For many independent artists, getting played on national radio still feels like something reserved for major-label acts. But while there’s no guaranteed route to airplay, SiriusXM has become one of the few national radio platforms where independent musicians can still get discovered through targeted, professional outreach.
Unlike traditional terrestrial radio, SiriusXM’s channels are curated by real people, not algorithms. That means a well-produced song, submitted to the right channel at the right time, can still find its audience. The process isn’t about sending hundreds of emails; it’s about researching the right channels, presenting yourself professionally, and making it easy for music programmers to hear why your music belongs on their station.
Independent success stories prove it can happen. Clairo’s ‘Bags’ first gained national attention through SiriusXMU before becoming one of her defining songs, while Phoebe Bridgers’ ‘Kyoto’ received early support across SiriusXM’s alternative channels before helping propel her toward multiple Grammy nominations. Both artists built momentum independently before becoming household names, showing how influential curated radio can still be in today’s music industry.
Why SiriusXM Still Matters
While streaming services dominate music consumption, SiriusXM continues to play an important role in music discovery. Its curated programming reaches millions of listeners who actively tune in to discover new artists rather than relying solely on recommendation algorithms.
For independent musicians, SiriusXM also offers a financial advantage. Unlike traditional AM/FM radio, SiriusXM pays digital performance royalties through SoundExchange. Featured artists receive 45% of these royalties, while the sound recording owner receives 50%. Artists who own their masters can therefore collect up to 95% of the available performance royalties, creating another valuable income stream alongside streaming, merchandise, touring, and direct-to-fan sales.
More importantly, national airplay provides credibility. A SiriusXM spin can strengthen future press pitches, festival applications, booking enquiries, playlist submissions, and industry conversations.
What You’ll Need Before You Submit
Before contacting SiriusXM, make sure your submission reflects your best work.
Your music should be professionally produced and fully mastered, with all samples and copyrights properly cleared. Rather than attaching audio files directly, provide a private streaming link that is easy to access.
It’s also worth preparing:
- A short artist biography
- Professional press photos
- Links to your website and social media
- A concise explanation of why your song fits that specific SiriusXM channel
The easier you make it for a programmer to evaluate your music, the better your chances of being considered.
How to Submit Your Music
One of the biggest misconceptions is that SiriusXM has a single submission portal. In reality, submissions are handled differently depending on the channel.
Many SiriusXM channels publicly list their music directors or producers through official webpages or social media profiles. These contacts often accept professional submissions via email. If you’re pitching a specific channel, send only one track at a time using a private streaming link. Keep your message brief, explain why your music fits their audience, and avoid sending generic copy-and-paste emails to multiple departments.
For broader consideration, artists can also mail a physical CD to:
SiriusXM Music Programming Department
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
United States
Canadian artists can also submit music through SiriusXM Canada’s official online music submission portal.
Some independent artists also work with experienced radio promoters or distributors who already have established relationships with SiriusXM programmers. While this can increase visibility, it never guarantees airplay. Final programming decisions always remain with SiriusXM’s editorial teams.
Quality Beats Quantity
One of the biggest mistakes independent artists make is treating radio submissions as a numbers game. Sending hundreds of generic emails rarely produces meaningful results. Instead, spend time researching the channels that genuinely fit your sound. Listen to their programming, understand their audience, and personalise your pitch.
A thoughtful submission to the right programmer will almost always outperform mass outreach. Remember to keep track of where you’ve submitted, when you followed up, and which contacts you’ve built relationships with over time. Consistency and professionalism often open more doors than a single viral release.
Don’t Forget Your Royalties
If your music receives SiriusXM airplay, make sure you’re registered with SoundExchange as both the featured artist and the sound recording rights owner. Many independent artists overlook these registrations and unintentionally leave performance royalties unclaimed. Registering before your music receives airplay helps ensure you receive every royalty you’re entitled to.
Beyond Radio: Building a Sustainable Career
Radio airplay can introduce your music to entirely new audiences, but lasting careers are built through multiple revenue streams and direct fan relationships.
That’s where platforms like PLAYY. Music are helping reshape the independent music landscape. Rather than relying solely on streaming, PLAYY. Music combines music sales, streaming, licensing, ticketing, analytics, crowdfunding, and community-building into one platform, allowing artists to grow stronger relationships with their audiences while creating more opportunities to generate income.
As the music industry becomes increasingly competitive, successful independent artists are no longer relying on a single breakthrough moment. They’re building sustainable careers through ownership, diversification, and meaningful fan engagement.
Getting your music onto SiriusXM won’t guarantee success; but a professional submission, the right strategy, and a long-term mindset could be the opportunity that introduces your music to thousands of new listeners.
