What inspires you to make music?
Life, love, and the guitar.

What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
Right now I've been most excited about getting out to play in town and meeting and listening to other musicians, as well as the possibility of collaborating with others down the road.

What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?
I'm not discouraged about making music at all; I'm more discouraged that I can't do it more often.  These days - and I see it all around me - it's really hard for most to make a living doing music.  I do it because I love it, but I would hope someday to make a modest living doing it.  You never know.

What's one of your all-time favorite recordings?
There are so many.  Records that you live with for months, playing over and over again in your car, etc.  I have a lot of favorites, from stuff recorded in the 1920's through to the present day.  I'll just throw one of them out there that's a little out of my genre, but man I just love it:  Mose Allison, "You're Mind is on Vacation."  Great record!

Name three people who have influenced your music, and tell us why- Living or dead.
1. Bob Dylan - the words, the melodies, the deep connection it makes to the subconscious mind.
2. the Beatles - cheating here (that's 4 people) but I can't really pick one of them.  What can  you say? - Greatest songs ever.
3. Daniel Lanois - I really felt a strong connection to his sound which has it's own unique character no matter who he's producing.  I like the studio bands he puts together, the arrangements, the sonics of his recordings.
+ many more!

Do you have any recent or upcoming projects you'd like to share with us? Tell us about it.
I just finished a major project, my new record 'Two Trees, Three Leaves.'  I intend to focus on performing for the time being, making music in the moment.  That's where it's at for me now.

What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?
I like the fact that you have an international audience, and I really appreciate all the great feedback and support from the listeners.


Press release for my latest record (2014) can be found in this link: 

December 18, 2014

Get this E-Book - Step by Step for Releasing Music


This E-Book puts together an easy-to-follow three month plan for anyone releasing an independent album.

The book focuses on the promotional aspect of releasing an indie album. Large color photos show you what a “one sheet” and band photos should look like, so you have a better idea of what promotional materials you should print for a press kit. There are also plenty of handy tips on how to promote your new disc to local radio stations, how to host a release party, and how to use social media to build a fan base. 


The author even offers a timeline, and tells you what to do each month until you are ready to release your album. Where to promote your album, and how to promote successfully. The author tells you how to create a business plan and what to do to succeed, even with a small budget.  This is a great read for any musician in any genre of music.

From Rock to Hip-Hop, there are tips here for everyone. Simple to read, easy to understand, this is an E-Book you can go back to for reference in the future for whenever you have a new album to release.


Click here to get the book: http://www.yourmusicrelease.com/

Campaign for Single Release

 
You've recorded a new record and can't wait to release it, but you don't have a big budget and you only have one shot to put it out into the world. 

This recent article posted on CD Baby's DIY Musician does not present a formula for a successful release, but rather some basic principles you can apply to your single release in an attempt to generate exposure and potentially sell records.

Learn more here: http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2014/12/10-steps-building-single-release-campaign

Make Money From One Song

 
"As with any business, your products and services (whether they be your recordings, tours, merch, or anything else) are the stars of the show.  They generate revenue and keep your music career afloat. This is why it's so important to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity and find a variety of ways to satisfy your audience and make sales."

Our friends over at Sonicbids recently posted a great article and list of interesting, innovative methods artists can use to try and turn a single song into 14 different money-making revenue streams.



Click Here to read more: http://blog.sonicbids.com/14-ways-to-make-money-from-one-song
 

Check back often for more industry news, tips & tricks on how to make the most out of your promotion on Radio Airplay!

Center Stage Artist - Kenny Kohlhaas


Kenny Kohlhaas has been singing, playing guitar and writing music since he was twelve years old, and playing in bands since he was fourteen. 

He grew up on classic and alternative rock, devoting his artistic talent to those artists who have maintained a timeless presence in the world of music, such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and Michael Jackson. 

Kenny has also studied the rock, blues, and jazz guitar playing styles of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, George Harrison, Larry Carlton and George Benson. Kohlhaas has toured all over the world as guitarist for BeBe and CeCe Winans, and he is now coming back to his roots as a singer, songwriter, bandleader and recording artist, releasing his debut solo full length album.

Describe your sound in one ramble-on sentence
Music that draws its influences from the great, timeless artists of the 1950's, 60's, 70's and 80's presented in a pop medium relevant to 2014 and beyond.

What inspires you to make music?
Life. God. Love. Pain. Joy. Hope. Trust.

What aspect of making music excites you the most right now?
The fantastic musicians that surround me, the endless possibilities present with modern technology, and the wide variety of musical expression that the music industry holds in 2014.

What aspect of making music gets you the most discouraged?
It takes a lot of energy, consistency and self discipline. You have to work that writing muscle every day if you want to be great at it. Some days I just feel like watching Netflix. Pushing through the days where I'm creatively dry to get to those inspired moments is tough at times.

What's one of your all-time favorite recordings?
Beatles - Let it Be, Naked (the whole album)

Name three people who have influenced your music, and tell us why- Living or dead.
Paul McCartney - one of the most prolific and timeless musical presences in the last 50 years. Still packing out arenas at 70 years old.

Jimi Hendrix - a huge influence on my guitar playing when I started out.

Steely Dan - I know it's not one person, but their musical sophistication, with jazz harmony and complexity that the student of Jazz will appreciate, but is still aesthetically appealing to the untrained ear.

Do you have any recent or upcoming projects you'd like to share with us? Tell us about it.

I released an album in 2013.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kenny-kohlhaas/id604314222
I will be releasing another in the next year.

What do you like the most about Radio Airplay?

The ability to get my music out to potential new fans

Website: 
http://www.kennyk.net

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kenny-kohlhaas/id604314222

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennyknet

Instagram and Twitter: @kennyksound

Airplay Top 10 (Week 50 2014)



Top Band on Jango This Week
 
22 Hertz
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Beema
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Apes With Hobbies
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Linnaberry Wine
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
The Beatnik Fly
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Dive Room
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Saints Eleven
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Michel Conci
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
peppermoon
 
Top Band on Jango This Week
 
Rome Clientel

December 15, 2014

Radio Airplay is giving away $1000

 
In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, ISC is re-opening submissions for ONE WEEK ONLY (Dec. 15-22) for its annual Stocking Stuffer, and the fee is a very discounted $25 per entry. All entries will also be eligible for ISC. 
 
Songs must be submitted online and there is no limit to the number of songs you may enter. 


 
In addition to being eligible for the regular ISC prizes (over $150,000 in cash and prizes), one additional lucky entrant will be deemed the official Stocking winner and will receive: $1,000 in cash courtesy of Radio Airplay and Jango, 4000 Radio Airplay credits, promotion on Radio Airplay's social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, and an artist spotlight feature in their blog and newsletter reaching over 65K members. All entrants to the Stocking Stuffer promo will receive 100 free spins to a Radio Airplay account.   

Moreover, here's your chance to have your music heard by some of the most high-profile recording artists and music executives in today's music industry.
 
Judges include some of your favorite artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Bastille, Avicii, American Authors, John Hiatt, Pat Metheny, Casting Crowns, Wayne Shorter, Martina McBride, Jason Isbell, and many more. Judges also include Presidents and A&R  from labels including: Universal Republic, Atlantic,
Warner Bros., Columbia, Elektra, Virgin, Mercury, Motown, Sony, RCA, Concord Music, Alligator, Curb, Verve, Blind Pig, New West, and many more.

This will be the very last chance to enter ISC 2014, so enter now, and Happy Holidays from the ISC team! http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/submit