tate music group...what's the frequency, kenneth?

One of the things we focus on with the artists Tate Music Group is privileged to work with is the radio. Every artist wants to be heard on the air...some want to hear themselves (which is perfectly normal), others want to make sure their music and message gets broadcast to as many as possible, and most want both. Again, perfectly normal. In fact, we might think something strange if radio and musical exposure via FM/AM airwaves wasn't something an artist was interested in.

What gets tricky is the fact that we don't own or control the stations we talk to regarding our artists. Many times, to them, we are just one of hundreds and thousands of groups or artists who approach them to play some music. So, when you don't control the station or the station manager...and you are (or represent) one of thousands of new (really good) artists, how do you make the station/manager/radio-world take notice? Good question.

Tate Music Group hits this question from a few different angles. One thing our Marketing team makes sure to do is build good, personal relationships with station managers and program/music directors. Many artists still send a CD in an envelop with a 'please play me' note included. Granted, the music might be tremendous but the managers and directors are overworked, overstressed, out of time, and they receive hundreds of those types of submissions every week. It isn't worth it to them to sort through it all to find the few hidden gems. I can't say I disagree with them.

At TMG, we approach things from the personal level. We want to respect their time and we know that we only have a small window to impress and connect. We make sure to connect on a personal level, to let the stations know we are a strong, well-established company that is backing some really, really great music. We also refrain, unless directly requested, from sending 'cold CDs.' Instead, we create for our artists a professional, genre and artist specific electronic press-kit to send their way. These are sharp, well created, easy to navigate, and full of all necessary info to tell about the artist and the music. Since we only have a few seconds to catch their attention, we want to 'wow' them with a great looking, user-friendly EPK.

Besides the personal connections and the EPKs, Tate Music Group has started to offer our own staff and services in ways that are very hard to refuse. As TMG began contacting stations and talking with the directors, we noticed a need (and an opportunity) to take some of the workload off of their plates. We do this by creating our own programs to fit specific stations and areas. We have 2 major shows as of now (with more being added) playing weekly on over 450 stations nationwide. One of the shows, our Christian Hard Rock program (X-Trax) can be checked out here.

There are many other shows and opportunities on the horizon. This is just a small taste of what Tate Music Group is doing when it comes to 'attacking' the radio world on behalf of our artists. We understand how important the radio is to helping up and coming artists gain more and more of an audience. We also see where the radio market is heading. We are constantly discussing, planning, and dealing in regards to online and satelite radio.

The future of Tate Music Group and the radio looks and sounds bright...