How Do Radio Stations Get Their Music, Especially Really Old Recordings?
Radio stations today face a unique challenge when it comes to sourcing the perfect music for their airwaves. While new-release material is always popular, many stations specialize in broadcasting music that resonates with an older audience, featuring recordings from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. This niche requires careful navigation of music distribution, licensing, and specialized providers.
Music Distribution Services for Radio Stations
There are dedicated companies that cater specifically to radio stations looking for music that isn't the latest release. These companies offer a range of music packages that are tailored to the tastes and requirements of stations playing non-new-release material. Examples include 'oldies libraries,' 'classic rock libraries,' 'nostalgia' libraries, and 'classic hits' libraries. These packages are designed to meet the specific needs of stations that want to create a timeless, retro listening experience for their audience.
Music Distribution for Current Music
Radio stations that focus on current music have a different set of providers. In this case, record labels play a crucial role. Record companies provide promotional copies of their recordings to radio stations for free. This is often part of the promotional strategy to ensure that as many radio stations as possible play their songs. Physical media, such as CDs or records, were once the norm, and even after being received, these materials remained the legal property of the record label. While digital media has largely replaced physical media, the tradition of providing promotional materials continues.
Personal Experience: Collector of Vintage Music
As a former radio station owner and now semi-retired, my company and I have been collecting high-quality music since the 1960s. We specialize in providing music packages that are meticulously curated for radio stations, with a focus on building collections of oldies and classic hits. It is important to note that we sell our music exclusively to radio stations with ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, or SoundExchange licenses. We do not sell our music to the general public. Our goal is to maintain the integrity and reliability of the music we offer, ensuring that it adheres to the standards set by these performing rights organizations.
Moreover, there are large corporations that own hundreds (if not thousands) of radio stations, and these conglomerates often have their own music collections. These collections are a testament to the importance of music distribution and the extensive resources required to curate extensive radio-friendly music libraries. The process of obtaining, licensing, and distributing music is complex, but it is essential for creating a diversified and engaging radio station playlist.
Conclusion: Whether it's oldies or current hits, the world of radio music distribution is a fascinating intersection of music, technology, and business. From record labels to specialized music providers, the journey of a radio station’s playlist is a testament to the enduring power of music in connecting communities and evoking nostalgia.