Internet Radio is a source that many people tap in to for an alternative to traditional radio. There are thousands of stations in just about any genre of music you can think of. The key for you is to develop a niche that no one else is exploiting. You have to think farther than just a genre, you have to think of a target niche.
Many people know about the normal genres like Hip Hop, R&B, Christian, Jazz, etc. What you will need to do to stand out from the pack is focus your station towards one group and not a large genre. For example, if you want a Christian station, focus on just choirs or gear your program towards single mothers. When you try and market to a large group, you will not stand out, but if you key in on a small segment, you will gain many more loyal listeners.
Deciding if you should start a station is easy. The answer is yes if you want to provide unique content with your own special flair. Depending of the level of actual broadcasting you want to do will help you decide if you simply want to just play music or if you want to incorporate shows and news into your station.
If you are going to do any sort of Internet station, you must get a windowsmedia stream. The reason that I encourage that is because, windows media is still the most listened to stream. You will receive a big jump in listenership if you get listed in the windowsmedia directory. The process takes a few weeks, but it is well worth it.
The quickest and simplest way to get started without a lot of effort is to get a station via live365. This service is useful for someone that just wants to upload some music and have it available to listen to on line by anyone. Live365 also offers professional services if you decide you want to be able to go on air live and do more traditional broadcasting.
I cannot speak highly enough about SAM broadcaster. SAM is a professional package that will allow you to have complete control over your station as well as totally automate it. My station would not be what and where it is today without SAM. This is for the serious professional broadcaster that is looking to make a serious impact on line.
Frankly, when you have an internet radio station you can build it and promote it like your traditional radio stations. You can sell air time, commercial spots, run contests, etc. The biggest hurdle to overcome with internet radio is promotion and standing out from the pack. Internet radio is not something that you can build over night. However, with consistent effort you can have your very own station that only airs what you want to hear. Believe it or not, there are others out there that think just like you.
Do some research and find out what others are doing. Once you have your direction, brand yourself and go for it.
Friday, December 25, 2009
New Age Music Relaxes the Mind
New Age music is meant to soothe the soul. Developed in the 1960's as a way to expand consciousness, New Age music continues to relax and inspire listeners today. New Age is not the syrupy synthesized songs you hear in the elevator at work. On the contrary, New Age music isn't meant to annoy; it is meant to soothe and relax. Think of the kind of music you'd like in the background while meditating or practicing yoga. If it's something like a single flute or waterfalls mixed with a faint piano tinkling, you're thinking of New Age music.
The New Age style is soft, serene and relaxing. The tracks on a New Age compilation sometimes feature one set of panpipes, but they also frequently include a whole arrangement of instruments. Usually it includes the acoustic guitar or the piano, but Eastern-inspired instruments like the sitar and the tabla are also used on occasion. The rhythms are often repetitive, interspersed with nature sounds like birds chirping, a mountain stream running or underwater whale noises. While electric instruments are sometimes thrown in to add a different dimension, the aim is always to create soothing music.
New Age music is meant is calm the listener's mind and spirit, and therefore it is as far from intrusive and jarring as possible. Sometimes there are vocals, albeit soft and very much in the background. Other times the track will consist only of voices, like a monastery choir and nothing else. The voices featured on New Age tracks are singing, chanting or just speaking in a variety of languages. It's not unusual for the languages to be quite obscure. New Age composers often venture into undeveloped parts of the world to record the voices of little-known tribes living there.
For much of the 60's and 70's, musicians throughout the US and Europe were experimenting with their instruments. They wanted to develop something that would open the mind, and soon the first New Age music was recorded for meditation. Radio stations around the world sampled a few tracks in the years that followed, but they were never commercial hits. Today there are music stations and even television channels all over the world dedicated to this genre of music. New Age music also goes by World music, Chill music and Ambient. Although they're not exactly alike, they do overlap.
The rhythms of New Age are soft, soothing and don't invade the consciousness, which is what makes it so relaxing. It helps clear the mind and relieve stress, more so than a thrash-metal compilation would. People play it in their homes to create a welcome and peaceful atmosphere. Others have it on in the background while reading or studying. Their minds are more relaxed, so they absorb more than they would in absolute silence. New Age music is also popular with parents of young babies. An alternative to classical music, they play it in the nursery so that the baby's mind becomes sharper and more receptive to learning.
When thinking of New Age artists, everyone immediately thinks of Enya. Although the Celtic singer's music isn't strictly New Age, it's definitely something you would find in the New Age section at the CD store. Some other current New Age artists are pianists like George Skaroulis, George Winston, David Lanz and Kathy Parsons. Browse through the New Age section the next time you're out hunting for new, interesting music. Even if it is not your favorite kind of music, you will find it relaxing at times.
The New Age style is soft, serene and relaxing. The tracks on a New Age compilation sometimes feature one set of panpipes, but they also frequently include a whole arrangement of instruments. Usually it includes the acoustic guitar or the piano, but Eastern-inspired instruments like the sitar and the tabla are also used on occasion. The rhythms are often repetitive, interspersed with nature sounds like birds chirping, a mountain stream running or underwater whale noises. While electric instruments are sometimes thrown in to add a different dimension, the aim is always to create soothing music.
New Age music is meant is calm the listener's mind and spirit, and therefore it is as far from intrusive and jarring as possible. Sometimes there are vocals, albeit soft and very much in the background. Other times the track will consist only of voices, like a monastery choir and nothing else. The voices featured on New Age tracks are singing, chanting or just speaking in a variety of languages. It's not unusual for the languages to be quite obscure. New Age composers often venture into undeveloped parts of the world to record the voices of little-known tribes living there.
For much of the 60's and 70's, musicians throughout the US and Europe were experimenting with their instruments. They wanted to develop something that would open the mind, and soon the first New Age music was recorded for meditation. Radio stations around the world sampled a few tracks in the years that followed, but they were never commercial hits. Today there are music stations and even television channels all over the world dedicated to this genre of music. New Age music also goes by World music, Chill music and Ambient. Although they're not exactly alike, they do overlap.
The rhythms of New Age are soft, soothing and don't invade the consciousness, which is what makes it so relaxing. It helps clear the mind and relieve stress, more so than a thrash-metal compilation would. People play it in their homes to create a welcome and peaceful atmosphere. Others have it on in the background while reading or studying. Their minds are more relaxed, so they absorb more than they would in absolute silence. New Age music is also popular with parents of young babies. An alternative to classical music, they play it in the nursery so that the baby's mind becomes sharper and more receptive to learning.
When thinking of New Age artists, everyone immediately thinks of Enya. Although the Celtic singer's music isn't strictly New Age, it's definitely something you would find in the New Age section at the CD store. Some other current New Age artists are pianists like George Skaroulis, George Winston, David Lanz and Kathy Parsons. Browse through the New Age section the next time you're out hunting for new, interesting music. Even if it is not your favorite kind of music, you will find it relaxing at times.
What I Think Makes a Good Radio Presenter
When I was younger I used to listen to the music stations on the radio a lot. I had my favourite DJs, the ones who seemed to play the kind of music that I liked most of the time. Now I prefer talk stations and that got me wondering what makes a good presenter as opposed to a good disc jockey.
Surely the main difference is obvious - the disc jockey just spins the discs and in between has to say a few words about the artist or song. Well that is not all. If that is all that they did, they would not last very long on the air. They have to get themselves a personality and the better ones keep a lot more up to date about current affairs than the bad ones do. That is certainly true on the national stations though probably not so much on the local more specialised stations.
The presenters have a totally different role to play and here are a few areas of expertise that I like.
Good voice for radio
I have often been told that I have a good face for radio but a presenter needs a good voice. It must be one that the listeners can listen to for a long time without getting bored. I have heard some that are monotone and they send me to sleep.
If it is a phone in type program it should be a voice that people trust as they are often coming on for advice or to get something off their chest. They are not going to pick up the phone and pour out their hearts unless that trust is present.
The ability to argue both sides
The presenter has to stimulate the listeners. If an interviewee has a particular point of view the presenter should challenge that and then take the opposite side for another guest. If things are a bit slow to get going I like it when they put forward a controversial point of view which they know will attract a lot of callers.
The ability to think quickly
Talk radio is normally live and it is amazing what can happen during a live program. A caller may start using profanities which the presenter will need to deal with. A caller may be on a poor line or the line may even drop altogether. All these situations have to be dealt with.
All in all I do like it more when things do not go smoothly. I like it when there is a bit of argument and controversy. It is good to listen to a good presenter handling these situations with a bit of wit and good humour.
I have had to become the money advice expert for our family now that times have got tough. I like to pass on some tips that I discover.
Surely the main difference is obvious - the disc jockey just spins the discs and in between has to say a few words about the artist or song. Well that is not all. If that is all that they did, they would not last very long on the air. They have to get themselves a personality and the better ones keep a lot more up to date about current affairs than the bad ones do. That is certainly true on the national stations though probably not so much on the local more specialised stations.
The presenters have a totally different role to play and here are a few areas of expertise that I like.
Good voice for radio
I have often been told that I have a good face for radio but a presenter needs a good voice. It must be one that the listeners can listen to for a long time without getting bored. I have heard some that are monotone and they send me to sleep.
If it is a phone in type program it should be a voice that people trust as they are often coming on for advice or to get something off their chest. They are not going to pick up the phone and pour out their hearts unless that trust is present.
The ability to argue both sides
The presenter has to stimulate the listeners. If an interviewee has a particular point of view the presenter should challenge that and then take the opposite side for another guest. If things are a bit slow to get going I like it when they put forward a controversial point of view which they know will attract a lot of callers.
The ability to think quickly
Talk radio is normally live and it is amazing what can happen during a live program. A caller may start using profanities which the presenter will need to deal with. A caller may be on a poor line or the line may even drop altogether. All these situations have to be dealt with.
All in all I do like it more when things do not go smoothly. I like it when there is a bit of argument and controversy. It is good to listen to a good presenter handling these situations with a bit of wit and good humour.
I have had to become the money advice expert for our family now that times have got tough. I like to pass on some tips that I discover.
How to Start Up a FM Radio Station
Whether you are looking for information on how to start up a FM radio station that operates on a low power FM basis, operates on a full power frequency or alternatively streams on the internet, it is essential to first establish what the options available to you are. It is also important to understand the process for obtaining a frequency, what the licensing requirements are, and also what type of FM broadcasting equipment and studio gear you will need to run the radio station.
The following is a brief outline of some of the options that may be available. Please that not all options may be available in all countries, as license conditions do vary.
When it comes to how to start up a FM radio station, one of the options is low power FM. This type of radio station operates at lesser power than commercial stations and so they cover a smaller area. The exact area they will cover is dependent on terrain and the exact amount of power you are permitted. Again depending on the country you live in, the low power FM service may enable you to broadcast anywhere near from 500mW to 100W, and may be license-free or alternatively it may be licensed. This level of power is sufficient to cover anywhere between a radius of a few kilometres to several kilometres.
Another option is operating a full power licensed radio station. This type of frequency will give station maximum coverage and will enable you to reach as many listeners as possible. Depending on the country you live in, there can frequently be provisions to operate on a full power frequency, but either on a commercial, non-commercial or educational basis. However, operating a full power FM radio station can be a somewhat complicated process - especially during the initial stages of determining whether there are frequencies available in your area and also costing the equipment that is needed. If you want to start up a full power FM radio station, then it is essential to get expert guidance at the earliest stage. This will ensure you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
If these options don't appeal or are not available in your area, you have one other method for how to start up a FM radio station. You are able to establish a station that streams on the internet. It will be available to a worldwide audience and can stream in your choice of format. Common formats include Winamp and Windows Media Player, although generally we recommend the latter as most people won't need to download any additional software to listen to your station. This type of radio station can use a great deal of bandwidth, so it is important to have a fast speed internet connection with a high data cap limit.
When it comes to choosing the type of station you will set up, one of the most common constraints is budget. That said, it has been proven that a station can start out on a low power FM basis and successfully make the transition to operating a full power licensed commercial FM radio station. Some of the points to consider when looking how to start up a FM radio station include:
- The process for obtaining an FM frequency and what to look out for
– How many Watts you will need to achieve the broadcast coverage you want
– What your obligations will be when it comes to music royalties
- What specialist services you need before to assist you in submitting your application for a frequency
– What is the most appropriate powered transmitter and what type of antenna would be needed
– The type of radio automation software that will be used
For further information on how to start up a FM radio station please visit rel=nofollow http://www.themulcher.com or email [mailto:radio@themulcher.com]radio@themulcher.com
The Mulcher FM has over 5 years experience helping set up over a dozen low power FM and commercial FM radio stations across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, as well as advising on countless other installations in the US, UK and other parts of the world...
The following is a brief outline of some of the options that may be available. Please that not all options may be available in all countries, as license conditions do vary.
When it comes to how to start up a FM radio station, one of the options is low power FM. This type of radio station operates at lesser power than commercial stations and so they cover a smaller area. The exact area they will cover is dependent on terrain and the exact amount of power you are permitted. Again depending on the country you live in, the low power FM service may enable you to broadcast anywhere near from 500mW to 100W, and may be license-free or alternatively it may be licensed. This level of power is sufficient to cover anywhere between a radius of a few kilometres to several kilometres.
Another option is operating a full power licensed radio station. This type of frequency will give station maximum coverage and will enable you to reach as many listeners as possible. Depending on the country you live in, there can frequently be provisions to operate on a full power frequency, but either on a commercial, non-commercial or educational basis. However, operating a full power FM radio station can be a somewhat complicated process - especially during the initial stages of determining whether there are frequencies available in your area and also costing the equipment that is needed. If you want to start up a full power FM radio station, then it is essential to get expert guidance at the earliest stage. This will ensure you get the information you need to make an informed decision.
If these options don't appeal or are not available in your area, you have one other method for how to start up a FM radio station. You are able to establish a station that streams on the internet. It will be available to a worldwide audience and can stream in your choice of format. Common formats include Winamp and Windows Media Player, although generally we recommend the latter as most people won't need to download any additional software to listen to your station. This type of radio station can use a great deal of bandwidth, so it is important to have a fast speed internet connection with a high data cap limit.
When it comes to choosing the type of station you will set up, one of the most common constraints is budget. That said, it has been proven that a station can start out on a low power FM basis and successfully make the transition to operating a full power licensed commercial FM radio station. Some of the points to consider when looking how to start up a FM radio station include:
- The process for obtaining an FM frequency and what to look out for
– How many Watts you will need to achieve the broadcast coverage you want
– What your obligations will be when it comes to music royalties
- What specialist services you need before to assist you in submitting your application for a frequency
– What is the most appropriate powered transmitter and what type of antenna would be needed
– The type of radio automation software that will be used
For further information on how to start up a FM radio station please visit rel=nofollow http://www.themulcher.com or email [mailto:radio@themulcher.com]radio@themulcher.com
The Mulcher FM has over 5 years experience helping set up over a dozen low power FM and commercial FM radio stations across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, as well as advising on countless other installations in the US, UK and other parts of the world...
Classical Music Internet Radio
Classical music refers to the music that is with the traditional style of ecclesiastical concert music and western art. The norms for the classic music were laid down between the period of 1550 and 1900 and this period was popularly called the common practice period. Classical music is being practiced and taught by many musicians even today.
Classical Music Internet Radio is also gaining popularity with the advancement in technology.
European style of classical music is differentiated from the other types of non - European musical forms with the help of staff notation from the period of 16th century. The composers use the western staff notation technique to prescribe about the speed meter pitch individual rhythms and the correct execution of the music piece to the performers. Hence European style of classical music does not require much of practices when compared with the traditional Indian and Japanese classical music.
The formal classical music gained immense appreciation from the public in the later period of 1900s. Literally, the term classical music did not nevertheless appear till the early the period of 19th century. In the Oxford English Dictionary the references about the classical music was recorded from the period of 1836. Internet seems to be the future of music world as of today.
A number of websites are being created which are dedicated to music since people are aware of the various types of radios on the internet. Internet radio is extremely powerful and popular as the users can access a lot of radio stations within a few seconds. Due to the advancement in the field of technology, mobile phones play the role of computers and hence music web sites become easily accessible.
Classical Music Internet radio is available in different forms. Music web sites offer streamlining AM and FM stations that enables easy down loading of songs. The stations are commercially free and the music is uninterrupted. Live relay is extended by the internet radio stations so that the public from any part of the world can view or listen to these programs.
Listeners view the relays on a daily basis and this in turn promotes online viewing. There are many options available for Classical Music internet radio. Videos on the internet are becoming more popular. Yahoo videos college Humor and You tubes are some of the popular videos on the internet.
Due to advanced technology in computers, uploading of videos is done at a rapid speed and the pictures are extremely clear. Though Classical Music internet radio has gained immense popularity, it is expected to grow further in future.
Classical Music Internet Radio is also gaining popularity with the advancement in technology.
European style of classical music is differentiated from the other types of non - European musical forms with the help of staff notation from the period of 16th century. The composers use the western staff notation technique to prescribe about the speed meter pitch individual rhythms and the correct execution of the music piece to the performers. Hence European style of classical music does not require much of practices when compared with the traditional Indian and Japanese classical music.
The formal classical music gained immense appreciation from the public in the later period of 1900s. Literally, the term classical music did not nevertheless appear till the early the period of 19th century. In the Oxford English Dictionary the references about the classical music was recorded from the period of 1836. Internet seems to be the future of music world as of today.
A number of websites are being created which are dedicated to music since people are aware of the various types of radios on the internet. Internet radio is extremely powerful and popular as the users can access a lot of radio stations within a few seconds. Due to the advancement in the field of technology, mobile phones play the role of computers and hence music web sites become easily accessible.
Classical Music Internet radio is available in different forms. Music web sites offer streamlining AM and FM stations that enables easy down loading of songs. The stations are commercially free and the music is uninterrupted. Live relay is extended by the internet radio stations so that the public from any part of the world can view or listen to these programs.
Listeners view the relays on a daily basis and this in turn promotes online viewing. There are many options available for Classical Music internet radio. Videos on the internet are becoming more popular. Yahoo videos college Humor and You tubes are some of the popular videos on the internet.
Due to advanced technology in computers, uploading of videos is done at a rapid speed and the pictures are extremely clear. Though Classical Music internet radio has gained immense popularity, it is expected to grow further in future.
Classic Rock - What is It?
For most generations, the term 'classic rock' is familiar. But there was a time when the word 'rock-n-roll' music wasn't in America's vocabulary and certainly not in rock-n-rolls.
The term classic rock came about due to the radio stations and their programmers who designed a large playlist of songs ranging from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Taking these songs, these programmers would also then integrate a number of current releases and thus call it by this term.
The idea came about back when The Beatles groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, came out, which created a love for all of the tracks on the record rather than just one song. The AM and FM station programmers realized that they could play more than top singles and still keep their audiences attention. They could also mix up hits and non-hits to keep their listeners intrigued.
Radio has evolved over the years in choosing which songs to play, when and how. In the late 1960s and 1970s, choosing songs for the air was done by a disc jockey. This was followed by a more commercially oriented variant called album-oriented rock (AOR), or "album rock", which emerged in the mid- and late 1970s. This format concentrated on album cuts as well, but on a more structured, playlist-oriented basis.
By the 1970s and early 1980s, Album Oriented Rock would continue to be popular, but by the end of the 1980s, albums were mostly being replaced by compact discs. At this time, station playlists largely stopped keeping up with developing musical trends (including New Wave music), and "album rock" evolved into "classic rock radio".
This is where we get to the term came from. The concept is taken from older radio show formats in that music from the past is played. While there isn't any consistent playlist due to the fact bands and songs will come in and out of style, or that in some regions there will be favorites that are unique to that region. And sometimes, newer recordings by the format's core performers will occasionally be showcased. Anything can affect a playlist.
In addition, radio stations would then take this play list and add in songs and artists somewhat marginally associated with the classic rock radio era. Depending on the station, some will combine this kind of rock radio format with other formats, including modern rock in an attempt to increase popularity. The hybrid of classic rock and modern rock radio is also referred to as active rock.
In general, classic rock formats typically include selections from British hard rock and progressive rock bands, American 1970s rock bands and solo artists, and some material from late-1960s rock acts. In many areas, southern rock acts form a significant subset of classic rock playlists as well.
Some of the playlists also include some of the hard-rock and heavy metal bands of the 1970s and 80's and some amount of new wave selections. Some of the bands that are commonly associated with this kind of rock music are the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Queen, and the Eagles. Though some of the artists played on classic rock music stations are still actively recording music, only their earlier hits are represented on the airwaves. Some classic rock music stations also include popular hard rock and metal bands from the 1980s, such as Guns 'n Roses and Metallica. Recently, some classic rock music stations have also begun to incorporate 1990s bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains into their rotation.
Who tends to gravitate toward listening to classic rock? Typically it is most popular among people who were young when the music first came out; those who recall hearing the song for the first time and what it was they were doing in their life. Hearing classic rock then takes the listener back to another place in time and maybe to a fond memory.
The term classic rock came about due to the radio stations and their programmers who designed a large playlist of songs ranging from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. Taking these songs, these programmers would also then integrate a number of current releases and thus call it by this term.
The idea came about back when The Beatles groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, came out, which created a love for all of the tracks on the record rather than just one song. The AM and FM station programmers realized that they could play more than top singles and still keep their audiences attention. They could also mix up hits and non-hits to keep their listeners intrigued.
Radio has evolved over the years in choosing which songs to play, when and how. In the late 1960s and 1970s, choosing songs for the air was done by a disc jockey. This was followed by a more commercially oriented variant called album-oriented rock (AOR), or "album rock", which emerged in the mid- and late 1970s. This format concentrated on album cuts as well, but on a more structured, playlist-oriented basis.
By the 1970s and early 1980s, Album Oriented Rock would continue to be popular, but by the end of the 1980s, albums were mostly being replaced by compact discs. At this time, station playlists largely stopped keeping up with developing musical trends (including New Wave music), and "album rock" evolved into "classic rock radio".
This is where we get to the term came from. The concept is taken from older radio show formats in that music from the past is played. While there isn't any consistent playlist due to the fact bands and songs will come in and out of style, or that in some regions there will be favorites that are unique to that region. And sometimes, newer recordings by the format's core performers will occasionally be showcased. Anything can affect a playlist.
In addition, radio stations would then take this play list and add in songs and artists somewhat marginally associated with the classic rock radio era. Depending on the station, some will combine this kind of rock radio format with other formats, including modern rock in an attempt to increase popularity. The hybrid of classic rock and modern rock radio is also referred to as active rock.
In general, classic rock formats typically include selections from British hard rock and progressive rock bands, American 1970s rock bands and solo artists, and some material from late-1960s rock acts. In many areas, southern rock acts form a significant subset of classic rock playlists as well.
Some of the playlists also include some of the hard-rock and heavy metal bands of the 1970s and 80's and some amount of new wave selections. Some of the bands that are commonly associated with this kind of rock music are the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Queen, and the Eagles. Though some of the artists played on classic rock music stations are still actively recording music, only their earlier hits are represented on the airwaves. Some classic rock music stations also include popular hard rock and metal bands from the 1980s, such as Guns 'n Roses and Metallica. Recently, some classic rock music stations have also begun to incorporate 1990s bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains into their rotation.
Who tends to gravitate toward listening to classic rock? Typically it is most popular among people who were young when the music first came out; those who recall hearing the song for the first time and what it was they were doing in their life. Hearing classic rock then takes the listener back to another place in time and maybe to a fond memory.
Listen to Music Online and Turn on Your Life
Listen to Music Online and Turn on Your Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rick_Swanson]Rick Swanson
One of the great advantages of the Internet that people are discovering more and more is listening to music. You can now listen to music online that is totally uninterrupted and can be enjoyed in the privacy of your home while doing other work or surfing for information at your computer desk. The wonderful thing about enjoying music online you can personally program a station to fit whatever mood you want to create.
You get to pick the music, the artists, the genre, and the season. It is great to be able to program a station with exactly what you want in the way of music. If you want to listen to all "Beatles" music all you do is program the station and you have it at your convenience. You can even get to rate the songs and decide if you want to hear them again. It you are interested in seasonal tunes you can plug into the season and listen to seasonal music.
When you listen to music online you get to create your own radio station. If you want all jazz, all soul, all R&B, all instrumental, all classical, all oldies, it arrives on your personal radio station. It is so nice to sit back and relax and enjoy the music that you like or the music that fits the moment. You can create several radio stations and have them available for whatever "tickles your fancy" at whatever time of the day. And the marvelous part about all of this it is free.
On some sites you may have to listen to an occasional commercial but these advertisements are few and really do not spoil the atmosphere of your personal radio station. You will be amazed at what you can do with your music stations and how you can even share them with your other friends. The world is a different place with all of this capability to program your own music.
Now is the time to start listening to music once again. Listen to the music you want and enjoy. Create your own radio station and your personal music library of listening. Then you get to sit back and be entertained with music that will inspire you, entertain you, and make your dream come reality. All this can happen when you listen to music online that you have selected for your personal enjoyment. This is all yours through the Internet and can all be yours for no cost. You will love the experience as music enters your life once again.
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rick_Swanson]Rick Swanson
One of the great advantages of the Internet that people are discovering more and more is listening to music. You can now listen to music online that is totally uninterrupted and can be enjoyed in the privacy of your home while doing other work or surfing for information at your computer desk. The wonderful thing about enjoying music online you can personally program a station to fit whatever mood you want to create.
You get to pick the music, the artists, the genre, and the season. It is great to be able to program a station with exactly what you want in the way of music. If you want to listen to all "Beatles" music all you do is program the station and you have it at your convenience. You can even get to rate the songs and decide if you want to hear them again. It you are interested in seasonal tunes you can plug into the season and listen to seasonal music.
When you listen to music online you get to create your own radio station. If you want all jazz, all soul, all R&B, all instrumental, all classical, all oldies, it arrives on your personal radio station. It is so nice to sit back and relax and enjoy the music that you like or the music that fits the moment. You can create several radio stations and have them available for whatever "tickles your fancy" at whatever time of the day. And the marvelous part about all of this it is free.
On some sites you may have to listen to an occasional commercial but these advertisements are few and really do not spoil the atmosphere of your personal radio station. You will be amazed at what you can do with your music stations and how you can even share them with your other friends. The world is a different place with all of this capability to program your own music.
Now is the time to start listening to music once again. Listen to the music you want and enjoy. Create your own radio station and your personal music library of listening. Then you get to sit back and be entertained with music that will inspire you, entertain you, and make your dream come reality. All this can happen when you listen to music online that you have selected for your personal enjoyment. This is all yours through the Internet and can all be yours for no cost. You will love the experience as music enters your life once again.
Online International Radio Station
Online radio offers a person a wide variety of options in terms of news, sports as well as various genres of music. Live International radio is a new type of web radio service where you get informed about the live events that may include a news story or a show. Global radio is an updated version of internet radio that provides one an additional facility. There are many types of Radio on Internet stations. Some of the famous one's are Mandarin radio, Putumayo world music, Hong Kong vintage, Sahaja yoga meditation and many more. Mandarin radio is one of the famous worldwide radio station. It plays modern music of Taiwan, Hongkong, China and Singapore. The language is mainly Mondariun Chinese. If you don't know Chinese then you can enjoy the beautiful music without the pain of understanding the lyrics.
Putumayo world music is a radio show that carries away the listeners on a long journey of different cultures and make them feel good. It also focus on the interviews with top music composers. Hong Kong vintage pop is today's most preferred international audio stations. It is heard by more than 40 countries in the world. Sahaja yoga meditation is also very popular in promoting unity and integrity thus making one's life calm and peaceful.
The future of online international radio looks very bright as the number of people listening the radio programs online is increasing day by day. The largest online radio talk today confirms the increasing trend of live radio online. It offers a wide range of benefits. The listeners are able to listen to the programs on demand everyday. Also it provides the advantage to the hosts as well as the guests to speak on the topics being discussed simultaneously.
Nowadays we can listen to the radio FM all over the world. If interested, one can also buy music as well as the videos online. In order to find the Internet radio station one need to go through the Internet radio directories. There are many such directories available today online that will help to choose the desired radio station. So, now keep updated with International channel and get informed with current affairs and shows happening worldwide.
Putumayo world music is a radio show that carries away the listeners on a long journey of different cultures and make them feel good. It also focus on the interviews with top music composers. Hong Kong vintage pop is today's most preferred international audio stations. It is heard by more than 40 countries in the world. Sahaja yoga meditation is also very popular in promoting unity and integrity thus making one's life calm and peaceful.
The future of online international radio looks very bright as the number of people listening the radio programs online is increasing day by day. The largest online radio talk today confirms the increasing trend of live radio online. It offers a wide range of benefits. The listeners are able to listen to the programs on demand everyday. Also it provides the advantage to the hosts as well as the guests to speak on the topics being discussed simultaneously.
Nowadays we can listen to the radio FM all over the world. If interested, one can also buy music as well as the videos online. In order to find the Internet radio station one need to go through the Internet radio directories. There are many such directories available today online that will help to choose the desired radio station. So, now keep updated with International channel and get informed with current affairs and shows happening worldwide.
Creating an Internet Radio Station - The REAL Story
Forget 99% of the articles out there that are telling you what you need for starting your very own internet based radio station. I'm here to let you know that you can cut your budget by almost 99% by not listening to most of the articles that exist on the web today.
I just has an article about my streaming radio station in the local paper and when the reporter ask how to start an internet radio station I was torn between a couple of answers. Do I lengthen the story and add a few thousand dollars to the budget just to scare away potential competition? Or do I tell the reporter just how easy is actually is, and deal with a few more station on the internet that could potentially steal listeners from me? I chose to tell the reporter exactly what I though was right. I chose to tell him exactly how easy setting up your very own radio station is.
When I started to research what it took to set up a streaming radio station, It was staggering how many articles are out there that told me that I needed thousands of dollars and a web hosting account that would cost an extra 400 to 500 hundred dollars a month to handle the bandwidth and copyrighting issues of running an internet radio station. I actually became quite angry after I had gone through most of the set up of my own station. I realised that a lot of the articles out there were written by people who just wanted to sound smart, simply copied and pasted another articles and had no clue what it took, and the creme de la creme were the people who wrote articles just to scare people out of creating a station because they couldn't handle the competition. So, the number one item on the list of important things to do before you start you own streaming radio station? Research, and lots of it.
I quite literally have another window open on my screen as I write this because I want to list out what the author of the other article wants you to buy in order to start your own streaming station. Ready? Here goes...
2 CD players
Nero 9
Adobe Audition for Editing
2 EV RE27N Mics (yeah, right)
Audio mixing board
Outboard audio gear (compressor, equalizer)
Digital Audio Card
Dedicated computer
Encoding software
Streaming media server
This list is why I get so frustrated. What you see in the list is about $3000.00 of wasted money. This guy obviously wrote an article to either brag about what he knows about electronics, or to scare away people that want to get into running their own station. I know that if I didn't know better, I would have added up the grocery list and immediately started thinking about getting into another line of work.
Do you want to know what you actually need to start your own streaming radio station? Here we go...the truth of what you need:
Your computer
Some music
WinAmp
Broadcast scheduling software with encoders
Mic
VPS Hosting account
Patience and lots of it
Since you already own you computer we can say that you can now start your own station for about $200.00. Yes, it is a far cry from the estimated $3000.00 the other list was telling that you needed. Doesn't it make you want to punch a wall?
We'll start at the beginning of the list and explain what it means or how you can get it for cheap or free.
Let's start with your computer. As I already stated, you got one and shouldn't be counted in the list. If you need one, get a good one. I run one computer for my station and had an AMD Dual Core for about 2 years. I never had a problem and it ran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the day I thought I would trade out the heat sink and cooling fan and destroyed the processor. Now I run an Intel Quad Core and it works just fine, although I am still partial to AMD, but it just gets down to familiarity and brand loyalty. You can buy a great computer these days for a small price. You can get a fast computer with a mouse and keyboard and a 20" monitor for about $600.00 these days. This will honestly be the biggest purchase you will make, unless you start to get fancy that is.
Now let's talk about the music. Your best friend will be either Indie music, Open Source, or Public Domain. You can have a rotation list of 1000's of songs without ever having to touch today's mainstream music. Why pay money every month and/or year when you can have all the best music in the world for free? You just have to do a bit of digging and emailing to get people to send you their music, but they are always glad to get exposure. When I first started, I used 'free to post' websites to let bands know I was looking for music submissions. I would get at least 20 emails from bands within the first 12 hours of the posting. This is great, especially with niche radio stations like opera, indie or dance music. THERE'S ALWAYS FREE MUSIC OUT THERE! Never steal music to put on your site, bands don't respect it and you get boycotted PDQ.
WinAmp is free and it's super easy to use as a media player and a broadcast unit. When you get to the site, just download the WinAmp broadcasting package and you'll be set up and ready to go. WinAmp also transitions into using Shoutcast on your server, but we'll talk about that later. Either way, they are both FREE.
Broadcast scheduling software was the biggest pain in the butt to research. There's so much competition out there and a lot of crap to sift through before you hit the golden nuggets of scheduling software. The important thing to remember about this particular software is that you can get it for FREE! Do you see a theme starting here? To get you started, here is a list of FREE software you can use for broadcasting. It may not be the ultimate in broadcasting software, but it works and you might even like it...
BP2X - Broadcast Power
Zulu Radio
WinAmp
Shoutcast
NCH Software
Try each of them out and figure out what you like the best. Eventually you may end up going with a paid copy of another piece of software, but FREE is good always, and it's the best way to start.
If you plan on talking you need a mic. Mics do make a difference and people can tell that you are using a crappy microphone. But for the cost, stay with a low budget mic that you can upgrade easilty at a later date. Most start-up streaming stations don't even have a DJ, so the mic might be just an afterthought. Buy what your budget can afford, any more than that and you've wasted your money.
The hosting account is very important. You need enough bandwidth to be able to broadcast to your listeners, but not too much that will break the bank. VPS hosting seems to be the way to go. VPS stands for Virtual Private Server and is pretty close to running your own private server. The thing that I like is that you get tech support and you get to add programs to your hosting account like FFmpeg and Shoutcast/IceCast. The speed of the server is pretty good, and depending on the server, you are 1 of 4 (maybe 6) other clients on the same server. What you really need though is the ability to use telnet or communicate with your account via SSH to start your Shoutcast server, assuming you are using Shoutcast or Icecast. The hosting company I chose to go with after a bit of trial and error was WestHost. They've had their share of difficulties in the past, but the past is the past. They offer support that is second to none and the prices are really good. But, shop around and see what's best for you. And there's a reason I didn't mention your Internet Service Provider. They can be a bit grouchy when you decide to use them as your means of stream a radio station. Upload bandwidth is usually topped out at 200 to 500 megs, which means you can only have a finite number of listeners. ISP's also have rules and regulations about broadcasting or streaming, so double check. If they let you and you don't need a lot of listeners, then you just dropped you price by another $150.00 or so.
So, we've learned that creating an internet station is not easy, but it's not as hard as people would have you beleive. The expense is minimal, if you do it right. The random article I googled gave a price of abouit $3000.00. I was able to give you the price of about $200.00 assuming you have a computer. That's a big difference. Your best friends are going to be:
Open Source
Public Domain
Independent Music
Just remember those phrases when you are looking up information on your search engine. If you play your cards right, you may eventually find that you can get things done for no price at all.
I just has an article about my streaming radio station in the local paper and when the reporter ask how to start an internet radio station I was torn between a couple of answers. Do I lengthen the story and add a few thousand dollars to the budget just to scare away potential competition? Or do I tell the reporter just how easy is actually is, and deal with a few more station on the internet that could potentially steal listeners from me? I chose to tell the reporter exactly what I though was right. I chose to tell him exactly how easy setting up your very own radio station is.
When I started to research what it took to set up a streaming radio station, It was staggering how many articles are out there that told me that I needed thousands of dollars and a web hosting account that would cost an extra 400 to 500 hundred dollars a month to handle the bandwidth and copyrighting issues of running an internet radio station. I actually became quite angry after I had gone through most of the set up of my own station. I realised that a lot of the articles out there were written by people who just wanted to sound smart, simply copied and pasted another articles and had no clue what it took, and the creme de la creme were the people who wrote articles just to scare people out of creating a station because they couldn't handle the competition. So, the number one item on the list of important things to do before you start you own streaming radio station? Research, and lots of it.
I quite literally have another window open on my screen as I write this because I want to list out what the author of the other article wants you to buy in order to start your own streaming station. Ready? Here goes...
2 CD players
Nero 9
Adobe Audition for Editing
2 EV RE27N Mics (yeah, right)
Audio mixing board
Outboard audio gear (compressor, equalizer)
Digital Audio Card
Dedicated computer
Encoding software
Streaming media server
This list is why I get so frustrated. What you see in the list is about $3000.00 of wasted money. This guy obviously wrote an article to either brag about what he knows about electronics, or to scare away people that want to get into running their own station. I know that if I didn't know better, I would have added up the grocery list and immediately started thinking about getting into another line of work.
Do you want to know what you actually need to start your own streaming radio station? Here we go...the truth of what you need:
Your computer
Some music
WinAmp
Broadcast scheduling software with encoders
Mic
VPS Hosting account
Patience and lots of it
Since you already own you computer we can say that you can now start your own station for about $200.00. Yes, it is a far cry from the estimated $3000.00 the other list was telling that you needed. Doesn't it make you want to punch a wall?
We'll start at the beginning of the list and explain what it means or how you can get it for cheap or free.
Let's start with your computer. As I already stated, you got one and shouldn't be counted in the list. If you need one, get a good one. I run one computer for my station and had an AMD Dual Core for about 2 years. I never had a problem and it ran 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until the day I thought I would trade out the heat sink and cooling fan and destroyed the processor. Now I run an Intel Quad Core and it works just fine, although I am still partial to AMD, but it just gets down to familiarity and brand loyalty. You can buy a great computer these days for a small price. You can get a fast computer with a mouse and keyboard and a 20" monitor for about $600.00 these days. This will honestly be the biggest purchase you will make, unless you start to get fancy that is.
Now let's talk about the music. Your best friend will be either Indie music, Open Source, or Public Domain. You can have a rotation list of 1000's of songs without ever having to touch today's mainstream music. Why pay money every month and/or year when you can have all the best music in the world for free? You just have to do a bit of digging and emailing to get people to send you their music, but they are always glad to get exposure. When I first started, I used 'free to post' websites to let bands know I was looking for music submissions. I would get at least 20 emails from bands within the first 12 hours of the posting. This is great, especially with niche radio stations like opera, indie or dance music. THERE'S ALWAYS FREE MUSIC OUT THERE! Never steal music to put on your site, bands don't respect it and you get boycotted PDQ.
WinAmp is free and it's super easy to use as a media player and a broadcast unit. When you get to the site, just download the WinAmp broadcasting package and you'll be set up and ready to go. WinAmp also transitions into using Shoutcast on your server, but we'll talk about that later. Either way, they are both FREE.
Broadcast scheduling software was the biggest pain in the butt to research. There's so much competition out there and a lot of crap to sift through before you hit the golden nuggets of scheduling software. The important thing to remember about this particular software is that you can get it for FREE! Do you see a theme starting here? To get you started, here is a list of FREE software you can use for broadcasting. It may not be the ultimate in broadcasting software, but it works and you might even like it...
BP2X - Broadcast Power
Zulu Radio
WinAmp
Shoutcast
NCH Software
Try each of them out and figure out what you like the best. Eventually you may end up going with a paid copy of another piece of software, but FREE is good always, and it's the best way to start.
If you plan on talking you need a mic. Mics do make a difference and people can tell that you are using a crappy microphone. But for the cost, stay with a low budget mic that you can upgrade easilty at a later date. Most start-up streaming stations don't even have a DJ, so the mic might be just an afterthought. Buy what your budget can afford, any more than that and you've wasted your money.
The hosting account is very important. You need enough bandwidth to be able to broadcast to your listeners, but not too much that will break the bank. VPS hosting seems to be the way to go. VPS stands for Virtual Private Server and is pretty close to running your own private server. The thing that I like is that you get tech support and you get to add programs to your hosting account like FFmpeg and Shoutcast/IceCast. The speed of the server is pretty good, and depending on the server, you are 1 of 4 (maybe 6) other clients on the same server. What you really need though is the ability to use telnet or communicate with your account via SSH to start your Shoutcast server, assuming you are using Shoutcast or Icecast. The hosting company I chose to go with after a bit of trial and error was WestHost. They've had their share of difficulties in the past, but the past is the past. They offer support that is second to none and the prices are really good. But, shop around and see what's best for you. And there's a reason I didn't mention your Internet Service Provider. They can be a bit grouchy when you decide to use them as your means of stream a radio station. Upload bandwidth is usually topped out at 200 to 500 megs, which means you can only have a finite number of listeners. ISP's also have rules and regulations about broadcasting or streaming, so double check. If they let you and you don't need a lot of listeners, then you just dropped you price by another $150.00 or so.
So, we've learned that creating an internet station is not easy, but it's not as hard as people would have you beleive. The expense is minimal, if you do it right. The random article I googled gave a price of abouit $3000.00. I was able to give you the price of about $200.00 assuming you have a computer. That's a big difference. Your best friends are going to be:
Open Source
Public Domain
Independent Music
Just remember those phrases when you are looking up information on your search engine. If you play your cards right, you may eventually find that you can get things done for no price at all.
How Do Radio Stations Pick Which Songs to Play?
If you've ever listened to a radio station, you might have wondered how they choose which songs to put on air. The answer is both simple and complex.
You may be surprised to learn that music choice in any show is very rarely down to the Air Personality. Today the scheduling of songs also involves sophisticated computer programs.
Here's how it works
Most radio stations, or sometimes groups of stations employ a Music Director. It's his or her job to listen to all of the new releases that are sent weekly by record companies. These are known as Promo Copies and are distributed free of charge. Stations get them long before we ever hear them on air. There may be 20 or 30 of these delivered by post or even online as sound files each week. Record companies do this because playing the song on radio stimulates sales. When you hear a song you like, you will try to buy or order it at a music store.
At the listening session the Music Director often joined by the Program Director, and a group of the Presenters (DJs) who make up a small committee. They listen and rate the suitability each particular song for the station sound and its' potential to become a hit. Most offerings are rejected and only a tiny proportion will make it on air. This active group of songs is called the Current Playlist.
In smaller stations the Program Director may make all of the decisions. Sometimes record companies employ representatives to bring songs to the attention of radio station staff. They are called Pluggers. In most parts of the world it is illegal for them to offer any kind of financial incentive to get airplay. This is called Payola and there have been several scandals regarding this type of activity. However, the wheels are very often oiled with the supply of concert tickets for listener contest prizes or even artist interviews.
Once a song makes it onto the Playlist many radio stations use sophisticated Market Research techniques to ensure that they are playing them with the optimum Rotation. This is the frequency of repetition that satisfies the listener desire to hear their favourite song. The basic objective is to play songs not too often and not too infrequently.
Radio stations use a Sample of their audience to get a general opinion of this popularity. Usually, this involves playing short sections called Hooks (the bits you remember) of the songs and asking if the respondents wish to hear them more or less often. The results are then fed back into the scheduling computer, either elevating or lowering airplay. Because this type of testing is carried out by telephone, the phrase given to this is Call-Out Tracking. This method is usually applied to the Current song category. These are perhaps 20 fashionable hits of the moment.
When a song loses its appeal it is said to be Burnt. The very newest debut songs are called Breakers.
Radio stations will often evaluate larger groups of songs by using a different system, called Auditorium Music Testing.
To do this they once again use a Sample group who represent a robust cross section of the target market. Perhaps a hundred or so people are invited to a theatre, where the radio station will play a large number of Hooks. As the clips are played, the people taking part have to score the songs on a scale of one to five. This represents the level of appeal from love to hate. When these votes are tabulated, along with information on social class and age, it gives an accurate snapshot of which songs the station should play. In order to make sure that this information is valid, station with repeat this procedure a couple of times each year.
The central group of songs is called the Core. They are the most important songs that define the Station Sound. This creates a particular musical footprint that identifies the product and distinguishes one radio station from another.
Radio is a highly competitive business, and more importantly advertisers will only spend with the top ranking stations. Using and applying Music Research allows radio stations to compete for both audience and revenue.
About the author:
Gavin McCoy is a UK based Award Winning radio and marketing consultant.
You may be surprised to learn that music choice in any show is very rarely down to the Air Personality. Today the scheduling of songs also involves sophisticated computer programs.
Here's how it works
Most radio stations, or sometimes groups of stations employ a Music Director. It's his or her job to listen to all of the new releases that are sent weekly by record companies. These are known as Promo Copies and are distributed free of charge. Stations get them long before we ever hear them on air. There may be 20 or 30 of these delivered by post or even online as sound files each week. Record companies do this because playing the song on radio stimulates sales. When you hear a song you like, you will try to buy or order it at a music store.
At the listening session the Music Director often joined by the Program Director, and a group of the Presenters (DJs) who make up a small committee. They listen and rate the suitability each particular song for the station sound and its' potential to become a hit. Most offerings are rejected and only a tiny proportion will make it on air. This active group of songs is called the Current Playlist.
In smaller stations the Program Director may make all of the decisions. Sometimes record companies employ representatives to bring songs to the attention of radio station staff. They are called Pluggers. In most parts of the world it is illegal for them to offer any kind of financial incentive to get airplay. This is called Payola and there have been several scandals regarding this type of activity. However, the wheels are very often oiled with the supply of concert tickets for listener contest prizes or even artist interviews.
Once a song makes it onto the Playlist many radio stations use sophisticated Market Research techniques to ensure that they are playing them with the optimum Rotation. This is the frequency of repetition that satisfies the listener desire to hear their favourite song. The basic objective is to play songs not too often and not too infrequently.
Radio stations use a Sample of their audience to get a general opinion of this popularity. Usually, this involves playing short sections called Hooks (the bits you remember) of the songs and asking if the respondents wish to hear them more or less often. The results are then fed back into the scheduling computer, either elevating or lowering airplay. Because this type of testing is carried out by telephone, the phrase given to this is Call-Out Tracking. This method is usually applied to the Current song category. These are perhaps 20 fashionable hits of the moment.
When a song loses its appeal it is said to be Burnt. The very newest debut songs are called Breakers.
Radio stations will often evaluate larger groups of songs by using a different system, called Auditorium Music Testing.
To do this they once again use a Sample group who represent a robust cross section of the target market. Perhaps a hundred or so people are invited to a theatre, where the radio station will play a large number of Hooks. As the clips are played, the people taking part have to score the songs on a scale of one to five. This represents the level of appeal from love to hate. When these votes are tabulated, along with information on social class and age, it gives an accurate snapshot of which songs the station should play. In order to make sure that this information is valid, station with repeat this procedure a couple of times each year.
The central group of songs is called the Core. They are the most important songs that define the Station Sound. This creates a particular musical footprint that identifies the product and distinguishes one radio station from another.
Radio is a highly competitive business, and more importantly advertisers will only spend with the top ranking stations. Using and applying Music Research allows radio stations to compete for both audience and revenue.
About the author:
Gavin McCoy is a UK based Award Winning radio and marketing consultant.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Watch Music Videos And Get The Good Old Time Back Again
Young people today have so many ways to spend their free time, it sure could be overwhelming. When I was around sixteen I spent a lot of time with my friends, and I was always making time to watch music videos. Really, most of my time spent with friends was dedicated to MTV. If we weren't viewing the station we were talking about what we saw or what we would like to watch next. Looking back now I can't believe I wasted so much time, but then again, it made me happy so I believe it was important. In any case, at that moment in my life I could not envisage not watching MTV all the time, and now I could not tell you where it is on my cable lineup.
My friends and I could watch music videos so much that we could tell you every tiny thing that happened in the video. It was the time of the eighties hair bands, and there was at least one guy in every group that we were so much in love with, though it was rarely the same guy for each of us. We would watch music videos far into the night, and would eagerly await a new release. Thinking back, I recognize there are worse things I could have been doing with my time.
Although I do not watch music videos on MTV any longer, my boyfriend turns on some videos on occasion. We might watch some new material, and we could also see music videos from when we were teenagers. It is almost embarrassing to watch them today, as it reminds me of how crazy I was about it. I look at the guys that I thought were so attractive back then, and I do not understand what I saw in them. If it is up to me, I never watch music videos any longer, but if they are on and something good comes on I don't mind going down memory lane.
For the teenagers of today, there exist a lot of methods to look at music videos. MTV is still there, though I think it is a joke now. It is almost a parody of itself. If you are sick of the MTV programming like I am, you can find another great place to watch music videos. Many singers now put their videos up online so that you can watch them there. They do it for promotional purposes, just like the reasons they are played on TV music stations. So it seems there is a time for everything in life. Enjoy the present my friend.
My friends and I could watch music videos so much that we could tell you every tiny thing that happened in the video. It was the time of the eighties hair bands, and there was at least one guy in every group that we were so much in love with, though it was rarely the same guy for each of us. We would watch music videos far into the night, and would eagerly await a new release. Thinking back, I recognize there are worse things I could have been doing with my time.
Although I do not watch music videos on MTV any longer, my boyfriend turns on some videos on occasion. We might watch some new material, and we could also see music videos from when we were teenagers. It is almost embarrassing to watch them today, as it reminds me of how crazy I was about it. I look at the guys that I thought were so attractive back then, and I do not understand what I saw in them. If it is up to me, I never watch music videos any longer, but if they are on and something good comes on I don't mind going down memory lane.
For the teenagers of today, there exist a lot of methods to look at music videos. MTV is still there, though I think it is a joke now. It is almost a parody of itself. If you are sick of the MTV programming like I am, you can find another great place to watch music videos. Many singers now put their videos up online so that you can watch them there. They do it for promotional purposes, just like the reasons they are played on TV music stations. So it seems there is a time for everything in life. Enjoy the present my friend.
The Versatility of Internet Radio Stations
One of the most exciting developments in high tech media is the emergence of Internet radio stations. Everyone can now make their own webcasts or podcasts. All an individual needs to have is an inexpensive sound recording software, a computer, and of course, Internet radio stations.
Major communications firms established the majority of Internet radio stations as Internet versions of their own radio stations. The beauty of the World-Wide-Web is that it gives everyone a chance. Through the amazing technology of the Internet, you can listen to the top forty hits from New York or listen to some kid spin acid rock in Birmingham, Alabama though the amazing Internet radio stations.
One impressive feature of Internet radio stations is its ability to allow you to listen to your favorite radio station even if you move out of the city where it is based. I used to love WCBN in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the local college station, when I went to college there. When I transferred to another state, I had to leave many things behind, but not the music of my favorite radio station.
Fortunately, WBCN has a live streaming, Internet version on my computer, so I was able to tune in as if I still live in that area. This is really great for a music lover like me, I can listen to all my favorite programs from anywhere in the entire country. Nothing can possibly beat that.
Another thing to look for in Internet radio stations is the type of music that you prefer. Cities of average size would normally have a few different radio stations, but the line up is often pretty much similar across the whole lot of them. But if you have an internet access, you can listen to country, polka, blue grass, old school soul, and any other music type. There are plenty of people throughout the world who would appreciate sharing their music with you and would be overjoyed if you were to listen to their internet radio stations. Another bonus with internet radio stations is it’s mostly free, because if you charge for music from your radio station, people will just listen to something else.
Major communications firms established the majority of Internet radio stations as Internet versions of their own radio stations. The beauty of the World-Wide-Web is that it gives everyone a chance. Through the amazing technology of the Internet, you can listen to the top forty hits from New York or listen to some kid spin acid rock in Birmingham, Alabama though the amazing Internet radio stations.
One impressive feature of Internet radio stations is its ability to allow you to listen to your favorite radio station even if you move out of the city where it is based. I used to love WCBN in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the local college station, when I went to college there. When I transferred to another state, I had to leave many things behind, but not the music of my favorite radio station.
Fortunately, WBCN has a live streaming, Internet version on my computer, so I was able to tune in as if I still live in that area. This is really great for a music lover like me, I can listen to all my favorite programs from anywhere in the entire country. Nothing can possibly beat that.
Another thing to look for in Internet radio stations is the type of music that you prefer. Cities of average size would normally have a few different radio stations, but the line up is often pretty much similar across the whole lot of them. But if you have an internet access, you can listen to country, polka, blue grass, old school soul, and any other music type. There are plenty of people throughout the world who would appreciate sharing their music with you and would be overjoyed if you were to listen to their internet radio stations. Another bonus with internet radio stations is it’s mostly free, because if you charge for music from your radio station, people will just listen to something else.
5 Sure Fire Ways to Get Radio Play for Your "Independent" Music!
You have to find radio airplay time if you’re going to be heard and we’re not just talking the local college campus. The trick is called promotion. Now that doesn’t mean you just put your press kit in an envelope with a demo and hope they take pity on you. Perhaps you call a station and they give you the standard pitch of, “Send it and if we like it we’ll put you in rotation.” After a few months of never hearing your music, you automatically think you’re not worthy.
First, don’t buy that. You’re one of hundreds, maybe even thousands depending on your city. Your disc will probably end up in the trash or, for more enterprising DJ's, on Ebay in a one-cent CD sale. If you want to be heard and make potential sales, you have to stand out from the crowd, and in this jewel of an article, I’ll show you Five(5) Knock ‘em Dead Ways to Do Just That!:
#1 - Get your CD into the right hands. The intern that’s too busy to getting coffee or typing up a report for the station manager isn’t going to be the one making the airplay decision. So find out who the head honcho is in that department and touch base with them. If the club you’re playing at charges an admission or you have a show coming up offer to send the stations tickets to give away to listeners. Now keep in mind you can’t give the tickets to the staff, since that’s illegal and called payola, but you can offer free giveaway items to your potential audience.
#2 - If you’ve got one station in your pocket, then drop names. Let them know that WABC is playing your music and it’s getting a great response.
#3 - Make genuine friends in the business. If you’ve got a disc jockey that’s got you in rotation and really likes your sound, get to know them. Find out why they enjoy it and see if they’ve gotten any responses from listeners. If they haven’t, ask if perhaps they might Q & A their callers about your music so you get a feel for your target audience. It’s not a bad idea to ask them for a testimonial or quote if they’re well known in your area if you know them personally. People help people. That’s a fact so if you treat your area disc jockeys like a living and breathing human and not dollar signs, that’s a foot in the door. Another good source is club owners. If they play your music and the fans go nuts ask them to say a few words about your sound that you can pass along to prospective stations, but be sure to sit down for a drink with them. Ask them about the picture of him and the woman and two kids behind the Magic Kingdom. Don’t be fake, but be genuinely interested.
#4 - Network. Find out if someone you know (or someone they know) has connections to the music stations. Remember six degrees of separation - you’re only six people away from knowing anyone on the planet and yes that includes station managers, concert promoters and record execs. The trick is it takes a great deal of work and time, but if you’re serious, it’s well worth it.
#5 - Go local, state, national. Don’t think you’re going to skip your local and state stations and be the next Matchbox Twenty. It doesn’t work that way. Start small and then get big.
Making contacts and getting names can be tough, that’s why you should start with a tested and proven music industry resource like The Industry Yellow Pages - Music Industry Contact Directory at rel=nofollow http://www.TheIndustryYellowPages.com
The TIYP is helpful and loaded with contacts you can start using immediately without doing all the legwork yourself.
This article was written by Ty Cohen, the music industry's most recognizable voice!
Ty is the C.E.O of Platinum Millennium Publishing, Platinum Millennium Records as well as owner of http://www.MusicContracts101.com and http://www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com .
Some of his work includes: books, directories, mini-courses and software programs including the titles: "How to Make a Fortune in the Music Industry by Doing it Yourself" and "How to Make $500,000.00 "or More" A Year in the Music Industry by Doing it Yourself".
To find out more about Ty Cohen, his services, products and how he may be able to help you succeed in the music industry go to http://www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com and sign up for his free limited edition music industry success 10-part “Mini-Course”, it will work wonders for you and best of all, it’s FREE, but EXTREMELY VALUABLE!
First, don’t buy that. You’re one of hundreds, maybe even thousands depending on your city. Your disc will probably end up in the trash or, for more enterprising DJ's, on Ebay in a one-cent CD sale. If you want to be heard and make potential sales, you have to stand out from the crowd, and in this jewel of an article, I’ll show you Five(5) Knock ‘em Dead Ways to Do Just That!:
#1 - Get your CD into the right hands. The intern that’s too busy to getting coffee or typing up a report for the station manager isn’t going to be the one making the airplay decision. So find out who the head honcho is in that department and touch base with them. If the club you’re playing at charges an admission or you have a show coming up offer to send the stations tickets to give away to listeners. Now keep in mind you can’t give the tickets to the staff, since that’s illegal and called payola, but you can offer free giveaway items to your potential audience.
#2 - If you’ve got one station in your pocket, then drop names. Let them know that WABC is playing your music and it’s getting a great response.
#3 - Make genuine friends in the business. If you’ve got a disc jockey that’s got you in rotation and really likes your sound, get to know them. Find out why they enjoy it and see if they’ve gotten any responses from listeners. If they haven’t, ask if perhaps they might Q & A their callers about your music so you get a feel for your target audience. It’s not a bad idea to ask them for a testimonial or quote if they’re well known in your area if you know them personally. People help people. That’s a fact so if you treat your area disc jockeys like a living and breathing human and not dollar signs, that’s a foot in the door. Another good source is club owners. If they play your music and the fans go nuts ask them to say a few words about your sound that you can pass along to prospective stations, but be sure to sit down for a drink with them. Ask them about the picture of him and the woman and two kids behind the Magic Kingdom. Don’t be fake, but be genuinely interested.
#4 - Network. Find out if someone you know (or someone they know) has connections to the music stations. Remember six degrees of separation - you’re only six people away from knowing anyone on the planet and yes that includes station managers, concert promoters and record execs. The trick is it takes a great deal of work and time, but if you’re serious, it’s well worth it.
#5 - Go local, state, national. Don’t think you’re going to skip your local and state stations and be the next Matchbox Twenty. It doesn’t work that way. Start small and then get big.
Making contacts and getting names can be tough, that’s why you should start with a tested and proven music industry resource like The Industry Yellow Pages - Music Industry Contact Directory at rel=nofollow http://www.TheIndustryYellowPages.com
The TIYP is helpful and loaded with contacts you can start using immediately without doing all the legwork yourself.
This article was written by Ty Cohen, the music industry's most recognizable voice!
Ty is the C.E.O of Platinum Millennium Publishing, Platinum Millennium Records as well as owner of http://www.MusicContracts101.com and http://www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com .
Some of his work includes: books, directories, mini-courses and software programs including the titles: "How to Make a Fortune in the Music Industry by Doing it Yourself" and "How to Make $500,000.00 "or More" A Year in the Music Industry by Doing it Yourself".
To find out more about Ty Cohen, his services, products and how he may be able to help you succeed in the music industry go to http://www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com and sign up for his free limited edition music industry success 10-part “Mini-Course”, it will work wonders for you and best of all, it’s FREE, but EXTREMELY VALUABLE!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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