How important was music when you were growing up?
I always listened to the radio growing up, my mom had it on in the car all the time. One core memory I have is recording music on a cassette tape (we all did it) but I remember specifically recording the live Spice Girls concert that my local pop station was airing. I listened back to it for months on repeat, just had to rewind the tape each time!
I definitely listened to a lot of Country music growing up, then switched to pop music. But I’ve always been a big fan of all genres. If I like something, I’ll listen to it!
How did you first become interested in radio promotion and radio in general?
I wanted to get into TV broadcasting but a cool opportunity came up to do my Grade 12 internship at the new top 40 station in my city, so I went and did that, it turned into my first job in radio
I came right out of high school working in radio and then ended up going to school for it, too.
Tell us about your role?
Currently, I’m a part time On Air host for Z95.3 in Vancouver and 90.3 Amp Radio in Calgary. A typical day involves prepping and putting together content for the shows!
I’ve worked in Radio for 25 years in part time and full time jobs. Working in places like Dauphin, Manitoba, Dryden-Kenora, Ontario, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver. From Street team, to On Air Host to Music Director and Assistant Program Director.
Along with working part time in Radio, I also work for Play MPE as the Radio and Media Engagement Manager. I joined the Play MPE team in 2021 when an opportunity came up because of how much I believe in the product and the Player platform! Its been an incredible experience working on the other side of the industry.
What role do you think radio plays today?
I think radio is really good for new artists in certain formats/genres. Its important to get music out in different ways. Radio may not be considered “cool” in the era of streaming BUT everyone has a radio in their car. If something were to happen locally or even world event, radio is the only platform that can literally stop and cut to real people talking about the events happening in the world.
Honestly, I discover many new artists through streaming services, but radio will always be around and when it comes to music. It can really help make a name for an artist.
What would you tell an artist curious about sending their music to radio for the first time?
I think it’s good to not have any expectations because radio can be very curated. If you have a good piece of music, be smart about who you’re sending it to. Don’t try to blanket the market, target the stations that you feel would be the best fit. As a former Music Director, I’d get a lot of music sent to me that would never fit on the station I was programming. Artists would hound me for airplay but if it doesn’t fit the sound of the station, it won’t get played.
What keeps you excited about the future of radio?
I think radio will always be around and in the ever changing world of music and how we consume it. The want for physical media makes me think there could be a resurgence where younger people might make radio “cool” again.
I truly believe in the Player platform – from the design to the layout. The release information is easily accessible and the audio quality is broadcast-ready. Artists who choose to send their music to radio and other media tastemakers have a good chance of being discovered in Player.
Pro tip: if you want your music in Player to be discovered by radio folk like Adam – sign up for Caster+, Play MPE’s music promotion tool.
If you’re in radio or are a professional curator and music tastemaker in other media (press, sync, brands) and don’t have a Player account – learn more and request verification by clicking the Request Access button here www.plaympe.com/discover/
Get at Adam’s latest song recos
I’m a big music fan and will listen to all genres if something catches my ear. On my main playlist right now are songs from Sombr, Meek, Lady Gaga, Tame Impala/Jennie and Madonna. I also dig into a ton of throwbacks plus anything from Kelly Clarkson’s discography!
Want to know about radio formats open to emerging indie artists? Check out our blog Cutting Through the Static and Finding Your Formats.