Amrap Q+A with Kym Kujpers (5 Triple Z FM) and

Australia's enthusiasm for community radio is on the rise, with latest survey results indicating that over 5.3 million listeners are tuning in each week.

With 29% of these listeners rating Australian music among their top reasons for tuning in, radio program makers are in prime position to share their passion for local songs. Amrap is an essential link between the radio and music sector, providing distribution and website services to help both sectors thrive. Over 3,000 program makers from 300 stations use Amrap's music distribution service AirIt to find new releases for airplay. More than 1,000 use Amrap Pages to log their airplay lists and promote artists through station websites and social media.

In this series, a broadcaster and a musician highlight the amazing support that community radio gives to Australian artists. 

Kym Kujpers, host of The Local on 5 Triple Z FM

Why did you create The Local?

I was once told that ‘The SA Music Industry was dead’ and that ‘There were no good bands out there’ so I came up with the concept of a radio program to support local unsigned artists. There is so much great music out there, right in our own backyard, and I felt it wasn’t getting the airplay it deserved. I wanted a way to showcase the talent we have here. The Local is purely based on SA talent, with a few special tracks from interstate thrown in.

What is McLaren Vale's music scene like and how does The Local cater for it?

In general, the McLaren Vale scene is more blues and folk, but there is a younger section of heavier rock coming through. I tend to play all types of music on The Local, usually starting the program off with the softer tracks, and ending up in the heavier end of town. 5 Triple Z gives local artists airplay that they might not get elsewhere, and a chance to be interviewed about upcoming events. You've added program playlists to your Amrap Page to promote the music you air.

How do Amrap Pages enhance your on-air program?

I love using my Amrap Page! It is so simple to use, you can add a little or a lot. It makes it so much easier to share with the listener, for those who may have missed a back announce, or a name. I do love how artists can see that they are being played and some bands are even giving The Local early opportunities to play new music.

How have your listeners engaged with your program through your Amrap Page on Facebook?

I get regular engagement from listeners on Facebook which is very important to me. It’s nice to know that people are listening, and whether or not they are enjoying what I’m playing. After each program, I share the playlist, and tag the bands played, and they regularly thank me for playing their music – some even share the playlist to their own pages.

You use Amrap’s AirIt to source new music for radio play. Why is it a handy resource?

AirIt has been amazing, and so easy to use. It is a great resource for bands and radio presenters. I personally have found so many SA artists. Also with the program we do an interstate double-play segment. With AirIt, I can usually track down someone who is touring soon, or in the charts, and find information and links for them as well.

What features of AirIt do you like the most and why?

It’s a great resource, and one that every radio presenter should be using. I’m a huge fan, it’s so simple to use, and everything is there. You can listen to the tracks online and pick and choose what you are after. If I’m in a hurry for music I can just download. If I’m planning an up-and-coming program, I can order a CD. The read sheet is very important because it tells you about the artists, where to find them, and lots more. As I mentioned with our interstate double-play segment, it also helps in finding interstate bands that are touring or charting.

Finally, do you have any words of advice for readers who want to start up a local community radio music program in their own region?

I’d say just do it. There are loads of local musicians out there, and they would love the support. 

Corey Theatre - independent musician  

Corey Theatre is an Adelaide-based musician hailing from Western Victoria. Since 2013, he has been steadily writing and releasing blues and roots songs, penned in a mixture of English and Indigenous languages Gunditjmara, Pitjantjatjatjara and Karuna. His most recent single Music struck a chord with community radio after being added to Amrap’s AirIt, propelling him into Amrap's Regional Charts alongside Australian legends Paul Kelly and Shane Nicholson.

Why is community radio airplay so important to Australian musicians?

Community radio provides an outlet for many artists that otherwise wouldn’t exist. Not only does it provide an opportunity for local shows to play local music it also allows artists to target specific audiences.

How have South Australian community radio stations helped you to build your fan base?

They have supported my music from the very beginning. Early on in my career I was fortunate enough to be interviewed on Nganampa Wanga on Radio Adelaide. While touring, other shows such as Songcatcher heard me and called me in to chat on their shows. This enabled me to reach new audiences. In more recent times my tracks Ngathuk Ngalina, Change and Music have had plays on community radio stations across the country.

Why are you passionate about reviving Indigenous languages through music?

I believe that music works perfectly as a medium for language revival. The lyrics of songs are much easier to remember than words written on paper. Storing knowledge and information in song is what our people have done for thousands of year through songlines. I see using music to store and revive language as a continuation of that tradition.

How has Amrap’s music distribution service AirIt helped you to promote your music to community radio?

Airit has made such a difference in the promotion of my music! In the early days I was just getting my songs played on local community radio stations, but using AirIt has allowed for them to be played right across the nation.

Your single Music reached #5 and #6 in the Amrap Regional Charts. How have you used this success to promote new releases?

Having tracks featured in the community radio charts is great because it helps to develop a narrative and demonstrates that your music is progressing. It also gives you a goal and helps with promotion.

Do you use Amrap's Airplay Search to find out what program makers are spinning your tracks? 

Yes I like to have a look to see where the track is played, I like the idea that my song is getting played in places that I’ve never been to. I think that given language is a strong theme in my music, other Aboriginal communities are inclined to listen to the tracks. Consequently I get quite a bit of play in rural and remote Australia, which is nice to see. I was surprised to hear that my track Ngathuk Ngalina was getting played in places like Arnhem Land and The Kimberley.

This article was originally published in the November 2017 edition of CBX Magazine