Amrap Q+A with musician Caitlin Park and Leigh 'Lee-Roy' Stancliffe from Living in the Land of Oz

Almost five million Australians listen to community radio every week and since the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) started Australian music airplay on community radio has increased by 7% to a new average of 39%.

Since 2009, community radio makers have ordered over a quarter of a million Australian music files for airplay from Amrap’s music distribution service - AirIt. Over 1,000 community radio programs now use Amrap Pages to log airplay lists, find online content to match the Australian music they air and to promote Australian musicians through station websites, social media and mobile phones.

Behind the Music is a new series which celebrates the ways that community radio broadcasters and Australian musicians use Amrap to champion Australian music on air and online. It brings these statistics to life with stories from the musicians and broadcasters who make it happen.

Caitlin Park, independent musician, Sydney.

Rising electronica and folk musician Caitlin Park recalls hearing her very first single on Sydney’s FBi Radio back in 2011. Since then Park’s career has flourished, taking her to CMJ in America, The Great Escape in England and winning her a Qantas Spirit of Youth award. Most recently ‘The Sleeper’ was shortlisted for 2014’s Australian Music Prize (AMP) along with eight other outstanding Australian albums. Whilst building a music career over the past 4 years, Park has utilised national community radio airplay and Amrap to broaden her profile and reach new fans.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as an independent Australian musician in getting your music out to the public?

The challenges have not been getting my music out to the public so much as meeting the right people to help with it. Creating these relationships is so important from the beginning - mentors, teachers and other musicians will tell you that getting to know the music community around you is super important. That’s how I learnt about FBi radio in Sydney, 3RRR in Melbourne, 4ZZZ in Brisbane, and of course Amrap - a valuable friendship I made from the beginning of my career and wouldn't be where I am without.

How does community radio help you to develop your career and audience?

Community radio is about supporting local arts and culture, nurturing local talent and playing music that might sit outside of the boundaries of commercial radio stations. They are open minded with less restriction. These elements are very important for artists to get exposure and have a platform to show their work. You just received your latest Amrap Pages report listing stations that recently aired you and promoted you online.

Are you surprised by the variety and location of the stations playing your tracks?

I am very surprised. I am a little disappointed I haven't been to some of these places - but excited now that I can visit!

Since 2011 you’ve distributed your music via Amrap’s AirIt What has this service taught you about community radio?

It has taught me that the community radio broadcasters in this country are strong and very loyal - and most importantly, they care about music and work hard to support local artists.

Leigh 'Lee-roy' Stancliffe, Living in the Land of Oz, 979 FM, Melton, VIC

Growing up in the late 80s and 90s in Melbourne exposed community radio presenter Leigh "Lee-Roy" Stancliffe to a thriving local music scene which provided inspiration for his longrunning weekly radio program Living In The Land of Oz. Airing on 979 FM in Melton, Victoria, the program features new music, interviews and information about upcoming live music events in the local area. The on-air program is complemented online with Amrap Pages airplay lists, music interview podcasts and social media.

Why are unsigned musicians such an important part of your program?

As a music fan, I'm always going to gigs and seeing great new bands that I want to give airtime to. I think community radio and local music really go hand in hand, especially in Melbourne. Community radio already provides many opportunities for independent Australian musicians to get airplay and it's important that we continue to get behind them.

How does Amrap’s AirIt make it easier for you to put your weekly program together?

I play a lot of music by acts touring in my local area and AirIt is a great way to make sure I have their latest single to play. Recently, I was given the opportunity to fill in on 979fm's Indigenous music program whilst the regular presenter was away. Amrap’s AirIt gave me access to new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music. I found a lot of excellent acts I hadn't heard of before, for example, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse’s album 'Kalyakoorl' which was one of my favourite releases of last year.

You’re an avid user of Amrap Pages to log your airplay lists. How has it helped you to promote the music you play to your listeners?

Amrap Pages are a great way to let musicians know you've been playing their music. A few times I've gone up to a band after a gig and introduced myself and they've said "oh you're the Living In The Land Of Oz guy, thanks for giving us a spin". Obviously they've noticed my show name on their airplay reports from Amrap’s AirIt or have checked out my Amrap Pages playlists!

Find Caitlin Park and other Australian Musicians for airplay at airit.org.au and check out Living in the Lang of Oz at 979fm.com.au

This article was originally written for the 2015 April edition of CBX.

Australian musicians can track airplay and discover programs using Amrap Pages using Amrap’s Airplay Search here. Community radio program makers get your Amrap Page here.

Australian artists apply to add your music to Amrap’s Airt here. Community radio program makers and music coordinator get music for free here on Amrap’s AirIt.