Any artist, whether they admit it or not, has wanted to hear their music play on the radio at one time or another.  So, once my first album was completed back in 2008, I did like any other artist with a dream would do:  went on a quest to get my music played on the radio.  I looked up stations whose formats matched the style of the album and I called, emailed and sent packages.  My publicist did the same.  The only terrestrial (non-internet) stations that responded were WHUR (my alma mater’s station), WELS (near my hometown in NC) and WPFW.  I was excited to get played, yet discouraged that only 3 of tons of stations responded.

After tons of meetings with program directors and radio on-air personalities I realized something:  many of them liked my music, but none were agreeing to play it.  So, I re-grouped and sent packages exclusively to internet radio stations and voila… the response was overwhelmingly positive.   At least 80 different stations picked up my tunes.  I was overjoyed.   Later that year, I took time to reflect on our radio campaign and I was still frustrated that both groups (terrestrial and internet) liked the music, but overall only one played it.   And I noticed that whenever I turned on terrestrial radio, I heard seemingly the same eight songs playing over and over and OVER.  Read between the lines good people… $$$ (oops, did I say that?).

My new project has a bit more of a pop/funk feel to it, so we wanted to visit those types of terrestrial stations and see if the response would be any different than what we’d experienced in the past with the urban stations.   Take a look at the video below and see for yourself… 

In Part Two, I will explain what our radio strategy is for the new album and what yours should probably be if you’re an indie artist (without a lot of money).

http://www.twitter.com/kennywesley

I’ve been pretty unique all my life. I never wanted to fit in with the popular crowd. Well, I did think they were pretty interesting at times… but I never wanted to change who I was just to be accepted by them. Hence, I was labeled “awkward” by my peers growing up. Actually, the concept of assimilating never even seemed like an option in my mind for some reason or another. Needless to say, I was the butt of many a joke. Whether it was because of a hand-me-down outfit I had on, my walk, or the way I talked – there was always something to be said about Kenny. I’d be lying if I told you the things they said didn’t hurt. In fact, they cut quite deep. And yet, for some reason, I seemed to assert my individuality even more.

I was a great student and I excelled in music. Despite the daily taunts, my classmates were extremely attentive and receptive whenever I sang or played piano. Their response gave me enough confidence to make it through the rough times and served as a confirmation of my life-long dream of being a singer one day. I knew that if even they could recognize my gift, the world would one day also.

Later on in high school, I discovered many of my schoolmates who I thought couldn’t stand me actually admired me for always following the beat of my own drum (it would’ve been nice to have known that all along).

Fast-forward to 2012: I have the incredible opportunity of performing at D.C. Fashion Week on February 25.  To me, this is such a full-circle moment. The kid who was once dubbed “weird” by his peers is summoned to perform original music for a crowd of fashion tastemakers. Please don’t misunderstand me, my life has not been a quest to find people who like me.  However, it is a beautiful feeling to be appreciated, respected and loved for who you are and what you do! So, if this is where being awkward will get you – SIGN ME UP! :p

If you’d like to get tickets to my performance at D.C. Fashion Week CLICK HERE

Peace and Chicken Grease…
Ken

What an awesome experience  (I have a few pics from the show on my fanpage).

A double bill with my soul sista Carmen Rodgers. My first sold out show.  A legendary venue.  My band was on FIRE. Many of my friends and fellow artists were there.  The highlight of my 2011 and such an incredible way to close it out.  I look back now in retrospect to the period right before I started performing …and I remember dreaming and hoping to be doing what I’m doing right now.  I’m not a a household name, but I am living my dream.  I perform and I sell records.  I think many have in their minds that being famous is the indication of having “arrived”.  I think that lessens the value the experiences and life lessons one learns on the journey of “becoming” a high-profile artist.  I honestly can say I’m content with my life as it is right now.  I feel that I am successful in as much as I desired to reach a certain goal and I’ve achieved it.  Of course, I have longterm goals (which have not been met yet), but I’m inspired to reach those now that I have made some headway with my very first goals:

1- to play Blues Alley in D.C. (Check. Twice)

2- to have a sold out show (Check)

3- to play the Kennedy Center (Check)

4- to open for a legendary artist (Check. Stephanie Mills)

What are you hoping to accomplish?  Write out a realistic game plan and go for it!  For business people (including musicians), this book you will find very helpful – “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” by Al Ries & Jack Trout.  It deals with how to make your brand stand out.  It’s awesome …and short.

Here’s to dreams fulfilled in 2012!

Kenny