800 does sound like a lot, but there may be a method to the madness.   Some artists and publicists have a tendency to hit as many potential program hosts as possible. The idea is that some of it may stick.

I too get a number of unsolicited CD's that may or may not fit my program.   There have been a number of gems in those CD's, and a much larger number of duds. The "duds" usually wind up at my radio station because potentially they might fit another show. It is a lot like playing the lottery - you buy a bunch of tickets hoping that one may be a winner.

Of course, as suggested above, those that do their homework by going to places like Folk-DJ and researching shows that might appreciate the music will usually end up with better results. The problem is it takes time to do. You have to weigh the options - the number of hours you will spend doing the work or the shotgun approach of sending out massive numbers of CD's.   If you assign a figure to what your time is worth, the difference may be negligable.

Every host has different needs and tastes. I feel that I am very eclectic with a definite lean toward the traditional. That does not mean I won't play a GOOD contemporary singer-songwriter. (I avoid singer-songwhiners - you can tell the difference).   There are shows that are very strict about their requirements.   Learn about the show. Check webpages, Folk-DJ and send an e-mail.

Sing Out Radio partners is great (I'm proud to be one!) but you don't always get the feel for the show from that list. Folk-DJ is a wonderful resource.

Another thought - Many of us will listen, or at least do a needle drop, on every CD we receive.   I can tell you that there are hosts who will judge the CD by other critera - they may not like the cover, the instrumentation that is listed, etc. You really have to learn a bit about the host. An e-mail with a brief intro might help.

How you package your CD is important.   Your packaging for a "fan" might be different than what you want to send a DJ.   I've seen a number of very creative CD's - psychedelic artwork, song titles listed in a circle, strange font styles, etc.   I remember Dervish did a wonderful package where the booklet folded out like a piece of origami.   Great for a fan, but it can be a roadblock for a program host.

We need to be able to read the song titles, know exactly what cut number it is (take a look at your own collection - notice how many CD's do not include numbers), and duration helps.   Many of us who host radio show are over 45 years old - and our eyesite is not what it used to be. It really helps to have a clear track list so that we can program your CD on the fly.   Trust me, this is a consensus I've heard from a number of Folk Alliance gatherings with my peers.   I never want to limit an artists creativity, but you should also keep in mind that your "product" is a work tool that those of us use.

While I am on my electronic soapbox, I should also tell you to save the money that you spend on photos and glitzy press kits. Most of them wind up in the garbage. A simple one sheet with a brief bio helps. I don't need to know that the Osh Kosh Gazzette thinks you are the artist of the millenium, the next Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell or a that I will spend a memorable evening with your music.   Let us decide that. Give us some details about you that will help us program our show and include your music.

And now back to our regular programming... already in progess

Ron