Episode 6 of The Flip Side Music Podcast dives deep into the world of radio, digital streaming, and the grind of uplifting independent artists. Host Matty sits down with Biggie, a Minneapolis-based radio personality and founder of CTV Radio, to explore his unconventional path in the music industry, his passion for music curation, and his mission to amplify underrepresented voices.
From College Radio to Digital Innovation
Biggie’s journey into radio began in college, where he cut his teeth on college radio stations. After a detour into corporate training, the pandemic became a turning point. Laid off and juggling fatherhood, Biggie turned to podcasting and live streaming, eventually launching CTV Radio—a digital platform dedicated to showcasing independent artists. His persistence paid off when he landed a role at terrestrial radio station KRSM 98.9 FM, blending traditional radio with modern digital strategies.
“I wanted to create something as big as mainstream radio but for independent artists,” Biggie shares, citing Sway Calloway as a major influence. His dual roles highlight the evolving landscape of radio, where digital platforms like TikTok and Stationhead (a hybrid radio/podcasting app) now play a pivotal role in artist exposure.
The Power of Live Engagement
A recurring theme is the art of live content creation. Biggie thrives in real-time interactions, whether hosting TikTok livestreams or curating playlists for his radio shows. He emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement:
- TikTok’s Algorithm Hustle: Balancing consistent chatter with meaningful content to keep audiences hooked.
- Sound Quality: Investing in professional gear like the Rodecaster Pro to ensure studio-grade audio.
- Community Building: Using platforms like Stationhead to turn listeners into collaborators. Every play counts as a “spin” on DSPs (e.g., Spotify), directly boosting artists’ metrics.
Championing Independent Artists
Biggie’s mission centers on bridging gaps for indie musicians. Key takeaways include:
- Sync Licensing: Platforms like Artist Portal offer opportunities for placements in TV, film, and ads.
- Industry Standards: Emphasizing the need for high-quality mixing/mastering (“dry chicken won’t sell”).
- Feedback Culture: Hosting live reviews to provide constructive critiques, though he cautions artists to vet platforms carefully.
Neo Soul, Nostalgia, and Future Goals
The conversation takes a melodic turn as Biggie geeks out over Neo Soul—a genre blending hip-hop, R&B, and soulful storytelling. Artists like D’Angelo and Jill Scott inspire his playlists, embodying the “timeless” quality he seeks in music.
Looking ahead, Biggie dreams of interviewing legends like Sway Calloway but, for now, he’s focused on expanding CTV Radio’s reach, offering merch, consultations, and sync opportunities to artists.
Where to Find Biggie
- CTV Radio: Tune into CTVRadio.live for independent artist showcases.
- KRSM 98.9 FM: Catch his terrestrial radio show in Minneapolis HERE
- Socials: Follow @CTVRadio on TikTok and @CTVRadioMN on Instagram for live sessions and artist spotlights.
Final Notes
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring artists, radio enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of music distribution. Biggie’s story proves that with hustle, heart, and a killer playlist, independent voices can thrive in a crowded industry.
Listen to the full episode HERE and join the vibe at The Flip Side Music Podcast.
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