Love Songs, Punk Jabs, and Summer Glows: Your April 22 Soundcheck Recap

At Soundcheck, we believe the best part of music discovery is sharing the ride—and this week’s lineup brought a rich mix of sounds, stories, and surprises that we can’t wait for you to experience. From indie rock vibes to pop hooks, from ambient textures to punk energy, this episode had it all. Here’s a closer look at the incredible artists who made this week special.

DZ Riley – “Crude Camaro”

We kicked things off with Chicago’s own DZ Riley and their track “Crude Camaro”. This song is part of their album Peak Panache, which Melodic Magazine praised as “globe-trotting across genres” with a “rich conceptual spirit.” Crude Camaro delivers on that promise—gritty yet polished, playful yet sharp. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re riding shotgun through the city at golden hour.

Bill Deimann ft. Kristen Ardito – “Kiss Me”

Next up, Bill Deimann collaborated with Kristen Ardito for “Kiss Me”, a pulsing, hypnotic pop track. Kristen’s lead vocals float beautifully over a steady beat, creating a mesmerizing blend of intensity and grace. This isn’t your typical love song—it’s a layered piece that stays with you long after it ends.

Baleigh Gentry – “I Bet You Cry”

We slowed things down with Baleigh Gentry and her emotionally resonant track, “I Bet You Cry.” This pop ballad is deeply personal, delivered with warmth and vulnerability. It’s the kind of song that hits you right in the feels, perfect for late-night listening or quiet moments of reflection.

Danilo – “Over The Moon About You”

Danilo’s “Over The Moon About You” brought a polished, radio-ready vibe to the show. Cleanly mixed with smooth lyrics, this track captures that head-over-heels feeling we’ve all had at some point. It’s the soundtrack to those moments when love feels effortless and all-consuming.

New Dayve – “You Suck”

From the heartfelt to the unapologetic, New Dayve shook things up with “You Suck,” a tongue-in-cheek punk rock anthem that’s as cathartic as it is fun. Who doesn’t know someone they’d like to dedicate this track to? We also had the chance to chat with New Dayve about their sound, their influences, and what they wish more people made in music. Their blend of punk energy and pop sensibility makes for a dynamic listen.

Collette McLafferty & John Serrano – “Mind Game (3:33)”

Collette McLafferty and John Serrano took us on a trippy, ambient pop journey with “Mind Game (3:33).” Bouncy and playful with an irresistibly catchy hook, this track pulls you into its dreamlike world. Collette shared the intriguing backstory of the song and what she hopes listeners notice in the layers of its production.

Andrew Miceli – “Summer’s Glow”

One of the most inspiring stories of the episode came from Andrew Miceli with his uplifting alternative rock track “Summer’s Glow.” Andrew, a 53-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has navigated profound stuttering and autism, now predominantly fluent. This song is his metaphorical “first kiss” with life and self-acceptance—a celebration of everything he’s overcome. Andrew wrote, arranged, and performed nearly every part of the track, including choreographing the drums.

Alyssa O’Toole – “Good Days”

We closed out with Alyssa O’Toole and her beautiful pop single “Good Days.” Alyssa shared insights about her creative process, her sound, and the story behind this uplifting track. It’s the kind of song that gently reminds you brighter moments are always on the horizon.

Want to be featured on Soundcheck?

We love showcasing independent artists and fresh voices. If you’re a musician and want your music considered for Soundcheck, it’s free to submit! Visit thekey1093.com and share your tracks—we listen to every submission.

Stay curious, keep listening, and join us next time for more musical discoveries. Until then, happy listening!

Catch the Replay

Did you miss the episode? You can tune in to Soundcheck every Tuesday at 8pm or catch the encore broadcast Sundays at 9am on The Key 109.3.

How to Get Radio Airplay and Boost Your Music Career

How to Get Radio Airplay Fast

The Benefits of Radio Airplay for Musicians in the Streaming Era

In a world dominated by streaming platforms and algorithm-driven playlists, you might wonder if radio airplay still matters for independent musicians. The answer is a resounding yes. While Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have made it easier than ever to release music, radio remains a powerful—and often underestimated—tool for building your career and connecting with real listeners.

Here’s why radio airplay is still a game-changer for emerging artists like you:

1. Credibility and Validation

Getting your song played on the radio isn’t just about exposure—it’s a stamp of approval. When a DJ or curator selects your track, it signals to listeners (and industry insiders) that your music stands out from the crowd. This kind of third-party validation can open doors to press coverage, gig opportunities, and even label interest.

2. Reaching New, Engaged Audiences

Radio listeners are a unique audience. They’re often more engaged and loyal than casual streamers, tuning in for curated experiences and trusting hosts to introduce them to new sounds. When your music airs on a trusted program, you’re instantly connected to a community of passionate music fans who are eager to discover what’s next.

3. Building Community and Connection

Unlike the solitary scroll of streaming, radio is a shared experience. When your song plays, it’s heard by everyone tuned in at that moment—creating a sense of community and real-time excitement. Many radio shows, especially those focused on independent music, foster direct connections between artists and listeners through interviews, call-ins, and social media engagement.

4. Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Streaming platforms are saturated with new releases every day. Radio offers a curated space where your music isn’t just another track in a playlist—it’s part of a story, introduced and contextualized by a human voice. This spotlight can help you break through the noise and make a lasting impression.

5. Opportunities for Growth

Radio airplay can be a springboard for bigger opportunities. Many festivals, venues, and industry professionals pay attention to what’s being played on influential shows. A single spin can lead to invitations for interviews, live sessions, or even collaborations with other artists.

6. Longevity and Repeat Exposure

Unlike the fleeting nature of viral moments, radio airplay often leads to sustained attention. Your song might be added to rotation, featured in multiple episodes, or included in year-end roundups. This repeated exposure helps reinforce your name and sound in the minds of listeners.

7. Emotional Impact

There’s something magical about hearing your song on the radio for the first time. It’s a milestone that many artists describe as unforgettable—a reminder that your music is reaching real people, in real time, and making an impact.

If you’re an independent musician, don’t underestimate the power of radio. Submit your tracks, connect with curators, and embrace the unique opportunities that radio airplay offers. In the streaming era, it’s still one of the most authentic and effective ways to grow your audience and build a lasting career.

This Week on Soundcheck: Summer Bangers, Emotional Wreckage & Vinyl Vibes

Every week on Soundcheck, we spotlight emerging artists, independent voices, and songs you’ll want to play on repeat. In this week’s episode, Seb Margot guides us through nine tracks that stretch from playful to poetic—and in true Soundcheck fashion, every song has a story.

Here’s what we aired:

“Orchestra” – Drody & Denisea Williams

A song born from a broken phone—literally. After accidentally damaging his coworker’s phone, Drody offered to collaborate on a track as repayment. The result? A low-key, emotionally warm piece of indie soul with a backstory as quirky as its melody.

“Let Go” – Legace Mayes (produced by Dylan Sky)

With roots in Detroit and a voice that defies expectation, Legace brings delicate grit to this soulful soft-rock single. She’s currently working solo in L.A., but this track, produced by Dylan Sky, reminds us why raw vocals and well-placed reverb still hit.

“Burnin’ It Down” – David Kahn

David Kahn’s voice is big, bold, and full of character—no surprise from someone who’s toured Europe singing Elvis, taught Wiz Khalifa to skate, and lives full-time out of a van. His song sounds like catharsis on fire. We also got a glimpse into his creative process through two great listener-submitted questions.

“Moon Magic” – Mars King

Chill, spacey, and cinematic, “Moon Magic” is a lo-fi escape with moonlight vibes and a dreamy undercurrent. No heavy backstory, just pure mood.

“Fish Girl” – Mershauna

One of the most personal tracks in the set. “Fish Girl” reclaims trans slang with style, humor, and lyrical sharpness. Mershauna’s story and mermaid inspiration add depth to an already standout track.

“Unsaid Warning” – George Sarah

A brooding, instrumental epic from a composer who’s scoring silent films one day and dropping electronica the next. George’s Q&A gave us a window into his cinematic approach and a reminder that musical tension is a beautiful thing.

Live Event Alert: George Sarah will be performing his original score to The Passion of Joan of Arc live at the Sierra Madre Playhouse on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

“Tarzan” – Beami (produced by Mr Noey)

This one’s wild—in the best way. Written and recorded in 24 hours, “Tarzan” has tuba, bongo, and enough summer energy to dethrone your favorite workout jam. Beami’s dry humor and big vision make this a future Soundcheck classic.

“Martyr” – Pieti

Heavy, sparse, and haunting. “Martyr” leans into minimalism with a quiet intensity. Pieti’s Q&A added emotional depth to the track’s already weighty presence.

“Fade Away (feat. Bicycle Inn)” – Galeer

A nostalgic ride through early 2000s pop-punk meets Midwest emo, Galeer (say it like guh-leer) throws it all into the blender. The result is cathartic and loud in all the right ways. This track comes off their new EP Save Room for Me—worth a listen in full.

Catch the Replay

Did you miss the episode? You can tune in to Soundcheck every Tuesday at 8pm or catch the encore broadcast Sundays at 9am on The Key 109.3.

Thanks to all the artists who shared their work and stories with us this week. Want your music featured on a future episode? Submit your track here.

How to Get Your Music Heard (Without Selling Your Soul)

Let’s be honest—getting your music heard in 2025 is both easier and harder than ever. There are more platforms than you can keep track of. You can drop a song on Spotify in your pajamas. You can post a clip on TikTok and wake up with 20,000 plays.

But the flipside? Everyone else can too.

So how do you stand out without becoming a content machine or compromising your sound?

At Soundcheck, we hear a lot of submissions from independent artists—some polished, some raw, and some completely surprising. Here’s what we’ve noticed works best if you’re trying to cut through the noise and actually connect with real listeners, tastemakers, and curators like us.

1. Put care into your recordings—even demos

We’re not expecting major-label studio work, but we can hear when a track has been thoughtfully produced and arranged. Even lo-fi tracks can sound intentional.

Pro tip: A clean vocal, decent mix, and a track that starts strong will keep your submission from getting skipped 15 seconds in.

2. Tell a story

Your music should stand on its own—but a compelling backstory can elevate it. Why did you write this track? Was it the result of heartbreak, a conversation, or an accident at a dog park?

You don’t need a PR agent. You need a paragraph of honesty.

3. Submit directly to shows that care

There are hundreds of curated playlists and radio programs that want to hear from emerging artists—especially those who still believe in the emotional value of music, not just viral hits.

Soundcheck is one of them. So are dozens of college and community stations, podcast music features, and newsletter curators.

You don’t need 1,000 submissions—you need 10 good fits.

👉 Submit your music to Soundcheck →

4. Keep your links and assets clean

When you send music, make it easy for the person on the other end to listen and learn about you. Include:

• A streamable link (SoundCloud, Bandcamp, unlisted YouTube, etc.)

• Your artist name exactly as it appears on platforms

• A short, clear bio

• A downloadable or high-quality press image

• Social links or a simple link-in-bio page

It takes 3 minutes to prep—and it makes a huge difference.

5. Don’t overthink the numbers

Plays, followers, and likes are not the only currency. Sometimes the best music we hear comes from artists with fewer than 100 followers.

Just make good stuff. Keep submitting. Stay weird. The right people will find you.

🎙️ Got something we should hear?

Soundcheck is open for submissions. We air new music from indie and emerging artists every Tuesday at 8pm and Sunday mornings at 9.

If you’re making something honest, we want to hear it.

🎧 Submit Your Track

You Got Featured on the Radio—Now What?

So your track got played on a radio show or playlist—first off, congrats. That’s huge. Whether it was on Soundcheck, a college station, or an indie curator’s rotation, getting featured means someone believed in your music enough to put it in front of listeners.

But here’s the thing: it doesn’t stop there. In fact, what you do after the feature can be just as important as the play itself. Let’s talk about it.

1. Share the feature—everywhere

We can’t stress this enough: share it. On your feed. In your stories. In your email list. Put it in your link-in-bio.

Why? Because:

• It builds social proof (yes, people still notice this)

• It shows appreciation to the show that featured you

• It reminds new and old followers that something exciting just happened

📸 Pro tip: Use a visual — a screenshot of the show, the station logo, or a clip from the episode.

2. Tag the station and host

Stations love when artists engage. Tag us, tag the DJ, and if possible, link to the episode.

Not only does this help build a relationship for future features—it also helps the station grow its reach, which is good for everyone in the community.

3. Say thank you (for real)

A short DM or email saying thanks goes a long way. Even if it’s just:

“Hey, I saw you played my track on this week’s show. Thank you so much—it means a lot.”

It takes 15 seconds and puts you on the “person we’ll remember” list for next time.

4. Repurpose the clip

If the episode’s available to stream or download, grab the moment your song plays and create:

• An Instagram Reel or TikTok

• A pinned Twitter/X post

• A behind-the-scenes reflection: “This got played on the radio—here’s how the song came together”

You’re allowed to be excited. You’re allowed to show it.

5. Keep the momentum going

Did that track hit? Send a follow-up when your next release is ready. Mention that previous feature and link to it. Keep building relationships—not just numbers.

💡 Remember: the goal isn’t to go viral—it’s to build something sustainable, connected, and real.

Want to be featured on Soundcheck?

We’re always looking for emerging artists making music with heart.

Soundcheck airs every Tuesday at 8pm and re-airs Sunday mornings at 9am on The Key 109.3.

📩 Submit your track here

Why We Still Believe in Radio (Even When Everyone’s Streaming)

Everyone has a playlist. Your neighbor. Your grocery delivery app. Your dentist.

There are more ways to find music than ever—and somehow, it still feels harder to connect with anything real.

At Soundcheck, we believe something happens when music is presented by a person, not an algorithm. Someone with ears. Taste. A point of view. Someone who’s listening alongside you.

That’s why we’re still making radio. And that’s why you’re here.

Radio is curation with intention

We don’t just press play on what’s trending. Each track on Soundcheck is selected, placed, and paired with a purpose. The order matters. The pacing matters. The story matters.

You can’t skip around—and we think that’s a good thing.

Less FOMO. More focus.

Streaming wants you to listen to everything all the time. Radio invites you to be somewhere at a specific time. It says:

“Hey. Sit down. Tune in. Let this wash over you.”

It’s analog on purpose.

Community > content

When you tune in to Soundcheck, you’re not just listening—you’re sharing a listening experience with other people. It might be three people. It might be thirty. But it’s shared.

That matters in a world that’s increasingly fragmented.

Surprise still matters

No algorithm can replace the joy of hearing a song for the first time and thinking:

“Wait, what is this?”

That’s the feeling we’re chasing every week.

What we’re building

We’re not just playing music. We’re building something human. Thoughtful. Voice-forward.

A place where artists feel heard and listeners feel seen. A show with heart—and a little bit of nerve.

If that sounds like something you want more of, we’re glad you’re here.

Catch Soundcheck

New episodes air Tuesdays at 8pm, with replays Sundays from 9–10am on The Key 109.3.

Thanks for being part of it.