College radio is a great way for new artists to get their name out to youth and build a fanbase and brand, and WordPlay T. Jay is giving a multi-part series on how to get plays at college stations around the U.S.

A former college radio DJ and program director himself, T. Jay has first-hand knowledge regarding what stations look for when selecting whose music is sent over the airwaves.

This week, T. Jay is outlining how to send works to the stations, which is a 5-step process:

1. Gather a radio contact list

T. Jay has made a College Radio Guide for Musicians that includes a list of colleges in the U.S.

It is best to go through the list And ID the stations you’d like to send the submissions to.

2. Prepare your budget and make sure you have enough money.

College radio campaigns are less expensive than some other campaigns, but that does not make them cheap.

To help make it easier to pay, spread out expenses over a few months if needed, especially during the summer or winter while colleges are not in session.

An example budget for submissions includes:

• 100 CDs: $192 if professionally done by DiscMakers

• 100 bubble mailers: $25

• 100 mailing labels: $10

• Shipping costs: $300 using USPS Media Mail

Total: $527

There may also be hidden costs, like equipment needed to print on the mailers or labels, or printer ink.

3. Order your CDs or make them by hand.

Making CDs by hand could save you money in the whole process, but it does take extra time.

To make your own CDs, you will need to buy blanks, have burner software, buy labels, buy a stamping tool, buy sleeves and make 4x4-inch album covers.

This all runs about $100-$150.

4. Gather your packaging supplies or prepare to email digital copies.

Packing supplies can be purchased on Amazon or other retail stores, like Office Depot.

5. Mail or email your submissions.

When emailing submissions, use the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) line to send to multiple stations. A sample email is provided in T. Jay’s Guide.

Add your Google Drive or OneDrive link with access to the files. Follow up 2-3 weeks later, but do not expect a quick response or even a response at all. College radio employees are students and are busy, so they may not get back to you in a timely manner.

If sending by snail mail, use the address on the contact list on T. Jay’s Guide, and include in the bubble mailer your CD, letter and one sheet.

Take the mailers to the local post office and mail using the cheapest Media Mail service.

Follow up about one month later, or one month after the start of the semester.

For more on how to send submissions to college radio, check out the video below! Or, you can book a consultation with T. Jay at 20 percent off using the code BOOK20, where you will get help in planning how to send music, a break down of how to earn money using your music, a custom 6-month plan for your music journey and email support for six months after.