(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Every September 23rd, the online radio station AsburyMusic.com celebrates Bruce Springsteen's birthday with a marathon of non-stop Springsteen songs and covers of the Boss. This year the station is trying something new - they are giving Springsteen fans the opportunity to give a personal birthday greeting to Bruce! Just record a brief (under 30 seconds) greeting and email it to info@asburymusic.com by Friday, September 21.
"Springsteen fans can record an MP3 or a voice memo on their phone and email it to us," explained Gary Wien, station manager. "We will broadcast them throughout the marathon. Just state your name, where you're from, and a message to Bruce. We are also still accepting covers of Bruce Springsteen songs sent as MP3s. The station has received great submissions from around the world to add to our archives for the marathon. We are accepting Springsteen cover songs for consideration until Sunday, September 16."
Song submissions should be in MP3 format and sent to info@asburymusic.com - submissions for non-hit tracks or more recent songs are more likely to be played as many of the covers are of the most popular Springsteen songs. Artists can ask that their song be played only during the marathon or can allow the station to keep it for further airplay.
"Asbury Music has a pretty eclectic catalog of artists covering Springsteen songs, but we're always looking for new tracks to play," said Wien. "Due to internet radio regulations, we are only able to play 4 songs by any one artist in a 3 hour period. This has forced us get creative in order to play hours of music by the same artist. Thankfully, we find dozens of new cover songs each year to add to the mix and we've been doing this for quite a while."
"We are accepting submissions from all over the world," added Wien. "Please tell us where you are from in your email and list any website we can help promote. Songs DO NOT have to be professional quality. We will play demos if we like them. Last year, a couple of artists submitted songs recorded on their iPhone that sounded great and were played."
Asbury Music may be heard at AsburyMusic.com or via the TuneIn app on most phones and cars. The marathon is expected to run on Sunday, September 23rd from 1:00pm to midnight (EST).
"Asbury Music has a unique playlist," continued Wien. "We play a lot of new music by indie artists in a rotation that includes lots of music by artists from New Jersey, classic rock hits and nuggets, Americana, 80s rocks, and cover songs. We actually play a cover song nearly every hour because we think some songs have been played far too often over the years, and, while the songs themselves are great, hearing a new take on the song gives it new life in a way. So, the Springsteen songs submitted have a chance of becoming part of our regular catalog of cover songs."
