CLOSE TO NOWHERE - A new ally for emerging artists

Emerging artists in Australia, and indeed the rest of the world, have an exciting and unpredictable future for their music. Sometimes that unpredictability can be a good thing, making way for opportunities that didn't present themselves in the begining.

One of the most exciting steps towards establishing yourself in this extremely competitive industry is radio presence. But there's a problem...

It seems the only bands that get any airplay are either already established or know someone at the station which helps them "jump the queue" so to speak - denying equally deserving bands a chance to get their music heard by a wider audience. This runs through all the radio stations in this country, even those who profess to be in support of emerging artists.

Until now...


A brand new radio station called RECHARGED RADIO has been created by Jordan Thomas, who has gathered presenters from all over the world to start up a radio station dedicated to bringing the grass-roots, unsigned, independent artists of the world the airplay they deserve.

Recharged Radio does not favour "friends" of the station over new emerging artists when deciding who gets airplay. They don't favour established or semi-famous artists, rather the new unheard artists who are passionate about what they are doing and want to share their music with an eager new audience.

The only criteria that Recharged Radio has is that the artist is unsigned, independent and willing to support this cause - where new-comers to the scene have a place they can rely on for promotion, broadcast and support for their music - and indeed themselves.

One presenter was chosen to carry the flag for Australian artists - Pete Renzullo.

A new personality to radio, but not to the music scene. Pete has been a performer and song-writer for over a decade. Passionate about the industry he now works in full-time, but also frustrated by the "road blocks" put up by radio stations who seem to live by the rule "it's not what you know, it's who you know."

"I know that this mentality of favouring friends, or friends of friends, over strangers is not necessarily a negative one. It's something we all do in our lives, it's a survival thing to keep those around you happy and those outside of your circle at a distance. But radio is that wonderful medium where new and exciting music is born, and only allowing a select few to be exposed to that is not a very objective stance. The unknown, emerging artists who strive to have their music on the radio are too often turned away because they simply don't get a second glance. When I was offered the position at Recharged Radio to supply the airways with Australian unsigned music I thought 'Finally! A chance to really make something of this!' So my mentality when I'm approached by a band to have their music played on my show is this - 'Are you independent? Are you unsigned? Welcome aboard!' Simple. As it should be."

The show earned the title CLOSE TO NOWHERE because it pretty much summed up where Pete lives - Perth. But being from Perth means that he is being immersed in some truly amazing grass-roots music. To be able to interact and get to know these emerging artists on a personal level - artists that you simply would not hear about unless you're from Perth - is a rare and exciting opportunity for listeners the world over.

"It's such a thrill to be bringing this unheard music to a bigger audience. It's like sharing some rare and wonderful secret, being able to delve into a virtually untapped music scene which has exsisted under the radar for too long."

Peter performing as part of "A Quiet Word" a music film he produced with 22 grass-roots artists, due for release in early 2012.

Recharged Radio is based in the UK, but has presenters working all over the world to get their little corner of the globe some long overdue airplay. For listeners outside of the U.K. the shows are streamed live online at www.rechargedradio.com all you have to do is hit the "LISTEN NOW!" tab at the top-left of the homepage.

If you can't get your head around the London time difference, don't panic! The station broadcasts 24/7 so you can tune in anytime and you'll get to experience it. If you wanted to hear the show you're music features in - you will. Each show goes out to podcast, which means you can download each and every episode broadcast through the station. Artists will even get featured in the shownotes on those podcasts, with links to their music and fanpages. So not only will they be aired on the show, they'll also get promotion and endorsement from the presenters.

The CLOSE TO NOWHERE podcast lives at http://www.scudleyrecords.com/ under PODCASTS. If you're an artist, you can submit your songs in mp3 format to peter@scudleyrecords.com. Or if you're a music lover who just wants to hear something new and unheard, head to www.rechargedradio.com and start listening!

Let's all start spreading the word about Recharged and bring this new and exciting radio station to the attention of music lovers AND music makers everywhere.

"This is a new era for unsigned, independent artists. Never before has an entire radio station been dedicated to JUST hosting a place for emerging artists to find their feet in the world of radio. I feel so privelaged to be part of it!"

The station slogan pretty much sums all this up -

MUSIC NEEDS TO BE DRIVEN, NOT CONTROLLED

Here's a link to one of the episodes:
http://www.scudleyrecords.com/2011/11/close-to-nowhere-ep-49

http://www.rechargedradio.com/

http://www.scudleyrecords.com/

www.facebook.com/rechargedradio

And be sure to join the facebook fanpage to keep up with what's happening with the station. Prizes and giveaways are always available so make sure you "Like" the page!