Over the years AirPlay Direct has been the best option for most artists and labels. Although, now with Dropbox and Google Drive allowing us to send files safe via email. Is it time to build our own google drive folder for all of radio to download from? cough (IBMA)
My New Idea
We started using google forms as a way for artists and labels to submit new music. The Bluegrass Jamboree radio station has been using our setup. As soon as the artist, label or PR person adds the new song, its submitted to us and we all get an email sent to our inbox. The metadata goes into a shared google sheets page and the cover and audio goes into a google drive folder.
Tracking Opens
Airplay Direct doesn’t tell us who download the song, just that someone at this station downloaded the song. This is not really up to the new standard of email tracking. For me, I would rather know what DJs / Programmer downloaded the song via Google Gmail with YAMM. Knowing that the DJ or PD downloaded or clicked the play button changes how I start off the conversation with them.
When I know they clicked
"Hey Frank, thanks for checking out our new song" "Hey Frank, thanks for downloading our new song"
When we don't
"Hey Frank, we sent you our new song and hopefuly it fits your shows playlist"
It might seem little to some, but, it's always better knowing. AirPlay Direct still has a strong place in bluegrass, but for me and other labels wanting more data, this is not working for me anymore.
Record Labels
Every label already has a system in place that works for them. I'm seeing a three button option in just about all the emails we get.
MP3
WAV
AirPlay Direct
DropBox & Google Drive seem to be used the most. This is what we also do for 615 Hideaway Records, it's clean and easy for the person to pick what they need.
New Bands/Artists
This can be overwhelming at first, building relationships is a good place to start. Pushing for that #1 song right out of the gate is a big long shot. It's not impossible by any means, just have realistic expectations.
Our Options Now
Google Drive / DropBox - Tracking
Bluegrass Today DJ Survey (No tracking)
Get It Played - Not Sure (Keith make us a forum about GIP)
AirPlay Direct - Some Tracking
Let us know what you think, and what's working and not working for you...
Sammy3
