In the fast-paced world of digital music streaming, where giants like Spotify and Apple Music dominate the landscape, public service music platforms are proving to be more crucial than ever for artists and musicians. This article sheds light on the significance of platforms like mx3, connecting Swiss musicians with national radio stations, bands, labels, clubs, and festivals and gives tips on how to enhance your chances of increasing your visibility on the platform and being featured. In a climate where artists often struggle for fair compensation on mainstream platforms, the benefits of public service platforms cannot be overstated.

The Emergence of mx3

Founded in 2006 by Switzerland’s four national radio stations Couleur3, SRF3, RETEtre and RTR, mx3 (music times three) predates the era of YouTube, Facebook and even Spotify. Over the years, it has become a hub for more than 30’000 bands and some 40 affiliated radio stations. As part of the Swiss Public Broadcaster (SRG), we enable Swiss Musicians to showcase their talents without incurring additional costs.

Financial Benefits for Artists

Uploading a track on the platform opens the door to potential exposure from over 40 radio stations. All right holders (lyricist, composer, publisher, sub-publisher, arranger) whose music is broadcasted by the SRG collectively receive an amount of 2.50 Swiss francs per minute of broadcast (7.50 Swiss francs for 3 minutes). Additionally, for other radio stations, the compensation varies, making it an attractive prospect compared to the meager payouts from streaming platforms like Spotify.

Maximizing Visibility on mx3

 While mx3 does not influence radio station selections, there are several strategies artists can employ to enhance their chances of being featured:

• Choose the Appropriate Genres and Tags: Choose the right musical genre and use appropriate tags.

• Seek for High-Quality Artwork: Present your music with high-quality artwork and, if available, music videos to be potentially selected on SRF Selection Musik and/or La Télé. For artworks, we recommend a minimum resolution of 72dpi, 300dpi for best quality. JPEG file format and RGB color mode for best quality. Images must not be blurry, pixelated, misaligned, or have other quality issues. 

• Seek for High Sound Quality: Although many musicians nowadays are able to make very good music from their bedroom, we recommend you to be aware of your sound quality, by investing in professional sound production, ensuring your music meets high-quality standards.

• Maintain your profile: Maintain an updated and engaging artist profile with high-quality images.

• Stay consistent: Regularly upload new music to stay on the radar of both the community and radio stations.

• Engage with the community: Interact with the community, building connections with fellow artists, professionals, and radio stations to increase your visibility. You can also comment on radio’s profiles to get direct feedback. 

• Stay authentic: Stay true to your unique style and believe in your music; authenticity resonates with audiences and industry professionals alike.

Leave a comment below and share what strategies have worked best for you in gaining visibility and recognition as an artist!