Can I get on the radio without a label?

Yes. College, community and public stations take music straight from independent artists, and none of the ones below asks for a label. Our guide to free music promotion walks through one college station’s rules step by step.

Community and public radio. Seattle’s KEXP wants submissions by email to its Music Department, as streaming and WAV download links with no attachments, per its submission guidelines. Include focus tracks, release dates, a lyric sheet and a bio or one-sheet. KEXP says it doesn’t take payment for airplay, and hiring a promoter is optional.

Austin’s KUTX asks for final mastered radio edits of new or upcoming releases, no rough demos. Local artists flag it with ATX or TX in the subject line.

BBC Introducing. If you’re in the UK, BBC Introducing has an upload page that pitches a shot at BBC Radio play, plus local shows across the country. Start there instead of emailing national DJs.

SiriusXM. It doesn’t list a public submission form for artists on its site. Treat it as a later goal, after college and community stations have played you.

Expect silence. KEXP says not to expect a reply, so check its playlists instead of chasing.

Before the first spin, register with a PRO and SoundExchange. Radio plays pay through them, not your distributor, as our guide to making money from music explains.