Master for clarity, not just loudness
Over-compressed heavy mixes get even harsher on radio. Keep enough dynamic range that guitars, drums and vocals stay distinct at any volume.
HOW TO GET YOUR METAL AND ALTERNATIVE SONGS ON THE RADIO
Heavy and alternative music has always depended on independent and college radio. Here is how to prepare a metal or alternative track for airplay and get it heard.
Pick your most direct song
Lead with a track that gets to its main riff and chorus quickly. Save the eight minute epic for the album.
Check your lyrics
Broadcast stations cannot air explicit language. Send a clean edit if needed, even for late night specialty shows.
Go after specialty shows
Most college and community stations have weekly metal, punk or alternative programs. Those hosts are often the best first supporters of new heavy bands.
GUARANTEED METAL & ALTERNATIVE AIRPLAY, EVERY WEEK
Every Independent Radio FM member is accepted, whatever the genre. Send one metal-alternative track a week and it airs on a Saturday show with a personal DJ review.
- $49 per month, cancel anytime
- One new song every week — every song you send gets played
- Saturday show at 3 PM Eastern / 12 PM Pacific
- A personal DJ review of every song
- Your own artist profile page with your bio, links, and review archive
- Private member wall and direct messaging with other artists and our DJ
- A new press-release article about you every 30 days, with your music embedded
- Daily motivation messages from DJ SKI FACE
- Chance to win $100 every month
- No approval process. Everyone is accepted.
Our first show airs October 3, 2026.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How do I get my metal band on the radio?
Pick your most direct song, master it for clarity, prepare a clean edit if needed, and pitch college and community metal shows. Independent Radio FM plays every member's song on a Saturday show for $49 a month.
Does alternative radio play unsigned bands?
Independent, college and online alternative shows regularly play unsigned bands. Commercial alternative stations mostly play label releases.