Airplay Direct Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary
Cutting edge online company streamlines and defines industry standards for independent artist promotion in a digital world.
Atlanta, GA - In just three short years, AirPlay Direct has become the global leader in digital music delivery services to radio for indie artists and record labels around the world. The AirPlay Direct community has grown exponentially over the past year and includes over 11,500 artist and label members, and over 2,400 radio station members.
AirPlay Direct’s professional membership now spans 104 countries globally.
It is no secret that the Music Industry paradigm is rapidly changing; more and more, industry professionals and content providers alike rely upon digital methods of obtaining and distributing music, especially in the business-to-business realm.
Each day artists and record labels turn to AirPlay Direct to get advice and guidance on how to improve their professional growth. The company’s loyal and growing member base is the result of personal recommendations and personal relationships. Each month over 30,000 unique visitors view more than 2,900,000 artist pages and are responsible for over 4,500,000 hits on AirPlayDirect.com.
To date AirPlay Direct has delivered over 2,000,000 digital packages to music industry professionals on behalf of their artist and label members; including over 73,000 new tracks to radio. With the average cost of a hard copy artist package set at $10, AirPlay Direct has saved their members over $20,000,000 in hard costs and has become the #1free electronic press kit service in the world.
“As I look back over the past three years I am filled with a deep sense of pride at what we have accomplished as a company. We have helped to shape and define the current landscape of the newly emerging digital music industry, and we will continue to strive earnestly towards our goals of true independent artist advocacy, education and empowerment” said Robert Weingartz, CEO and Founder of AirPlay Direct. “I am also very proud of AirPlay Direct’s eco-friendly solution to the issue of CD waste in our industry. By utilizing AirPlay Direct’s digital platform artists, record labels and music industry professionals can cut costs, increase their speed to market and contribute to the health and well being of our planet.”
For more information on AirPlay Direct’s free digital delivery services and how you can start putting more money on your bottom line please visit www.AirPlayDirect.com
AirPlay Direct… go straight to the source!
Contact: Robert Weingartz
rdw@airplaydirect.com
Thompson Square Wins Airplay Direct’s “All Things Digital Country / Alt. Country” Artist Contest
Throughout the month of May, AirPlay Direct ran our FREE to enter “All Things Digital Country / Alt. Country” artist contest. The winner Thompson Square will receive the Grand Prize package worth over $19,000 and includes:
- A 12 week Country radio digital promotion package from 1617 Virtual (a $4,500 value)
- A 12 week national publicity / marketing package from CDA Promotions-Nashville (a $6,000 value)
- A 12 week national Country radio promotion package from Airplay Specialists (a $4,000 value)
- Placement to digital downloads via download page at VirtualMusicMarket.com for one year (value priceless)
- A six month song-plugging web presence in the HitMenSongpluggers.com Digital Song Library (a $3,000 value)
- A half hour on-air feature artist interview with Big Kev from the Big Country Revue on WXLV Roots 90.3 FM
- A 2 page feature artist interview with Big Kev in the Artist Development Co-op’s Media Guide magazine
- A “Featured Artist” advertising / promotion package from AirPlay Direct (a $1,500 value)
A country duo in the truest sense - husband & wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson.
Not since Johnny and June, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, and George & Tammy has there been real-life husband and wife duet partners. And in that male-female “relationship” tradition, there were Porter & Dolly, Conway & Loretta, and Kenny Rogers had some monster duets with a variety of female artists, like Dolly Parton and Dottie West.
The point is we’re missing that in country music today. Yeah, there’s Tim & Faith and they tour together some, but Keifer and Shawna are something different. They are two-gether.
The tradition continues.
Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at http://www.airplaydirect.com/1617virtual
AirPlay Direct would like to thank our Sponsors who have contributed their time, resources and expertise to make this fantastic FREE TO ENTER artist contest a tremendous success.
For more information on 1617 Virtual please visit www.1617virtual.com
For more information on CDA Promotions-Nashville please write to CDAnashville@aol.com
For more information on Airplay Specialists please visit www.AirplaySpecialists.com
For more information on Virtual Music Market please visit www.VirtualMusicMarket.com
For more information on Hitmen Songpluggers please visit www.HitMenSongpluggers.com
For more information on AirPlay Direct please visit www.AirPlayDirect.com
AirPlay Direct… go straight to the source!
Call For Sponsors: AirPlay Direct’s Jazz / Latin Jazz / World Artist Contest 2008
AirPlay Direct has confirmed the date for our “All Things Digital Jazz / Latin Jazz / World” Artist Contest for the month of July 2008.
We have confirmed our first few Co-Sponsors for the event and are looking for additional Co-Sponsors in the following Areas:
- PR / Media firms
- Radio stations (announce & feature the winner with an on-air performance and interview)
- Equipment manufacturers or retailers that can contribute an instrument package
- Print publications that can run an ads and do a feature story on the winner of our contest
- Merchandise manufacturers, t-shirts, hats, stickers, etc.
- Festival / live-performance opportunities
- CD / DVD manufacturers
- Video companies to shoot a video
- Photographers / artist photo shoot
- Recording studio / studio time / production services
- A song placement in Film / TV / Music Supervisors
- Web Development / Graphics firm
AirPlay Direct’s Sponsorship / Contest programs are a valuable exposure and marketing tool that serve to help our Sponsors gain new clients, increase their corporate revenue, expose and grow their brand and company, and help them to develop a stronger global corporate presence and digital distribution footprint.
Our Sponsorship / Contest programs really do bring a lot more to the table in the way of press and media impressions, versus just a pure advertising play. These events receive a lot of press and exposure and create tremendous “good-will” and business opportunities within the industry for our Sponsors.
If you are interested in more information on this exciting opportunity, please contact us for more information.
Very best regards,
Mike Kreher
Director of Business Development
AirPlay Direct
“All Things Digital Folk / Americana” Artist Contest 2008
Throughout the month of June, AirPlay Direct will be running our FREE to enter “All Things Digital Folk / Americana” artist contest. The Grand Prize package will include:
- A 16 week national radio promotion package from Bill Wence Promotions (a $3,500 value)
- A 12 week digital radio promotion package from 1617 Virtual (a $4,500 value)
- A 12 week national publicity / marketing package from Pres Pak Public Relations (a $9,000 value)
- An official Folk Alliance National Conference 2009 live performance showcase (value priceless)
- A recording studio package for a master quality EP (5 songs) from Slot-1 Studios (a $5,000 value)
- A song on The Sin City Social Club Sampler Vol. # 10 / distributed during AMA Conf. and SXSW (a $750 value)
- Placement to digital downloads via download page at VirtualMusicMarket.com for one year (value priceless)
- Placement on the True Talent Management film & TV placement compilation (a $150 value)
- An on-air “feature artist” interview on Big Kev’s syndicated radio show “It’s Motel Time Again” (value priceless)
- An on-air “feature artist” interview with Rick Star from Texas Rebel Radio (value priceless)
- A on-air “feature artist” interview on the Billy Block Show (value priceless)
- A feature artist interview with Big Kev in the Artist Development Co-op’s Media Guide magazine (value priceless)
- A live performance slot at Billy Block’s showcase in Nashville (value priceless)
- A live performance slot at Famous Dave’s BBQ in Chicago (value priceless)
- A live performance slot at The Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh, NC (value priceless)
- A “Featured Artist” advertising / promotion package from AirPlay Direct (a $1,500 value)
The Grand Prize Package is valued at over $30,000…!
This contest is FREE TO ENTER and very simple. The only three requirements to enter are that you must be an AirPlay Direct artist / label member (free to join), your music must fall into the Folk / Americana genre and you must submit your AirPlay Direct DPK to office@airplaydirect.com prior to the official entry deadline of June 25th. Whether you are an indie artist or a well established record label with a roster, pick your best songs, you can submit from 1 to 3 tracks per artist. Please make sure to note that you are submitting for the Folk / Americana artist contest. Deadline for submissions is June 25th. The winner will be announced and “Featured” in the July Radio Programmers Newsletter, as well as in a company press release to all media outlets.
A little about Bill Wence Promotions:
Bill Wence is a writer, picker, singer and above all, a music lover. Living in Los Angeles in the mid-60’s and in the Northwest, and in Alaska in the late 60’s, he played music in clubs and shows, as well as getting his start in radio and TV. During this period, Bill was booking shows in Alaska and brought Bobby Bare, Charlie Rich, Ernest Tubb and others to the Capital city. www.billwencepromotions.com
Bill moved to Nashville in 1973 and went on the road playing piano with Tom T. Hall. As a writer, Bill has had Billboard cuts by Ronnie McDowell, Cristy Lane, Bobby G. Rice, Orion and others. He had four self-penned, self-produced and self-promoted Billboard singles in 1979-80, which led people to ask, “Hey, can you do that for me?”.
Bill opened up his own promotion company in 1980 charting hundreds of Billboard singles in the next two decades with acts as varied as Collin Raye, Jerry Jeff Walker, Blackhawk, Randy Travis and many others.
Bill started working with NPR as well as College and AAA stations. Bill was a founding member of the Americana
Music Association. Some of his clients in the past decade have included James Talley, Paul Stookey, Mary Gauthier, Jonell Mosser, John Hall, The Great Divide, Red Meat, Mare Winningham, Ruthie and the Wranglers, Tom T. Hall, The Outlaws (Waylon Jennings-Jessi Colter-Tompall Glaser-Willie Nelson), Bobby Bare, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Orleans, Michael Jonathan and The Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.
A little about 1617 Virtual:
1617 Virtual, LLC, is a marketing and promotion company that digitally releases and exposes music products to radio stations of all formats via a worldwide 11,000+ radio station database utilizing AirPlay Direct. Past clients include Lee Roy Parnell, Pam Tillis, Count Ridicula, and Burrito Deluxe. Add to that a decade of marketing and advertising experience and 1617 Virtual has much of the same expertise as a conventional record label, but they operate almost exclusively in the digital world, which is a new playing field with evolving ideas and strategies. www.1617virtual.com
A little about Pres Pak Public Relations:
Pres Pak Public Relations is a full-service marketing and public relations company driven by journalist and publicist
Tom Kidd. He has been instrumental in the Oscar nomination campaigns for the scores to “The Passion of the Christ” and “March of the Penguins.” In addition, I have helped drive the successful Grammy nomination campaign for Chris Walden’s “Home of my Heart.” Through the years, I have had the honor to work with clients including Sixties acid guru Dr. Timothy Leary and Eighties Grammy winners Men At Work. In addition, Pres Pak has been honored to work with a diverse group of Indie artists ranging from Hermosa Beach-based hare rockers Too Loose to singer/songwriter Debra Davis and rocking blues group Kelly’s Lot’s, the National Spokesband for HepCAware.org.
A little about Folk Alliance:
Folk Alliance is the service association for the field, and works on behalf of the folk music and dance industry year round. Our advocacy efforts tackle issues important to the folk arts community. We offer a business directory of contacts for members, and a non-profit group exemption program for US-based organizations. www.folk.org
In 1989, 125 people from across the continent traveled to a retreat in Malibu, California to begin discussions on the formation of a coalition of folk organizers. Invited by Clark and Elaine Weissman and the California Traditional Music Society, they were major presenters and small folk societies, people who’d done business across the continent, but who’d never met face to face. The earthquake that rocked southern California just days before the event was nothing compared to how this formational meeting has changed the way that the folk music and dance presenters, performers, agents, managers, media, and record companies do business in North America.
Our international conferences, held each February, have become the annual “town hall” of the folk community. Nearly 2,000 of our 2,400 members attend each year to conduct business, connect with their peers, and simply recharge their batteries for the coming year.
A little about Slot-1 Recording Studios:
Slot 1 Recording is located in suburban Philadelphia in the Rose Creek Valley - surrounded by nature it is the perfect place for creativity. Designed for acoustic recording, impeccable recording environment, using the latest equipment and technology. We are known for our expert ability to capture the acoustic moment. Take our online studio tour: http://www.slot-1.com/studio_tour
The winning artist will be working with an award winning songwriter and producer of folk, Americana and rock music. Top national known Philadelphia area studio players are available for sessions.
Memberships: Philadelphia Folk Song Society, Folk Alliance (NERFA), voting member of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy People) NARAS Producers Wing, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) ASCAP
A little about Sin City Social Club:
Shilah Morrow has been in the music business for 20 years (15 of which were spent at the Warner Music Group (WEA, Atlantic Records and Giant Records) in sales & marketing. She is currently the President of Sin City Marketing, which was launched during the Americana Music Assoc. conference in 2002 as a retail and lifestyle marketing company with a focus on roots, americana, alt. country and country rock. For the past 5 years Shilah has been at the epicenter of a musical groundswell in Los Angeles, successfully branding Sin City as a musical community for artists and consumers through concert promotion, grass roots marketing, and consulting. The company has now expanded the franchise to include a label, artist management and live concert production. www.sincitysocialclub.com
A little about Virtual Music Market:
VirtualMusicMarket.com is a record label / download store. It serves as a consignment download store for some independent songwriters / artists, but is also a home to music VMM itself creates, owns, or acquires. VirtualMusicMarket.com is not an mp3 clearing house, accepting any and all products submitted like most of the download stores on the Web. VMM operates more like a record label, using 30+ years of experience in Nashville in songwriting, song-plugging, and music publishing to be selective about what it sells and by “releasing” and promoting the music sold in the store to radio and elsewhere in hopes of making sure great artists and their music get exposed to and bought by music consumers. www.VirtualMusicMarket.com
A little about The Billy Block Show:
The Billy Block Show is the popular live music concert series held every Sunday night at Nashville Palace on historic Lower Broadway in Nashville . It is consistently filled with a loyal audience that ranges from music industry leaders and musicians to college students and baby boomers that are turning on to this exciting new musical movement.
The Billy Block Show & Locals Only on Radio - This weekly 2 hour radio show is heard every Sunday Night on 103 WKDF from 6 to 8pm and is broadcast LIVE from Cadillac Ranch and enjoys legions of loyal listeners. The Billy Block Show on Radio is the only programming dedicated to the promotion of traditional country, alternative country, and American roots music in the Nashville market. www.billyblock.com
A little about The Artist Development Group:
The Artist Development Co-Op is a full service promotion company that designs promotion, marketing and media development programs for Independent musicians. With nearly a century of combined experience in radio, major label promotion, management, film and television placement and marketing the Artist Development Group has the experience and knowledge to move your career forward. www.artistdevelopmentcoop.com
The Co-Op publishes the ADC Media Guide which now reaches over 30,000 readers and is gearing up for the summer launch of Roots Music Online Television. We also offer film and production for music video at an affordable rate. Our program is an effective, affordable solution to all of your promotion and marketing needs.
A little about AirPlay Direct:
AirPlay Direct www.AirPlayDirect.com is a new revolutionary, efficient and very cost effective way (FREE) to securely deliver your “broadcast-quality” music and electronic press kits to radio programmers and music industry professionals around the world.
AirPlay Direct is an easy to use digital file transfer system that was developed to streamline radio / artist promotion activities for today’s music industry. AirPlay Direct’s FREE digital services replace the unnecessary time and expense of putting together and sending out costly traditional artist packages and press kits via snail mail.
AirPlay Direct… go straight to the source!
Radio Programmers Newsletter - June 6, 2008
RADIO PROGRAMMERS NEWSLETTER :June 6, 2008
AirPlay Direct is pleased to announce our Sponsor for the June edition of our Radio Programmers Newsletter, SHURE Microphones. www.shure.com
AirPlay Direct’s digital delivery services are always FREE to our members thanks to wonderful Sponsors like SHURE Microphones. Founded in 1925, SHURE Incorporated www.shure.com is widely acknowledged as the leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics. Over the years, the Company has designed and produced many high-quality professional and consumer audio products that have become legendary for performance, reliability, and value.
SHURE’s diverse product line includes world-class wired microphones and wireless microphone systems for performers including the legendary 55SH Elvis mic and the industry standard SM58, award-winning earphones and headsets for MP3 players and smart phones, and top-rated phonograph cartridges for professional DJs. Today, SHURE products are the first choice wherever audio performance is a top priority: on concert stages, in recording studios, at radio and television networks, and in public address systems in houses of worship, meeting facilities, and other venues.
Throughout the month of June, AirPlay Direct will be running our FREE to enter “All Things Digital Folk / Americana” artist contest. The Grand Prize package will include:
- A 16 week national radio promotion package from Bill Wence Promotions (a $3,500 value)
- A 12 week digital radio promotion package from 1617 Virtual (a $4,500 value)
- A 12 week national publicity / marketing package from Press Pak Public Relations (a $9,000 value)
- An official Folk Alliance National Conference 2009 live performance showcase (value priceless)
- A recording studio package for a master quality EP (5 songs) from Slot-1 Studios (a $5,000 value)
- A song on The Sin City Social Club Sampler Vol. # 10 / distributed during AMA Conf. and SXSW (a $750 value)
- Placement to digital downloads via download page at VirtualMusicMarket.com for one year (value priceless)
- Placement on the True Talent Management film & TV placement compilation (a $150 value)
- An on-air “feature artist” interview on Big Kev’s syndicated radio show “It’s Motel Time Again” (value priceless)
- An on-air “feature artist” interview with Rick Star from Texas Rebel Radio (value priceless)
- A on-air “feature artist” interview on the Billy Block Show (value priceless)
- A feature artist interview with Big Kev in the Artist Development Co-op’s Media Guide magazine (value priceless)
- A live performance slot at Billy Block’s showcase in Nashville (value priceless)
- A live performance slot at Famous Dave’s BBQ in Chicago (value priceless)
- A live performance slot at The Berkeley Cafe in Raleigh, NC (value priceless)
- A “Featured Artist” advertising / promotion package from AirPlay Direct (a $1,500 value)
The Grand Prize Package is valued at over $30,000…!
This contest is FREE TO ENTER and very simple. The only three requirements to enter are that you must be an AirPlay Direct artist / label member (free to join), your music must fall into the Folk / Americana genre and you must submit your AirPlay Direct DPK to office@airplaydirect.com prior to the official entry deadline of June 25th. Whether you are an indie artist or a well established record label with a roster, pick your best songs, you can submit from 1 to 3 tracks per artist. Please make sure to note that you are submitting for the Folk / Americana artist contest. Deadline for submissions is June 25th. The winner will be announced and “Featured” in the July Radio Programmers Newsletter, as well as in a company press release to all media outlets.
A little about Bill Wence Promotions:
Bill Wence is a writer, picker, singer and above all, a music lover. Living in Los Angeles in the mid-60’s and in the Northwest, and in Alaska in the late 60’s, he played music in clubs and shows, as well as getting his start in radio and TV. During this period, Bill was booking shows in Alaska and brought Bobby Bare, Charlie Rich, Ernest Tubb and others to the Capital city. www.billwencepromotions.com
Bill moved to Nashville in 1973 and went on the road playing piano with Tom T. Hall. As a writer, Bill has had Billboard cuts by Ronnie McDowell, Cristy Lane, Bobby G. Rice, Orion and others. He had four self-penned, self-produced and self-promoted Billboard singles in 1979-80, which led people to ask, “Hey, can you do that for me?”.
Bill opened up his own promotion company in 1980 charting hundreds of Billboard singles in the next two decades with acts as varied as Collin Raye, Jerry Jeff Walker, Blackhawk, Randy Travis and many others.
Bill started working with NPR as well as College and AAA stations. Bill was a founding member of the Americana Music Association. Some of his clients in the past decade have included James Talley, Paul Stookey, Mary Gauthier, Jonell Mosser, John Hall, The Great Divide, Red Meat, Mare Winningham, Ruthie and the Wranglers, Tom T. Hall, The Outlaws (Waylon Jennings-Jessi Colter-Tompall Glaser-Willie Nelson), Bobby Bare, The Amazing Rhythm Aces, Orleans, Michael Jonathan and The Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.
A little about 1617 Virtual:
1617 Virtual, LLC, is a marketing and promotion company that digitally releases and exposes music products to radio stations of all formats via a worldwide 11,000+ radio station database utilizing AirPlay Direct. Past clients include Lee Roy Parnell, Pam Tillis, Count Ridicula, and Burrito Deluxe. Add to that a decade of marketing and advertising experience and 1617 Virtual has much of the same expertise as a conventional record label, but they operate almost exclusively in the digital world, which is a new playing field with evolving ideas and strategies. www.1617virtual.com
A little about Pres Pak Public Relations:
Pres Pak Public Relations is a full-service marketing and public relations company driven by journalist and publicist Tom Kidd. He has been instrumental in the Oscar nomination campaigns for the scores to “The Passion of the Christ” and “March of the Penguins.” In addition, I have helped drive the successful Grammy nomination campaign for Chris Walden’s “Home of my Heart.” Through the years, I have had the honor to work with clients including Sixties acid guru Dr. Timothy Leary and Eighties Grammy winners Men At Work. In addition, Pres Pak has been honored to work with a diverse group of Indie artists ranging from Hermosa Beach-based hare rockers Too Loose to singer/songwriter Debra Davis and rocking blues group Kelly’s Lot’s, the National Spokesband for HepCAware.org.
A little about Folk Alliance:
Folk Alliance is the service association for the field, and works on behalf of the folk music and dance industry year round. Our advocacy efforts tackle issues important to the folk arts community. We offer a business directory of contacts for members, and a non-profit group exemption program for US-based organizations. www.folk.org
In 1989, 125 people from across the continent traveled to a retreat in Malibu, California to begin discussions on the formation of a coalition of folk organizers. Invited by Clark and Elaine Weissman and the California Traditional Music Society, they were major presenters and small folk societies, people who’d done business across the continent, but who’d never met face to face. The earthquake that rocked southern California just days before the event was nothing compared to how this formational meeting has changed the way that the folk music and dance presenters, performers, agents, managers, media, and record companies do business in North America.
Our international conferences, held each February, have become the annual “town hall” of the folk community. Nearly 2,000 of our 2,400 members attend each year to conduct business, connect with their peers, and simply recharge their batteries for the coming year.
A little about Slot-1 Recording Studios:
Slot 1 Recording is located in suburban Philadelphia in the Rose Creek Valley - surrounded by nature it is the perfect place for creativity. Designed for acoustic recording, impeccable recording environment, using the latest equipment and technology. We are known for our expert ability to capture the acoustic moment. Take our online studio tour: http://www.slot-1.com/studio_tour
The winning artist will be working with an award winning songwriter and producer of folk, Americana and rock music.
Top national known Philadelphia area studio players are available for sessions.
Memberships: Philadelphia Folk Song Society, Folk Alliance (NERFA), voting member of NARAS (National
Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy People) NARAS Producers Wing, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) ASCAP
A little about Sin City Social Club:
Shilah Morrow has been in the music business for 20 years (15 of which were spent at the Warner Music Group (WEA, Atlantic Records and Giant Records) in sales & marketing. She is currently the President of Sin City Marketing, which was launched during the Americana Music Assoc. conference in 2002 as a retail and lifestyle marketing company with a focus on roots, americana, alt. country and country rock. For the past 5 years Shilah has been at the epicenter of a musical groundswell in Los Angeles, successfully branding Sin City as a musical community for artists and consumers through concert promotion, grass roots marketing, and consulting. The company has now expanded the franchise to include a label, artist management and live concert production. www.sincitysocialclub.com
A little about Virtual Music Market:
VirtualMusicMarket.com is a record label / download store. It serves as a consignment download store for some independent songwriters / artists, but is also a home to music VMM itself creates, owns, or acquires.
VirtualMusicMarket.com is not an mp3 clearing house, accepting any and all products submitted like most of the download stores on the Web. VMM operates more like a record label, using 30+ years of experience in Nashville in songwriting, song-plugging, and music publishing to be selective about what it sells and by “releasing” and promoting the music sold in the store to radio and elsewhere in hopes of making sure great artists and their music get exposed to and bought by music consumers. www.VirtualMusicMarket.com
A little about The Billy Block Show:
The Billy Block Show is the popular live music concert series held every Tuesday night at Cadillac Ranch on historic Lower Broadway in Nashville . It is consistently filled with a loyal audience that ranges from music industry leaders and musicians to college students and baby boomers that are turning on to this exciting new musical movement.
The Billy Block Show & Locals Only on Radio - This weekly 2 hour radio show is heard every Sunday Night on 103 WKDF from 6 to 8pm and is broadcast LIVE from Cadillac Ranch and enjoys legions of loyal listeners. The Billy Block Show on Radio is the only programming dedicated to the promotion of traditional country, alternative country, and American roots music in the Nashville market. www.westernbeat.com
A little about The Artist Development Group:
The Artist Development Co-Op is a full service promotion company that designs promotion, marketing and media development programs for Independent musicians. With nearly a century of combined experience in radio, major label promotion, management, film and television placement and marketing the Artist Development Group has the experience and knowledge to move your career forward. www.artistdevelopmentcoop.com
The Co-Op publishes the ADC Media Guide which now reaches over 30,000 readers and is gearing up for the summer launch of Roots Music Online Television. We also offer film and production for music video at an affordable rate. Our program is an effective, affordable solution to all of your promotion and marketing needs.
A little about AirPlay Direct:
AirPlay Direct www.AirPlayDirect.com is a new revolutionary, efficient and very cost effective way (FREE) to securely deliver your “broadcast-quality” music and electronic press kits to radio programmers and music industry professionals around the world.
AirPlay Direct is an easy to use digital file transfer system that was developed to streamline radio / artist promotion activities for today’s music industry. AirPlay Direct’s FREE digital services replace the unnecessary time and expense of putting together and sending out costly traditional artist packages and press kits via snail mail.
The winner of the AirPlay Direct “All Things Digital Country / Alt. Country” artist contest is Thompson Square!
A country duo in the truest sense - husband & wife Keifer and Shawna Thompson.
Not since Johnny and June, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, and George & Tammy has there been real-life husband and wife duet partners. And in that male-female “relationship” tradition, there were Porter & Dolly, Conway & Loretta, and Kenny Rogers had some monster duets with a variety of female artists, like Dolly Parton and Dottie West.
The point is we’re missing that in country music today. Yeah, there’s Tim & Faith and they tour together some, but Keifer and Shawna are something different. They are two-gether. The tradition continues. Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at http://www.airplaydirect.com/1617virtual
Throughout the month of May, AirPlay Direct ran our FREE to enter “All Things Digital Country / Alt. Country” artist contest. The winner Thompson Square will receive the Grand Prize package which is worth over $19,000 and includes:
- A 12 week Country radio digital promotion package from 1617 Virtual (a $4,500 value)
- A 12 week national publicity / marketing package from CDA Promotions-Nashville (a $6,000 value)
- A 12 week national Country radio promotion package from Airplay Specialists (a $4,000 value)
- Placement to digital downloads via download page at VirtualMusicMarket.com for one year (value priceless)
- A six month song-plugging web presence in the HitMenSongpluggers.com Digital Song Library (a $3,000 value)
- A half hour on-air feature artist interview with Big Kev from the Big Country Revue on WXLV Roots 90.3 FM
- A 2 page feature artist interview with Big Kev in the Artist Development Co-op’s Media Guide magazine
- A “Featured Artist” advertising / promotion package from AirPlay Direct (a $1,500 value)
AIRPLAY DIRECT’S FEATURED RADIO PROGRAMMER FOR JUNE
Well known and respected in the Americana music field, Kevin “Big Kev” Ploghoft has been in the radio industry for over 20 years and is currently the Talent Coordinator and Content Consultant for WXLV - Roots 90.3 in Schnecksville, Pa., and also serves as Music Director for Regional Roots Radio.
Big Kev is the former Music Director of WDVR-FM in Sergeantsville, NJ (2002-2007) and is the Co-Creator, Co-Producer and host of the Living Room Series and the It’s Motel Time Again radio programs that air on numerous stations. Both radio programs are now available exclusively on AirPlay Direct as a “broadcast-quality” download for syndicated programming on your station. Listen to and download Big Kev’s “broadcast-quality” radio shows at http://www.airplaydirect.com/BigKev
AIRPLAY DIRECT’S FEATURED ARTISTS FOR MAY
Zito’s journey took off at the age of 19, when he busted into the local St. Louis music scene, developing his sound even further from the stage. His first independent release arrived in 1996, titled “Blue Room” which included raw and funky songs “Hollywood” and “Pull the Trigger”. His songwriting experience would break through on his sophomore release titled “America’s Most Wanted” in 1999. This album shares his pop sensibilities and intense guitar work. “Crazy People”, “Deal Me In” and his own rendition of Elton John’s “Rocket Man” all set the pace to bring him into a national audience.
Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at www.airplaydirect.com/MikeZito
Track listing:
1 Endless Thank You Loop 6 1 Realm
2 A Call to Action 7 True to Nature
3 A Striking Resemblance 8 Artist’s Mirage Two
4 Walk Me to the Window 9 Obliquity
5 Shashké 10 Corporate Chew Toy
Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at www.airplaydirect.com/LaurieLarson
“Common Ground” is a conversation between a “seasoned” citizen and a young rocker that takes place in a south Texas cafe’. They debate the music of yesteryear and today. The song has a fun twist when it’s revealed just, “who” the seasoned citizen is. Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at www.airplaydirect.com/EdBentley
Reggae Gold 2008 is here and just like the girl on the cover, it’s hot! This top selling compilation is 15 years strong and shows no sign of slowing down! This year RG 08 includes the smash hit from Stephen and Damien Marley ‘The Mission’, and hot new tunes like ‘Doh’ by Serani and Bugle, ‘Money Changer’ from Mavado, and ‘The Plane Land’ by Richie Spice. Also includes a bonus mix disc by world champion Mighty Crown Soundsystem. Reggae Gold is the one compilation that has it all.
Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at
www.airplaydirect.com/reggaegold
“Random Thoughts (From A Paralyzed Mind)” may be the band’s first full length, but the maturity exhibited will easily fool individuals into thinking that this is their fourth or fifth album.” Neufutur Magazine
Drawing emotional strength and wisdom from his own powerful personal life experiences, Bloom offers Random Thoughts (from a paralyzed mind), his insightful, musically and lyrically compelling debut that chronicles his dramatic shift from years of self-doubt (and physical problems with his voice) to his current emergence as a critically acclaimed, award winning artist and performer.
Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at www.airplaydirect.com/peterbloomband
At its best, music is an interaction between the artist and his audience. John Farias, on his latest CD “Smells Like Britney - Be Like Hugh”, makes that interaction fun and inspirational. The new release includes upbeat, thought provoking, sarcastic humor and clever lyrics. Inspired by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Santana, John has captivated his supporters with a unique blend of old-school rock infused with blues.
John’s new EP “Smells Like Britney - Be Like Hugh” was recorded with drummer Steven Sweet (Warrant). Adding an edginess to the record, Toby Wright (Korn, Metallica, Wallflowers) mixed the CD. And it features a Klub mix and a Radio mix of “Smells Like Britney” done by DJScottyK. Listen to and download “broadcast-quality” tracks at www.airplaydirect.com/JOHNFARIAS
AirPlay Direct… go straight to the source!
AirPlay Direct Rockets Past 11,000 Artists, Increases Capacity
We’ve been so busy recently, that we almost forgot to mention that AirPlay Direct signed up it’s 11,000th artist account a few weeks ago. As you may recall, back in March we hit 10,000 artists, so things are growing fast!
Additionally, today we performed some major technology upgrades behind the scenes. Unfortunately, we had to be offline for several hours this morning in order to accomplish this and we apologize for any inconvenience. On the plus side, we’ve dramatically increased our storage capacity, beefed up our backup, and have implemented the next set of steps in making the homepage and all artist sites even more “search engine friendly” so radio stations can find artists more easily.
There are still many exciting changes to come . . . Thanks for everyone’s support!