ACOUSTIC RADIO PROMOTION

Kari conceived of and implemented a strategy for my Cd’s radio
promotion so effective that, for the month of November 2008, it was listed
on the international FOLK-DJ charts for #1 song, #1 CD and #1 artist.
That's an investment I'm very glad I made, and will make again.
Si Kahn

Your taste in artists is impeccable!
Steve Jerrett - KOPN MD - Columbia, MO

You do such an awesome job for your clients!
Lilli Kuzma - WDCB - Glen Ellyn/Chicago

For eight years Kari has established her reputation as one of the premier promoters of Folk and Acoustic Music to radio. Concentrating on the official Folk Music Chart (Folk DJ-L**), her artists consistently chart in the top 20 and more often than not, in the top 10. It is not uncommon for many of Kari’s artists to land in the top 5, many reaching # 2 or even #1 out of Folk-DJ’s 70-position chart. As added value, Kari also includes a variety of other public, community, Americana, internet and eclectic format tastemaker radio shows and stations across the country and abroad, for additional airplay and opportunities. Her entire list comprises close to 500 stations.

Her reputation over the years with the various DJ’s puts your record ahead of most to reach the “top of the pile” to be listened to. DJ’s know that the quality of artists that Kari sends usually merits an expedited listen, therefore speeding you through the DJ’s screening process and often giving you priority for airplay consideration.

The standard for radio promotion is 8 weeks and Kari works with the artist to formulate a plan, release date and one-sheet that will give the artist the best advantage to chart and for airplay. She often works on a consulting basis with artists who are still recording and mixing their CD's, giving them more objective feedback on their song placement, choices and production for what they are trying to achieve with their release. (click here for info on Career Assessment System)

Although Kari has embarked on several promotions for CD’s that have been previously released but not yet promoted or sent regionally or to a few stations only, the optimal time to discuss your project is three months before the initial release date, or while still recording and mixing.

Kari promotes artists on a project basis, subject to availability. To discuss your upcoming radio project and for more information, please email Kari or call 615/262-0883.


Kari’s Top Five General Record Tips:*

1) If you want airplay on acoustic music radio, look at your production values and evaluate if they “fit” with other CD’s you hear on independent radio. Excessive production, drums and electric guitars, that take more center stage than your song, will detract from your ability for airplay in this genre.

2) When doing a budget for your CD, always include money for promotion and publicity, whether on radio promotion, taking out print ads, or launching a radio release tour.

3) Try to schedule your CD release party for four to six weeks after your record comes out. This way, if your record is delayed in manufacturing, you are sure to have your CD in hand at your party. Also, this gives you time to get the CD to reviewers and press people to help promote your gig and to get it into local record stores if applicable.

4) Don’t forget – copyright your songs, join a PRO (BMI, ASCAP or SEASAC) and establish a publishing company, unless you are signed to one. Put your name, CD title and record label info on the spine. Yes, think up a name for a record label (and do an exhaustive search on the internet at least to make sure no one else is using it) and give the CD a number. Example: Sheena Dog Recordings 102 on the CD spine is: SDR102. Make sure you have a bar code as well. Whomever is manufacturing your CD should provide this service. Make sure your artwork leaves a space for the bar code.

5) Write a CD one-sheet for your project. Include your name, CD name and number, release date at the top, along with a mini picture of your CD. The purpose of the one-sheet is to talk about your record. Include information about the songs, describe the music and themes and production, list the players and you may list suggested tracks. If you have a wonderful quote, include it in the top in italics. Other quotes may be worked into the body of the CD. Only include a very brief amount of bio of your own, as it may relate the CD. Make sure your web site is prominent at the bottom.

With Kari's help, my CD, SPARKS IN THE RADIO, was cited as one
of the top CDs on Folk DJ's Best Albums of 2005. That says it all.
Jim Photoglo

Kari promoted my CD to folk radio, getting it to No. 2 where it remained
in the Top 5 for two more months. She is experienced, savvy and intelligent.
Her insights and suggestions have been invaluable.
Cosy Sheridan

*When working with Kari through her various programs or artist services such as radio promotion, Kari will tailor these tips to your individual situation and project.

**Folk DJ-L is a list serve with approximately 225 reporting DJ’s in various categories including folk and acoustic, roots music, blues, women’s and Celtic genres. Although set up as a list serve with multiple daily reports from various DJ’s and a comprehensive monthly chart, the Folk Alliance publishes these charts in their newsletter. There are about 800 or more subscribers to Folk DJ, including DJ’s, other artists, record labels and interested individuals.

To read more about Kari's other services, explore the links below:

Career Assessment System
Management Program
Acoustic Radio Promotion
Workshops & Panels
Customized Services

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