Bill Morton: 🗳️ Alderman candidate | Rogers Park Chamber President | Proud Chicagoan

Friday, January 18, 2013

Fellini's Basement


Fellini's Basement - No Parking Anytime




Fellini's Basement - Color TV




Fellini's Basement - Cozmik Saturday Night

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Amplifying Music Through Radio Promotion: Kate Smith Promotions

Amplifying Music Through Radio Promotion: Kate Smith Promotions

Radio remains one of the most trusted ways for listeners to discover new music. In an age of streaming algorithms, human-curated playlists from radio DJs and program directors still carry unique weight—especially in genres like jazz, where personal taste and community connection matter.

Understanding Radio Promotion

Radio promotion is more than sending music to stations. It’s a process of building relationships with programmers, pitching new releases effectively, arranging on-air interviews, and monitoring results. Independent promoters often act as the bridge between artists and stations, ensuring the music gets in front of the right decision-makers.

The Enduring Value of Airplay

While streaming dominates music consumption, radio offers:

  • Credibility from respected DJs and stations

  • Audience reach in specific geographic or niche markets

  • Opportunities for interviews and live sessions

  • The ability to spark interest that carries over to live shows and online platforms

Kate Smith Promotions: A Jazz-Focused Specialist

An example of success in this field is Kate Smith Promotions (katesmithpromotions.com). Based in Chicago, the company has carved out a niche working primarily with jazz and related genres. Its founder, Kate Smith, brings decades of experience in music and promotion, giving her a rare ability to connect artists with the right stations.

The firm’s work includes securing airplay across non-commercial, public, college, and online radio, organizing artist interviews, and tracking chart performance. This combination of industry expertise and personal attention has earned Kate Smith Promotions a respected reputation among both artists and radio programmers.

Tips for Artists Considering Radio Promotion

  1. Know your audience – Target stations that match your genre and style.

  2. Be consistent – Release quality music regularly to stay on programmers’ radar.

  3. Use professional help – An experienced promoter can open doors faster.

  4. Engage with stations – Share station features on social media and thank them publicly.

For artists seeking long-term impact, radio promotion remains a key piece of the puzzle—and working with an experienced company like Kate Smith Promotions can make the process far more effective.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Bettering our communities with our Votes

I Voted Bill Morton, of Bill Morton Promotions, registered voter in the 49th Ward



It is important to be a registered voter and vote in every election.

Voting is a way to speak your mind and let your voice be heard!


Your vote is your voice.

When we vote, we are actually telling elected officials and lawmakers how we feel about education, public safety, social security, health care, and other important issues.


 •One voice, one vote really does count!

Remember: there is power in numbers, and when we vote and get our family members to vote, we can truly make a difference. If you don’t vote for what you believe in, others will – and you may not like the outcome.


Because our children can’t vote, we have to do it for them.

Our children are depending on us to represent their voices too! When we vote, we are looking out for our kids, and their futures.


Voting changes communities!

That’s how we make our concerns about schools, safety, housing, and other issues heard.


Because your activism, including in reforming the system, will be more powerful if you have voted.


Because your monitoring of the fairness of the election must begin with voting in it.


__________________________________________

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Radio Promotion: Opening Doors for Musicians

Radio Promotion: Opening Doors for Musicians

For decades, radio has been a launching pad for musicians. Even with the growth of digital platforms, radio airplay still offers credibility, audience reach, and opportunities that streaming alone can’t provide. It connects artists directly to listeners, creating a lasting impression beyond algorithms.

What Radio Promotion Involves

Radio promotion is the strategic effort to get songs played on the air. It includes selecting the right stations, sending music to program directors, coordinating interviews, and tracking chart results. Success often depends on strong relationships with station staff and a deep understanding of how playlists are curated.

Why Airplay Still Matters

  • It builds credibility with listeners and industry insiders.

  • It can influence other media coverage and bookings.

  • It gives artists access to dedicated fan bases.

  • It works for niche genres like jazz, folk, and blues where community radio thrives.

Kate Smith Promotions: A Proven Path

Kate Smith Promotions (katesmithpromotions.com) has become a respected name in jazz and related music promotion. Founded by Kate Smith, whose career spans decades in music, the company specializes in securing airplay on non-commercial, public, college, and internet radio.

The firm’s approach blends industry expertise with personal connections, ensuring that each campaign is tailored to the artist’s style and goals. From coordinating album launches to arranging on-air features, Kate Smith Promotions helps musicians amplify their reach.

Keys to Radio Promotion Success

  1. Identify your niche – Target stations and shows that fit your music.

  2. Build relationships – DJs and programmers are more likely to support artists they know.

  3. Deliver quality – Professional recordings and materials make a difference.

  4. Follow up – Stay engaged with stations during and after a campaign.

Radio promotion isn’t just about getting a song played—it’s about building momentum. Partnering with an experienced company like Kate Smith Promotions can turn that momentum into career growth.

The Archives 2004 - present