Could I be on the radio?

Question

http://www.myspace.com/haleyingersollmusic

Check it out and add me if you have a myspace and tell me if you like my music.

My mom found a guy with an ad for someone to record music and be on the radio. Well I've already recorded music before and I'm only 14 so I have experience and I emailed the guy yesterday morning and he hasn't emailed me back yet.

Do you think he just hasn't checked his email or doesn't like my singing?

Be honest.

Answer 1

It is the weekend sweetie, their business office is probably closed until 2morrow. They will receive it then, probably. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Yes you could be on the radio. But I don't have to listen to your song and my opinion won't count anyway.

I took the time to answer because I want you and your mom to be very careful of anyone offering to record your songs (actually that part might be ok) but the part about being able to get your song air-play is a come on. It's called vanity publishing and whether a book or song, all he'll do is record the song, duplicate a bunch of CDs and send them to a list of radio stations. We used to get them all the time and they went right into the trash.

Keep in mind you emailed him on Saturday and this is Sunday. Even if he's completely legit he's entitled to a weekend off.

The stations will most likely pay no attention to this type of submission from an unsigned artist. Though some will accept web-based submissions on their websites (you should check that out).

You've got to pay your dues, do a bunch of appearances, auditions and follow the same route any successful recording artist does. That would include eventually catching the attention of an agent and/or label exec. That's when the stations start to pay attention - submissions from people they know who will not just send stuff without follow up.

Labels have promotion depts. that follow up with stations on a regular basis and keep them informed about new artists. They build trust and credibility over the years - those are the people you want on your side. It takes time and talent to get a label deal.

Check the net for biographies of some successful artists and you'll see almost 100% of them worked for years before garnering airplay. But, at 14, you're on the right track by starting early and knowing what you want to do. And maybe you'll get lucky. Maybe a label A&R person (Artists & Repertoire) will see this YA question, listen to your song and think you've got potential. Once in a blue moon, someone with influence will hear a young person's work and check it out under circumstances like that. But, again, most of the time it's hard work, long drives to obscure events, county fairs, festivals and networking with those who might, someday, give you a shot.

Don't give up your dream - just give up on anyone who wants to take your money and package you up and send your CD to stations without  the reputation and promotion people to follow it up. It's relatively easy to contact a recording studio, book time and get a demo cut - you really don't need a vanity publisher to add his charges on to the deal.

-a guy named duh

Answer 3

h**l yer

regards x kitti x

Answer 4

you sound very talented!!!!! GOOD LUCK YOU YOU, & PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

You have potential, but so do a lot of other girls who sing.

My advice would be to be very careful about this ad and this guy.  If he asks for money, make sure it is a reasonable amount for a reasonable purpose.  There are quite a few scams out there trying to take money from talented people who are looking for a break.

You are 14 years old.  You can't enter into any contracts on your own, so you're pretty safe.  That in itself may keep him from responding if he knows your age.

My opinion is that you should work on developing your talent and range of talents.  Most of the stars aren't that much better than you--they are just marketed better.  Sadly, talent alone will not make you a star.

Radio is an unusual business.  I think what you are asking about is radio advertising, and there are studios that specialize in recording commercials or other radio material.  Many radio stations do use live talent as well.  You would probably be better advised to explore the radio stations in the nearest large market city to where you live and see if they are looking for talent like yours.

You are on a good track, with voice lessons and support from your parents (who must love you very much--cherish that).

Keep working, and good things will come in one way or another.