How do you introduce Podcasting to indies?

[ccarella]

I've been a fan of independent music for a long time. I would like to begin contacting some of my favorite bands and thier labels requesting permission to play songs on my upcoming podcast. What kind of consice wording are others using successfully to explain "podcasting" and request the rights of broadcast to independent labels?

Chris

[Insomnia Radio]

I take a unique approach when I approach bands and labels. Granted, this is not what I ALWAYS do, but it does work...

Just DROP the word podcast into the email you're writing. Mention that you do an Internet Radio show, but just leave it at that. I guarantee you they will be curious and reply in some form or another. Then, you can point them towards Podcastalley.com, the WIKI definition, etc...

Also, one thing to consider about permissions. Please make sure that if you have the bands permission, you ALSO have the labels. Some contracts actually give permission rights to the labels vs the bands.

I have also begun requesting permissions for not just my show, but a group of shows. that way, if we really feel that artist kicks ***, we can all spin the track and give them some rotation...

Since I started Insomnia Radio, I've contacted roughly 50 bands, so if you need any help getting things rolling, drop me an email.

[notyourusualbollocks]

Well you could just play the stuff anyway if you already have the tracks. You ARE doing them a favour by getting their music out into the open. I know, I know there are legal loopholes etc but I'm sure they'll be flattered.

[Insomnia Radio]

NEVER Assume that a band will be flattered. NEVER.

Play it safe people.

If a band wanted to, they could come after you for .89cents per song you've played by them, multiplied by the downloads your show has had containing that song...

I agree that 99% of indie bands would be cool with it, or take a "look the other way" approach as they do with mp3blogs, but it's more rewarding to contact them, because more likely than not, they WILL write you back and be all excited about it...

This is how I've gotten roughly 10 Station ID's from bands for Insomnia Radio and Indiefeed, as well as (drumroll please) full length CD's to preview all their music....

Bottom line: assume nothing and follow the rules.

[radioclash]

have you had many no's, Jason?

just wondering...

[Insomnia Radio]

have you had many no's, Jason?

just wondering...

If you consider no response from the band a "no" then I've had a few...
As far as artists directly replying, every single one has been enthusiastic about some podcast play...and they like to be educated about what podcasting is exactly. I feel that's our duty...it's wide wide networked world, and the more bands aware of what we're doing the better...

[Heart Alpha9]

hey jason the site is nearly ready so soon you will all have access to my podsafe music if anyone wants to share their s please send me the mp3 with band details and i will include it on the listings
Heart
ps good advice it doesnt matter how nice the bands are unless they are unsigned and unmanaged you face a very good chance of getting sued 4 playing their music without the proper permission

[cc_chapman]

Can't wait to check it out Heart!

Especially now that I'm doing an all Non-RIAA music podcast at www.accidenthash.com

[Mark]

RadioClash

I am running about 50%. And of the 50% that return my email , all are yes. Heck, one band sent me a CD via snail and said "play whatever you want."

My intro uses music from a band that when you read their Creative Commons lic they said no modifying. So I put together a very rough new intro to give them a feel for how I wanted to use their stuff. Or should I say parts of it.

Within 12 hrs I was given an official "go for it."

Bottom line, emails don't cost a thing and it doesn't hurt to ask. And I'm just a smaller podcast so go for it.

Good Luck

Mark
5 Speed Cassette