When artist dream of being successful in their career’s, the vision always include having their songs spun at radio stations. In the past, not having a song on the radio would halt a singer’s career dreams, but with the birth of the digital age, there are several thriving artists that don’t put all their hope in the radio’s hands. Though the internet has given artists a new platform to connect with fans, television and live performances have been equally important to allow artists to develop an in-depth relationship with fans. With legions of people saying “f**k the radio” or just being “tired of hearing the same five songs,” they have been forced to fulfill their musical appetite at a new venue.
Aloe Blacc (View Profile)
A former rapper, Aloe Blacc released his first album ‘Shine Through’ back in 2006, which served as his introduction to R&B fans. With a fusion of Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and R&B, Aloe has created a sound that is constantly testing boundaries. Blacc began appearing on people’s radar outside of the soul scene when his song “I Need a Dollar” became the theme song to HBO’s ‘How to Make It in America.’
Mayer Hawthorne (View Profile)
Michigan singer/producer Mayer Hawthorne has reincarnated retro-soul records that are not heard on the radio today. After moving from Michigan to Los Angeles, he signed a record deal with Stone Throw Records where he released his album ‘A Strange Arrangement’ in 2009. Since dropping his album, Mayer has built a fan base through touring with Janelle Monae, Bruno Mars and performances at major festivals like SXSW and Coachella.
Eric Roberson (View Profile)
Eric Roberson may have more shows booked than several chart topping artists. A true workaholic, Roberson has been known to shock fans on stage with his world famous freestyles.
N’Dambi (View Profile)
Dallas native N’Dambi has planted the seeds for her fan base, releasing three independent albums “Little Lost Girls Blues,” “Tunin’ Up & CoSignin” and “A Weird Kinda Wonderful.” N’Dambi’s infectious soul energy connects her with audiences that have been savoring her material since 1999. During her growth, she signed a record deal with the relaunched legendary Stax Records.
Yahzarah (View Profile)
Whether you call her Dana Williams, Yahzarah, or Purple St. James, this talent has the confidence, vision, and voice of any of the industry’s most decorated singers. Her work with The Foreign Exchange and Little Brother help create a buzz in underground and progressive Hip Hop group audiences. Fully independent and outspoken, Yahzarah has kept fans excited by producing her own tours and delivering music for hungry fans.
Avery Sunshine (View Profile)
Singer-Songwriter-Pianist Avery Sunshine combines elements of Jazz, Gospel and R&B soul to inspire her dedicated followers. An artist that is forever touring, Sunshine touches fans with a voice that speaks boldly and tells a uniquely familiar story; a story about love and loss, healing and finding the newness of oneself in the midst of it all. With artist like Ledisi praising Sunshine for her talents, it’s no wonder why she continues to be successful with radio.
—— By: Staff
The radio has been a powerful tool for the music industry, allowing artists to reach listeners across the globe. But not all musicians have had success through this medium – some have managed to make it without relying on airplay and streaming services. In this article, we’ll explore six of these remarkable artist who’ve survived without the radio’s help!
Who are they? They range from independent singer/songwriters to global superstars: Taylor Swift, Chance the Rapper, BTS, Ed Sheeran, Kacey Musgraves and Billie Eilish. All these artists have achieved incredible success in their own right by utilizing various marketing strategies that don’t involve radio promotion. Whether it was building an online presence via social media or simply word-of-mouth recommendations from fans, each one found ways to get their music heard without having to rely solely on traditional outlets like radio stations.
So how did they do it? Read on to find out more about what sets them apart from other artists who haven’t made it big yet – and get inspired if you’re looking for new paths outside of mainstream channels for promoting your work!
Overview Of Underground Music Scene
The evolution of music has changed immensely over the years – from vinyl records to streaming platforms. With radio being a primary factor in promoting and popularizing new music, it may seem impossible for an artist to survive without it. But that’s not necessarily true: there is a vibrant underground music scene where artists are able to thrive without relying on airplay or other traditional means.
The term ‘underground’ encompasses any genre of music which does not have mainstream recognition or popularity. This could include punk rock, hip-hop, jazz, folk, metal – and more! There are various ways for these lesser-known acts to gain exposure; such as through local gigs and house shows, fanzines and blogs devoted to specific genres, social media networks like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, college radio stations etc. These avenues allow independent musicians to reach out directly to their target audience – who can then share their work with others interested in similar sounds.
Thanks to this ever-growing network of listeners worldwide, there is now a global appreciation for underground music culture. Artists no longer need big record labels or expensive marketing campaigns behind them to be successful: they just need access to the right tools and resources so they can showcase their unique talents and get heard by fans all around the world. And with so many options available today – from online stores selling physical copies of albums to digital download services offering instant downloads – there really isn’t any excuse why aspiring musicians wouldn’t find success in cultivating an underground following.
Notable Musicians Who Thrived Without Airplay
It is clear that an artist does not need radio airplay to achieve success. Many musicians have been able to thrive without it, relying solely on the underground music scene for exposure and recognition. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Kanye West rose from being a struggling producer in Chicago’s hip-hop circuit to becoming one of the biggest names in popular music. He was never really embraced by mainstream radio but still managed to make his mark through mixtapes he released independently online. His homemade videos also helped spread his name and gain wider attention; which eventually led him to be signed by Roc-A-Fella Records and become a global superstar.
Another example is rap duo Run The Jewels – comprised of Killer Mike and El-P – who gained fame thanks to their self-released debut album in 2013. Since then, they have gone on tour around the world, scored multiple high-profile collaborations with artists like Nas and Zack de la Rocha, performed at festivals such as Coachella, and even had their own Beats 1 show (Apple Music’s streaming service). All this was achieved without ever having any significant radio play or major label backing them up.
The fact remains that there are many ways for independent musicians to grow their fanbase and find success beyond traditional media outlets – if they know how to utilize all available resources correctly. From innovative marketing techniques to unique distribution models, today’s aspiring artists can bypass industry norms completely and build something entirely new out of nothing more than sheer passion for what they do best: making great music!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the emergence of underground music has allowed many talented artists to thrive without radio airplay. These musicians have created a unique sound that appeals to those who are looking for something different than what is being played on mainstream radio stations. They continue to challenge the status quo and expand their audience by reaching out through social media platforms such as YouTube and Soundcloud. As more people discover these relatively unknown artists, they will be able to appreciate their work in its entirety and begin to support them financially through merchandise sales and streaming services. It’s clear that with or without the help of commercial radio, there is an abundance of talent waiting to be discovered within the underground music scene.
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