Media Strategy Considering the fact that radio is the most profitable sector in the music industry, they have been primarily concerning themselves with climbing that ladder. College and non-commercial radio host some of the most diverse and open-minded formats, and a majority of them play indie-style music, so it makes sense to start there. Alexandra hopes to eventually get The Oarsman on AC and triple A radio in the Midwest and then around the nation. The Oarsman made their first radio appearance back in February playing and interviewing on NPR’s “The Morning Shift” at WBEZ. A few months later, they began planning for the Writing House release. Alexandra and Megan of Tandem Shop pitched the album to 50 radio stations around the United States and Canada in Toronto and Montreal, all drawn from a database of college and non-commercial radio stations. They personally delivered copies of the album to the appropriate stations in Chicago, and were added to CHIRP Radio’s rotation the week of the release. Further, studio appearance pitches were made for the fall tour, and The Oarsman made a total of ten visits to college and non-commercial radio stations during their fall tour at: WIDR, AM1 700, Fusion Radio, WGDR, BIRN, WMFO, WTBU, WGMU, WTJU, WUAG As per Tandem Shop’s marketing plan, Writing House was serviced through an e-mail blast to hundreds of editors and writers at various outlets, as well as many freelancers who aren't attached to a specific outlet. After the digital mailing, Megan and Sam followed up individually with hundreds of writers and freelancers two or three times. The responses received were very hot on the record, and landed track postings, write-ups, nominations and show reviews in fourteen media outlets mostly in Chicago, but some nationally. As previously mentioned, The Oarsman’s first single off Writing House, “First Flight” was released on Brooklyn Vegan from whom the band has had previous support. During the band’s fall tour, Charleston City Paper did a write up about The Oarsman in anticipation of their four shows in town. The band also got a write up in Chicagoist and Music. Defined.
“…it left Chicagoist with chills.” – Chicagoist “…that’s the kind of music that you always keep near.” – Music. Defined. 19